Cobbled lane and minaret in the Pomak villages
  1. Home
  2. Trips
  3. Pomak Villages – Kottani
06 December 2026 · Kottani, mountain Xanthi

Pomak Villages – Kottani

Sunday 6 December 2026Grade 1–2 €25

Hiking in the Pomak villages of Xanthi

Circular route at Kottani

In the mountains of Xanthi, among small hamlets and old paths, lies a side of the Rhodope that is well worth getting to know on foot.

Starting from Kottani, we follow a circular route through the mountain landscape of the area, passing abandoned settlements and places that bear witness to the everyday lives of the people who once lived here.

The hike gives us the chance to experience the Pomak villages up close, the distinctive architecture of the old settlements and the history of a place that has kept its own character.

Once back in Kottani, there is the option of sitting down to a meal at a traditional taverna, rounding off the day with local flavours.

Programme

Sunday 6 December

  • 08:00 departure from Xanthi for the village of Kottani (1 hour)
  • 09:00 start of the hike
  • Approximate hiking time: 4 hours
  • Return to Xanthi, 17:00
Hiking gear and clothing list
  • 20-25 L rucksack
  • Hiking boots
  • Hiking trousers
  • Thick fleece (200-300) or down jacket
  • Thermal base layer
  • Waterproof, windproof jacket
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat and gloves
  • Trekking poles*
  • Water bottle, at least 1 L
  • Snacks
Cost

€30 per person – with organised transport from Xanthi to the start of the hike and back, in the Xploretrails vehicle.

€25 per person – using your own vehicle.

The price includes:

  • Guiding on the hikes by the programme leader
  • Public liability insurance
  • VAT
  • Digital photos
Information
MapKottani, mountain XanthiSunday 6 December 2026Open in Google Maps ↗

Photos

Tap a photo to see it full size.