Eastern Thrace Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, food, accommodations, and cultural aspects of Eastern Thrace in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Eastern Thrace

Located in the Marmara region of Turkey, Eastern Thrace is the European part of the country, separating Europe from Asia. Although it is the smallest region in Turkey, Eastern Thrace is rich in culture, traditions, and natural beauty. This region boasts a unique mix of Ottoman and Greek influences, as well as modern-day Turkish culture. Eastern Thrace has a lot to offer travelers, from its historically significant attractions to its breathtaking natural wonders.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Thrace

Eastern Thrace has several exciting places to explore. Here are some places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Edirne: This historic city was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire and has several attractions, including the Selimiye Mosque and the Old Mosque, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can explore the city’s rich history by visiting its museums such as the Ottoman Costume Museum or the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum.
  • Gelibolu Peninsula Historical National Park: This national park is home to a vast array of ancient monuments and burial sites from different periods, including the Battle of Gallipoli in World War I. You can visit the Anzac Cove, Conkbayiri, ANZAC Day ceremonies, Kabatepe, Chunuk Bair, and Lone Pine cemeteries.
  • Bursa: Known as the “Green City” due to the many parks and gardens and the “City of Islam” with its iconic Green Mosque, Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa has many significant historical sites that you can explore, like the Grand Mosque or the ancient Roman Baths, and the Bursa Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a must-visit.
  • Tekirdag: Located in the northwest part of Turkey, Tekirdağ has a fascinating history that was influenced by many cultures. The region’s museums, such as Namık Kemal House, are perfect for exploring the city’s history, culture, and customs.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Thrace: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Uludag National Park: This iconic national park is a haven for nature lovers located on a mountain range that boasts stunning views and fantastic trekking and cycling trails.
  • Saros Bay: Ideal for those who love the water, Saros Bay is located in the Aegean region and offers an array of seaside activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, and sailing. You can enjoy the sceneries of the panoramic views of Nestos Delta, Strandzha Mountains, and the Aegean Islands.
  • Istranca Mountains: One of the highest mountain ranges in Eastern Thrace, Istranca Mountains have vast forests, lakes and streams. You can spend your time trekking, cycling or join the tour operators that lead horse riding tours around the area.
  • Luleburgaz Thermal Springs: This spa offers a unique experience with its natural hot springs, which have long been known to have healing properties. You can relax and rejuvenate with a soak in the thermal waters while enjoying the beautiful nature around it.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Thrace

Eastern Thrace has a splendid natural landscape, and some hiking and biking routes are worth exploring. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Istranca Mountains Trail: This trail is a moderately difficult hike, taking around six hours to complete. You’ll trek through pine forests and stunning scenery, winding your way up to the highest mountain peak, Mutlu Yolu.
  • Babadag Mountain Trail: This trail is for the more experienced hikers and takes up to nine hours to complete. You’ll trek through alpine meadows, cross over mountain streams, and take in the beautiful scenery up to Baba Dağı’s summit, 1,100 meters above sea level.
  • Gelibolu Peninsula Historical National Park Trail: This park has several trails, Ofis Burnu, Hasanlar Reservoir, Anafartalar-Cape Helles, Anzac Cove, Kabatepe and Chunuk Bair, each with incredible scenery and varying difficulty levels for the perfect hiking experience.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Thrace: Activities and Tours

Besides historical and natural exploration, Eastern Thrace offers various activities for tourists. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Turkish Bath and Spa: Relax and rejuvenate in traditional Turkish style with high-quality spa treatments like hammams, peeling massages, and facial masks.
  • Wine Tasting Tours: Discover the world of Turkish wines and visit the grape-growing areas in Eastern Thrace, learn about the unique production techniques, and enjoy delicious local produce.
  • Great Struma River Rafting: Enjoy one of Turkey’s most beautiful river rafting destinations, located close to the Bulgarian border, and appreciate its stunning drop, beautiful panoramic views and crystal-clear water.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Thrace

Here’s a suggested itinerary to help make the most of your time in Eastern Thrace:

Day 1: Istanbul

  • Explore the city’s iconic attractions, such as the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, and end the day with a traditional dinner in one of Istanbul’s many restaurants.

Day 2-3: Edirne

  • Discover Edirne’s iconic Ottoman architecture, its historic museums, its old and new mosques, and have a relaxing day in the local thermal hot springs.

Day 4-5: Bursa

  • Visit Bursa’s ancient Roman Baths, Grand Mosque, and many beautiful parks and gardens. Take a cable car up to the top of Uludag National Park and enjoy the stunning views.

Day 6-7: Gelibolu Peninsula and Tekirdağ

  • Explore the World War 1 battlefields of Gelibolu Peninsula, visit the Namık Kemal House museum and have a relaxing day in the Tekirdağ Seaside, Saros Bay.

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Thrace

Eastern Thrace has a fascinating local cuisine influenced by its past, from Greek to Ottoman culture. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ciğer Tava: Fried lamb liver with vegetables and herbs.
  • Hamsi Kuşu: Fried anchovies, usually served with seasonal vegetables.
  • Balkan Kebab: A unique combination of meatballs, sausages, and lamb chops served on a hot platter.
  • Muhlama: A popular cheese fondue dish made with cornflour and butter.

