Since 1987 the small, remote region of Thrace (also referred to as Western Thrace), in the northeast of Greece, has been part of the administrative region of East Macedonia and Thrace, itself part of the large semi-autonomous region of Macedonia.

My Favourite Planet guides to places in Thrace are in a separate section rather than as part of the guides to Macedonia. Similarly, some islands, such as Samothraki, which are now also politically part of Macedonia and Thrace, appear in our section on the North Aegean Islands. We think this makes more sense for travellers who may be more interested in the particular character and flavour of an area or island than immediate political concerns.

Mainland Thrace is a long strip of coastal plain along the Thracian Sea, part of the North Aegean Sea. In the west the land rises north to the wild Rhodope Mountains which form a natural frontier with southern Bulgaria. In the east the valley of the Evros River descends from the borders between Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece, southwards through extensive farmlands to the wide delta on the coast, west of the Gallipoli Peninsula and the Dardanelles.

There is very little tourism in the region, and most Thracians make their living from agriculture, mainly wheat and tobacco. There are only six towns of any size, the port and transportation hub of Alexandroupoli being by far the busiest. Many villages are quite isolated, while others, particularly along the main roads and along the Evros valley, are well connected to the towns.

The recent road-building projects in the region, especially the new A2 (E90) "Egnatia Odos" motorway across northern Greece, has made travelling around much easier, and improved life for local people: previously many roads were impassable in winter and villages cut off. On the other hand the Greek economic crisis has seriously affected public transport, including rises in fares and reductions of ferry and train services.

There are no glittering cities, idyllic beaches, breathtaking scenery, spectacular historic sites, monuments or museums here (the main archaeological museum is at Komotini; see Museums in and around Alexandroupoli). The landscapes and sights are modestly impressive and the towns are agricultural market centres. However, life is relatively relaxed, the people are friendly and the ethnic mix of Greeks, Turks and Pomaks, especially in the villages, is almost unique in the Balkans. Many local traditions, for example music and dance, still survive and can be enjoyed on feast days and at local fairs (see photos below). Recent events here have inlcuded bagpipe festivals.

For nature lovers and hikers there are large areas of wild, wooded and hills and mountains, with many species of birds and animals, as well as the nature reserve of the Evros Delta National Park.