Uçmakdere Village: Where History, Nature, and the Sky Meet
A hidden paradise on the Marmara Sea coast, part of Tekirdağ’s Şarköy district: Uçmakdere Village. With its historical past, natural beauty, legendary views, and recently popular paragliding activities, it has become a popular destination for both adventure seekers and those looking for tranquility.
🏛️ History of Uçmakdere: From Avdimio to Uçmakdere
Uçmakdere is an old Greek village, established at the foothills of the Ganos Mountains, 35 km from Tekirdağ city center. Its Greek name, “Avdimio,” means “Pleasant Place.” While the Greeks living here during the Ottoman period used this name, the Turkish Yörüks living in the same region called it “Avdin.”
The name “Uçmakdere” used today originates from Old Turkish. “Uçmak” means paradise in Turkish mythology. The word Uçmakdere is interpreted as “Paradise Valley,” which is a fitting meaning for this unique natural wonder of a village.
🍇 A Legacy from the Greeks: Wine and Architectural Culture
During the Greek period, Uçmakdere was particularly famous for wine production. Every house in the village had stone cellars capable of storing tons of wine. Especially the cultivation of “Çavuş Grapes” was one of the village’s main sources of income, and these grapes were officially exported as far as America.
According to a photograph from 1918, the village had nearly 500 households, 2 churches, 3 holy springs (ayazma), 2 Greek cemeteries, and 3 pharmacies. In this village, where the streets were lit by oil lamps, there were even giant mirrors positioned at road junctions for Talika (phaeton) drivers.
🇹🇷 The Exchange Period and a New Beginning
With the population exchange in 1924, the Greek population of the village migrated to Greece, and Turkish immigrants from the Gevgeli, Karasinan, and Mayadağ regions of Thessaloniki were settled in their place. Thus, Uçmakdere’s cultural structure underwent a major change, and traditional Yörük life was revived here.
🏞️ Natural Beauties of Uçmakdere
Uçmakdere Village has a magnificent natural setting, nestled against the Ganos Mountains and open to the Sea of Marmara. Mount Ganos, with an altitude of 950 meters, is the second highest point in Thrace. Uçmakdere’s proximity to Marmara Island (18 km) and Avşa Island (28 km) indicates its geographically central location.
🪂 Paragliding and Adventure
The Ganos slopes are today considered one of Turkey’s most beautiful paragliding routes. Ayvasıl beach is the Uçmakdere paragliding landing area and is only 10 minutes from the village center.
Flights from an altitude of 650 meters offer both adrenaline and breathtaking views. Uçmakdere is a true paradise for those who want to explore this region from the air with professional companies like Mod Extrem.
🏖️ Can You Swim Here?
Yes! You can swim in Uçmakdere at both the village beach and Ayvasıl beach. Sea shoes are recommended as the ground is stony and slippery. It is quite suitable and clean for those who want to swim. It is known as one of the cleanest coasts in Marmara. Additionally, dolphins approaching the shore in the evening offer a unique spectacle.
🏕️ Accommodation and Camping Facilities
Uçmakdere offers various accommodation options:
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Avdimio Hotel, Taş Pansiyon, and other businesses within the village.
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Bisanthe Panorama near the flight area and the Kartaltepe Nature Park bungalows, which will open soon.
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Opportunity to camp at Ayvasıl beach – however, there is no electricity, water, or grocery store here. A natural spring is available for water needs.
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Tiny house concept boutique accommodations in areas close to the beach.
You can also easily access daily necessities in the village, such as gözleme makers, breakfast places with gardens, and a village grocery store.
🌿 Village Economy and Products
The people of Uçmakdere sustain their livelihoods through traditional methods. Especially:
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Viticulture and olive cultivation
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Molasses, goat milk, and products
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Medicinal herbs like linden, thyme, and sage
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Organic honey production is quite common.
Uçmakdere’s future is shaped by nature and cultural tourism.
📌 Conclusion: It's Time to Discover Uçmakdere
Uçmakdere is one of Thrace’s most special villages, not only for its nature but also for its deep-rooted history, traditional culture, and adventure-filled route to the sky. Uçmakdere awaits you for day trips, camping activities, or an exciting paragliding experience.
When you come to Uçmakdere, you don’t just see a village; you witness a life story where past and future go hand in hand.
