North Aegean camping guide: Ayvalık, Dikili, Burhaniye and Erdek
Olive trees running down to the sea, a long season and calm water make the North Aegean coast a favourite with campervan travellers. Campsites and practical notes from Ayvalık to Erdek.
Teknovan Editorial Team ·
Camping in the North Aegean means looking at the sea through olive trees. The islands off Ayvalık, the quiet beaches of Dikili, the family campsites of Burhaniye and, over on the Sea of Marmara, the bays of Erdek. They all sit on one line between İzmir and İstanbul that is easy to drive in a campervan. This guide covers North Aegean campsites and what is worth knowing before you tour the area by van.
The North Aegean camping map
| Area | Highlights | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Dikili | Long beach, close to Bergama | Long stays by campervan |
| Ayvalık | Cunda, Şeytan Sofrası, the islands | Sunsets, food, boat trips |
| Burhaniye | Ören beach, shallow sea | Families with children |
| Erdek | Kapıdağ peninsula, Marmara bays | A short break if you are coming from İstanbul |
Dikili: a quiet beach and Bergama
Dikili, at the northern tip of İzmir province, is the gateway to the North Aegean. Its long, calm beach is popular with people who stay for weeks in their vans. The town is small but has what you need. The ancient city of Pergamon and the Asklepion in Bergama are about half an hour's drive away. Ruins in the morning, sea in the afternoon: in Dikili both fit into one day.
Ayvalık: olives, islands and sunsets
The Ayvalık coast is a gulf scattered with islands big and small. The stone streets of Cunda (Alibey) island, sunset from the Şeytan Sofrası viewpoint and the long sandy beach at Sarımsaklı are the local classics. Campsites tend to be in the shade of pines and olive trees, within walking distance of the sea. Ayvalık food is part of the trip too: dishes cooked in olive oil, wild greens and the famous Ayvalık toast.
Burhaniye: shallow, calm water for families
Burhaniye and Ören beach, at the southern end of the Gulf of Edremit, are the first choice for campers with children thanks to the shallow, calm sea. The town is lively, with a market, olive oil factories and walks along the coast road, so a few days go by easily. Being close to the Kaz Mountains (Kazdağları) is a bonus: mountain in the morning, sea in the afternoon.
Erdek: the camping bay of the Marmara
Erdek, on the shore of the Kapıdağ peninsula, is one of the oldest camping spots on the Sea of Marmara. For anyone coming from İstanbul or Bursa it is a handy starting point for a North Aegean route. The water is cooler than the Aegean and the season a bit shorter. The best time is late June to September.
Campsites in the area
The list is a selection of campsites on teknovan.com.tr. Ratings are based on Google reviews and are as of 1 November 2026.
| Campsite | Location | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deniz Çadır Karavan Kamp | Dikili | Caravan park | 4.3 |
| Eos Camping | Dikili | Campsite | 4.2 |
| Ayvalık Çamlık Kamping | Ayvalık | Campsite | 4.0 |
| Altın Camp | Burhaniye | Campsite | 4.3 |
| Erdek Camping | Erdek | Campsite | 4.7 |
| Camping Kapıdağ | Erdek | Campsite | 4.1 |
When to go
- Late May-June: The olive trees are in flower, the sea is mild and it is not crowded.
- July-August: The busiest time. Ayvalık and Sarımsaklı get very full, so book ahead.
- September-October: Warm sea, cool evenings. The olive harvest starts at the end of October, and in the villages you can sometimes join in.
Notes for campervan travellers
- The İzmir-Çanakkale road (D550) runs through the whole region. It is wide and easy going in a campervan.
- Do not drive your van into central Ayvalık or the narrow streets of Cunda. Leave it at the campsite and go into town by minibus (dolmuş) or bike.
- For long stays, ask about a monthly rate. Most North Aegean campsites give discounts outside the season.
- If you are driving to Erdek from İstanbul, look at the ferry options too. They cut the driving time.
FAQ
Can you camp in Ayvalık with a campervan? Yes. Around Ayvalık and Sarımsaklı there are campsites with pitches that have electric and water hook-ups.
When does the camping season end in the North Aegean? Most coastal campsites stay open until the end of October. Some keep serving caravans through the winter. Ask before you go.
Can you combine the North Aegean and the Kaz Mountains in one trip? Easily. Burhaniye and Edremit are half an hour from the Kaz Mountains. See our Kaz Mountains and Assos camping guide for details.
You can compare every North Aegean campsite, with photos and facilities, on the teknovan.com.tr campsites page and send your booking request from there.
Image credits
Photos illustrate the region; they are not photos of the campsites themselves.
- Sarımsaklı, Ayvalık: Filip Maljković from Pancevo, Serbia, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons.jpg)
- Dikili: Tomhannen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Ören, Burhaniye: Aziz Akbiyik, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Erdek: Ozgur1000, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Dikili: Kadı, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
