The fertile central plains of Thrace, with their large ethnic Turkish population, are one of the least visited areas of the country, but not without some appeal. Though outwardly unattractive, the market town of Komotiní rewards a closer look, with its two well-presented museums, one devoted to folk life and history, the other to archeological finds fom the region. The contents of the latter are complemented by the delightful ancient site of Maroneia , on the coast, and newly excavated Mesembria , further east.