History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Saros Gulf, located in the northeast of the Aegean Sea, is one of the three self-cleaning marine gulfs in the world; Thanks to its strong complex bottom currents, it maintains its crystal clarity by completely renewing its internal waters three times a year. Erikli Beach and its beaches, the pearl of the Saros coast, are known as the Bodrum of Thrace. Italian Bay, located on the Mecidiye coast west of Erikli, is a sheltered natural bay where Italian ships are rumored to have landed during World War I. Gökçetepe Nature Park, where pine forests meet the sea, is one of Türkiye's most popular ecotourism, camping and scuba diving paradises with its high oxygen rate and clear waters. Huge plane and ship wrecks sunk in the Gulf waters within the scope of the world's largest artificial reef project have enriched the underwater flora. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located on the northern Aegean coastline, at sea level (0 metres). On one side, there are the red pine and oak forests of the Koru Mountains, and on the other side, fine-grained golden sand dunes and sheltered bays surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Erikli public beach and sandy beaches are free; Vehicle and tent entrance to Gökçetepe Nature Park is subject to the Nature Conservation and National Parks tariff.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): The beach and coastline are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; Nature park gates accept entrance between 08:00 - 22:00.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: There is an uninterrupted walking path along the Erikli beach promenade; There are lifeguard towers on the beach. It is forbidden to light fires in the nature park, except in the pits designated against forest fires.•Facilities and Facilities:There are cafeterias, fish restaurants, sun lounger and umbrella rentals, showers, cabins, WC, markets and camping areas along the beach promenade. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Erikli Sahili & Gökçetepe Köyü Mevkii, Keşan / Edirne.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: You can reach Erikli via Mecidiye via a 35 km asphalt road from Keşan center; It is completely suitable for road passenger vehicles.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Erikli and Mecidiye minibuses depart from Keşan Old Fire Station and Keşan Bus Terminal every 20 minutes during the summer season and carry passengers directly to the seaside promenade.•Parking Availability:There are more than 500 parking spaces in the municipal open parking areas and hotel car parks behind Erikli beach. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The view of the turquoise tones of the sea over the Italian Bay cliff, the crimson sun setting into Saros Gulf through the pine trees.•Light and Shooting Hours:Windless sea surface in the early morning and sunset hours in the evening.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:You should taste Keşan Satır Meat, registered in the center of Keşan, and then taste the region's famous cheese halva with fresh fried calamari by the sea.