• No deposit
• Zero excess on most cars (ages 23–74)
• Debit card, credit card or cash
• Free cancellation up to 21 days before
• 558 Google reviews

Thermes Baths and Mountainous Xanthi: A Road Trip in Rodopi

Mountainous Xanthi is one of the lesser-known parts of Northern Greece. It features green slopes of Rodopi, small tobacco fields, wooden tobacco warehouses, a church opposite a mosque, and warm water emerging from the earth. However, public transport is limited, so a car is the most practical way to explore it.

How to get to Thermes Baths from Thessaloniki

From Thessaloniki, take the Egnatia Odos eastbound and, after Kavala, you will reach Xanthi. The Egnatia Odos also has tolls, so check what to look out for in the guide Driving in Greece.

From Xanthi city to	Approx. km
Stavroupoli (Nestos valley)	28
Echinos (the largest Pomak village)	35
Thermes Baths	42–45
Livaditis (village, towards the waterfall)	49–51 (approx. 1 hour)

Thermes Baths: warm water in Rodopi

The community of Thermes has four settlements: Ano, Meses, and Kato Thermes and Thermes Baths. The road, therefore, passes through Echinos.

• Temperature: at Thermes Baths, the water is approximately 38–53 °C. In contrast, throughout the valley, it ranges from 18 to 53 °C, depending on the spring.
• The water: has low salt content, sufficient carbon dioxide, and no hydrogen sulfide. Therefore, it does not have the well-known “egg” smell.
• What you will find: an indoor hydrotherapy center in the square and outdoor tubs with mountain and stream views. Additionally, some guesthouses also have indoor pools with thermal water.
• Information: tel. 25440 22474.

Finally, thermal baths do not replace a doctor. If you have a health issue, it is advisable to consult your doctor first.

Pomak villages near Thermes Baths: Echinos, Myki, Glauki

The Pomak villages stretch north of Xanthi, on the slopes of Rodopi. Echinos is the largest, 35 km from Xanthi, with asphalt all the way. Also, Myki, Glauki, and Kentavros are main villages with vibrant daily life.

• For food, a coffee shop or a tavern serving local meat is the best choice.
• The residents have their own language and tradition. Therefore, always ask for their permission before photographing them.
• The roads are mountainous, with many turns. Therefore, drive calmly and fill up with petrol in Xanthi.

Livaditis waterfall

The Livaditis waterfall, also known as Trachoni waterfall, falls from approximately 60 meters. Livaditis village is at an altitude of 1,200–1,300 m. To get there, drive from Xanthi towards Stavroupoli and then towards Livaditis. Subsequently, from the village, a path and approximately 7 km of forest road will lead you to the waterfall. Careful: the forest road is unpaved, and rental-car insurance does not cover driving on dirt roads. Leave the car in the village, on the asphalt, and continue on foot or ask locally about transport.

• Why in winter: on the coldest days, the waterfall freezes, making it spectacular.
• Caution: however, in winter, the mountain and forest roads may have snow or be closed. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire in the area before ascending.

Stavroupoli and Nestos valley

Stavroupoli is approximately 28 km from Xanthi, and the road passes through the Nestos valley. Thus, it is a good stop on the way to Livaditis. In fact, the Nestos Straits can also be seen from the Stavroupoli–Xanthi train.

Old Town of Xanthi

Before or after the mountain, it is worth leaving the car and walking through the Old Town, with its cobbled alleys, mansions, and cafes. After all, it is the best base for the first night.

3-day itinerary including Thermes Baths

Day	Itinerary
1	Car pickup in Thessaloniki, Egnatia Odos to Xanthi, evening in the Old Town
2	Echinos and Pomak villages, then afternoon at Thermes Baths
3	Stavroupoli and Nestos, Livaditis if weather permits, return to Thessaloniki

Which car and how many kilometers

• Kilometers: for bookings up to 4 days, a limit of 150 km per day applies. In contrast, for more than 4 days, mileage is unlimited. Since Xanthi is far, for a three-day trip with mountain routes, it is worth booking for 5 days.
• Car: for two people, a modern small or medium-sized car is sufficient. However, for a family or winter travel with many belongings, a larger category is more convenient. See our fleet.
• Winter: you can request snow chains with your booking. Also, check the weather every morning.
• Insurance: covers all of Greece. However, you cannot cross into Bulgaria, even though it is very close.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thermes Baths and Mountainous Xanthi

Where are Thermes Baths located?

They are in mountainous Xanthi, in the Municipality of Myki, approximately 42–45 km from the city of Xanthi, near the border with Bulgaria. The road, in fact, passes through Echinos.

How hot is the water at Thermes Baths?

At the baths, it is approximately 38–53 °C. In contrast, in the wider valley, the springs range from 18 to 53 °C.

Does the water smell of sulfur?

No. The water contains no hydrogen sulfide, while it has low salt content and sufficient carbon dioxide.

When is the best time to see the Livaditis waterfall?

Many prefer the coldest winter days, as it freezes then. However, the road may have snow at that time, so it is advisable to inquire first.

Can I go to Bulgaria with a rental car?

No. The insurance only covers Greece, so you cannot leave the country.

Sources: allovergreece.com (Thermes Baths, Livaditis waterfall), trikalaview.gr, travel.gr, autotriti.gr, iefimerida.gr. Updated: November 1, 2026.