Edirne’s new tourist favorite: Palu santo incense draws Bulgarian and Greek shoppers
Aromatic and natural products are gaining popularity in Edirne, Turkiye, with Palu Santo incense emerging as a top choice among Bulgarian and Greek visitors, according to local reports.
Gökhan Baraz, a herbalist in Edirne’s city center, said the demand for Palu Santo has surged in recent months, particularly from tourists coming for shopping trips from neighboring Bulgaria and Greece.
“Palu Santo has become one of our best-selling items,” Baraz told local media. “Its appearance is similar to kindling wood, but when burned, it releases a soothing, relaxing scent. Many people, especially those looking to reduce stress, are drawn to it.”
He added that most customers purchase the incense by the stick, priced at around 40–50 Turkish lira each, while bulk buyers can purchase it by the kilo at approximately 5,000 Turkish lira.
Baraz noted that the product appeals not only to aromatherapy enthusiasts but also to international visitors seeking authentic and calming natural remedies. The incense, traditionally used in spiritual practices in South America, has found a new market in cross-border tourism in Edirne.
The surge in demand reflects a broader trend: Edirne’s markets and herbal shops continue to benefit from growing interest in natural wellness products among regional tourists.
