Edirne Province is known for its grand Ottoman buildings, soaring mosques and a flourishing food-and-wine scene. You can also visit history museums or find sun-drenched beaches and sparkling bays.
Things to do in Edirne Province
Edirne was once the regal capital of the Ottoman Empire. Today its legacy lives on with grand buildings like the Selimiye Mosque, a World Heritage-listed place of worship crowned by four 70-metre-high minarets. In summer, the city comes alive with riverfront restaurants, open-air cafes and colourful street festivals.
The Museum of Health is housed in a magnificent mosque complex raised by the Sultan Beyazit in the 1400s, filled with exhibitions recounting the history of Islamic medicine. You can admire Ottoman-era scrubs, learn about ancient instruments and tour the old hospital and medical school.
Edirne Province serves up some of Turkey's tastiest cuisine. In Edirne, snag a table at Kofteci Osman to indulge in local delicacies, such as deep-fried "tava ciger" calf's liver and juicy "kofte" meatballs. You can also sip your way through the Thrace Wine Route, where cellars like Arcadia Vineyards pour delectable Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enjoy some of Turkey's prettiest seascapes in Gokcetepe Nature Park. This off-the-beaten-track gem boasts sandy beaches fringed by aquamarine water and lush pine forests. Why not rent a tent and spend a night camping under the stars?
Getting around Edirne Province
Edirne Province is well-connected by local buses, while Edirne’s centre is easy to explore on foot. You'll also find local "dolmus" minibuses, taxis and rental cars. Istanbul Atatürk Airport is a 2.5-hour drive from Edirne.