A city situated in the heart of Rodopi that is famous for its beauty. Nowadays, Xanthi can guarantee its visitors will discover new activities, whereas the Palia Poli (Old City) of Xanthi will surely enchant with its old-fashioned beauty. At the center of the city there is an abundance of choices such as sweet shops around the square, shops to appeal to any taste, public services, traditional restaurants, and rebetathika (clubs where they play rebetika – Greek folk music). There are also bars and clubs which mainly attract students from the Democritus University of Thrace. In other words, this is the most vibrant spot in the city. On the other hand, the Palia Poli adds splendidly to the scenery - a well preserved settlement with enviable urban planning,  a true gem for Xanthi. It also lends itself to long walks through the cobblestone streets where visitors will encounter many beautiful images and intoxicating smells, a combination which makes Xanthi unique.
Characteristic of Xanthi is the coexistence of the Christian and the Muslim elements. Greeks, Turks, Pomaks and Armenians all live together. The local cuisine reflects this cultural mosaic: pastourmadopites, spices, different types of kebabs, sausages, gioufkades (hilopites) and local fish from Porto Lagos comprise the cuisine of Xanthi. We should not forget the famous sweets influenced by the East such as saragli, the syrupy gelin bohtsa, kariokes, and of course, the soujouk loukoum.
As everyone knows, in order for something noteworthy to be created, people have to work for many years. Likewise, in order for Xanthi to be considered the leading city in Thrace today, it had to go through many adversities. According to findings, the area has been populated since the Neolithic age. In the 11th century BC, Thracian tribes settled in the area. The name Xanthi, or Xanthia, was heard for the first time in 879 AD. At that time it was just a village which had to defend itself against raids, destructions and conquests, until eventually it came under the rule of the Ottomans which lasted for 24 years. Since 1715 Xanthi has been known for the cultivation of tobacco which brings wealth and fame. However, in 1829, earthquakes demolished the city which then tried to stand on its own feet again. Its citizens began rebuilding it back up to a good standard. Beautiful and comfortable tobacco shops were built, which attracted tobacco workers, and Xanthi was reborn. The tobacco merchants become great benefactors. All this development froze in 1912 when Xanthi was taken over by Bulgaria, and remained under its rule until the end of World War I. Specifically, in 1913 the city was liberated by the Greek army, but through the Treaty of Bucharest, it fell back into the hands of the Bulgarians. It was liberated in 1919 and united with Greece in 1920 with the Treaty of Sèvres. During the period from1920 to1923 refugees moved to the area, and with the help of the locals continued their efforts to become self-sufficient. However, the final blow came with World War II and the new Bulgarian occupation. From the end of 1944, however, there were no more shadows cast over the city of Xanthi. The now-free Xanthi was developed thanks to the work and the efforts of its people, who have made Xanthi one of the most favored places for travelers.