Xanthi Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Xanthi in this comprehensive tour guide. From museums and historical places to natural attractions and outdoor adventures, plan your perfect itinerary for Xanthi.


Introduction to Xanthi

Xanthi is a beautiful city located in Western Thrace region in Northern Greece, surrounded by mountains and forests, making it ideal for nature lovers. The city is famous for its impressive architecture, rich history, and cultural heritage.

From its vibrant open-air market to its bustling central square, Xanthi has something to offer for every kind of traveler. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, amazing activities to try and delicious food to eat in Xanthi.

List of Places to Visit in Xanthi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old Town - Xanthi’s Old Town is a charming area with narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant colored houses, and intricate woodwork.
  • Xanthi Archaeological Museum - A must-visit museum for history buffs! The museum houses artifacts from the Neolithic era, Bronze Age, and Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine times.
  • Tobacco Museum - Xanthi is famous for its tobacco production. The museum provides an insight into the tobacco-cultivating tradition of the region.
  • Carnival Museum - The museum offers an exciting exhibition of Xanthi’s legendary Carnival with its costumes, photographs, and folklore.
  • Xanthi Folklore and Historical Museum - This museum takes you on a journey from the city’s evolution from the ancient times until today.

Natural Attractions of Xanthi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nestos River National Park - Nestos River National Park offers nature lovers a chance to experience stunning canyons, dense forests, and hiking trails.
  • Xanthi’s Municipal Park - This beautiful park lets you relax amidst the greenery while enjoying the view of the river.
  • Makri-Kalamas Wetlands - The wetlands are an ideal place for birdwatchers and anyone who likes to explore the biodiversity of Greece.
  • Paidaia Forest – Stavroupolis Lake - If you’re looking for an adventure, hiking through the Paidaia forest and fishing in Stavroupolis lake is an exciting experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Xanthi

Xanthi has several hiking and biking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular routes are:

  • Elafochori-Krinides Trail - The trail takes you through beautiful scenery and significant historical landmarks from Kalambaki to Krinides.
  • Xanthi City Trail - The route is perfect for a city exploration highlighting important attractions, food spots, and hidden gems in the city.
  • Pangaion Mountain Trail - If you’re an experienced hiker up for a challenge, then this 15-km trail at the Pangaion Mountain offers breathtaking views and memorable hiking trails.

Best Things to Do in Xanthi: Activities and Tours

  • Horse Riding at Velestino Estate - The estate offers horse riding lessons and activities suitable for all ages.
  • Sailing in Lake Vistonida - This tour gives you an opportunity to learn the basics of sailing while enjoying the stunning scenery of Lake Vistonida.
  • Tour the Batis Multiplex Centre - Batis Centre offers a glimpse into Greek contemporary arts, live events, and activities suitable for everyone.
  • Kayaking in Nestos River - The Nestos River kayaking tour is a superb way to explore the stunning landscape and fantastic views of the river.

Week-Long Itinerary for Xanthi

  • Day 1: Visit the Xanthi Archaeological Museum and the Old Town.
  • Day 2: Explore the city center with a stop at the grand central square, and delve into carnival traditions at the Carnival Museum.
  • Day 3: Discover the natural beauty of Xanthi by hiking in Pangaion Mountain trail.
  • Day 4: Head to the Makri-Kalamas Wetlands for a memorable bird watching experience.
  • Day 5: Visit the Tobacco Museum and Xanthi Folklore and Historical Museum and learn about the culture and traditions of the region.
  • Day 6: Go horse riding at Velestino estate or take a sailing tour of Lake Vistonida.
  • Day 7: Kayak through the Nestos River and end your day with dinner at a local taverna.

Food and Drink Scene of Xanthi

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kserotigana - Xerogtigana is a traditional sweet deep-fried pastry sprinkled with honey.
  • Anthotyros - This locally produced cheese is made from goat’s or sheep’s milk.
  • Kavourmas - Kavourmas is a Muslim dish made with pork and flavored with herbs.
  • Halva - A sweet semolina dessert with nuts and raisins.

Local Beverages

  • Ouzo - Ouzo is a traditional liqueur drink flavored with anise that is popular all over Greece.
  • Tsipouro - Tsipouro is a traditional alcoholic drink distilled from fermented grape remains.

Where to Stay in Xanthi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Xanthippion - A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • Konstantinos Palace Hotel & Spa - An elegant hotel, offering a full-service spa.
  • House of Shadow - A budget-friendly guesthouse with exceptional hospitality.

What to Buy in Xanthi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Silk - Xanthi is known for making silk products, from scarves to table cloths.
  • Handmade Tobacco Pouches - You can buy handcrafted tobacco pouches made from the best quality materials.
  • Handmade Wooden Toys - You will find a unique range of handmade wooden toys in Xanthi, making them an ideal souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Xanthi

Xanthi is a multicultural city where Greek, Turkish, and Bulgarian traditions blend. Throughout the year, the city celebrates a variety of religious and cultural events, including traditional dances, music, and food.

If you happen to be there during carnival season, you will enjoy a 9-day long carnival with masks, costumes, and parades. Xanthi is also famous for Tzamales- the annual tradition of baking bread by local bakers.

Best Time to Visit Xanthi

The best time to visit Xanthi is from May to September, when the weather is warm, and it is the ideal time for outdoor activities.

If you want to witness the carnival festival, it usually falls in February or March. September is also a good time to visit as the carnival season starts and the weather is still warm for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Xanthi

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try traditional dishes and drinks.
  • Take plenty of pictures of the beautiful architecture and street art.
  • Take a stroll through the Old Town and local markets.

Don’t:

  • Wear clothing inappropriate for visiting religious sites.
  • Litter or leave trash at public places.
  • Engage in illegal activities such as drug usage.

Safety and Health

Safety in Xanthi

Xanthi is generally safe with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding unknown places at night.

Health in Xanthi

Xanthi has excellent medical facilities, including public and private hospitals. Visitors are advised to have medical insurance while traveling in Greece and consider all necessary medical precautions, including malaria or travel vaccinations.

Getting to Xanthi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Xanthi

The closest airport is Kavala International Airport, located around 36 km away from Xanthi, and handles domestic and international flights. You can also use other airports in the region, such as Thessaloniki International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Xanthi

There is a regular bus service with connections to major towns and cities in the region. The KTEL Xanthi bus station has several daily departures to and from Athens and Thessaloniki.

Other Options

You can also drive to Xanthi from Greece’s major cities, and car rental options are available.

How to Get Around in Xanthi

Xanthi is a small city with a well-connected public transportation system. You can use the bus, taxi or rent a car or bike. Biking is an ideal way to explore the city.

Where to Go Next from Xanthi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Komotini - Komotini is the nearest city located to Xanthi. The city has numerous historical landmarks, museums, and a fantastic food scene.
  • Thassos - This beautiful island is just a few hours away from Xanthi and is popular for its beaches, natural landscapes, and crystal-clear waters.
  • Drama - Drama is an ideal place to explore the Greek countryside, with scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and picturesque monasteries.

Conclusion

Xanthi is a fascinating city with a unique blend of history, tradition, and culture. It has so much to offer for every kind of traveler- from nature lovers to history buffs, and foodies. From museums to outdoor adventures, this comprehensive tour guide takes you on an exciting journey through the city, making your trip unforgettable.

Old Town Old Town Old Town Street Pubs Old Town Street Pubs Porto Lagos Porto Lagos Anastasopolis Anastasopolis Polyanthos bridge Polyanthos bridge Foot path along the river Foot path along the river Chapel of St.George Chapel of St.George