Located at the crossroads of continents and cultures, Alexandroupoli stands as a gateway between East and West. This vibrant Greek city, a crucial hub for sea and land routes, is more than just a pit stop for travelers between Europe and Asia. It’s a destination that rewards those who linger, offering a treasure trove of experiences that go far beyond a mere waypoint on the journey through the stunning landscapes of Evros.
Who would have thought that a humble fishing village, founded only in the mid-19th century and named after King Alexander I, would evolve into such a gem? Today, Alexandroupoli has a bustling port, a thriving commercial center, and a warm, welcoming vibe that captivates visitors. Its lively waterfront promenade, pristine sandy beach, and intriguing architectural elements are just the beginning. Add to that a wealth of museums, activities, and experiences, and it’s clear why Alexandroupoli is rapidly emerging as Greece’s next must-visit destination.
Why You Should Visit in September
September in Northern Greece retains a touch of summer’s warmth, with pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. It’s the sweet spot between the heat of summer and the cool of fall.
The Alexandroupoli Cultural Summer festival extends into the first month of autumn, offering additional entertainment opportunities. Expect a diverse program of performances, from choir meets and concerts to stand-up comedy shows.
For a unique cultural experience, head to Feres on September 14th for the Feast of the Holy Cross. This annual religious festival is a vibrant celebration of one of autumn’s major holy days, complete with traditional music, dance, and local delicacies.
What to Do
Since 1920, when Alexandroupoli became part of Greece and the blue and white flag waved on its waterfront, the city has continued to evolve while maintaining the traditions of its seafaring first inhabitants and its unique cultural identity. For every visitor, the first stop is the iconic landmark of the Evros capital – the towering lighthouse that dominates the central coastal avenue. Standing at 18 meters tall, it overlooks the city and is recognized as a monument of cultural heritage. A marble plaque at its entrance informs visitors of its nearly 150 years of operation, while numerous cafes beneath its imposing silhouette offer relaxation in a truly unique setting. To the east, the harbor with its picturesque fishing boats is ideal for a sunset stroll and serves as the departure point for ferries to Samothrace. Alternatively, the small church of Prophet Elias, just outside the city, offers an idyllic spot to contemplate the sunset.
While the weather still reminds of summer, walks and nightlife along the waterfront are lively and varied. You can head to traditional ouzo taverns and fish restaurants, seek out local flavors like the famous kavourmas (a type of preserved meat), pies, and yufkades (a type of pasta), or hit the clubs if you’re in the mood for dancing.
For morning hours, when you’re not at the Blue Flag awarded municipal beach of Alexandroupoli with its wide sandy shore and full amenities, or the nearby beaches of Nea Chili, Makri, Agia Paraskevi, and Dikella, the city’s wealth of museums proves remarkable. These museums contribute to the vivid narration of the area’s history, the preservation and dissemination of its rich traditions, and the showcase of the region’s rare habitats.
Start in the city center with the Historical Museum of Alexandroupoli, where interactive media and a variety of thematic units shed light on the city’s diverse population groups, its commercial development, and its architectural character. The Ethnological Museum of Thrace, housed in a beautiful preserved neoclassical stone building, introduces visitors to the folk culture of Thrace, specifically the traditional way of life in Evros between the 17th and early 20th centuries.
Closely linked to folk tradition are the Museum of Sarakatsani Tradition in the settlement of Aisymi (within the Municipality of Alexandroupoli, 22 km north of the city), the Museum of the Cappadocian Home of Evros with its vivid depiction of daily life in Cappadocia, and the Folklore-Historical Museum of Feres with its interesting presentation of old professions, women’s costumes from Evros villages, and everyday objects of local residents and refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor.
The exhibits of the Archaeological Museum are also fascinating, including findings retrieved from the bottom of the Thracian Sea or excavated from ancient Peraia of Samothrace, the Neolithic settlement of Makri, and the thriving classical city of Zoni. Finally, while church heirlooms dating from the 16th to the 20th century are displayed in the Ecclesiastical Museum of Alexandroupoli, children will greatly appreciate a visit to the Natural History Museum, which uses modern technologies to showcase the rare characteristics of the area’s biotope, biodiversity, and protected species.
These natural wonders are worth experiencing firsthand with excursions in the prefecture, where the Evros Delta dominates as a marvel of nature. Options include the Nipsa forest, designated as a Natura habitat; cycling in the Kirki biotope; hiking among beech and pine forests and traditional windmills in Melia; visiting the famous Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Forest Park; or discovering the ancient olive grove of Makri with olive trees up to 2,500 years old.
