Akçay: Coast, Promenade and Nature

Akçay combines a seaside stay with distinctive places to discover in town and nearby. At the pier, stone-enclosed freshwater artesian springs can be seen on both sides; there are also cold artesian springs in the sea off Akçay. Other highlights include the long waterfront promenade, tea gardens and a coast where you can swim in the sea. If you are looking for a holiday destination where days by the coast go hand in hand with excursions to natural and cultural sites, you will find a range of options here to help plan your trip.

Coast and Waterfront Promenade

Parts of Akçay’s coastline are pebbly. The Sarıkız Beach and Belediye Public Beach are designated as public beaches on the coast. Swimming in the sea is possible along the entire Akçay coastline. The promenade is another defining feature of the town: it is long and lined with tea gardens. Akçay also has entertainment options and places to eat and drink. This gives you different ways to shape your plans—for example, spending time by the sea, enjoying a stay along the promenade or exploring the town.

A distinctive feature at the pier is the artesian springs, which can be seen on both sides of the pier and are enclosed by stones. The springs at the pier are freshwater springs. Both features are part of the town’s coastal landscape, but they are found in different settings: the visible springs are on land at the pier, while the cold springs are in the sea.

Sarıkız in the Centre of Akçay

The Sarıkız Statue stands in Barbaros Square in the town centre. Edremit Municipality had it erected in memory of Sarıkız. There is a pool in front of the statue: people who make a wish to Sarıkız throw coins into it. A visit to the square can therefore be an opportunity not only to see a statue, but also to encounter a local custom. Its central location makes the square a specific destination if you would like to get to know Akçay beyond its coastline.

Wetland and Museum Nearby

The Akçay Sazlıkları Wetland is officially registered as a wetland of local importance. Both salt-tolerant and freshwater plants grow there; 146 species have been recorded in total. The wetland can be reached from the Altınkum neighbourhood on the Akçay side. From Edremit, it is approximately 5 km in the direction of Akçay. If you would like to add a nature observation to your stay, this offers a different focus from the promenade or beach.

The Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum offers a cultural excursion. It is about 6 km from Akçay via the road to Çamlıbel; after the turnoff to Tahtakuşlar, the route continues for another 1 to 2 km to Tahtakuşlar village. The museum displays cultural artefacts, clothing, household items, tools, carpets and tents belonging to Turkic groups who migrated from Central Asia to Turkey. The collection offers a distinct way to explore culture and everyday objects, complementing the coastal and nature-related attractions nearby.

Choosing Akçay as a Holiday Destination

Akçay offers various types of accommodation, including hotels, motels, guesthouses, holiday villages and holiday camps. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can first consider which experiences you would like to shape your trip: the sea and promenade, a visit to the Sarıkız Statue, or excursions to the wetland and ethnography museum. This lets you focus your search on the kind of stay you want, without combining coastal experiences and excursion destinations into a single itinerary.

Discover Other Places

Other places at this level: Güre, Karaağaç, Ayvalık, Erdek, Edremit, Taylıeli, Erikli Köyü, Döşeme.

For the higher-level travel overview: Balikesir.