The town was named after a member of the influential Karaosmanoğulları ayan family, Karaosmanoğlu Ali Ağa, who owned an estate here.

The remains of the ancient city of Myrina are within the boundaries of the district, located at about fifteen km north of Aliağa centre.

Another ancient site is the yet unexplored Gryneion, near Şakran township on the peninsula, to the south of the center town, also at a distance of 15 km (9 mi).

Visitors also often use the road from Aliağa to visit the remains of Aigai in Yuntdağı in Manisa Province.

İZBAN operates 15 daily trains from Aliağa Railway Station to Alsancak Terminal in İzmir.