Xanthi Travel Guide: Discover the "Little Paris" of Western Thrace

Imagine a place so familiar it makes you forget you're in Greece, yet so aesthetically pleasing it makes you feel like you're in Europe... That's it, the legendary city in the heart of Western Thrace: Xanthi.

In this city, where the sounds of "Merhaba" and "Yasu" mingle in the streets, mountains and plains, tradition and modern life blend together. It has a grand character but a serene spirit. Xanthi is a wonderful destination for those who want to escape for a day, explore its streets, witness its colorful atmosphere during festival season, or feel the multifaceted structure of Thracian culture.

Tracing History: The City of Colors and Culture

Formerly known as "Little Paris," Xanthi was once the center of the world tobacco trade. As soon as you step into the city, you immediately feel the traces of that glorious era with its neoclassical mansions, bay-windowed houses, and huge tobacco warehouses, all inherited from the 19th century.

Protected since 1976, the Old Town is a living open-air museum with its stone streets and art galleries. Here, Ottoman and Balkan architecture intertwine. The juxtaposition of mosque minarets, church bells, and old neighborhoods elevates Xanthi beyond being an ordinary Greek city, giving it a multi-layered identity.

How to get to Xanthi? Transportation Details

For those wishing to travel to Xanthi from Istanbul by private vehicle, there are two practical border crossing options: Ipsala and Pazarkule .

• Ipsala Border Crossing: This is generally preferred and has smoother road connections.

• Pazarkule Border Crossing: Can be considered as an alternative, especially during peak periods.

After crossing the border, Greek highways offer a pleasant and safe driving experience. The city can be reached via a short journey on the Alexandroupoli – Komotini – Xanthi route. Before setting off, make sure you have your passport, visa, and Green Card (vehicle insurance) ready.

Xanthi Food, Drink and Shopping Guide

The best thing to do when you arrive in the city is to take a coffee break in the old town square and get lost in the narrow streets. So, what to eat and buy in Xanthi?

• What to Eat? Meat dishes bearing the hallmarks of Balkan cuisine, fresh seafood, various mezes (appetizers), and the famous Bougatsa dessert should be at the top of your list. Don't forget to grab warm buns or classic Greek cookies (Kourabiedes) from street bakeries.

• What to buy? The city stands out with its local products: olives, honey, wine, spices, and handmade souvenirs are wonderful options.

• Jumbo Break: When it comes to shopping , Jumbo store, a favorite among Turkish tourists, should also be on your itinerary. It's a must-visit for affordable home furnishings and decorative items.

My Xanthi: My Favorite Place Recommendations:

I've been to Xanthi many times, and each time I've left my heart there. I've compiled a list of my indispensable stops that best reflect the soul of the city. Save this list, you'll definitely need it!

1. Amalthia Taverna

In the heart of the old city, experience a true Greek tavern. This is the perfect place for dinner, delicious mezes, and ouzo.

2. Tam Tam

Filled with nostalgic objects, it's an incredibly charming retro cafe that adds character to the city. It has an atmosphere you won't be able to stop taking photos of.

3. Tyflomiga

One of the city's most vibrant spots. A friendly and lively stop for both a daytime coffee break and a night of cocktails.

4. Conservation

Far from being a touristy place, it's a meeting point where you can mingle with the locals and is much loved by the people of Xanthi.

Festival Time: Xanthi Carnival:

If you happen to be here at the end of winter, you might stumble upon one of Greece's most colorful events: the famous Xanthi Carnival . With costumes, dances, parades, and street entertainment, the city transforms into a huge festival.

In short: For anyone seeking a new and different experience in the nearby region, Xanthi is a destination that grows more beloved the more you discover it. Located in the heart of Western Thrace, here you can breathe in that multicultural spirit where Turks and Greeks sit together at the same table.

So, which city in Greece do you feel "at home" in? Let's discuss in the comments!

Travel Guide and Places to Visit in Tbilisi

Greetings from Tbilisi , the first stop on our journey with Pegasus , where we're traveling as if we were locals …

Yes, we're embarking on a long journey, traveling the world on the wings of Pegasus, and our first stop is Tbilisi.

I had traveled to many parts of the world before, and Tbilisi was an exciting city for me, waiting to be explored.

We completed our Tbilisi tour in an unconventional way, as if we were locals. We visited many places, ate and drank, met new people, and finished our three-day trip to Tbilisi as if we were residents.