Local Beverages

  • Raki: Turkey’s national drink and a potent alcoholic aniseed-flavored spirit often served with water and mezze.
  • Şalgam Suyu: A spicy red juice made from fermented black carrots served with kebabs and doners.
  • Ayran: A refreshing yogurt drink traditionally served with kebabs and other grilled meats.

Where to Stay in Eastern Thrace: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Thrace has various accommodation options ranging from small guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some of our top picks by location:

Istanbul

  • Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet: Located in the Old City of Sultanahmet, this hotel offers 65 rooms and suites that are beautifully decorated with Ottoman-style furnishings.
  • Pera Palace Hotel: This luxury hotel is located in central Beyoğlu, featuring rooms inspired by Agatha Christie’s the “Murder on the Orient Express.”

Edirne

  • RYS Hotel: Located in the center of Edirne, this cozy hotel is 2km away from Selimiye Mosque.
  • Karaağaç Green Park Hotel: Located on the banks of the Tundzha River, this hotel has various outdoor activities and a fantastic spa.

Bursa

  • Almira Hotel Thermal Spa: Located in the heart of Bursa, this luxury hotel has everything you need from a fantastic spa to a trendy restaurant.
  • Hotel Tugcu: Comfortable and cozy, this small boutique hotel is a great choice for those looking for somewhere affordable in Bursa.

What to Buy in Eastern Thrace: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some unique souvenirs and local products to purchase when in Eastern Thrace:

  • Olive Oil and Olives: Eastern Thrace is famous for its olive oil and olives, and many family-run businesses produce the best products made from ancient olive trees.
  • Traditional Carpets: Whether you want a unique souvenir, a gift or traditional Turkish rug for your home, Eastern Thrace’s towns are famous for their hand-weaved carpets and kilims.
  • Natural Soaps: Made from the region’s high-quality organic olive oil, these basic products come in several different scents and are perfect gifts to take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Thrace

Eastern Thrace’s culture is significantly influenced by the region’s Ottoman and Greek past. Eastern Thrace is also known for its culinary arts and traditional music. One of the most important things to always keep in mind when visiting Eastern Thrace is to respect the locals’ culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Thrace

The best time to visit Eastern Thrace is during the spring and autumn months. The weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer months. This period is perfect for hiking and biking, discovering ancient monuments, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Thrace

Do:

  • Dress appropriately, especially if you are visiting religious sites like mosques.
  • Try the local cuisine, there are countless delicious dishes to enjoy.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Show public affection, as it’s not a common practice in Turkey.
  • Drink in public places.
  • Be disrespectful to local customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Thrace

Turkey generally is a safe country, and visitors will feel very safe and comfortable exploring, even solo. However, tourists should pay attention to their belongings, avoid stray dogs, and follow safety regulations when engaging in adventures or sports activities.

Health in Eastern Thrace

Eastern Thrace has a diverse range of medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, many providing international services. Tourists can rely on receiving high-quality health care throughout their stay. Tourists need the standard list of vaccinations, such as hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tetanus, rabies, or more.

Getting to Eastern Thrace: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eastern Thrace is well-connected by different transportation modes, with international and local airports, bus and train stations, and other options.

Airports Near Eastern Thrace

  • Istanbul Airport: Located in the European part of Istanbul, the airport is the world’s largest and offers international flights and transfers.
  • Tekirdağ Çorlu Airport: Located near the city of Çorlu, this airport offers mainly domestic flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
  • Edirne Airport: A small regional airport that offers mainly domestic flights from Istanbul and Ankara.

Bus Stations Near Eastern Thrace

  • Esenler Otogar: The central bus station in Istanbul offers connections to almost all cities within Turkey.
  • Edirne Otogarı: A central bus station located in Edirne city, offering connections to major Turkish cities and other countries, like Greece or Bulgaria.
  • Bursa Otogarı: Located in the center of Bursa, the Bursa bus station offers connections to all major cities in Turkey.

Other Options

For a more authentic experience of Eastern Thrace, travel by train or bus is a great option. There are also several rent-a-car services for visitors who want to explore at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Eastern Thrace

Eastern Thrace has excellent transportation options to move around the region. Buses and trains are the most preferred methods of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Thrace: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eastern Thrace is an excellent hub for exploring other nearby destinations in Turkey, including:

  • Istanbul: Explore this historical city’s iconic attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Grand Bazaar.
  • Çanakkale: This city is located near the Gallipoli battlefields and is a great destination for military history enthusiasts.
  • Bursa: This city has delicious local food and many historical sites, including the Grand Mosque and the Green Tomb.

Conclusion

Eastern Thrace is a fascinating region, offering travelers the perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. You can enjoy the stunning panoramas of mountains and seas, taste unique local cuisine and immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and customs. Plan your trip to Eastern Thrace today, and start experiencing an area in Turkey that will undoubtedly amaze you.

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    Demirköy
    Eceabat
    Edirne
    Enez
    Gökçeada
    Kırklareli
    Lüleburgaz
    Uzunköprü
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