TR RU

4 places to visit in the Kepsut district of Balıkesir: Kepsut Plain, Çataldağ and Kepsut Plain and Peach Orchards. Plan your trip to Kepsut with local food, practical tips and transport information.

Share with friends

Kepsut is a district of Balıkesir province. In 1953 it separated from the central district of Balıkesir, of which it had been a subdistrict, and gained district status.

Location and Geography

Kepsut lies to the east of Balıkesir, on the Balıkesir–Dursunbey road. The district covers 889 km² and has an average elevation of 88 metres above sea level. Çataldağ, at 1,336 m, rises to the north, and the Kepsut Plain lies to the southeast.

Economy

Peaches have become the symbol of the district and are famous across the country. Milk production is highly developed in the district. Every year at the end of July the Peach Festival is held, giving producers a chance to showcase their harvest.

History and Culture

Kepsut became a district in 1953 when it separated from the central district of Balıkesir. Every year at the end of July the Peach Festival is held in Kepsut.

Key Facts

The first settled area is believed to have been Akhyraous (Hadrianoutherai), near present-day Kepsut, 26 km east of the city. The district is also known for the Dedekaşı Köyü Zili weaving tradition of the area.

Last updated:

Places to Visit in Kepsut

Nature

Kepsut Plain

A fertile plain suited to almost every kind of crop.

View on map
Nature

Çataldağ

A 1,336-metre mountain in the north of the district.

View on map
Nature

Kepsut Plain and Peach Orchards

In early summer the fertile Kepsut Plain fills with peach orchards. During the harvest, fresh fruit can be bought from roadside stalls.

View on map
Nature

Gelenduras Mountain

A mountain region stretching across the east of the district along the Dursunbey border, home to the Karakeçili Yörük people.

View on map

Places to Visit Around Balıkesir Province

See all →

While you are in Kepsut, you can also see the highlights of Balıkesir province. These places are in other districts; Kepsut is about 23 km from the provincial centre.

  • Ayvalık Old Town — A coastal town of stone houses, narrow streets, old churches and olive-oil factories, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2017. In antiquity it was known as Kydonia ('wild quince').
  • Cunda (Alibey) Island — The only inhabited island of Ayvalık's 22 islands and the fourth-largest of Türkiye's Aegean islands, it is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
  • Taksiyarhis Church — A metropolitan church built in 1873 on Cunda by the Greek Orthodox community in the name of the archangels Gabriel and Michael; it is the island's most important monument.
  • Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table) — A table-shaped hill formed from the lava deposits of an extinct volcano, 8 km south of Ayvalık.
  • Ayvalık Islands Nature Park — A 17,950-hectare nature park established in 1995 and covering 19 islands, where 752 plant species and 671 marine species have been recorded.
  • Zağnos Paşa Mosque — Built in 1461 by Zağnos Paşa, vizier of Mehmed the Conqueror, this is the largest mosque in Balıkesir and the symbol of the city.

Practical Information for Visiting Kepsut

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
June–July (peach season)
Places to visit
4 places

What to Eat in Kepsut

Food guide →

  • Kepsut Bükdere Küflü Katık Peyniri

    Kepsut Bükdere Küflü Katık Peyniri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 3 January 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1683). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality.

  • Höşmerim (cheese and semolina dessert)

    Balıkesir's famous dessert höşmerim is made with fresh cheese and semolina.

  • Balıkesir Tiridi (lamb and bread stew)

    A hearty tirit in which lamb meets stale bread and yoghurt.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kepsut

  • Peach Festival

    An annual festival held at the end of July, where producers showcase their produce.

Local Products

  • Kepsut peach — A peach known across the country, and the symbol of the district.
  • Milk — Milk production in the district is highly developed.

Economy

Most of the population makes a living from farming; fruit growing, livestock farming and forestry are the main activities.

How to Get to Kepsut

Kepsut is about 23 km from Balıkesir city centre as the crow flies. The district is reached by road from Balıkesir city centre.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Balıkesir

Kepsut: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the things to see in Kepsut?

The top 4 sights in Kepsut are: Kepsut Plain, Çataldağ, Kepsut Plain and peach orchards, and Gelenduras Mountain.

What is there to eat in Kepsut?

Kepsut Bükdere Küflü Katık Peyniri, Höşmerim and Balıkesir Tiridi are the standout dishes on Kepsut's tables.

What is Kepsut famous for?

Kepsut is known for its peaches and the Peach Festival. The peach, famous across the country, is the symbol of the district.

How do I get to Kepsut?

Kepsut is about 23 km from Balıkesir city centre as the crow flies. The district is reached by road from Balıkesir city centre.

How long should I set aside for a visit to Kepsut?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: June–July (peach season).

Continue Your Trip

Other Districts of Balıkesir

Search 81 province guides and 968 district guides.