We carefully selected our locations, researched the best restaurants, and ordered the finest dishes on their menus. Our days in Tbilisi were a feast for both our eyes and our hearts.

Before I go into more detail, if you'd like to watch, my entire Tbilisi adventure is on my YouTube channel. The video is below!

Now, here's a list of the most beautiful places we've visited and would recommend, in order.

Alubali

We arrived in Tbilisi in the afternoon, quickly checked into our hotel, and then, after getting ready, one of the first restaurants we went to for dinner was Alubali.

Low lighting, a calm ambiance, and a lovely dinner made it one of our preferred spots. The restaurant, whose menu mainly consisted of Georgian cuisine, had a very pleasant decor.

The spacious hall, filled with round tables, white tablecloths, and decorative objects on the walls, will surely create a pleasant atmosphere. If you're looking for a romantic dinner in Tbilisi, this is a great option.

Address:

6 Ekaladze St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Lolita

We went to meet up with friends after dinner and discovered Lolita.

Although it initially gives the impression of entering a nightclub, the interior quickly transforms into a cafe.

An open kitchen surrounded by an open garden, under dim red lights, could be perfect for a Lolita first date. Admittedly, we got a little cold there. While the heating system was somewhat inadequate given the open space, you can solve that with a warm chocolate or mulled wine to warm you up.

Address:

Chovelidze St. 7, Tbilisi, Georgia

Stamba

On the first morning of our second day in Tbilisi, we knocked on Stamba's door to have something to eat.

Located in the heart of the city, Stamba is a massive building with a hotel on the upper floors and a café on the ground floor. It serves both hotel guests and outside customers.

Upon entering the hotel, you are first greeted by a huge library, then the doors open to the cafe area.

And this is the most beautiful cafe in the city…

With its spacious seating areas, airy atmosphere, welcoming bar, and cuisine, it's as if it's saying "Welcome to Tbilisi"...

It should also be noted that the service staff are very attentive and caring.

So if you come to Tbilisi, you should definitely visit this place.

Reserve a table here for breakfast or dinner.

Address:

Kostava st. 14 Stamba Hotel, Tbilisi, Georgia.

Factory

There's really no need to describe the factory in detail; it's a place familiar to almost everyone who's been to Tbilisi, and even those who haven't.

Located in the Old Town area, the factory, as its name suggests, was converted from a former factory dating back to the Soviet era.

The upper floors consist of a hotel and hostel, while the lower floors house a huge café.

In the garden area, you'll find communal spaces, bars, and walls adorned with graffiti…

If you come to Tbilisi, even if you don't stay here, I recommend you stop by the factory for a coffee break.

Address:

8 Egnate Ninoshvili St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Shavi Lomi

If you were to ask me which restaurant in Tbilisi has my favorite decor, I would definitely say Shavi Lomi.

You'll truly feel like you're in a Georgian home; it's a colorful place, and the food is amazing.

Shavi Lomi, located within walking distance of the factory, is on the list of Tbilisi's best restaurants.

There's not much need to write here; the photos speak for themselves. This is definitely one of the places to add to your list for your trip to Tbilisi.

Address:

28 Zurab Kvlividze St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Puri Guliani

On the morning of the third day, we set off for breakfast, heading towards the best breakfast spot in the Old Town area…

Puri Guliani, located next to the Saarbrücken bridge…

A huge patisserie greets you at the entrance. The wonderful aroma of coffee fills the air. We went upstairs and had our breakfast while enjoying the magnificent view of the bridge.

After some enjoyable moments, we immediately headed towards the flea market located on the bridge. If a flea market is on your list of places to visit in Tbilisi, I highly recommend stopping by here beforehand.

Maspindzelo Express

Have you ever discovered a place that wasn't on your list? Of course I have!

Maspindzelo Express was one of them; we came across it while wandering around trying to decide when to spend time having a snack before Keto and Kote, where we had a reservation for dinner.

I'm so glad we went; the entrance made you feel like you were in a European country from the outside, and the interior was just as beautiful.

With its minimalist paintings on the wall and its decor that was a mix of modern and vintage, it was dazzling.

Here we drank Georgian wine and tried khinkali, which we know as Georgia's famous dumplings.

I can say that although we discovered this place by chance, you should definitely visit it.

Address:

20 Giorgi Akhvlediani St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Keto and Kote

Keto and Kote was one of the first restaurants we wanted to visit when we arrived in Tbilisi…

But unfortunately, it will always remain in my memory as a place where we were turned away at the door because we went in unannounced and they operate with a reservation system.

