Balıkesir is a diverse northwestern Turkish province straddling the Marmara and Aegean regions, encompassing mythological Kaz Dağları (Mount Ida), olive-grove-lined coastal towns, thermal springs, and ferry connections to Istanbul. The province blends rural Anatolian culture with Aegean coastal charm.
Balıkesir province is served by two airports, two railway lines, a high-speed Marmara Sea ferry, and an extensive intercity bus network. Bandırma's IDO ferry is the most scenic route to/from Istanbul. Within the province, dolmuş minibuses connect the main towns but services are infrequent outside of summer.
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