Photo: Toksave (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 9 places to visit in the Marmara district of Balıkesir: Marmara Island, Saraylar and Ancient Marble Quarries. Plan your trip to Marmara with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Marmara is a district of Balıkesir province. It covers Marmara Island and the smaller islands around it.
The Marmara Islands lie in a shallow stretch of the Sea of Marmara, southwest of the Kapıdağ Peninsula and between it and Şarköy. Marmara Island, the largest of the islands in the Sea of Marmara, covers an area of around 110 km².
The first settlement on the island was founded in antiquity by the Milesians. The island, known in antiquity as Prokonnesos, was bound together with Kyzikos in the Delian League.
Marble, the natural feature that shapes the island, has been an important export product from prehistoric times to the present day. Fishing is the main source of livelihood.
The first settlement on Marmara Island was founded by the Milesians in antiquity. The ancient name of the island is Prokonnesos. In the Ottoman period, marble used in mosques and palaces was supplied from here. Marmara became a district on 4 July 1987.
On Marmara Island and the other islands, houses and other properties left by the Greeks were settled by migrants from Crete and families from the Black Sea region. In the years before the First World War, the harbours of Marmara, Prastos and Asmalı were regular stopping points for ships flying the flags of various nations.
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The marble quarries on Marmara Island have been worked since Roman times. The name 'Marmara' derives from the Greek 'marmaros' (marble). The remains of the ancient quarries are of interest from the point of view of industrial archaeology.
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Photo: Toksave (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source The largest of the islands in the Sea of Marmara, famous for its marble deposits.
View on mapAvşa Island, part of Marmara district, is the summer tourism favourite with its sandy beaches and vineyards. The wine and grapes produced on the island are an important part of the local gastronomic culture.
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Photo: --Erk 00:41, 13 Haziran 2007 (UTC) (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Paşalimanı Island, part of Marmara district, is a holiday spot away from the crowds, with its unspoilt nature and calm atmosphere. The coves around the island are ideal for boat trips.
View on mapSaraylar, the largest settlement on Marmara Island, offers a quiet island life with traditional stone houses and a fishermen's shelter. The coves around the village are suitable for swimming and diving.
View on mapThe island's last departure point for Istanbul; a village suited to yacht tourism.
View on mapA village famous for its plane trees; fishing is also well developed here.
View on mapWhile you are in Marmara, you can also see the highlights of Balıkesir province. These places are in other districts.
Fresh fish from the clean waters of the Sea of Marmara, prepared grilled or steamed. Bluefish, bonito and sea bass are the most popular species.
Local wine made from grapes grown on Avşa Island, served with seafood mezes. The island's winemaking tradition goes back centuries.
Gözleme cooked on the griddle by island women, in cheese, spinach and herb varieties, are an essential part of island breakfasts.
Marmara Island owes its name and fame to its marble quarries. The quarries, worked since Roman times, have shaped the island's economic and cultural identity.
Fishing, winemaking and seafaring traditions have been maintained for generations on the Marmara Islands. The calm, nature-centred lifestyle of the islanders offers visitors an authentic experience.
The economy of Marmara district rests on tourism, marble mining and fishing. Avşa Island is the most important source of income from summer tourism. The marble quarries on Marmara Island are still in operation. Fishing and small-scale winemaking are traditional sources of livelihood.
Regular ferry services run to Marmara district from Erdek and Tekirdağ. There are fast ferry lines from Istanbul's Yenikapı to Avşa and to Marmara Island. Ferry frequency increases in the summer months. The district has no road link, so all access is by sea.
The top 9 sights in Marmara are: Marmara Island, Saraylar, the Ancient Marble Quarries, Saraylar Village, Avşa Island, Paşalimanı Island, Çınarlı Village, Asmalı Village and Topağaç Neighbourhood.
Ada Balığı, Avşa Şarabı Eşliğinde Meze and Gözleme are the standout dishes on Marmara's tables.
Marmara is known for Marmara Island Marble / Marmara Marble and its marble mining heritage. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as Marmara Beyazı.
Regular ferry services run to Marmara district from Erdek and Tekirdağ. There are fast ferry lines from Istanbul's Yenikapı to Avşa and to Marmara Island. Ferry frequency increases in the summer months. The district has no road link, so all access is by sea.
Suggested visit length: 2–3 days. Best time to visit: June–September.