Luckily, we managed to book a reservation for our last night in Tbilisi. And here we were on our final night.

The restaurant, named after the 1948 film directed by Vakhtang Tabliashvili, also served as a filming location for that movie.

The moment you step inside, you are instantly captivated; the enormous chandeliers, candelabras, and candles illuminate the space, making you feel as if you are in a castle.

With its attentive service, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere, Keto and Kote will blow your mind.

Definitely add it to your list.

Address:

Gamsakhurdia Ave 27, Tbilisi, Georgia

Ch'ika

If you're looking for a place to grab a coffee or a quick breakfast, and it's conveniently located, be sure to bookmark this place.

A small, charming coffee shop on the main street in Tbilisi.

It will be waiting for you with healthy ingredients, delicious eggs, and a huge cup of coffee.

We discovered Ch'ika on our way back to Istanbul, but you might want to spend more time there too.

Address:

Merab Kostava St. Tbilisi, Georgia

Ljubljana: City of Dragons and Fairytales Travel Guide

There Are Dragons in This City! Ljubljana Trip

Ljubljana… Imagine a city filled with dragon statues. It's like you're on the set of Game of Thrones around every corner! 🐉

Even as you cross the bridge, the dragons seem to be winking at you. And yes, in the middle of the bridge, I thought, "I wonder if I could fly if I flapped my wings?" 🙃

Jokes aside, Ljubljana is truly a captivating city. It has a romantic and fairytale-like atmosphere. In this article, I'll tell you the true story, history, and must-see attractions of Slovenia 's hidden capital. This will also be your perfect Ljubljana travel guide.

The True Story of Ljubljana

Ljubljana , the capital of Slovenia , has carried the traces of many cultures throughout history, from the Romans to the Habsburgs. Formerly known as "Emona," the city is one of Europe's hidden gems, with its medieval streets, baroque architecture, and river. Moreover, archaeologists have found the world's oldest wooden wheel here! The dragon legend dates back to the Greek hero Jason and the Argonauts, which is why the city is known as the "City of Dragons."

The Pink Church and the Beating Heart of the City

Preseren Square was the heart of the city. The first thing that caught my eye here was the Franciscan Church , its pink color resembling a cake. The square was so vibrant with musicians and lively conversation throughout the day that I felt the spirit of Ljubljana most deeply here. The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) connects to the river from here, creating a very photogenic landscape.

Ljubljana Castle

History, Landscape, and Hidden Art: The castle should definitely be at the top of your Ljubljana list of places to visit . Overlooking the city from above, Ljubljana Castle is like a time machine. It has protected the city for centuries and was even used as a prison at one point. From the castle, the entire city feels like it's in the palm of your hand; the red-roofed houses and the winding river are breathtaking.

But the castle isn't just a scenic spot. The Puppet Museum was the surprise that most impressed me. It was here that I discovered the culture of puppetry, a very important art form in Slovenia. It was like a vibrant treasure trove of art hidden within the castle walls.

Slovenian Cuisine

In Ljubljana , you'll find a blend of Central European and Mediterranean cuisine. Don't leave without trying these dishes in particular:

• Štruklji (dough rolls)

• Kranjska klobasa (Slovene sausage)

• Potica (walnut roll) for dessert

  
  

Lake Bled Ljubljana

A Fairytale Finale: Lake Bled While we're in Ljubljana , we couldn't leave without visiting Lake Bled , just 45 minutes away. The small island and the church atop it, nestled in the azure waters, offer a picture-postcard view. Walking around the lake provides a profound sense of tranquility. The real highlight of this trip was climbing up to Bled Castle . The views of both the lake and the Alps from here were simply breathtaking. We concluded this dreamy European trip with Bled's famous dessert , kremna rezina . With its vanilla cream and crispy dough, it was truly worth the effort.

The best times to visit Slovenia are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). In summer, the city is filled with festivals, and in winter, it boasts a magical snowscape.

How to Get There: There's a direct flight from Istanbul to Ljubljana . It takes approximately two hours. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus via Zagreb . This way, you can visit several European cities .

For the continuation of your Slovenia adventure, you can also check out my article A Fairytale City on the Edge of Tranquility: Slovenia - Novo Mesto Travel Guide, where I explore the city of calm and peace.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to follow my journeys and see more content: @onurollstyle .