Balıkesir (Turkey)

Balıkesir, at the intersection of the Marmara and Aegean Regions, is an emerging health and thermal tourism destination of Europe, with its rich thermal springs dating back from antiquity to the present day, the oxygen-rich nature of the Kazdağları (Ida) Mountains, its UNESCO candidate geopark, and its unique gastronomic culture.
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The roots of the thermal culture in Balıkesir date back thousands of years, to the ancient Mysia Region. The region has been home to the Phrygian, Lydian, Persian, Hellenistic (Pergamon), Roman, Byzantine, Karesi Beylik and Ottoman civilizations.

  • Ancient Period and Roman Heritage: The thermal waters in the region have been used since ancient times. In particular, the healing waters of Gönen (Ancient Asepsus/Therma) and Edremit-Güre (Ancient Astyra) became renowned for their baths and treatment centres built during the Roman period. The remains of the historical bath located at Kiraz Köyü Dağ Ilıcası (Mountain Hot Spring) in Altıeylül and the ancient remains at Susurluk Ilıcaboğazı demonstrate that the use of thermal waters has continued uninterrupted for centuries.
  • Çaltılı Hamamı (Bath), located on the border between Savaştepe and Altıeylül and registered as an Archaeological Site, is one of the most authentic healing centres surviving from the Roman period to the present day. Its architectural structure and underground passages indicate that it was an Asklepeion (sacred healing site) in antiquity, similar to the Pergamon Asklepion. The stone bath, with a history of more than a thousand years, is known to have been used for the rehabilitation of Roman soldiers.
  • Turkish-Islamic and Ottoman Period: During the Karesi Beylik period following the Seljuk period and subsequently during the Ottoman Empire, traditional Turkish baths, domed hot springs and healing centres were built around hot water springs; thermal culture became a centre of daily life and social healing.

Today, Balıkesir is carrying this deep-rooted heritage onto the international geothermal and thermal tourism map by preserving it under the umbrella of the Ida Madra Geopark.

Thermal Waters and Hot Springs (The Waters)

Balıkesir is located on one of Türkiye’s geothermal belts with the highest mineral diversity and temperature range.

THERMAL PROPERTIES AND MINERALS

  • Major Thermal Areas: Gönen, Edremit-Güre, Sındırgı (Hisaralan), Bigadiç (Hisarköy), Altıeylül (Pamukçu & Kiraz Köyü), Susurluk (Ilıcaboğazı & Yıldız), Manyas (Kızık), Havran (Derman), Dursunbey (Aşağımusalar).
  • Known Earliest Use: 3000 BC / Ancient Mysia and Roman Period
  • Highest Spring Temperature: 98ºC (Sındırgı Hisaralan)
  • Main Chemical Components & Minerals: Boron, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sulphate, fluoride, magnesium, calcium and therapeutic thermal mud (Peloid).
  1. Sındırgı Thermal Area (Centre of Geothermal Power):
  • Temperature: 55°C – 98°C
  • Features: Hisaralan area, one of the sources with the highest temperatures in Türkiye.
  • Healing Effects: Rheumatism, musculoskeletal disorders, lumbar and cervical disc herniations, and rehabilitation applications.

 

  1. Gönen Hot Springs (Historical Roman Healing Centre):
  • Temperature: 52°C – 82°C
  • Features: One of the oldest and registered thermal centres in Türkiye. It has a rich mineral composition.
  • Healing Effects: Rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, joint disorders, orthopaedic and physical therapy rehabilitation.

 

  1. Edremit–Güre Hot Springs (Oxygen & Healing at the Foot of the Kazdağları (Ida Mountains)):
  • Temperature: 42°C – 70°C
  • Features: It has a special microclimate where the sea, the high oxygen levels of the Kazdağları, and thermal waters come together.
  • Healing Effects: Respiratory tract disorders (steam inhalation), muscle/joint pain, stress management, and skin disorders.

 

  1. Bigadiç Thermal Springs (Boron-Rich Waters):
  • Temperature: 45°C – 80°C
  • Features: Located amidst the world-famous boron mineral deposits. It is known for its natural hot waters around Hisarköy.
  • Healing Effects: Joint and muscle pain, chronic fatigue, and skin problems.

 

  1. Altıeylül – Pamukçu & Kiraz Köyü Thermal Area:
  • Temperature: 31°C – 60°C
  • Features: The thermal focus closest to the city centre. Kiraz Köyü is home to the remains of a historical bath.
  • Healing Effects: Circulatory system disorders, muscle relaxation, and physical therapy.

 

  1. Susurluk & Manyas Area (Thermal Mud & Drinking Cures):
  • Temperature: 45°C – 68°C (Susurluk Ilıcaboğazı 58°C, Yıldız 68°C, Manyas Kızık 50°C)
  • Features: While Susurluk Ilıcaboğazı stands out with its rich thermal mud, Manyas Kızık is used both for bathing and as a drinking cure.
  • Healing Effects: Thermal mud treatment (pelotherapy), gynaecological diseases, neuralgia, post-stroke rehabilitation, and supportive treatments for the digestive system.

 

  1. Çaltılı Hamamı (Bath) (Savaştepe / Yılanlı Ilıca):
  • Temperature: 31°C – 40°C (Natural spring temperature)
  • Features: A registered Archaeological Site surviving from the Roman period to the present day; ancient Asklepeion (sacred healing site) architecture and the legend of “Yılanlı Ilıca / Innocence”.
  • Healing Effects: Rheumatic disorders, musculoskeletal pain, physical fatigue, and body rehabilitation.

CULTURE, GASTRONOMY AND LIFESTYLE ("BALIKESİR BEYOND THE WATERS")

Balıkesir offers its visitors a holistic wellness experience not only with its healing waters, but also with its history, nature and gastronomic culture:

  • Ida Madra Geopark: A natural wonder protecting Balıkesir’s volcanic past, basalt columns, Hisaralan geothermal resources and biodiversity, on its way to becoming part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
  • Kazdağları (Ancient Mount Ida): The site of the first beauty contest in mythology and one of the regions with the highest oxygen levels in the world.
  • Gastronomic Capital: Northern Aegean olive and olive oil culture, Balıkesir lamb with geographical indication, Höşmerim dessert, Susurluk ayran and a rich variety of dishes prepared with olive oil.
  • Major Events and Culture:
    • International Ayvalık Olive Harvest Festival
    • Sındırgı Yağcıbedir Carpet Festival
    • Kazdağları Nature Sports and Trekking Routes
    • Kurtdereli Mehmet Pehlivan Oil Wrestling
    • Balıkesir GastroFest
    • Balıkesir Aromatherapy Festival