Things To Do
in Susurluk
Susurluk is a small agricultural town in Balıkesir province in Turkey's Marmara region, best known for its dairy products—especially ayran and kaymak—and quiet rural character. The town sits amid rolling farmland, olive groves and small rivers, offering an authentic glimpse of inland Turkish village life with easy access to regional natural areas. Visitors come for food-focused day trips, slow-paced exploration of markets and dairies, and nearby birdwatching and hiking spots.
Susurluk is low-key, welcoming and practical as a stop between larger cities rather than a major tourist center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh bread, olives, and cheeses. After breakfast, stroll through the charming streets of Susurluk, admiring the historic Ottoman architecture and vibrant local shops. Stop by the Susurluk Clock Tower to capture some photos and learn about the town's rich history.
Visit the local museum to delve into the history of Susurluk and its significance in the region. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling the famous Susurluk toast – a delicious sandwich filled with meat and cheese. Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint streets, stopping at artisan shops for unique handmade souvenirs.
As the sun sets, head to a local tea garden to relax with a cup of traditional Turkish tea. Engage with the locals and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere while listening to stories about Susurluk's past. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant, savoring regional specialties.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a nature walk in the beautiful countryside surrounding Susurluk. Take in the stunning views of rolling hills, lush forests, and fields dotted with wildflowers. The crisp morning air is perfect for a refreshing hike on one of the scenic trails.
After your hike, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, taking the time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, visit local farms to learn about traditional agricultural practices and perhaps even participate in a fruit-picking activity. The experience offers a unique insight into rural life and the flavors of Susurluk.
Return to town as the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape. Enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery, where you can share stories of your day with fellow travelers. As night falls, take a leisurely stroll along the riverside, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Tea or coffee at a café | $0.50-2 |
| 🚌Local bus or dolmuş ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / pension | $25-50 per night |
| 🧀Local dairy products (1 kg cheese or kaymak) | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Turkish experience with strong dairy and food traditions
- Excellent birdwatching nearby at Manyas Bird Sanctuary
- Quiet, safe town with friendly locals and affordable prices
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife compared with larger cities
- Public transport options are basic—best to have a car for exploring the region
- Fewer accommodation and dining choices for travelers with specialized dietary needs
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Fiyatı ne kadar?" - How much is it?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Etsiz/vejetaryen lütfen" - Without meat/vegetarian please
Places to Visit in Susurluk
Visit one of these nice places.
Wetlands and boardwalks offering close-up opportunities for waterbirds and migratory species; best at dawn or dusk for dramatic light and bird activity.
Lively market scenes, colorful produce stalls, and candid portraits of local life—excellent for street photography and food shots.
Rolling farmland, farmhouses and winding country roads provide classic rural Anatolian landscapes, especially at golden hour.
Document traditional cheese- and kaymak-making processes and portraits of producers for authentic food photography.
Food in Susurluk
Susurluk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, salty yogurt drink served very fresh; best tried at local dairies and markets early in the day.
Must-Try!
Rich clotted cream typically served with local honey at breakfast; available in cafes and dairies around town.
Handmade flatbreads filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat—common at morning markets and small eateries.
Locally produced cheeses with a tangy, rustic character; found at markets, cooperatives and small producers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The weekly outdoor market is where locals buy fresh produce, dairy and snacks—try fresh simit, gözleme and stalls selling ayran and cheeses.
Small family dairies sometimes sell directly from their premises; you can taste fresh kaymak, yogurt and cheeses here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Merhaba' (hello) and handshake for first meetings are standard; in more conservative settings, men may wait for women to offer a handshake.
Dress modestly in rural areas and near religious sites—covering shoulders and knees is respectful. Public displays of affection are less common in small towns.
If invited to a local home, it's customary to bring a small gift (sweets or pastries) and accept tea or coffee; remove shoes if the host asks.
Be mindful of prayer times and mosque etiquette—speak quietly near religious sites and follow instructions if entering a mosque (remove shoes, dress modestly).
Safety
Tipping in Susurluk
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: in restaurants 5–10% is normal for good service, small change or rounding up for cafes and taxis, and a few lira for hotel porters or room service.
Turkish lira (₺) is the local currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops but small vendors and markets often prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wildflowers, migrating birds at Manyas and pleasant temperatures (mild days, cool nights) make spring ideal for outdoor activities and birdwatching (March–May).
Warm to hot weather with long days—great for countryside walks and picnics but mid-summer can be hot and occasionally dry; early mornings and evenings are best for being outdoors.
Crisp air, harvest season and colorful foliage in olive groves; comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists make autumn a pleasant time to visit (September–November).
Cool and occasionally wet winters with lower temperatures and some rainy days; town life continues but outdoor activities are more limited—bring layers and waterproof clothing.
Susurluk at Night
Hiking in Susurluk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, flat routes around the bird sanctuary and lakes offering excellent wildlife viewing and gentle walking suitable for most fitness levels.
A short drive away, the Kazdağı area provides more challenging hikes, pine forests, waterfalls and richer biodiversity—great for day hikes and nature photography.
Informal paths through olive groves and alongside small rivers near Susurluk are perfect for short walks, countryside photography and picnics.
Airports
How to reach Susurluk by plane.
Located roughly 70–90 minutes away by car depending on route, offers regional flights and is the closest airport for reaching Susurluk.
About 1.5–2 hours' drive; useful for visitors combining visits to Kazdağı (Mount Ida) or the Gallipoli peninsula.
Major airport about 2–3 hours by car; offers many domestic and international connections and is a practical gateway if you plan a longer regional trip.
Around 3–4 hours by road depending on traffic; useful for international arrivals and those combining Susurluk with Istanbul visits.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Turks engaged in agriculture, dairy production and small trade; communities are family-oriented with long-standing local ties.
During planting and harvest seasons there may be an influx of seasonal laborers from nearby provinces contributing to agricultural activity.
Like many rural towns, Susurluk has a relatively older demographic as younger people often move to larger cities for education and work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region with local amateur teams and community matches drawing regular participation and interest.
Recreational fishing at nearby lakes and reservoirs is popular among locals for leisure and subsistence.
Cycling on quiet country roads and informal running routes through olive groves and fields are common outdoor activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Susurluk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common (mezeler, gözleme with cheese or spinach, vegetable stews). Ask for 'etsiz' (without meat) and specify dairy if you eat cheese and yogurt; many dishes rely on dairy so egg-and-dairy free options may be limited in small eateries.
Vegan choices exist but are limited—request vegetable-based mezes, salads and olive oil-cooked dishes, and confirm with vendors about butter or animal stocks.
Bread and pastries are ubiquitous—ask for grilled meats, salads and dairy plates but verify preparations as cross-contamination is common.
Use clear Turkish phrases for allergies (e.g., 'fındık alerjim var' for nut allergy) and double-check at smaller vendors who may not speak English.