Alexandroupolis: the European city the Turkish dreamed of!

Alexandroupolis is a Thracian city that has been the object of lust of all its neighbors. Fights between Greece, Türkiye (Turkey), and Bulgaria still echo in the background. Finally, decades after the fights, this port has opened its harbor for everybody, the neighbors included. What is there to see? Is it really worth all the fights? Are we going to like it? After being mostly in quiet towns and beaches during this trip, we don't know. Alexandroupolis is a city with all the hustle and bustle. 

Our time exploring Greek lands is almost over, so let's not waste a second! Come with us to explore Alexandroupolis! Here we go!

Where is Alexandroupolis?

Alexandroupolis, in northeastern Greece, is situated along the Aegean Sea in the region of Thrace, close to the borders with Türkiye and Bulgaria. Alexandroupolis serves as the capital of the Evros region in Thrace. Its strategic location at the intersection of Europe and Asia imbues the city with a unique charm, blending seaside tranquility with historical significance.

Based on Google’s calculations, Alexandroupolis is about:

• 14.5 km west of the delta of the Evros.
• 76.4 km (60 min) from the Bulgarian border Makaza, via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90 and A23.
• 134 km (1 hr 44 min) from the Turkish border Pazarkule, via E85/EO51.
• 321 km (4 hrs) from Thessaloniki via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90.
• 864 km (9 hr 15 min) from Athens, via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90.

How to reach Alexandroupolis?

Getting to Alexandroupolis is straightforward. The city is well-connected by road, air, train, etc.

• Car. Which road to take will depend on where you are coming from. For instance, driving along the Egnatia Odos highway provides a quick route from Thessaloniki.
• Air. Alexandroupolis has an International Airport, "Dimokritos". You can find flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, making it easily accessible.
• Train. Greece’s railway network links Alexandroupolis to other major cities, offering scenic countryside views. 
• Bus. Buses to Alexandroupolis run daily from the main cities in Greece. The bus line KTEL operates in the area. You can even take a bus from neighboring countries Bulgaria or Türkiye (Turkey). For instance, a bus from Plovdiv, Bulgaria to Alexandroupoli is available and takes 14 hr 20 min.

What is the origin of the name Alexandroupolis?

The city was named after King Alexander I of Greece in 1920 to honor his role in the area’s liberation during the Balkan Wars. Before adopting its modern name (Ἀλεξανδρούπολις), it was known as Dedeağaç during Ottoman rule, reflecting its multi-ethnic history.

The history of Alexandroupolis. A city at the crossroads of civilizations

A bit of history is helpful to understand many things you will observe currently in this Greek city.

Strategic location. Alexandroupolis' location at the meeting point of Europe and Asia has shaped its identity as a cultural and strategic hub. Throughout history, its proximity to the Evros River, a natural boundary between Greece and Turkey, has made Alexandroupolis a gateway to the Balkans and Anatolia.

A fishing village becomes a crossroad. Alexandroupolis began as a small fishing village in the early 19th century during the Ottoman era. That original small settlement was known as Dedeağaç and this name refers to "the tree of the elder," symbolizing its local flora. The village’s significance grew with the construction of a railway connecting it to major trade routes in the late 19th century. The Ottoman Empire's development of its port further enhanced its prominence as a trade and military hub.

The Balkan wars and the birth of Alexandroupolis. Following the First Balkan War (1912-1913), control of the area shifted frequently between Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. The Treaty of Bucharest (1913) temporarily placed Alexandroupolis under Bulgarian control. However, World War I and subsequent treaties, including the Treaty of Lausanne (1923), solidified its status as part of modern Greece.

The city was renamed Alexandroupolis in 1920 in honor of King Alexander I of Greece, commemorating his visit and the incorporation of the area into Greek territory.

A city geopolitically defined. As you can see now, the geopolitical location of Alexandroupolis has made it a focal point in regional politics. During World War II, the city faced occupation by both Axis and Allied forces. Post-war, its significance grew due to the Cold War, as Greece’s position in NATO heightened Alexandroupolis’ role as a military and logistical center.

In the contemporary era, Alexandroupolis remains a vital link between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans. Its port, railway, and highways connect Greece to Turkey and Bulgaria, playing a key role in trade, energy transport, and regional stability.

Alexandroupolis today. The city blends Thracian, Ottoman, and modern Greek influences. Its ethnological museums, Byzantine-era churches, and proximity to natural reserves, such as the Dadia Forest, showcase its rich heritage. The local economy thrives on fishing, trade, and tourism, while its modern port serves as a gateway for energy resources and goods flowing between Europe and Asia.

What to do in Alexandroupolis?

For us, the city is nice and comfortable but not spectacular. However, it definitely has options to enjoy your vacation. Here you have our favorite things to do and visit in Alexandroupolis. The following options are within its urban limits, so you can comfortably try them all without leaving the city.

