Soufli

Soufli (Σουφλί) is a charming town in the Evros regional unit, known throughout Greece as the capital of silk production. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Evros plain, Soufli has a long and proud tradition of sericulture (silkworm farming) and silk weaving that dates back to the 19th century, when it became the main centre of the Ottoman silk trade. The town's heyday is visible in its elegant neoclassical mansions and the large former silk factories that line the streets.

While the silk industry has declined from its peak, it remains the defining feature of Soufli, kept alive by a handful of traditional workshops and the excellent Silk Museum. The town itself is laid-back and welcoming, with a picturesque main square and a slow, rural pace of life. The surrounding landscape of mulberry trees, sunflower fields, and rolling hillsides is beautiful, especially in late summer. Soufli is also an excellent base for exploring the nearby Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli International Airport "Dimokritos" (AXD), 70 km south. From there, a KTEL bus connects to Soufli (1 hour).

By Train

Soufli's railway station is on the Alexandroupoli–Dikaia branch line, with two daily trains from Alexandroupoli (1.5 hours) and from Orestiada/Didymoteicho.

By Car / Road

From Alexandroupoli, take the EO51 north along the Evros River (70 km, 1 hour). The town is well-signposted. Regular KTEL buses from Alexandroupoli run several times daily.

The town centre is compact and walkable. A car is needed for exploring the forest park and surrounding villages.

• Silk Museum (Museum of the Silk Road) — Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century neoclassical building, this museum tells the story of Soufli's silk industry from silkworm rearing to loom weaving. Hands-on exhibits, working looms, and a shop selling local silk products. Open Wednesday–Monday, €4.

• Traditional Silk Workshops — Several family-run workshops in the town still produce silk the traditional way. Visitors can watch the process and purchase scarves, ties, and fabric.

• Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park — One of the most important protected areas in Greece, famous for its population of black vultures, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and rare raptors. The visitor centre provides information on hiking trails and observation hides. Open daily, entry €3.

• Mulberry Grove Walk — The area around Soufli is planted with mulberry trees (the food source for silkworms). A pleasant walk through the groves offers insight into the silk economy.

• Church of Agios Georgios — A 19th-century church in the centre with a beautiful bell tower and interior frescoes.

• Tour the Silk Museum — Allow at least 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits, including the video showing the traditional process.

• Birdwatch in Dadia Forest — The national park is one of the best places in Europe to see vultures and eagles. Guided birdwatching tours can be arranged. The best times are early morning or late afternoon.

• Hike the Dadia trails — Several marked trails of varying difficulty wind through the forest, with observation hides for wildlife viewing.

• Photograph the plain at sunset — The Evros plain around Soufli, with its fields of sunflowers and mulberry trees, is particularly photogenic in the golden hour.

• To Ellinikon — A friendly family taverna serving traditional Greek and Thracian dishes, including game in season. Mid-range, €8–€12 per person.
• I Platia — A café-restaurant on the main square, good for coffee, breakfast, or a light lunch. Budget, €5–€8.
• Ktima Soufli — A restaurant in a renovated silk factory serving local specialities and grilled meats. Mid-range, €10–€14.

A few cafés on the main square. Try the local tsipouro or a Greek coffee.

• Budget: Hotel Soufli — A simple hotel in the town centre. From €30/night.
• Mid-range: Archontiko Soufli — A restored neoclassical mansion offering charming boutique rooms. From €55/night.

Silk products are the main purchase: scarves, ties, fabric, and handkerchiefs. Visit the Silk Museum shop or the private workshops on the main street. Prices are reasonable. The Saturday market has local honey, cheese, and olive oil.

• Dadia Forest (5 km north) — A premier birdwatching destination with vultures, eagles, and hiking trails.
• Didymoteicho (40 km east, 45 minutes) — The historic Byzantine fortress city.
• Alexandroupoli (70 km south, 1 hour) — The modern Thracian capital with its lighthouse and beach.
• Orestiada (50 km northeast, 50 minutes) — Greece's northeasternmost city, a quiet modern town.