A PARADISE IN THRACE: KIRKLARELİ

İğneada, Kırklareli's a beautiful town in Demirköy district. This town is home to one of the rare beauties of the world: İğneada Longoz Forests. These forests are the scene of a different beauty in every season; It was formed in the place where the river accumulates as a result of the accumulation of sand brought by the streams and closing the mouth of the stream. These extremely rare flooded longoz forests have been home to hundreds of plant and animal species. It is time to explore this magnificent ecosystem, which spreads over an area of approximately 2500 acres and contains many lakes, by gliding among the trees with a canoe or by joining nature walks.

Of course it is just natural. In Kırklareli, which is a place worth seeing not only with its beauty but also with its history dating back to the 6th century BC; You can stay in Kırklareli central hotels with all kinds of comfort. Also; You can also stay in the seafront Kırklareli hotels in İğneada and Kıyıköy with 3, 4 and 5 star options. Kırklareli hotel prices; According to the location of the hotel and the comfort it offers, it offers options for every budget.

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO EAT IN KIRKLARELİ

Kırklareli is a region that has hosted many civilizations throughout its history and has been invaded many times due to being a transition zone. The first archaeological finds in Kırklareli, which seems to have been submerged for a long time at the end of the ice age, date back to the Neolithic period. The oldest known name Saranta Ekklesies which Kırklareli, named as Kırkkilis in the Ottoman Empire and gained the name today, in 1924.

Turkey in Europe opened an important border When you go to Kırklareli, which also has the Dereköy Border Gate from its gates, your first stop will of course be the Igneada Longoz Forests, Europe's largest flooded forest. These forests, where you can see all shades of green, especially in spring and summer, were declared a national park in 2007. In the southern part of the park; Saka Lake, Deniz Lake, Hamam Lake, Pedina Lake, Mert Lake and reed areas, longoz forests and deciduous forests around these lakes; In the northern part, there are Erikli lake and the surrounding longoz forests. Mert Lake, which is also of great importance for migratory birds, constitutes the largest wetland in these forests. Let us remind you that there is no other example of the forest ecosystem of İğneada Longoz Forests of this size and beauty. You should take a canoe or join nature walks in Mert Lake, breathe in its clean air and listen to the original sounds of this magnificent natural treasure.

When you are in Igneada; In the area of Çatalarmut, Sivriler Köyü; You can also see the tumuli, mounds and ruins of historical buildings in the Aypolos region where Hamam Lake and Bulanik Creek flow. We should also point out that there are many historical shipwrecks off İğneada.

The Aya Nikola Monastery in Kıyıköy, which is also frequented by its natural beauty and beach; It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. You should definitely add this monastery, which is one of the oldest stone carving monasteries in the world, and Kıyıköy Castle, also built by Emperor Justinian, to your list of attractions. Of course, you should also go to the sea from Kıyıköy Beach and then stop at the famous Aşıklar Tepesi and watch its insatiable view.

Also; 3.200 meters long Dupnisa Cave, which is the only cave in Thrace that has been opened to tourism; Mahya Mountain with the highest point of 1,031 meters, the Strandja Mountains, which are within the borders of Kırklareli and are ideal for mountaineering, camping or nature walks; The Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Bridge, signed by Mimar Sinan, on the Lüleburgaz Stream; The Vize Small Hagia Sophia Mosque, located in the Visa district and converted into a mosque in the 14th century; The Babaeski Bridge built in 1633 from the time of 4th Murat; It is not without seeing the Hızırbey Mosque dated 1383, which is referred to as Europe's oldest mosque in some sources.

It offers many alternatives for those who want to enjoy the sea and the sun. Kirklareli. Kıyıköy, İğneada, Kastros and Begendik Beaches are just a few of them. In addition, there are many bays for camping and caravan tourism in Kırklareli, especially Panayır Pier Bay.

You can see examples of the rich history of Kırklareli and Thrace Region; You should definitely visit Ali Rıza Efendi Culture House, Aşağı Pınar Open Air Village Museum and Kırklareli Culture and Art House.

The natural wonder Hell Falls in Vize district After seeing it, you may want to visit Lüleburgaz Sokullu Bath, also built by Mimar Sinan, Hızırbey Bath or Babaeski Hamam built by Köse Mihalzade Hızırbey in 1383.

Well, after so much travel and dust, it's time to taste Kırklareli's cuisine. Papara made with water, bread and butter; Labada Borani made with labada and yoghurt; You can start with Onion Pita or Lamb Kapama and finish with Pekmezli Kaçamak made with beet molasses. Of course, it is not possible to come to Kırklareli and return without eating its famous meatballs. It also includes homemade buffalo yoghurt.

If you want to buy a gift before you return, we recommend you to visit the Hızırbey Bedesten in the Hızırbey Complex in the city center. Along with a variety of local cheeses, halva, marzipan, hardaliye, Kavala Cookie, Mis Soap and Poyralı Village Molasses; You can also buy wooden ornaments and textiles.

DON'T GO WITHOUT DOING

- You should definitely see the Igneada Longoz Forests, one of the rarest beauties of the world. On Mert Lake, you should listen to the voices of birds walking among the trees.

- You should definitely try Kırklareli's famous cheeses, meatballs and halva with walnuts.

- If you happen to be in Kırklareli in May, you should attend the Kakava Festival and jump over the fire. Maybe you'll pour some wolves with a 9/8 darbuka.

- You should definitely see Dupnisa Cave, a natural wonder.

- You should enjoy the sea and sun at Kıyıköy and İğneada Beaches