Xanthi Old Town Festival
Every autumn since 1991 the Old Town Festival livens the historic alleys with art and photography exhibitions, theatre, book fairs and street dancing.
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Extremely popular chocolate-covered walnut cakes; available at prominent confectioneries in the center.
Find authentic places combining Greek and Eastern flavors around the central square or market area.
Traditional pastry shops throughout the town offer these, influenced by the local multicultural heritage.
An enormous outdoor market offering spices, fresh produce, and clothing.
Find handmade crafts, local sweets, and souvenirs in the cobblestone alleys.
Walking paths along the Kosynthos river, especially peaceful in the afternoon.
The hills just above the city offer profound silence and nature.
A green oasis right in the newer city, good for a short break.
Water temperature…
Every autumn since 1991 the Old Town Festival livens the historic alleys with art and photography exhibitions, theatre, book fairs and street dancing.
Northern Greece's largest carnival takes place in the weeks before Orthodox Lent (February), with concerts, Thracian folk festivities and a huge Sunday parade.
Xanthi is a historically significant city in northern Greece and the capital of the Xanthi regional unit in Western Thrace. The city experienced a golden age in the 19th century as a premier center for the tobacco trade, a legacy still visible in the magnificent architecture of its old town. Known as Palaia Poli, the old town is a protected landmark area featuring cobblestone alleys and a unique blend of Ottoman villas and neoclassical mansions. Geographically, Xanthi is situated at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains and is bisected by the Kosynthos River, which separates the historical quarters from the modern urban areas. Culturally, the city is famous for its annual Carnival and the Old Town Festival, which are among the most significant cultural events in Greece. It is also home to several departments of the Democritus University of Thrace, contributing to a lively student atmosphere. Today, Xanthi remains an important commercial hub characterized by its multicultural identity and the peaceful coexistence of different religious communities.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 68 | 52 | 53 | 41 | 49 | 45 | 29 | 18 | 45 | 56 | 59 | 74 |
See what it looks like near Xanthi right now.
Xanthi › North · 0.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day in Xanthi begins in the bustling Dimokratias Square. From there, stroll through the charming Old Town, admiring the historic Clock Tower and delving into the labyrinth of cobbled alleys flanked by Ottoman mansions. The morning is dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage, including a visit to the insightful Folklore Museum. At midday, your path leads you to the spiritual tranquility of Agios Georgios Church before you plunge into the bustle of the vibrant Saturday bazaar. Here, you can experience the authentic flavors and hustle of the city while searching for local delicacies and unique souvenirs. A late lunch at one of the Old Town's traditional tavernas is a must. The afternoon is devoted to Xanthi's fascinating industrial history with a visit to the unique Tobacco Museum. Discover how the tobacco trade shaped the city as you wander through the exhibits. This provides a fascinating contrast to the ancient sites you saw earlier. As evening approaches, return to the Old Town for a relaxed dinner. The beautifully lit buildings create a magical atmosphere. End your day with a drink at one of the cozy bars, soaking in the diverse impressions of Xanthi, a city where East meets West.
A rainy morning at Dimokratias Square, where cafes provide shelter under awnings. At noon, we navigate the Old Town's cobblestones with an umbrella, stopping for a warm lunch. The afternoon is spent indoors at the Folklore Museum. Evening brings us to the Tobacco Museum, offering a fascinating and dry conclusion to our exploration of Xanthi.
A crisp winter morning at Dimokratias Square, starting with a hot Greek coffee. During the day, we explore the frosty Old Town streets and enjoy a hearty soup in a cozy tavern. The afternoon sun lights up the churches before we warm up inside the Folklore Museum. The day ends early as darkness falls over the festive lights of the bazaar area.
Your cycling tour of Xanthi begins at the central Dimokratias Square. From here, pedal to the fascinating Tobacco Museum to immerse yourself in the city's industrial past. The morning takes you further to the vibrant Saturday bazaar. Park your bike and stroll through the stalls to experience the local atmosphere. Around noon, head to the Old Town. As the narrow streets are unsuitable for bicycles, it is best to explore this area on foot. Enjoy lunch at a taverna and then visit the Folklore Museum, located in the heart of this historic district. This provides a welcome break and cultural enrichment. In the afternoon, get back on your bike for a longer tour out of the city. The route takes you towards the breathtaking Nestos Gorge. Although you cannot fully explore the gorge itself by bike, the ride there offers magnificent views of the Thracian landscape and a refreshing change from the urban hustle. At the end of the day, pedal back to the city center. The setting sun bathes the roofs of Xanthi in a warm light. Reward yourself with a hearty dinner and reflect on the day's impressions, a mixture of urban culture and natural beauty.
A wet start in the saddle at Dimokratias Square. We cycle carefully to the Tobacco Museum for our first dry break. Through the bazaar to the Old Town, where we walk the bikes if it's too slippery. After the Folklore Museum, a short ride towards Nestos Gorge reveals the mystical, misty riverside scenery in the rain.
A frosty start to the day at the main square. We cycle to the Tobacco Museum to warm up our limbs. Through the winter bazaar to the Old Town, where the crisp air sharpens the mountain views. After the Folklore Museum, we ride briskly towards Nestos Gorge to make the most of the daylight at the rock formations.
Your day begins with a drive out of the city to the stunning Nestos Gorge. After parking, you'll dedicate the morning to hiking along the trails, enjoying the spectacular views. This is the perfect start to immerse yourself in the region's natural wonders. After the nature experience, you drive back to Xanthi and park near the Old Town. The rest of the day is a walking exploration. Enjoy lunch at a traditional taverna, then immerse yourself in the Ottoman atmosphere of the alleys. Afterwards, visit the Folklore Museum to learn more about the local culture. In the late afternoon, stroll from the historic core to the modern center, visiting the Clock Tower and Dimokratias Square. This walk showcases the fascinating contrast between ancient and new Xanthi. It's a good opportunity to observe urban life. The day concludes with a leisurely walk to a restaurant near the bazaar district. After returning to your car, you'll have experienced a day full of contrasts: from the wild beauty of the Nestos Gorge to the rich cultural fabric of Xanthi.
The drive starts rainy towards Nestos Gorge. We enjoy views of the river from the dry car, stopping briefly at the viewpoint. Back in Xanthi, we park near the Old Town and retreat to a cozy tavern for a long lunch. The afternoon is spent in museums, finishing the day with dinner near the bazaar.
A clear winter day begins with a drive to Nestos Gorge. The cold air provides fantastic long-distance views at the viewpoint. Arriving in Xanthi, we park centrally and walk through the wintry Old Town for a warming lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to culture in heated museums before finishing the day in the festively lit center.
