Xanthi: Discover the Old Town, Kosynthos and Culture

Discover Xanthi through its historic Old Town, the Kosynthos and its diverse cultural history. The river runs through the traditional settlement; at the edge of the Old Town, the Path of Life brings the city, forest and flowing water together. This gives you the option to focus your travel plans on different activities: walks, cultural routes or museum visits. What interests you most can also help you choose a holiday apartment in Xanthi.

The river and historical highlights

The Kosynthos rises in the Koula peaks of the Central Rhodopes. From there, it flows through the Pomak villages and the traditional settlement of Xanthi, crosses the plain and empties northwest of Lake Vistonida. Its course passes through a range of landscapes and places Xanthi in a wider regional context.

North of the present-day city, the Byzantine Castle of Xantheia stands on a hilltop. Its layout is an irregular trapezoid, with the acropolis on the summit. Those interested in historic architectural forms will find two specific features here that help describe the site.

Two routes, different focuses

The Culture and Folklore Route passes through the Old Town, taking in buildings and places of cultural and artistic activity. It also leads to places where folk customs associated with religious ceremonies continue to be observed. The route is about two kilometres long, takes approximately 60 minutes and is described as moderate. This gives you a clear time frame for an exploration focused on cultural history.

The Path of Life offers a different focus: it runs along the edge of the Old Town, near the historic city centre, and is a special place for walking and relaxation. The surrounding area is shaped by woodland and the flowing waters of the Kosynthos. According to the municipal authorities, access may be temporarily restricted during periods of increased fire risk. When planning your day, you can distinguish this walk from the Culture and Folklore Route without assigning them the same focus.

Museums and art in Xanthi

The Xanthi Folklore Museum was founded by the Progressive Union of Xanthi (FEX). It displays agricultural tools, jewellery, textiles and traditional costumes of the Thracians, Sarakatsani and Pontians. The wall paintings are also part of its history: they date from 1880 and are works by Bavarian and German artists. The collection and the wall decorations offer different insights into regional culture and the history of the museum building.

The Costume Museum of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women displays authentic costumes and faithful reproductions from different parts of Greece, along with their matching jewellery, across six rooms. The Xanthi Municipal Art Gallery is named in honour of local painter Christos Pavlidis, who donated about 30 of his works to the future gallery. According to a municipal description dated 18 June 2025, a representative selection of Triantafyllos Vaitsis’s work is on display at the Shadow House in Xanthi.

A bazaar with a long history

According to historical tradition, the history of the Xanthi Bazaar dates back to the Ottoman period; the earliest cited accounts date from the 15th century. The municipal authorities describe the bazaar as one of the most significant open-air trading venues in Northern Greece. This historical context adds another way to explore the city’s history alongside the Old Town and its museums.

Choose the right location for your trip

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Xanthi, your own interests can help guide your choice: would you rather focus on the Old Town and its cultural routes, the museums or a walk along the Kosynthos? This lets you choose a location based on the experiences that matter most to you on your trip.

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