Are you tired of the city's noise and endless hustle, looking for a place where you can get your fill of the sea and embark on an adventure-filled discovery? What if it's just a few hours from Istanbul? Then it's time to set your course for Erdek, the hidden paradise of the Marmara region. But wait, don't mistake Erdek for just another coastal town. It's actually a magical key that unlocks the gates to the Kapıdağ Peninsula, a land full of wild beauty. In this article, we'll draw a special route for you, showing you just how rich the list of things to do in Erdek truly is. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful day on the beach with your family or an adventure getting lost on winding roads tracing the footsteps of history... The Kapıdağ Peninsula blends both vacation dreams into one.

Swim at Erdek's popular beaches (like Ocaklar, Narlı)

When you think of Erdek, the first things that come to mind are its turquoise sea and golden sands. As one of Turkey's first resort towns, this region welcomes you with beach options for every taste. Whether you're looking for a lively and crowded spot or a quiet and pristine corner, you'll surely find it along the Kapıdağ coast.   

Ocaklar – The Essential Address for a Family Holiday

If you were to ask for the most famous beach on the Kapıdağ Peninsula, the answer would likely be Ocaklar. Located just 5 km from the center of Erdek, this town is a true family paradise with its 3 km long Blue Flag beach. The sea is so shallow and calm that it's hard to imagine a safer option for families with children. Thanks to the hotels, restaurants, and cafes lined up along the coast, everything you need throughout the day is right at your fingertips. The calm waters of Ocaklar are perfect for a holiday with kids. If you're curious about other family-friendly routes in other parts of Turkey, you can also check out our article Kuzuyayla Nature Park.   

Narlı – A Harbor Embraced by Serenity and Nature

If your idea of a holiday is to get away from the crowds and be one with nature, then your destination should be Narlı Village. This charming coastal village, named after the pomegranate (nar) trees surrounding it, offers a tranquility that is the complete opposite of Ocaklar's lively atmosphere. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles in places, so it's a good idea to bring a pair of water shoes. Swimming here means stroking through the water while looking at lush green nature instead of concrete buildings.   

Hidden Coves and Alternative Beaches for Explorers

There's a rule in Kapıdağ: the more pristine and untouched a cove is, the further it is from civilization. If you have an adventurous spirit, you can set out to discover places like Paflima (Büyükova) or Manastır Cove, which are completely natural and have no facilities. These coves usually lack amenities, so don't forget to bring your water, sandwiches, and most importantly, a trash bag. Responding to the beauty nature offers with the same respect is our greatest responsibility.   

Drive along the winding roads of the Kapıdağ Peninsula with forest and sea views

Undoubtedly, the best way to explore Kapıdağ is to hop in your car and get lost on its famous winding roads. The road that encircles the peninsula doesn't just get you from one place to another; it turns the journey itself into an adventure. This is why having your own private vehicle is almost a necessity to tour the peninsula.   

The Kapıdağ Ring – An Unforgettable 95-Kilometer Route

Roll down your car window, with the salty scent of the Marmara on one side and the coolness of the pine forests on the other... The approximately 95-kilometer tour of Kapıdağ offers you a postcard-perfect view at every turn. Before embarking on this journey, don't forget to fill up your tank in Erdek, as finding a gas station in the villages is highly unlikely. Stopping for a tea break in the villages you encounter along the way is one of the most enjoyable moments of this route.   

The Peak of the View: Seyitgazi Hill

For a view that lays all of Erdek and the bay at your feet, you must go up to Seyitgazi Hill. Also known as "Wish Hill" among the locals, this place hosts a tomb, and people tie pieces of cloth to trees to make wishes. The view here is so enchanting, especially at sunset, that you will be amazed by the photos you take. The last parts of the road leading to the hill can be a bit rough; if your vehicle is not a 4x4, it's wise to be cautious.   

Roadside Stops: Ormanlı Waterfall and Hidden Villages

Don't hesitate to make unplanned stops during your Kapıdağ tour. When you see the sign for Ormanlı Village, dive in and visit the Ormanlı Waterfall, where you can take a cool break from the summer heat. After parking your car, a pleasant 500-meter walk on a path will lead you to the waterfall, whose ice-cold waters will wash away all your fatigue. The villages of Kapıdağ offer you a completely different portrait of Turkey. For similar authentic experiences in other corners of our country, don't forget to check out our local culture guides.   

Visit historical ruins like the Kirazlı Monastery

The Kapıdağ Peninsula calls to you not only with its natural beauty but also with its historical secrets hidden among the forests. Tracing the marks of life that have continued on these lands for thousands of years will add a whole new dimension to your trip.

The Secret in the Heart of the Forest: Kirazlı Monastery

If you love adventure, Kirazlı Monastery is for you. Reaching these monastery ruins, hidden within a dense forest texture between the villages of Yukarıyapıcı and Ballıpınar, is an adventure in itself. The road to Kirazlı Monastery is as unforgettable as the monastery itself. The 2-kilometer rough path that begins where the asphalt ends transports you from the modern world to a silence where you can hear the whispers of history. This challenging road also acts as a natural filter, preserving the monastery's mystical and serene atmosphere. When you arrive, the remaining wall ruins will make you feel how important a religious center this place once was.   

The Ancient City of Kyzikos – A Treasure Left to its Fate

On the Erdek-Bandırma road lies a treasure almost forgotten by the roadside: the Ancient City of Kyzikos. This magnificent city, which once hosted one of the largest temples of the Roman era, the Temple of Hadrian, is unfortunately somewhat abandoned today. Since the area is not surrounded by fences, you can wander freely among the scattered column fragments and foundation remains. Use your imagination to picture the former glory of this city, once considered a candidate for one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For more detailed and academic information about these historical structures, you can consult the official resources of the T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism.   

Source:(https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/balikesir/gezilecekyer/yukari-yapici-koyu-kirazli-manastiri)

While You're Here...

If you've absorbed the energy of the Kapıdağ Peninsula, why not continue the adventure on the other side of the sea? With a ferry from Erdek port, you can find yourself on the marble-white shores of Marmara Island or in the lively atmosphere of Avşa. Take your holiday one step further and set out to explore the islands of the Marmara.   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to go to Erdek? The summer months (June-September) are ideal for sea and sun but are also the most crowded period. For a quieter trip, nature walks, and photography, the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months are wonderful.   

2. Is a car necessary to tour the Kapıdağ Peninsula? Yes, absolutely. While it's possible to reach nearby places like Erdek center and Ocaklar by minibus, a private car is essential to explore the peninsula's winding roads, hidden coves, and inland sites like the Kirazlı Monastery.   

3. What to eat in Erdek? As a coastal town, fresh fish and seafood (especially sardines) are prominent. You should also try the famous stuffed mussels and fried mussels available at mobile stalls around the harbor. The region's olives and olive oil are also of very high quality.