Visit the lighthouse

Undoubtedly, the Alexandroupolis Lighthouse is a city landmark you should meet. It is impossible not to see it! It is one of the tallest in Greece and offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. This historic lighthouse (Pharos) has been guiding ships since 1880. It will cross your path every time you go for a cool walk by the sea or to the City Center.

Stroll through the City Center and the Sofy’s Square

The city’s center is not spectacular, but it is close and easy to explore. The first half of the day, this strolling can be a relaxing experience. During the afternoon, the vibe changes a lot. Big waves of young folks arrive at the party clubs that already await them with loud music and neon lights that announce a huge party night. We won’t hide it, we are not into clubs and crazy parties anymore. It was a bit too much for us. Exploring Sofy’s Square was ok, with its cafes, shops, and neoclassical architecture. A visit to the Ethnological Museum of Thrace could be a good idea to get a clearer insight into the region’s history and culture. 

Enjoy local cuisine

There are many local taverns for you to taste the flavors of Thrace, especially the fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish, kavourmas (originally Ottoman but now considered the local sausage), and bougatsa (a sweet pastry). Fun fact, as a result of Alexandroupoli’s proximity to Türkiye, you will find here Turkish kebabs and kavourmas competing vs. the Greek gyros and souvlaki. Not bad for tourists who already can have a tiny sample of the varied and very delicious Turkish food. If it is about food, this area is a paradise for your belly!

Bulgaria, Türkiye, and Greece have a variety of astonishing ingredients and dishes! There is also a lot of controversy about the origin of some dishes. Food is a massive pleasure and a hot topic too! Hahaha Anyway, let’s focus again on Greece! We've talked about Greek cuisine at every stop on this trip. You can check our previous articles for more Thracian taste. 

Relax on the beaches

The Aegean Sea is big and generous, so Alexandroupolis also enjoys and offers clear waters for swimming and relaxing. Variety suits all tastes, you can find organized beach clubs with sunbeds and bars or more secluded stretches of golden sand. The closer to the city, the beaches are more beach club and urban style. These were not our favorites. The further you go, you will find quieter beaches. With a bit of luck, they will be only for you (depending on the season you go)!

Perhaps the first recommendation you will get is Nea Chili Beach which is a short distance (west) from the city center. From the Alexandroupolis lighthouse to there it takes a twelve-minute drive (4.9 km). Makri Beach is another popular choice and it is 12.1 km (21 min) away.

Urban beaches

Alexandroupolis is a city with all the comforts, the hustle and bustle. Normal! However, that definitely impacts the environment of its urban beaches. For instance, its City Beach is well-maintained and ideal for those who want to enjoy the sea without leaving the city. It's easily accessible and offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby cafes. However, it is an urban beach. More people are there due to the easy access, the car pollution and city noise can be feelable in moments of high traffic. For us, it is not the best beach at all and it is not a fair reference to judge Greek beaches. We enjoyed it as a part of our daily walks, but to swim and spend the day we preferred further choices. We know, every traveler has specific preferences, so share with us your opinion, please!

Promenade walk along the waterfront

The city's waterfront is calm during the day and lively in the evenings. A walk along the promenade is perfect to start or finish your day. It offers a mix of sea views, street performers, bars, and restaurants.

Proskopon Park

This is a simple and quiet green space ideal for relaxing. Its location near the seafront makes it a good spot for enjoying the city’s ambiance.

Enjoy the Municipal Park (Dimotiko Parko)

Parks and open spaces are essential for us. We walked around this green and necessary oasis in the city center and had a picnic there. We were not the only, this park is a choice for leisurely walks and picnics and it is nice to see others enjoying the space too. It also has a playground.

Go shopping on Dimokratias Avenue

This is considered the city’s main shopping street and it is home to a variety of shops, from boutiques to chain stores. You will find everything from fashion and jewelry to souvenirs here. If you don’t want to buy, it is still a good street to walk and discover different local products.

Cultural events and festivals

We were told by different young guys that Alexandroupolis frequently hosts cultural events, concerts, and festivals. We were not lucky, but check local listings for activities during your visit. You could catch a good concert or festival here!

Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. If you are into this type of building, this is an Orthodox cathedral, dedicated to the city's patron saint. Its serene atmosphere and intricate interior design make it worth a visit.

Ecclesiastical Museum

If the Metropolitan Cathedral gets you and awakes your curiosity, you can walk a very short distance from there and reach the Ecclesiastical Museum. It houses Byzantine icons, religious artifacts, and other treasures that reflect the area's deep spiritual history.

Natural History Museum

It showcases the region’s biodiversity and geology. We didn’t visit it, but different parents recommended it by saying that the museum is a good attraction for adults but it is a greater entertainment for kids. The natural world can really trap children’s attention. Keep it in mind if you visit Alexandroupolis with your family. 

