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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature Walks in Susurluk's Countryside
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Manyas Bird Sanctuary (Kuş Cenneti)

Wetlands and boardwalks offering close-up opportunities for waterbirds and migratory species; best at dawn or dusk for dramatic light and bird activity.

Susurluk Town Square and Market

Lively market scenes, colorful produce stalls, and candid portraits of local life—excellent for street photography and food shots.

Countryside and Olive Groves

Rolling farmland, farmhouses and winding country roads provide classic rural Anatolian landscapes, especially at golden hour.

Local Dairies and Cheese Workshops

Document traditional cheese- and kaymak-making processes and portraits of producers for authentic food photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Susurluk

Susurluk's cuisine centers on fresh dairy, simple hearty Anatolian staples, and seasonal produce: ayran, kaymak and local cheeses are local signatures. Meals are unfussy and ingredient-driven, with small lokantas and dairies offering the most authentic experiences.

Susurluk Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Susurluk Ayranı

A thick, salty yogurt drink served very fresh; best tried at local dairies and markets early in the day.

Must-Try!

Kaymak and Bal (Clotted cream and honey)

Rich clotted cream typically served with local honey at breakfast; available in cafes and dairies around town.

Gözleme and Börek

Handmade flatbreads filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat—common at morning markets and small eateries.

Regional Cheeses (Lor, Tulum-style)

Locally produced cheeses with a tangy, rustic character; found at markets, cooperatives and small producers.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Susurluk Weekly Market (Pazar)

The weekly outdoor market is where locals buy fresh produce, dairy and snacks—try fresh simit, gözleme and stalls selling ayran and cheeses.

Dairy Workshops and Small Producers

Small family dairies sometimes sell directly from their premises; you can taste fresh kaymak, yogurt and cheeses here.

Climate Guide

Weather

Susurluk has a temperate Marmara climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them the best seasons for outdoor activities; winter brings occasional rain and lower temperatures, while summer can see daytime highs that are comfortably warm to hot.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

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 and Behavior

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.

Hospitality

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.

Respect for Religion

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 Guide

Safety

Susurluk is generally safe with low violent crime; usual precautions against petty theft apply in markets and crowded places. Road safety can be a concern on rural roads—watch for livestock, tractors and limited lighting at night. Emergency services are available regionally; dial 112 for medical or police assistance.

Tipping in Susurluk

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

Wildflowers, migrating birds at Manyas and pleasant temperatures (mild days, cool nights) make spring ideal for outdoor activities and birdwatching (March–May).

Summer

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.

Autumn

Crisp air, harvest season and colorful foliage in olive groves; comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists make autumn a pleasant time to visit (September–November).

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

Susurluk at Night

Nightlife in Susurluk is low-key and centered on tea gardens, small cafes and family-run lokantas; evenings are social but quiet compared with larger cities. You can find local musicians or occasional live traditional music at village events or festivals, but for bars and clubs you'll need to travel to Balıkesir or Bandırma.

Hiking in Susurluk

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Manyas Lakeside Trails

Easy, flat routes around the bird sanctuary and lakes offering excellent wildlife viewing and gentle walking suitable for most fitness levels.

Kazdağı (Mount Ida) Foothills

A short drive away, the Kazdağı area provides more challenging hikes, pine forests, waterfalls and richer biodiversity—great for day hikes and nature photography.

Local Olive Grove and Riverside Walks

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.

Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO)

Located roughly 70–90 minutes away by car depending on route, offers regional flights and is the closest airport for reaching Susurluk.

Çanakkale Airport (CKZ)

About 1.5–2 hours' drive; useful for visitors combining visits to Kazdağı (Mount Ida) or the Gallipoli peninsula.

İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)

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.

Istanbul Airports (IST or SAW)

Around 3–4 hours by road depending on traffic; useful for international arrivals and those combining Susurluk with Istanbul visits.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easily walkable with sidewalks and short distances between key spots; however, many points of interest (dairies, lakes, trails) are spread out and require a short drive or bike ride.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Turkish rural population

Predominantly ethnic Turks engaged in agriculture, dairy production and small trade; communities are family-oriented with long-standing local ties.

Seasonal agricultural workers

During planting and harvest seasons there may be an influx of seasonal laborers from nearby provinces contributing to agricultural activity.

Elderly population

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.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across the region with local amateur teams and community matches drawing regular participation and interest.

Fishing

Recreational fishing at nearby lakes and reservoirs is popular among locals for leisure and subsistence.

Cycling and Rural Running

Cycling on quiet country roads and informal running routes through olive groves and fields are common outdoor activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Susurluk itself is light and manageable, with occasional congestion during market days; regional highways can be busy during holiday weekends. Public transportation relies on minibuses (dolmuş), regional buses and private minibuses connecting to larger towns—schedules can be less frequent, so plan ahead.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Susurluk.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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.

Gluten-free

Bread and pastries are ubiquitous—ask for grilled meats, salads and dairy plates but verify preparations as cross-contamination is common.

Allergies

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Susurluk has basic healthcare facilities and family health centers for minor needs; for hospital-level care and specialists, the nearest larger hospitals are in Balıkesir or Bandırma. Emergency services are reachable via 112. Travel insurance that covers evacuation is recommended for serious medical concerns.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide