İğneada is a charming town at the Black Sea coast of Thrace, in the Demirköy district of Kırklareli. With a 22-kilometer coastline, this region is a hidden nature paradise where all the shades of green and blue come together. İğneada, which hosts rare natural beauties, is waiting for its guests in all the seasons.
İğneada, which we have begun to hear more and more frequently, is located about 225 kilometres away from Istanbul. İğneada, which the experts say has a miniature sample of Amazon, can be reached in a four-hour drive from Istanbul. Since there are many places to visit in the region, it is beneficial to visit Igneada by car.
Longoz Forests National Park
Floodplain, which is a natural formation that makes Igneada a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists, are found only at three points in the world. Apart from Africa and Amazon, Europe's largest flood forest is located in this region. Floods, which are a kind of forest ecosystem, are also defined as “overflow”. These special zones, formed in the place where the stream accumulates as a result of the accumulation of the sand brought by the streams flowing towards the sea, forming an embankment on the shore, creates beautiful views.
Flood forests, which are of a rare ecosystem, are in İğneada, Sakarya-Acarlar and Sinop-Sarıkum, Turkey. In addition to these, the ruins of forests with flood nature can be seen in Samsun Kızılırmak Delta.
The water under which the flood forests stay in winter and spring, is partially at low tide in summer and autumn. Floods resembling tropical forests lose their properties in a short time when the ground water levels decrease. Therefore, the main condition for the continuity of the ecosystem is continuous and abundant water.
A large number of creatures prefer flooded forests to live. Tree species such as ash and alder; plants such as lake bulbs, water violets, and birds such as black storks and heron are some of the species on this long list. Igneada Forest is home to four lakes, 544 species of plants, 46 species of life, 25 species of reptiles, 50 species of mammals, 30 species of freshwater fish, 20 species of marine fish, and 219 species of birds.
Lake Mert
Located in İğneada forests, Mert Lake offers enormous views to nature lovers. After paddling in the reed area for about 20 minutes on the canoe you will rent from the beach, you can discover the areas through the forest and encounter a magical view that you have never seen before. You may feel out of breath in the face of this natural beauty that seems to belong to another planet. Our advice is to stay in the moment and enjoy the silence and tranquility.
Dupnisa Cave
Dupnisa Cave is located within the boundaries of Sarpdere Village of Demirköy district of Kırklareli province, approximately 6 kilometres southwest of the village. This cave is the only cave of Thrace opened to tourism. The total length of this underground system, which has two floors and three entrances, is 3150 meters. This cave, which is thought to be 180 million years old, offers a visual feast to its visitors with its river, stalactites and stalagmites.
Kıyıköy
There are numerous places to visit in this small Black Sea village Vize district of Kırklareli. Some of these are Aya Nikola Monastery, Kıyıköy Cave, Kıyıköy Castle, Kıyıköy Port Bath, Love Hill, Selvez Bay. Kıyıköy is a cosy place with its beaches and people.
You can ride a canoe or river bike on the river. You may rent a boat or get around the coast. The surface of the river, full of trees, is covered with water lilies in spring. During the trip, you can see these beautiful water lilies and watch the turtles and sea snakes.
Igneada Lighthouse
İğneada Lighthouse, located at a point where green and blue meet, across a wonderful view, was built by the French during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecit. You can sip your tea in the tea gardens around this unique lighthouse.
Beğendik Village
Beğendik Village, next to Rezve Creek on the border of Bulgaria, has been declared an example village by Atatürk. The village, which draws attention with its peaceful and calm atmosphere, also has a legendary beach. This is a legendary beach that you can choose to enjoy the sunshine and the sea.
If you happen to visit here, we recommend you to taste the chicken cooked in a tin and the vegetable grills prepared with chicken flavour in the places run by the families near the beach of Beğendik. You can also sip your coffee and enjoy the tranquility in the coffee shop around the square.
Dervish Ali Baba Tomb
Derviş Ali Baba Tomb, which is located within the borders of Avcılar Village, is considered sacred by the local people. According to the customs in the region, before the wedding and circumcision ceremonies, the people visit this mausoleum and convey their prays. When you visit Igneada, you can make good wishes for your loved ones.
Blurry Creek
Unlike the harsh waves of the Black Sea, this town is ready to amaze you with its calm and still water. If you happen to visit Igneada, which is surrounded by oak forests in the summer, you can go to Blurry Creek and you can share this interesting experience by walking towards the sea through the shallow tides. You can have a pleasant day on the 20-kilometer beach of Igneada, where you can enjoy the sea as well. It is also possible to rent an ATV and get around the town.
What to Eat in Igneada?
İğneada, a Black Sea resort, is famous for its fish. Turbot fish stands out among the fishermen along the beach. Apart from its fish, Çatkapı Fish Restaurant is also famous for its olive oil dishes. The meals you need to taste when you come to İğneada are “Cizleme (its local name)”, Albanian liver and potato soup. The taste of the salmon trout of the river flowing from the Strandja Mountains is also good. Igneada honey is another flavour of the region. You can buy local jams and honey from the stalls set up along the road, and you can eat ice cream from Recep Usta Ice Cream Shop located in the center of Igneada.
Where to stay?
In the region, there are large and luxurious hotels as well as pension and motel options. If you wish, you can bring your tent and stay in suitable camping areas. Let us remind you that it is beneficial to keep a mosquito repellent spray as you travel, since Igneada is a swampy area for mosquitoes.
