smell

Kastro

It is the gate of Tekirdağ and Saray District to the Black Sea and located 27 km away from the District centre. This small bay, where the Bahçeköy stream flows into the Black Sea, forms the coastline of the Palace with 2,5 km of sandy beach. Bringing together the Yıldız (Istranca) Mountains (Forests) and the beauties of the Black Sea, Kastro, where green and blue embrace one another, is an important tourism centre. The chalets and promenades along the river from the Saray to Kastro, on the route of the Yıldız Mountains are worth seeing. Along the Bahçeköy Stream, which comes through the forests and flows into the Black Sea from the beach, trips are organized with boats into the forest. A lagoon lake was formed where the Bahçeköy Stream flows into the Black Sea. It is the only area with naturally growing larch forests in Trakya (Thrace). It is a unique piece of nature inhabited by the forest ecosystem and various animal and plant species, especially roe deer. Larch, Hungarian Oak, Sessile Oak, Saped Oak, East Hornbeam, Black Hornbeam, Ash, Beech, Maple, Linden, Alder are the main tree species in the area. There are rare species of Sand Lilies on its beach. When it blooms, it fascinates people with its beautiful scent.

Istranca (Yıldız) Mountains

Extending from Kırklareli to the Bulgarian border, the Istranca Mountains (also known as the Yıldız Mountains) serve as the primary oxygen source of the Thrace region and stand as one of Europe's most valuable natural areas in terms of biodiversity. Situated at the intersection of the Black Sea and Thracian continental climates, the region fosters an exceptionally rich flora and fauna structure.

Dominated by oak, hornbeam, beech, and chestnut trees, this mountain range is world-renowned, particularly for the flooded Iğneada Floodplain (Longoz) Forests. Combined with freshwater lakes, coastal dunes, and a vibrant aquatic ecosystem, this habitat lies along a key migratory bird route while hosting roe deer, otters, lynxes, and numerous rare plant species.

Offering unique routes for hiking, camping, photography, and ecotourism enthusiasts, the Istranca Mountains remain one of the most majestic biological corridors preserving Thrace's untouched natural heritage today.