Are you tired of the city's noise and endless hustle, dreaming of throwing yourself into the cool waters of the Aegean? What if I told you that this dream is much closer, just a few hours away by ferry? These two neighboring islands, right next to Istanbul, promise you two different holidays in a single getaway. In this guide, we'll share our list of things to do in Marmara and Avşa Islands, aiming to both energize you with Avşa's vibrancy and relax you with Marmara's tranquility. One calls to you with its lively beaches and vibrant nights, while the other soothes your soul with its thousands of years of history and quiet villages. If you're ready, let's dive into this dual adventure!

Have fun on the beaches of Avşa Island, which is especially lively in the summer months

The moment you step onto Avşa, you can immediately feel the energy in the air. Described as the lively and youthful sibling of Marmara Island, Avşa transforms into a complete entertainment hub, especially during the summer months. Its winter population of a few thousand can swell to as many as 200,000 starting in June. This crowd creates a joyful atmosphere that spreads to every corner of the island. Avşa's biggest promise is sunbathing on golden sands during the day and joining in the fun that lasts until morning at night.  

A Paradise of Beaches: A Shore for Every Taste

Although Avşa Island is home to over thirty coves and beaches, most visitors only know the main beach in the center. However, the island is full of hidden gems that cater to different expectations.

Altınkum Beach (A Family Favorite): It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this the island's most popular beach. Named for its golden, fine sand, this beach is perfect for families with children due to its shallow and generally warm sea. It's easily accessible from the center by minibus, and the surrounding beach clubs and restaurants allow you to spend your whole day in comfort.   

Çınar Koyu (Everyone's Favorite): Considered by many to be the best beach on the island, Çınar Koyu offers both natural beauty and facility options. Ideal for groups of friends and couples, this bay provides a great balance for both relaxation and socializing.   

Quiet Coves (Escape Points): If you want to get away from the crowds, head towards the more pristine coves. Karadut Koyu, named after the surrounding mulberry trees, awaits nature lovers with its clear water. With its nearly 500-meter-long beach, Tavşanlı Koyu is a great option for a quiet day, but don't forget to bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities here. For those seeking peace and a visual feast, Beyazsaray Koyu, with its aesthetic views and white sands, is an ideal stop.   

Avşa's beaches are so diverse that you'll discover a different one every day. For more information about the island's other offerings, check out our Balıkesir Travel Guide.

Above and Below the Sea: Water Sports and Diving

There's no shortage of adrenaline in Avşa either. Water sports centers on the island's main beaches are waiting to add some action to your holiday. But the real adventure is underwater. With the professional diving school at Mavikoy Marina, you can explore the underwater world of the Marmara Sea. In particular, Manastır Bay is an excellent starting point for new divers with its calm, aquarium-like waters. If you are a certified diver, you can encounter a richer marine life at depths of up to 25 meters off Topağaç.   

Avşa After Sunset: Bar Street and Nightclubs

In Avşa, the fun doesn't end when the sun goes down; it just changes form. The first stop to unwind from the day's fatigue is Barlar Sokağı (Bar Street), located just to the right of the pier. Venues like Martı Bar and Cadde Bar fill up in the early hours of the night with their pleasant music and friendly atmosphere.   

After midnight, the heart of the entertainment moves to the large nightclubs on the road to Yiğitler Village. Venues like Tanz, Liatris, and Arena host famous DJ performances and concerts for those who want to dance until morning. Moreover, Avşa's nightlife is much more budget-friendly compared to many holiday resorts in the Aegean and Mediterranean, making the island even more attractive, especially for young people.   

Explore the tranquil villages of Marmara Island, famous for its marble quarries

When you take a short ferry ride from the energy of Avşa to Marmara Island, you step into a completely different world. This is a place where time slows down, and peace and history permeate every corner. The tranquil character of Marmara Island is no coincidence; its identity is based on a thousands-of-years-old marble heritage, much deeper than fleeting tourism trends. In fact, the island and the sea it's in get their names from the marble that has been extracted here since ancient times. Therefore, the atmosphere on the island reflects the serenity of a deep-rooted culture rather than that of a seasonal holiday resort.   

Saraylar Village: The Homeland of Marble

To understand Marmara Island, you must start your tour in Saraylar Village. This is not just an ordinary village, but an Open-Air Marble Museum. As you walk through the village streets, the statues and ancient ruins you encounter will take you on a journey through time. The marble quarries here have been in continuous operation since the Roman Empire, for thousands of years. The magnificent columns and marbles of many world-renowned structures, from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, were extracted from this land. Experiencing this history is a fascinating experience in itself.   

The Island's Hidden Villages

After the historical atmosphere of Saraylar, it's time to explore the other villages of the island. Each has its own unique character.