Local art galleries

We found different small art spaces in the city center, featuring works by regional artists and photographers. We did not visit many of these galleries because we prioritized beaches and open spaces.

Ferries from Alexandroupolis

The city links to other destinations via ferries. You can reach the Aegean Islands like Samothraki, Myrina/Limnos, and other destinations. 

All these options in a city that blends urban comfort with beautiful nature beauty clearly shows why Alexandroupolis is the European city the Turkish dreamed of! And even for Bulgarians, it must have been hard to overcome the loss of this city.

What to visit around Alexandroupolis?

If you stay a week or more in the city and you feel like experiencing a difference, there are some nearby choices you can enjoy. That is not a random event, history told us this place has a really strategic location, and this is true even for tourism!

Thermal Springs of Traianoupolis

Only 14.4 km (20 min) northeast of Alexandroupolis via E85/EO2, Traianoupolis, and its thermal springs awaits you. These thermal baths have been used since Roman times and still, many people visit this place searching for the therapeutic properties of its healing and rejuvenating waters. Rejuvenating sounds good, right? Hahaha The place is nice and the water is warm so relaxation is guaranteed.

Evros Delta National Park

A short drive of 22.0 km southeast (36 min) from Alexandroupolis leads you to the Evros Delta, one of Greece’s most important wetland ecosystems. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, offering boat tours, hiking paths, and the chance to spot hundreds of migratory bird species.

Ancient Mesimvria-Zone

26.4 km (28 min) to the west of Alexandroupolis via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90, you can reach this archaeological site with ruins of a Greco-Roman city. There, you can see remains of public buildings, like theaters, temples (the Sanctuary of Demeter and Apollo's temple), a fortification wall with towers, and baths. Mesimvria-Zone was a colony of Samothrace, built at the end of the 7th century BC, between Maroneia and Alexandroupolis. 

Explore local villages

You can spend a day visiting nearby villages like Lefkimmi and Soufli. Both are popular for their traditional handicrafts, especially silk weaving, and local cuisine. They are small and charming villages to discover, walk, find a cool hiking trail, and try local food. 

Lefkimmi is 52.6 km (45 min) away from Alexandroupolis, direction northeast via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90.

Soufli is 66.8 km (49 min) away from Alexandroupolis, direction northeast via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90 and EO Ardaniou Orestiadas/E85/EO51.

Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park

If you are a nature enthusiast, the Dadia Forest and its 428,000 acres are for you. Based on Google’s calculations, it is located 70.7 km (one-hour drive) northeast of Alexandroupolis. This national park is home to rare bird species, including the griffon vulture. The forest is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and immersing in the natural beauty of the region. You find easily different hiking trails to lead your exploration. For instance, the orange trail leads you to the Observatory (one hr). Before visiting this forest, check the fire risk index available online (https://civilprotection.gov.gr/en/xartis). Access is closed during the fire prevention period when the fire risk index goes to 3,4 or 5 (May 1st-October 31st).

Should you stay in Alexandroupolis or skip it?

Stay if you pass by! Alexandroupolis is not as developed as Athens or Thessaloniki, but it is the largest city in the Eastern Macedonia region and in Greek Thrace. It is a well-located (seaside) and comfortable city with welcoming locals. It is not spectacular but a nice place to visit and a comfy base for exploring northeastern Greece. Accommodations range from resorts to cozy boutique hotels or apartments, catering to all tastes and budgets. If you love the nightlife, Alexandroupolis has it! Bars and clubs are packed with young people and adults craving for a long party. If you feel enticed by an adventure in the neighboring countries, Bulgaria and Türkiye (Turkey) are just around the corner.

Conclusion

After exploring the city and its surroundings we confirmed it! Alexandroupolis is the European city the Turkish dreamed of. Perhaps not only the Turkish! Geopolitically speaking, it would have been a great victory for Bulgarians, Turks, and anyone else to keep this city within their territory. Finally, Greece won and now, it is a common tourist destination for its neighbors, party animals, and other travelers.

Being objective, Alexandroupolis may not be the first place you think of when planning a trip to Greece. Tourists searching for thrilling archeological sites or developed cities will go directly to Athens or Thessaloniki. Although, it is a city, don’t expect the level of development of the previously mentioned cities. People looking for the best Greek nature paradises for sure will go somewhere else.

However, travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience can really enjoy the difference, simplicity, and proximity with other countries of this city.

In this sense, the Northern Greece area has been a thrilling discovery for us. If you already visited the very popular spots (Athens, Santorini, Mikonos, Meteora, Rhodes, etc.) where everybody goes, try something different this time! Skipping everybody can lead you to awesome discoveries!

Next stop: Edirne, Türkiye (Turkey)!

You may find interesting to read also:

Keramoti: The Beach Town You’re Not Visiting—And It’s Better Than Santorini!

Thasos, Greece: Don't Fall for the Hype! Read the Truth!

It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!