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A historical region inhabited since antiquity and for centuries disputed between Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, Thrace (Thráki in Greek) was in the days of the Interail voyages an area to cross by train from Thessaloniki to Istanbul. Then tourism forgot about this fascinating middle land, marked by strong contrasts and the presence of numerous minorities.
Now is the time to rediscover it: boundless countryside, the peaks of the Rhodope Mountains, forests, marshes, beaches await you; plus towns and villages where the traces of the Greek-Turkish-Bulgarian cultural mix are very evident, a rich folklore and many different culinary specialities to enjoy.
Thrace is a region of the Balkan Peninsula comprising territories belonging to the present-day states of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. It is washed by three seas: the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
The Greek part corresponds to Western Thrace and represents the north-eastern tip of mainland Greece. It is bordered to the east by the Greek region of Macedonia, to the west by Turkish Thrace and to the north by Bulgarian Thrace, while to the south it faces the Aegean Sea.
Despite the abundance of sights and its fascinating atmosphere, Thrace is still one of the least visited regions of Greece. If you love remote places, far from the hustle and bustle, it is an ideal destination for you. Mark down the most beautiful attractions in the region to build your itinerary.
Thrace’s main port, Alexandroúpoli is a pretty town with plenty of small restaurants where you can eat good seafood for little money. Sights to see include lively town squares, an impressive lighthouse and the Folklore Museum. Don’t miss the Museum of Byzantine Art, where you can admire rare icons brought to Greece from Asia Minor.
Fond of green walks, nature photography or birdwatching? Don’t miss the Dadia forest reserve in Didymotiho: it is a fascinating protected natural area rich in pine and oak trees, located on the route of migratory birds travelling from Africa to Russia.
Another wonderful attraction for nature lovers is the Evros Delta, the region’s main river: it is a picturesque marshy area full of reeds and birdwatchers’ huts.
Once a stopover for tobacco traders, Xanthi is an Ottoman town that retains its ancient charm. The old town is a labyrinth of winding alleys overlooked by elegant palaces that once belonged to wealthy merchants in the area.
Komotini is perhaps the city in Western Thrace that will best convey the multi-ethnic soul of this region. The town’s attractions include a Byzantine fortress, a Turkish mosque, an archaeological museum and a museum of sacred art.
The small village of Echinos, less than 30 km from Xanthi, is one of the last outposts of the Pomaks, an ethnic minority of Bulgarian converts to the Muslim religion.
Near Alexandroúpoli is the archaeological area of Roussa where you can admire prehistoric tombs and a wall decorated with graffiti and rock art.
The last Greek town one encounters before setting foot in Turkey is Orestiada, a place completely ignored by tourists. Instead, it is well worth a visit for its borderland atmosphere, its peace and the chance to come into contact with customs and traditions that have disappeared in other regions of Greece.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
You can also have a seaside holiday in Thrace. The beaches of Thrace are not famous and this ensures that you will always find them uncrowded. The easiest to reach is Fanari Beach, near Komotini.
There are several places to stay in Thrace, each with its own unique characteristics. Here is a discussion of the main places in Thrace where you can find accommodation during your holiday.
One of the main places to stay in Thrace is Alexandroupoli, known for its lively atmosphere and the many accommodation options available. Here you will find a variety of hotels, flats and bed & breakfasts, many of which offer spectacular sea views. Alexandroupoli is also an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area, including the Evros Delta National Park, famous for its rich biodiversity.
Another popular resort is Komotini, a lively university town located in the interior of Thrace. It offers a wide choice of accommodation, ranging from luxury hotels to cheaper guesthouses, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, reflecting the city’s youthful energy.
Xanthi is another fascinating place to find accommodation in Thrace. Famous for its well-preserved historical centre with cobbled streets, traditional houses and a lively cultural atmosphere, Xanthi offers a selection of hotels, boutique accommodation and holiday homes, allowing you to experience the authenticity of the region.
From Alexandroúpoli it is possible to reach two beautiful islands that are still little known to tourists and are administratively part of Thrace: Thassos, green and rich in waterways, and Samothrace, the last Greek island before Turkey, famous for its statue of the goddess Nike.
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