Mythical Greek monsters, invading armies, spotless beaches, and Byzantine cave monasteries: Kıyıköy is an excellent weekend trip from Istanbul and has the pulling power of a town many times its size. Its main draw is a big, wonderfully clean beach on the Black Sea coast, a few associated activities, and a couple of fascinating historical sites, which mean Kıyıköy has something for everyone.
History of Kıyıköy
Kıyıköy is the site of the mythical Ancient Greek city of Salmydessus, which first entered the historical record as the site where Jason and the Argonauts saved Phineus from the harpies on their way to Colchis. Later, the Greeks changed its name to Midye (which means “mussel” in both Greek and Turkish) because of the abundance of seafood in the area.
The sleepy town received a rude wake-up call when it found itself on the official front line and national border between the Russian and Ottoman Empires following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, and then again between Bulgaria and Turkey following the First Balkan War of 1913.
During the Greek-Turkish exchange of populations in 1923, the town’s mostly Greek and Bulgarian residents crossed over the border to their respective countries, and were replaced by Turkish former residents of Thessaloniki. 37 years later, in 1960 the town’s name was changed to Kıyıköy, which means ‘Coast Town’ in Turkish.
Sights and Activities of Kıyıköy
Since you’re only competing with about 2000 locals, you might have Kıyıköy’s magnificent beach all to yourself. There are several more beaches and coves north-west along the coast.
The two photogenic streams emptying into the sea give the beach a beautiful backdrop, as well as providing inexpensive boating and fishing options.
A short walk from the beach (or anywhere else in this tiny town), St. Nicholas’ Monastery is the towns top historical site. Completed in 565 AD by legendary Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, the complex is carved deep into a rockface, reminiscent of Cappadocia’s cave churches, complete with chapel and holy well.
Also built by Justinian I on top of much older fortifications, the remains of the Kıyıköy Fortress ring Kıyıköy’s old town. Although most of it has been destroyed by invading armies or repurposed by locals, the remaining ramparts give and idea of what the medieval town might have looked like.
Transportation
The best to way to reach Kıyıköy is by private car if you have one. Take motorway 0-3 via via Saray.
Kıyıköy can be reached by public transportation from Istanbul via Saray or Vize.
Things to Do Around Kıyıköy
The trip to Kıyıköy from Istanbul takes you through the heartland of the famous Thracian wine region. The best vineyards to drop into are Arcadia and Gurbuz.
The provincial capital Vize, once the capital of the independent Thracian nation, also has some interesting history and sights, including the 1500-year-old Hagia Sofia church, a ruined amphitheater, and the remains a mighty Byzantine fortress, all arranged alongside each other in the center of town.
Food and Accommodation
For anyone staying the night in Kıyıköy we suggest one of two opposite options. One is to embrace your inner adventurer, and check in with the Salas or Carpe Diem campsites, located at the bottom of the river valley, a short walk from the beach.
The other option is the opulent Kıyıköy Resort Hotel at the top the valley. This new and surprisingly affordable hotel has big, clean rooms, a good (and included) breakfast, a bar, an infinity pool, and amazing views of the valley and beach. Ask for a room with a sea view.
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For ESL instructors, we’ve also shared comprehension, vocabulary, discussions questions, and a crossword puzzle.
