Small & Boutique Hotels in Alexandroupoli

Some cities make you fall in love at first sight, others steal your heart over time. Alexandroupoli does both. Located in northern Greece, just a stone's throw from the Turkish border, this quaint seaside town slows you down and calms you with its history and the peaceful atmosphere of today. Far from the crowds, it is a place that does not create great expectations, but once you visit, it makes you say “I'm glad I came”. Moreover, it is only a 2-hour drive from Edirne.

History of Alexandroupolis

The history of Alexandroupoli goes back much further than you think. In the 8th century BC, the Carians and then the Thracians settled on Samothrace Island (Samothraki) as the first settlers, and from there they moved to the mainland, that is, to today's Alexandroupoli region. Over time, the city came under the rule of many great civilizations such as Rome, Byzantium, Venice, Gatelouzoi and the Ottomans. According to legend, a tekke was established here during the Ottoman period in the 15th century. The tree under which the sheikh of the tekke sat was considered sacred by the locals, hence the name “Alexandroupolis”. Isn't that a beautiful name? The fate of Alexandroupoli was shaped by wars. It was first ceded to Bulgaria with the Treaty of Bucharest in 1913 and then to Greece with the Treaty of Neuilly in 1919. In 1920, with the visit of the Greek King Alexander I, the name of the city was officially changed to Alexandroupoli. Today, both names still seem to live together, for the locals it is still Alexandroupoli.

What to see in Alexandroupoli

1. Lighthouse (Pharos): Located right in the heart of the city, this white lighthouse overlooking the sea is a symbol of Alexandroupoli. Built by the French in the 1880s, this 27-meter-high structure is now on duty for both navigation and Instagram poses! Combined with the sunset in the evening, it makes for romantic views.

2. Dimotiko Park and Coastal Road: Just behind the lighthouse, this lush green park is a great stop for a walk, a rest or a frappe in the shade. The coastal path gets crowded in the evening and is a meeting point for cyclists, hikers and sunset watchers.

3. Ethnography Museum: If you are curious about the daily life, clothes, household items and cultural richness of the people of the region, you should definitely stop by. This small but intimate museum offers a beautiful window into the history of the region.

4. Church of Agios Nikolaos: One of the most important religious buildings in Alexandroupoli, this Orthodox church is worth seeing both for its exterior and the frescoes inside.

What to do in Alexandroupoli?

• In the morning, drink Greek coffee or freddo cappuccino on the terrace of a cafe overlooking the sea. Have a delicious koulouri (Greek bagel) with it.
• During the sea season, escape to the beaches just outside the city: Agia Paraskevi, Dikella and further on, Makri beach, with its calm sea and clean sandy beaches.
• Time to eat? Try grilled calamari, octopus, saganaki cheese and Greek salad in the tavernas. Accompany with ouzo or a local retsina wine.
• In the evening, take a walk along the wide coastal avenue and watch the sunset. Renting a bicycle and pedaling along the coast is also a great alternative.
• At night, you can spend a low-paced, pleasant night in the bars in the city center. If you ask “Is there a nightlife in Alexandroupoli?”, yes, it is small but cozy.

How to get to Alexandroupoli?

You can reach Alexandroupoli in 4-5 hours by private car from Istanbul or you can take a bus from Edirne. You must have a valid Schengen visa to enter Greece. If you are going to visit Kavala, Komotini or Thessaloniki, it is quite easy and logical to add Alexandroupoli to your route. The city has a train station and a bus terminal, and public transportation is quite regular.

Alexandroupoli is not flashy, but that is precisely why it is impressive. It has a simple beauty, far from the chaos. It is neither overly touristy nor forgotten. Small but with character. If you want to relax for a few days, get to know Greek culture a bit better and spend some time in a beautiful seaside town, Alexandroupoli is waiting for you. Maybe all you need is to sit here and do nothing.