Crossroads of cultures with impressive architecture and a rich gastronomic tradition, Xanthi has everything a traveler could want.
A city with a distinct character, colorful and lively, Xanthi, built amphitheatrically on the foothills of the Rhodope mountain range, is a destination that stands out. It harmoniously blends history, tradition and culture, with its picturesque alleys and mansions. To many it is known for its carnival, one of the largest in Greece, which draws thousands of visitors every year. However, it is ideal for a getaway in every season, for a weekend or even more days. Activities and sights abound, and the aromas and flavors even more so, so you wont be bored for a moment.
The sights of Xanthi
The Old Town
One of Xanthis most characteristic spots in its northern part, the Old Town, is filled with cobbled lanes and neoclassical mansions. A sight in its own right, every corner of it bears witness to the towns history and tradition. This is where the citys heart beats, with restaurants and cafés that fill daily with people of all ages. Youll find shops with traditional products to fill your luggage, and youll also come across the old City Hall of Xanthi, known as the Moisis Mansion, which operated until 2013 and today is used as a cultural venue, as well as the Metropolis of Xanthi. Lose yourself in the narrow streets and admire the buildings of Macedonian architecture and the corners made for countless photos.
The Folklore and Historical Museum of Xanthi
In the Old Town youll also find the Folklore Museum, founded by the Progressive Union of Xanthi (FEX) and housed in an impressive 19th-century mansion. It is the Kougioumtzoglou-Kaloudis Mansion, with an impressive interior décor featuring Bavarian murals from 1880. You will tour its rooms and spaces, where costumes and objects from the regions history and everyday life are displayed. Opening hours are daily from 09:30 to 14:30, except Tuesday when it is closed.
The House of Manos Hadjidakis
One of the regions most important cultural centers and beyond is dedicated to the great Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis. «I was born on the 23rd of October in Xanthi, in the fairytale Old Town, the preserved one» this is how he described his birthplace in his autobiographical text. Grand Maison- birth house of Manos Hadjidakis, is a jewel of the city, with open doors and free admission to the public. There you will learn more about the composers life and work, while admiring the mansions interior architecture. In addition, cultural events, exhibitions and concerts are organized on site. Opening hours: Weekdays 8:30-14:45 and 17:00-21:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-21:00.
The House of Shadow
Inspired by the experiences and images of his childhood, as well as by the unparalleled beauty of Xanthis Old Town, Triantafyllos Vaitsis created the «shadow sculptures». These are double-shadow works, portraits created with materials he has recycled. Opening hours: Daily 10:00-20:30.
Strolls
Beyond the Old Town area, dont miss walking through the present-day commercial center. The locals meeting point is Democracy Square with the Old Clock, shops and cafés all around. An important part of the city is the tobacco-warehouse district, which speaks to Xanthis long history as one of the most significant tobacco-producing areas in Greece during the 19th century. Some of the buildings are abandoned today, while others have been restored and are in use.
One of the most impressive pieces of architecture is Municipal Market of Xanthi, beside the Park of Fallen Heroes. The idea to create it was Eleftherios Venizelos, modeled on that of Chania. Its worth a visit for shopping and more. There youll find mainly butcher shops and fishmongers, as well as greengrocers, set against a backdrop of photographs that attest to its history through the years.
Every Saturday, the city pulses with life. The Xanthi Bazaar at Commerce Square, one of the best known in the Balkans, forms a unique mosaic of people of different cultures and religions and is a favorite stroll for locals. Its history dates back to Ottoman times. Today, youll find a wealth of stalls from fruit and vegetables to clothing and household goods.
Activities outside the city
If you have the appetite and time for excursions outside the city, youll find the area offers rich natural landscapes. Visit the Nestos Delta, a rare wetland that hosts hundreds of bird species. There you can, among other things, go hiking, cycling and have picnics, depending on the weather conditions. About 49 kilometers north of Xanthi lies an impressive gorge and the Livaditis Waterfall, also known as Trachoni, a landscape that impresses.
A route you can follow to get to know more about the place leads through the traditional Pomak villages, with their distinctive architecture. Wine lovers have the chance to visit several vineyards and wineries in the area, such as Anatolikos Vineyards, Κτήμα Βουρβουκέλη and Οίνοι Σγουρίδη.
If youre interested in learning more about the surrounding areas history, just 20 minutes away by car youll reach Avdira. In this famed area for its ancient civilization, youll see the archaeological site and the port, the Byzantine Acropolis, as well as its two museums, the Archaeological and the Folklore.
Food and local flavors
With Oriental and Thracian flavors, Xanthi is renowned for its gastronomy and local delicacies. In the heart of the city, try traditional yaourtlou at Φαναράκια, while at Φιλαράκια youll eat a hearty bouri yaourtlou doner and Iskender kebab.
At the restaurant Παλαιά Πόλις youll taste grandmothers recipes inspired by Armenian, Pontic and Oriental cuisine and pair the dishes with wine from their vast selection of labels. At the restaurant Ξανθίππη, known as «balcony» of Xanthi thanks to its view, youll try authentic home-cooked dishes and the famous tsigerosarma.
For coffee and drinks, a steady favorite is Κυβερνείο, while in the Old Town Τυφλόμυγα buzzes with people at all hours. For something sweet youll sit at Serenata, while at Ψωμί & Σοκολάτα youll try many different flavors of hot and cold chocolate. For a morning sweet or savory bougatsa, try Φανάρια and Νέα Άνοιξη and dont forget to buy freshly ground Greek coffee from καφεκοπτείο Γούναρη. Try the famous kariokes in two sizes from the pastry shop Παπαπαρασκευά with a history since 1926, syrupy sweets from Νέα Ελλάς and kazandibi from Καζάνι.
Accommodation
There are many accommodation options, either in the city center or farther out to make your out-of-town excursions easy.
Z-Palace & Congress Center: It features a pool, gym and sauna.
Hotel Ξανθίππειον: Comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
Nestos Hotel Xanthi: Recently renovated with a 40-year history.
Le Chalet | Resort Hotel & Comvention Center: With sports facilities and an outdoor pool.
