Kırklareli is Turkey's most northerly province — a quiet corner of Thrace where beech forests of the Istranca (Yıldız) Mountains stretch to the Bulgarian border. It is largely off the tourist trail, but its nature, ancient Thracian sites and the dramatic Dupnisa Caves reward the curious traveller.
The ancient town of Vize (Bizye) preserves Roman and Byzantine monuments, while the forested highlands provide walking, camping and a cool summer refuge from Istanbul's heat.
Known for: Istranca highlands · Dupnisa Caves · Thracian forests · Bulgarian border · Vize
- Region
- Marmara / Thrace
- Famous for
- Istranca forests
- Best seasons
- May–Sep
- Border
- Bulgaria
Kırklareli on the live map
Explore Kırklareli and all of Turkey on the live intelligence map — tap a city node to fly in.
What Kırklareli is known for
The Dupnisa Caves — one of the longest cave systems in Thrace — and the Istranca highlands forest are the main natural draws. The ancient Vize basilica and Byzantine tower stand in the small town of Vize, and the village of Kıyıköy on the Black Sea coast offers a dramatic clifftop setting.
- Dupnisa Caves — extensive cave system in the Istranca forest.
- Istranca (Yıldız) Mountains — beech forest and nature trails.
- Vize — ancient Thracian and Byzantine monuments.
- Kıyıköy — clifftop Black Sea fishing village.
Getting around
Kırklareli city is 2 hours from Istanbul by bus. A car is needed to explore the highlands, caves and the coast at Kıyıköy.
On the platform
Kırklareli is joining Türkiye Gez as we expand into a Turkey-wide city intelligence platform. This guide is the launch foundation — live transport data, an interactive map and deeper neighborhood content roll out city by city, on the same architecture that powers Istanbul today.
Frequently asked questions
About Kırklareli
2The Istranca (Yıldız) highland forests, the Dupnisa Caves, ancient Vize, and as Turkey's quiet northern Thrace frontier bordering Bulgaria.
For nature lovers and off-the-beaten-path explorers, yes — the forests, caves and clifftop coast at Kıyıköy are genuine highlights.