Erdek is a town and district of Balıkesir Province in the Marmara region of Turkey. Located on the nort coast of Gulf of Erdek at the south of the Sea of Marmara, Erdek is known as a friendly holiday destination that is popular among domestic tourists. The area has rugged geology and topography and evergreen wooded areas.

It was known as Artake in ancient times. Artake experienced the rule of the Milets, Hellens, Romans and Byzantines in 7th century B.C. Artake was conquered by Süleyman Pasha, son of Orhan Ghazi in 1339, and was dominated by Ottomans.

Arriving Erdek takes 20 minutes from Bandırma, where locates an active ferry harbour that is connecting Yenikapı Istanbul - Bandırma line. Erdek has 2 four-stars hotel, many more boarding houses and majorly private property residential areas (summer houses, villas ...) Cafes at the seaside in city center are famous, and also commercial facilities are sufficient.

Climate

The summers of Erdek are hot and dry while winters are mild and rainy.

Sightseeing

Erdek Open Air Museum

It was founded in 1948. The remains from Hellenistic and Roman Period, excavated in Kyzikos Ancient City, are exhibited in this museum such as; the statue of Aphrodite, columns and column heads of the Hadrianus Temple, an obelisk, tombs, inscriptions, grave steles, relieves, tablets and mosaic pieces.

Kyzikos (Belkıs) Ancient City

It was an important art centre during the Roman period. Located at the meeting point of the Kapıdağ Peninsula and the Anatolian Coast, it is a partly standing ancient city founded by the Milets. It is one of the oldest Ion cities. The ruins of the city spread on an area of 11 sq. km. The vaulted base and the architectural parts of Hadrianus Temple that are scattered among these ruins give hints about the splendour of the city in the Roman Period.