Greece vacation has been getting popular in recent years. This is due to the fact that the prices in Greece are cheaper compared to the touristic places of Turkey and the advantage in terms of price and quality.. It is also a very easy alternative to transportation.. For those living in Istanbul today, it takes only 2 and a half hours to reach the Greek border by car.. After crossing the border, very good alternatives await you.. One of them is Xanthi, that is, Xanthi with its Greek name.
Where is Xanthi (Xanthi)?
The city with a population of approximately 60 thousand people, is one of the most important cities of Western Thrace. Its distance from the Turkish border is about 130 km.. Besides, you’re driving on a highway like a cillop all the way through.. So if you have a Schengen visa, it is at an ideal distance for a weekend getaway.
Xanthi (Xanthi) Date
The history of this beautiful city of Western Thrace dates back to 870 BC. With the Çirmen Victory in 1371, Western Thrace and Xanthi opened to the Turks.. Since then, it is one of the places where Turks live intensely.
As a matter of fact, when you visit the city, especially Turks Ottoman architecture catches your eye in the Ahiryan Neighborhood (Palia Ksanthi-Old City), where she mostly lives. The houses and narrow streets here make you feel like you are in an Ottoman Anatolian village.. There are almost no Greeks in Ahiryan Mahallesi anyway.. There is even a mufti of Turkey in the city.
Places to Visit in Xanthi
- Here, firstly Ahiryan Mahallesi navigable. This is a very nice address to see the traces of the Ottoman Empire.. A region that will enchant you in terms of photography.
- Also, do not forget to visit the market set up on Saturday.
- After you finish visiting the market, you reach the hill area of the city by passing many cafes and along the way and this you can photograph the city from the top.
- You will see very nice cafes in the place.. In Xanthi, a university city, you can take a breather and taste Greek frappes in these beautiful cafes designed for students’ taste.
- You can also photograph Xanthi river from the bridge.
- Interesting squares will be waiting for you along this walking route that starts from the city square, continues in the market and returns to the square over the river
Or like these mobile marketers we used to see in Turkey for a while…
Xanthi Restaurants and Cafes in Xanthi (Where and What to Eat in Xanthi?)
Here, as in other Greek cities, it is a very assertive city in terms of seafood.. Xanthippi Restaurant, which we went to upon the invitation of our Xanthi Mufti Ahmet Mete Bey, is a very elegant restaurant with a view overlooking the city.. It’s also worth remembering that portions are quite large.
Also, don’t forget to have a frappe against the clock tower in one of the cafes in the main square of the city
Xanthi (Xanthi) Shopping
While you’ve come this far, you can’t come back empty handed. I advise you not to return to Turkey without buying 3 things.
- Coffee
Turkish coffee culture continues in Greece, just like we do. Although they call it Greek coffee, coffee culture continues in the coffee pot, and in some regions, even in the coffee pot over the embers.. Although their coffee is similar to our Turkish coffee, its aroma is a little different.. However, its taste is quite suitable for our taste.. Servili Kurukahvecisi prepares the hardness and amount of coffee you want right in front of your eyes.. The owner is Eşref Servili, who is also a Turk.
- Karyoka
Greek chocolate Karyoka it would be a shame if you leave Xanthi without tasting it. This flavor that a friend of mine from Xanthi taught us during our university years is really worth tasting.. The best address for this is Papaparaskeva Patisserie. Two types of bedsteads are sold in this patisserie.. The shape and taste of both are different from each other.. I suggest you make a few packs mixed of the two.. Because if you buy a single package, you feel sadness because the package is over.
- Kavala cookies
These almond flour cookies go especially well with tea. Actually famous for its flour cookies is Kavala in the region.. However, if you do not have the intention or time to go to Kavala, these cookies are also sold in Xanthi.. It would be a shame to return without buying these cookies when you are so close to Kavala.
How to Get to Xanthi (Xanthi)?
Greece Buses
There are several alternatives for those living in Istanbul. The first of these is bus. From Istanbul to Alexandroupoli, Metro and Ulusoy organize daily expeditions. It takes 4 hours to reach the border by bus.. Anyway, Alexandroupoli is only 40 km from the border.
Personal Vehicle
Second alternative if it is your personal vehicle. With your personal vehicle, the time of 5 hours can be reduced to 4 hours.. In addition, you will have the opportunity to travel much more comfortably in Greece.. Apart from Alexandroupoli, you will have the opportunity to visit the surrounding cities.. However, some documents are required for this.
- First of all, your Schengen visa must be with you
- The vehicle must be in our own name if not, you must definitely get a power of attorney
- Green insurance you must have a power of attorney for at least 15 days. All insurance companies do this.
- You must get an international driver’s license. This is a high figure of 350 TL.. However, no one asks this outside the Greek border.. Or if you change your driver’s license with renewed driver’s license, you do not need an international driver’s license.. I explained in detail what you need to do for this in my article on this LINK.
