Tekirdağ, Turkey: cities, destinations and things to do

The province

Get to know Tekirdağ

Tekirdağ lies in Thrace, the European side of Turkey, along the northern coast of the Sea of Marmara, between Istanbul and the Gallipoli peninsula. The interior is plains with wheat and sunflower fields; the coast alternates port towns, beaches and slopes above the sea.

The capital, Tekirdağ, has a waterfront with a fishing pier, old houses and the Rüstem Paşa complex, a work by Sinan. The Rákóczi Museum occupies the house where exiled Francis II Rákóczi lived, a national hero of Hungary, and the Namık Kemal House commemorates the Turkish writer born in the city.

To the west, the coastal road passes Uçmakdere, a former Greek village on a slope used for paragliding, and reaches Şarköy and Mürefte on the Thracian wine route, with wineries among vineyards and the sea.

Tekirdağ köfte, an elongated grilled meatball, is the province's dish, and Hayrabolu cheese dessert comes for dessert. In June the town usually holds a cherry festival.

When to go

From May to September is usually the best time, with beach season from June to August and the grape harvest between September and October. Sunflowers typically bloom in July. Winter is cold, damp and windy.

Getting there

From Istanbul, Tekirdağ is west along the coastal highway, with long-distance buses to the city. Tekirdağ's airport (Çorlu) has few flights; most travelers arrive via Istanbul airports. Confirm before booking. A car makes visiting Uçmakdere, Şarköy and Mürefte easier.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Tekirdağ

What is Tekirdağ köfte?

It is the city's typical meatball, elongated and grilled, served with pepper and accompanied by ayran, the yogurt drink. köfte restaurants are located in the center and along the waterfront.

Can you visit wineries in Tekirdağ?

Yes. Between Şarköy and Mürefte, on the Thracian wine route, several wineries welcome visits and tastings. Check ahead, as many require reservations.

Does Tekirdağ have beaches?

Yes, on the Sea of Marmara: Şarköy, Mürefte and Altınova have the most popular beaches from June to August. Marmara water is usually colder than the Aegean.

Why is there a Hungarian museum in Tekirdağ?

Francis II Rákóczi led a Hungarian uprising against the Habsburgs in the early 18th century. Exiled, he lived in Tekirdağ until his death in 1735, and his house became the Rákóczi Museum.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Natural Earth (domínio público). Ilhas do Mármara e dos Príncipes: geoBoundaries / © colaboradores do OpenStreetMap (CC BY-SA). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.