Where to Stay
Just as green and blue dominate the natural palette of Evros and define this border region, they also set the scene surrounding Alexandroupolis’s jewel of a resort, the Astir Egnatia Alexandroupolis by Grecotel. As an ideal destination for modern, discerning travelers, whether on an active city break or a mission to discover a place with a unique identity, this high-end complex – comprising the equally impressive Astir Alexandroupolis and Grand Hotel Egnatia – nestles harmoniously within the ever-changing landscape: a lush pine forest surrounded by the sea, just steps away.
Access to downtown Alexandroupolis is equally easy, a distance comfortably covered on foot. Meanwhile, the resort – ranked among Greece’s top destinations by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2023 – serves not only as the perfect base for excursions to the enchanting Dadia Forest National Park and the Evros Delta but also as an ideal, luxurious haven for relaxation after a day full of adventures and activities. Another accolade, the international Green Key certification, confirms the resort’s sustainable tourism practices and implementation of programs aimed at continuously improving its environmental performance—a fundamental policy of paramount importance to the Grecotel group.
The unique-style accommodations at Astir Alexandroupolis adopt earthy color tones, stand out for their comfort and size and offer sweeping views of the verdant park or the coast. Executive rooms, maisonettes, and suites share a special feature: spa bathrooms where chromotherapy principles are applied, creating an environment of absolute private relaxation. Luxurious touches abound, such as the private pool in the Executive Suite or the handcrafted furniture, select fabrics, freestanding bathtub, and hydromassage and jet-shower cabins in the Grand Suite.
Grand Hotel Egnatia exudes its own aura of timeless elegance, where the strong presence of wood, deep red carpets, and designer fabrics take center stage. The overall ensemble is unbeatable classic yet familiar and warm, ideal for families, as all accommodation options here – superior rooms with private balcony or terrace and unique-style suites – are suitable for hosting three or four people. The Egnatia Presidential Suite, privileged in its first-floor location, stands out divided into two bedrooms, a living room, and a dining area furnished with designer fabrics, offering captivating views from two private furnished balconies.
This suite is also suitable for families with two children, who at Astir Egnatia Alexandroupolis enjoy special privileges – free accommodation for children up to 12 years old depending on room type, complimentary kids’ lunches at the Tasty Corner of the main restaurant during certain periods – as well as endless play and fun at the Kids Club. Creative activities, contests, a playground, and two freshwater pools for children and teens – one kids’ pool next to Egnatia’s main pool and one for toddlers at the Astir hotel—guarantee that the resort’s youngest guests will enjoy carefree moments while parents relax by the adults’ pool or treat themselves to the gift of rejuvenation, stress relief, and special care in the wonderfully serene Elixir Fitness Club. Inspired by the region’s uniqueness as a crossroads of continents and cultures, it combines a modern atmosphere with oriental touches, offering an indoor heated pool, steam bath, sauna, and electronic cardio fitness equipment for those who don’t abandon their workout routines even on vacation.
One thing is certain: everyone enjoys the inspired menus served at the resort’s ultra-chic restaurants, gastronomic landmarks for Alexandroupolis and the wider area. At the Mediterranean-oriented Bosporus, Greek flavors are infused with an international flair, and classic traditional recipes along with the freshest ingredients are transformed into contemporary Mediterranean dishes with global touches. The culinary result surprises and delights even the most discerning palate, while the experience is completed by the unique setting of the restaurant’s beautiful terrace overlooking the Thracian Sea.
Aesop’s Myths, on the other hand, also focused on Mediterranean cuisine, places particular emphasis on the treasures of the sea, offering one of the top fine dining seafood experiences in the region. Adopting the same classic decor and beautiful details of Grand Hotel Egnatia, it offers endless culinary choices, from traditional Thracian flavors to dishes from around the world.
As at Bosporus, three meals are served here, with rich breakfast buffets full of local products kickstarting an exciting day, while main meals will bring you to the terrace where you’ll savor them along with sea views. Three bars, one in each hotel lobby plus the Egnatia Pool Bar, ensure you’re supplied with refreshing drinks, imaginative cocktails, organic wines, and delectable snacks delivered right to the comfort of your sunbed as you relax and surrender to the magic of the sun sinking into the Thracian Sea.
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