Xanthi, the lady of Thraki, is said to have taken its name from one of the daughters of Okeanos and Tithias. Its is also said to be named after an unconquerable Amazonian. The first time it is featured historically is in c 1st BC as Xanthia. During the Byzantine period it developed and became a commercial centre while during the Turkish occupation it lost its central role but takes it again with the creation of the railway line Thessaloniki-Constantinople. After the 1st W.W. the town is given to Greece, following the Bulgarian occupation.
Todays Xanthi exhibits a strong Muslim presence, which exists harmoniously with the Greek. Here tradition and myth come alive through its natural beauty and the hospitable nature of its people. Its point of reference is the white clock, which moves to the rhythm of the town. For its inhabitants, Xanthi is the town of a thousand colours. Granite cobbled streets, narrow passages of bougainvillea, neoclassical houses full of memories, and wafts from the smell of fine tobacco, are elements, which constitute the beautiful old town.

You will find picturesque tavernas, bars, pretty shop windows, popular crafts and traditional bakeries with local sweets, as well as the "festivals of the old town", with the town being inhabited by many intellectuals and artists. A strong eastern colour distinguishes the old town with its narrow alleys and luxurious houses, which belonged to wealthy tobacco traders. The Metropolitan Church hosts collections of Byzantine scriptures, hagiography, icons and coins.
The pride of the area is the Folklore Museum of the Progressive Community of Xanthi, with representational exhibits of the traditional and cultural life of Thraki, the Public Art Gallery and also the Democratic University of Thraki, the founding of which brought a new breath of life to the place.
Stavropoulis can be found 20 km away from Xanthi. The pleasant journey gives you a wonderful view of Kria Vrysi. And Lykodromio. A monument to nature, the area is known for its virgin forests where the trees are almost 200 years old, roebuck, deer and grouse are to be found, but note that hunting is forbidden! Deep blue waters, white sands, a unique aquatic life, waterfalls, mountains, modern hotel complexes, picturesque tavernas, cool bars, Greek music halls, a casino, Xanthi has it all. Whatever the reason may be for your visit, you can go there by any means of transport.