Xanthi

XANTHI

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A town that inspires

To the east of Kavala, at a distance of 53 km, is Xanthi, a vibrant hive of creativity, inspiration and entertainment.

Photo by cityofxanthi.gr

The town unfolds amphitheatrically in the embrace of lush green hills, and perfectly combines the past and the present. It stands out for its picturesque cobbled lanes, restored mansions, neoclassical buildings and traditional structures, all this combined with the local and Ottoman architecture. A multicultural and vibrant town, filled with the sounds and aromas of Anatolia, Xanthi is a close and agreeable choice for a getaway. On the outskirts of the town, the visitor will be able to discover the unrivalled natural beauty of its landscapes and important ecosystems with rich flora and fauna.

You should visit

The Old Town. The historical core of the town and a protected settlement since 1976, it constitutes valuable cultural capital for today’s town and the broader region of Thrace. An “open-air” museum filled with mansions, narrow lanes, churches and pretty squares.

The clock in the Central Square of the town, the tobacco warehouses as well as the bazaar that takes place every Saturday, complement the colourful picture of Xanthi.

The River Nestos, with its Delta and straits, a watery route of exceptional beauty and with particular interest for nature lovers. It is perfect for extreme sports (canoeing, rafting), horse riding, walking, biking, bird watching, archery and jeep trails.

Lake Vistonida, an important wetland that is home to over 320 species of bird. Next to it, Porto Lagos, with the monastery of Agios Nikolaos will impress every visitor and pilgrim.

The waterfall of Livaditis, the tallest waterfall in the Balkans. Drymos forest, the forest village of Erymanthos, Stavroupoli with the best-preserved and impressive Macedonian tomb in Thrace. Abdera, the land of Democritus with the celebrated archaeological site of Abdera, not to mention the “Pomakochoria” (Pomak villages), known for their cultural and architectural uniqueness and for their local products. All destinations that every visitor should include in their itinerary.

The Folklore Museum, the Natural history Museum, the Art Gallery, the house of Manos Hadjidakis, the holy monasteries that are located a short distance from Xanthi, the churches that can be found scattered from the Old Town to the new districts.

Events – Festivals

Xanthi is a reference point for visitors as regards the folklore events that are held every year, the “Carnival” and the “Old Town Festivities” in early spring and autumn respectively. These are major events that have made the town a centre of civilisation, entertainment and revelry, not only for Northern Greece but throughout the Balkans. The town’s residents, students and visitors together create a wonderful party atmosphere! In addition, the “The Xanthi of Manos Hadjidakis” festival is held every October-November, a modest tribute to the composer’s birthplace.

You should taste

Xanthi is filled with the fragrances and aromas of the cultural mosaic that goes to make up this city. Its Greek, Turkish, Pomak and Asia Minor cuisine leave the visitor with a cosmopolitan flavour. Kebabs of all kinds, chickpeas with pumpkin and spices, lamb with yufkades (short noodle), pastirma sausage pie, smoked eel, etc. Xanthi is also famed for its desserts, such as chocolate carioca and saragli, to genuine Anatolian pastries, syrupy gelin bohcasi, sekerpare, and sucuk lokum.

Useful information

Address

Dimokratias Square
67132 Xanthi

Telephone

+30 25413 50000

HOW TO GET HERE

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