Travel Guide to Xanthi, Greece

Xanthi, located in Northern Greece, also known as the capital of Thrace, is a beautiful, historically rich, and culture-packed city. Once the home to Greeks, Bulgarians, Turkish, Armenian, and people of Asia Minor, Xanthi was, and still is, a melting pot of culture, good food, and eastern influence architecture. Read along this travel guide to Xanthi, Greece to find out what are the best things to do here, where to eat and more!

Till this day, Xanthi is a high-spirited city filled with many cafes, restaurants and stores. Xanthi is also filled with young adults thanks to the Democritus University of Thrace, which is located right in the heart of the town. The beauty of Xanthi can be admired all year round, especially during the carnival festivities in February and the Old Town festivities in the autumn. Come and get acquainted with this enchanted city and get lost wandering throughout the cobblestone streets of the old town.

Things to Do in Xanthi, Greece

Explore the Old Town of Xanthi

The old town of Xanthi can be viewed as an open museum as its structure and architecture has been preserved since the Ottoman influence. Enjoy wandering through the narrow stone alleys and observing the colorful eastern-influenced houses.

Folklore & Historical Museum of Xanthi

Once the home to the tobacco merchants, Kouyioymtzoglou brothers, the Folklore and History Museum of Xanthi presents two identical homes that share the same courtyard.

Carnaval of Xanthi

The second largest carnival celebration takes place in Xanthi every year that last several days. On the final day, there is a large parade where organized groups can parade through the town wearing vibrant and eye-catching costumes. This is an event you do not want to miss!

The House of Shadow

The artist, Triantafyllos Vaitsis, uses materials such as aluminum and fabrics to create abstract sculptures that create intriguing shadows against the wall when the light hits them just right. These shadows depict famous people and beautiful landscapes. Support this local artist’s work by paying his gallery a visit.

The Municipal Art Gallery

One of the oldest buildings in Xanthi, today the Municipal Art Gallery houses paintings and art pieces that were careful preserved throughout the years.

Nestos River

Nature lovers will be pleased to find out that the Xanthi region offers activities such as canoeing down the Nestos river, hiking, bird watching, cycling, horse back riding and more.

Lake Vistonida and Porto Lagos

As mentioned above, a large portion of the region surrounding Xanthi has been left untouched allowing the natural phenomenon such as Lake Vistonida and Porto Lagos and other ecosystems to flourish. Be sure to visit lagoon Porto Lagos during March to October to witness dozens of beautiful pink flamingos.

Xanthi’s Old Town Festival

This festival takes place every September in Xanthi’s old town where the local businesses merge together to create one big street celebration. Concerts, theatrical plays, exhibitions, music and of course food and drinks all create an unforgettable event.

Shopping

Apart from the numerous clothing stores such as H&M and Zara, there are many antique stores in Xanthi that sell findings dating back to the 1900’s.

Visit Pomakohoria

Pomakohoria are cluster of villages located at the foot of Mount Rhodopi that have been left untouched by modern influence. The locals – a blend of Greek, Bulgarian, and Turkish decent – claim to be heirs to the elite army, Agriane, that was led by Alexander the Great himself. This is a must while visiting Xanthi!