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!

Zagreb Travel Guide: Places to Visit, What to Eat and Route Plan

When planning a European trip, destinations often revolve around Italy, France, or Spain. However, as you can see in myZagreb Vlog on my YouTube channel, Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, topped the list of "cities that exceeded my expectations."

This city, which blends the noble architecture of Vienna with the warm spirit of the Balkans, is the perfect weekend getaway destination with its walkable streets, surprising museums, and mouth-watering flavors. I've compiled this comprehensive Zagreb Travel Guide by combining the delightful moments you've seen on my vlog with technical details, budget tips, and up-to-date tips.

If you're ready, grab your coffee; we're starting to stroll through the streets of Zagreb!

Things to Know Before You Go

Before packing, take note of these critical pieces of information that will make your trip easier:

• Visa Status: Croatia has officially joined the Schengen area, meaning a valid Schengen visa is required for entry.

• Currency (Important!): Croatia now uses the Euro (€) . (Don't be fooled by the "Kuna" information you see on old blogs.)

• Ideal Duration: A minimum of 2 days is definitely enough to fully explore the city.

• Transportation: You arrive in Zagreb after a two-hour flight from Istanbul. You can reach the city center (Bus Terminal) from the airport by shuttle bus in 30 minutes.

Places to Visit in Zagreb: Step by Step City Tour

Zagreb is geographically divided into two main areas: Gornji Grad (Upper Town), home to historical buildings and tranquility, and Donji Grad (Lower Town), home to modern life. I've listed the route you followed in the vlog below, in that order.

1. Ban Jelačić Square

This is the heart of the city. The intersection of the blue trams and the meeting place of the locals. Here, you can say your first "hello" to the city and admire the surrounding Austro-Hungarian architecture.

2. Dolac Market (The Stomach of the City)

I highly recommend going early in the morning. At this open-air market, famous for its red umbrellas, you can sample the fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheeses sold by local ladies (Kumica). That's exactly where the fresh fruit I ate in the vlog came from!

[Insert Image: Red umbrellas or fruit stalls at Dolac Market. Alt Text: Zagreb Dolac market and red umbrellas]

3. Tkalčićeva Street

This place used to be a stream flowing through the city, but now it's the center of Zagreb's nightlife and cafe culture. With its colorful houses and rows of cafes, it's bustling with activity at all hours of the day. When you're feeling tired, taking a break here to watch the people go by is the best way to truly understand the spirit of Zagreb.

4. St. Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka)

That famous square that comes to mind when you think of Zagreb! It's a stunning structure with the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia carved into colorful mosaics on its roof. It's impossible to pass by without taking a photo while walking through the streets of the Upper Town (Gornji Grad).

5. Museum of Broken Relationships

This is the answer to the question, "How impressive can a museum be?" It's one of the world's most unique museums, where people donate the remains of their broken relationships and write their stories. Some stories make you laugh, while others leave you with a lump in your throat. (I mentioned my favorite story in the vlog; details in the video!)

6. Lotrščak Tower and the Famous Cannon Shot

You might remember that moment I was terrified of in the vlog! 😄 Every day at 12:00 noon, the Grič Cannon is fired. This tradition has been going on for over 100 years. You can even climb up the tower and get a 360-degree view of the city.

7. The World's Shortest Funicular

This blue funicular, which connects the lower city to the upper city, is only 66 meters long and takes 64 seconds . Don't just say "I'll walk," but be sure to experience this nostalgic experience.

Zagreb Food and Drink Guide: What to Eat?

Zagreb's cuisine has Central European and Mediterranean influences, and prices are more reasonable than in other European capitals.

• Štrukli: This one tops the list. A baked version of yufka (a type of flatbread), fresh cheese, and cream. It's similar to lasagna, but much softer. La Štruk is definitely the best place for this.

• Cevapi (Cevapcici): The famous meatballs of the Balkans. Portions are usually huge and come with onions and Ajvar sauce.

• Coffee Culture (Špica): Drinking coffee is a ritual in Zagreb. Especially on Saturday mornings, locals dress in their finest and enjoy coffee at Tkalčićeva. Try third-wave coffee shops like Quahwa or Cogito .

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

Where to Stay? Zagreb is a very compact city. You'll need almost no public transport. Any Airbnb or hotel within walking distance of Ban Jelačić Square (the area around Tkalčićeva is very pleasant) will do the trick.

Internet and Communication: Your Turkish lines may be charged high rates here. Get an E-SIM before you go. It's a lifesaver to get a package or a local line (T-Hrvatski Telekom, etc.) from there. Google Maps will be your best friend in this city.

Final Word

While I expected gray buildings, Zagreb surprised me with its vibrant street art, the smell of coffee, and a story whispering around every corner. It's a great two-day, budget-friendly route for those with a visa.

If you'd like to see the city through my eyes, with all its sincerity and funny moments, I'll leave the vlog below. Don't forget to subscribe to the channel after watching!

Watch Zagreb Vlog: We Ate, We Drank, We Traveled!