Çınarlı Village: Named after the centuries-old plane tree in its square, this village is one of the most active tourist spots on Marmara Island. The well-developed fishing industry has turned the seaside restaurants into culinary stops. With its fine sandy beach and a local market set up every Wednesday, it is a very pleasant stop.

Gündoğdu Village: One of the rare places that has managed to preserve its natural atmosphere despite tourism. It is a true oasis of peace with its quiet beaches and charming shops where you can find fresh village products.

Asmalı and Topağaç Villages: If you want to see the most authentic face of the island, do not miss these villages. Asmalı, the smallest village on the island, offers postcard-perfect views with its old Greek houses, small harbor, and olive groves. Topağaç is known as the island's agricultural hub and stands out with its long, quiet beach.   

Marmara's Quiet Beaches

Unlike those in Avşa, the beaches of Marmara Island are calmer and more pristine. The goal here is not to socialize but to be alone with nature and relax. Manastır Bay, known as the island's hidden paradise, fully deserves this title with its remote location and golden sands. For those seeking a true escape and renewal, the coves of Marmara are unique sanctuaries.   

Taste the local island wines and eat seafood

One of the most beautiful things connecting the two islands is undoubtedly their culinary culture. The energy of Avşa and the tranquility of Marmara come together in a shared feast for the palate. This flavor route is filled with unique tastes from both the land and sea of the islands.

Heritage of the Island Vineyards: Adakarası and Local Wines

Avşa Island's winemaking tradition has a deep-rooted history dating back to the Byzantine era. The most precious treasure of this heritage is the Adakarası grape, which grows only on this island. Tasting the wines made from this special grape is an authentic experience you cannot find anywhere else. The island's leading producers, Büyülübağ and Bortaçina, combine this tradition with modern techniques to produce internationally award-winning wines. Visiting a winery and having a tasting against the island's landscape could be one of the most memorable moments of your holiday.   

Fresh from the Sea: A Feast of Fish and Meze

Of course, fresh seafood is a must for an island holiday. Both islands offer a variety of beautiful fish restaurants and taverns. The key is to taste the right flavor in the right place.   

Tanzara Restaurant (Avşa): One of the island's classic venues, Tanzara is especially famous for its tables on the pier. The taste of a Seafood Linguini eaten while watching the sunset, accompanied by the sound of the sea beneath your feet, will linger on your palate.

Erol'un Yeri (Yiğitler Village, Avşa): If you want to get away from the crowds of Avşa's center and are looking for a more casual and friendly atmosphere, Erol'un Yeri in Yiğitler Village is the place for you. The luxury of this family-run business is the daily fresh fish displayed in the showcase and the sincerity of the staff.

Local Delicacy: Papalina Fish: If it's in season, be sure to ask for Papalina fish on the menus. This small and delicious fish, similar to a sardine, is a unique taste of the Marmara Sea and is definitely worth trying.

This feast of flavors offered by the islands is proof of the rich cuisine of the Marmara Region. For other gastronomic destinations in the region, please visit our Balıkesir Things to Do page..

Conclusion: While You're Here...

Marmara and Avşa Islands offer you two different worlds in one holiday: you can get your fill of fun in Avşa, while you can rest your soul in Marmara. But your adventure doesn't have to end here. If you have time, explore the lush Kapıdağ Peninsula located just opposite these islands. It offers a route intertwined with nature and history, almost like an extension of the islands on the mainland.   

The Ancient City of Kyzikos near Erdek once hosted a civilization as magnificent as Ephesus. Although few ruins remain today, it is still an impressive stop for history enthusiasts. Nature walking and photography enthusiasts will be amazed by the mystical Kirazlı Monastery, which seems to have been taken over by trees. Considering the islands and the peninsula as a whole gives you the opportunity to discover a Marmara Riviera and creates a great reason to come back to this region again and again.   

Source: For more detailed and official information about the rich marble history of Marmara Island, you can visit the relevant page of the Marmara District Governorship: (http://www.balikesirmarmara.gov.tr/ilcemizin-tarihi)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How to get to Marmara and Avşa Islands? There are several ways to reach the islands. The fastest is by İDO sea buses from Istanbul's Yenikapı and Bostancı, with the journey taking about 2.5 - 3 hours. If you want to go with your car, you can use the car ferries from Tekirdağ or Balıkesir's Erdek. Especially in winter, the main transportation is via Erdek. 2. When is the best time to visit the islands? This depends entirely on what you are looking for. If you want lively beaches, a warm sea, and vibrant nights, the ideal period is June, July, and August. However, if you don't like crowds and are looking for a quieter, more peaceful holiday, May and September, when the weather is still beautiful, will be perfect for you.   

3. Avşa for fun or Marmara for tranquility? Which one should I choose? Both islands cater to different holiday expectations. You can check the table below to help you decide: