General Information

The Prefecture of Xanthi, starts from the mountains of Rodopi with the virgin forests and the rich flora and fauna. Between these mountains is the fertile valley of Xanthi with rich agricultural production. The Delta of river Nestos, the water biotopes, Vistonida lake, the beaches. The prefecture of Xanthi has it all. Mountains, valleys, sea.

According to mythology here was the base of operations of god Aris and Voreas. Vistonida lake is connected with Hercules deed with the horses of Diomedes. The region is inhabited since the Neolithic era, as the archaeological discoveries in the plain of Xanthi testify. From the 11th century BC began the installation of thracian tribes. We should mention the establishment of Abdera in 656 BC that flourished in the area of the valleys. During the Byzantine times prospered the city of Topiros established in the 1st century AC. In the 14th century the Turks who create new cities and develop mainly the farming of tobacco occupy the region. Xanthi is the christian centre while administrative centre was Genisea, which is destroyed by fire in 1870. Thus administrative centre becomes Xanthi even if it has suffered two devastating earthquakes in 1829. In 1912 the area is occupied by the Bulgarians and in 1913 it is released by the Greeks by then the allies give it back to the Bulgarians. It is finally incorporated with Greece in 1920 with the remainder of Thrace.

The present city of Xanthi is a combines the modern with the traditional element but is also characterized with the harmonious coexistence of the christian with the Moslem elements. The old city with the traditional settlements, the inns, the old churches and on the other hand themodern buildings and the industrial part of the city. In the city you will find restaurants and graphic taverns that serve local food.