Avsa Island, thy name is Türkeli, is a touristic island which is ruled by Balıkesir, Turkey. With its growing population and tourism, Avsa Island is the rising star of foreign or local tourists. The island has pretty less population, 2000 residents, however, in the summer season the population can increase to 100.000 people at the same time. Avsa Island carries more differences than other touristic areas, that’s why it has been preferred by so many people each year. 

Historical Background of Avsa Island in the Marmara Region

Avsa Island could not develop incredibly, and the reason for that is its inefficient soil to cultivate. That reason made people stay away to reside here, so the island’s treasures could not be discovered. Just a bunch of Greek people were dwelling, yet they moved to Greece after the 1923 population exchange. In Byzantine Empire, the island was used for exile, and in Ottoman Empire the island was not noticed. For the whole Middle Age, the island is known as vacant. According to the marble stone at the entrance of the island, the island’s name was called “Aphousia”, as time passed it became “Afissia”. At a time period, many Arabs settled in Yiğitler village on the island, that’s why it was called as “Araplar”. Later on, to make the island and the name more Turkish, the island’s name was changed to “Türkeli” on legal records. Lastly, the old name of the island “Afissia” was changed to “Avşa” to fit in the Turkish language.

How changed the condition of Avsa Island, Turkey?

Although the island was not popular back at that time, today it serves multiple activities to its visitors. First of all, the prominent trait of the island is its tranquillity. Even if the island welcomes almost 100.000 people in the summer season, the crowd is not as much as in other summer destinations such as Bodrum, Muğla, or Antalya. Also, its beaches are rich when it’s compared with the island’s size. 

The island surprises its tourists offering a nightlife culture. The island looks small, yet it has pretty nice bars and nightclubs. The night starts at 9 pm and the party lasts till almost dawn. Some big hotels also give that service to their guests. The most popular nightclubs are Tanz, Liatriz, and Arena. These are popular and favorite nightclubs in Avsa, but also on the island, there are four café-bar, two café-bar which offer live-music service and two bars which are more traditional, and many more bars. In that sense, the island can be considered.

When it comes to beaches, the island also offers good opportunities. In Avsa Island, all the beaches are free to enter in, but parasols and sunbeds are rented from the municipality since they belong to it. Yiğitler Beach is one of the popular beaches on Avsa Island. The beach is pretty long, can welcome too many people, and the sea and the sand are quite clean. The beach is in Yiğitler Village, and around it, you can find cafes and restaurants. You can reach to Yiğitler Beach by public buses, private cars, or on foot. 

Altınkum Beach is another popular beach on Avsa Island, with its golden and fine sand. The beach takes its name from its golden sand. Also, the sea is shallow, so it is easy to swim for everyone. The beach is at the heart of Avsa, so it is easy to reach everywhere. On the beach there are some private facilities which serves visitors. Parasols and sunbeds are provided by these institutions. Besides, there is an amusement park near to the beach. These features make the beach perfect for families. 

Another one is smaller than the previous beaches, but it has also the same features as them. Çınar Bay has pretty clean waters, nice and wide sand, parking lots, and picnic areas. In that area, some facilities are working, so you can spend the whole day here. It is just a little bit far from Avşa center, yet you can still reach there by public bus or private car.

The island is famous for its wine and olive oil production. Before tourism, the island was making it is earnings with vineyards. Today, you can walk around the famous vineyards on the islands, or buy some special vines from here. Also, the island receives rain pretty much, so it is available for olive cultivation. The island produces its own olives and olive oils. So, you can taste and purchase special olives, olive oils, and vines from the island. 

The other precious characteristic of the island is cheapness. The island is cheaper than other touristic destinations, in that way, it is an excellent place to spend your holiday.

Another activity you can do on the island is to explore the unknowns of the Marmara Sea by boat rental.

How far is Avsa Island from Balıkesir?

Avsa Island belongs to Balıkesir, yet it has some islands around it. For instance, Marmara Islands, Koyun Island, Paşalimanı Island, and Ekinlik are the other islands which are belonged to Balıkesir. From Istanbul, Tekirdağ, and Erdek, you can take ferries or sea buses. From Erdek, you can arrive at Avsa Island in 2 hours. From Istanbul, you need to take ferries from the Yenikapı, Bostancı, and Avcılar harbors. These ferries pass by Marmara Island and Erdek as well. 

Where is Avsa Island?

Avsa Island is in Balıkesir, Turkey.

What are the things to do on Avsa Island?

On Avsa Island, you can swim on a beach, have fun in a nightclub, eat and drink at beautiful restaurants and bars, drink fine vines and eat olives special to Avsa Island. 

How can I go to Avsa Island?

You can take ferries from Avcılar, Yenikapı, and Bostancı harbors in Istanbul. Also, from Tekirdağ and Erdek there are some transportation.