Cities That Start With X: Ultimate Travel Guide to Xi'an, Xiamen, Xalapa & Xanthi (2025)

You know what's weird? Trying to name cities that start with X off the top of your head. Most people draw a blank - and honestly, I did too until I went down this rabbit hole last year during a trivia night disaster. My team lost because I couldn't name three. That failure launched my obsession with these rare destinations. Turns out cities beginning with X aren't just scrabble gold - they're hidden cultural treasures packed with history most travelers completely overlook.

When we talk about cities that start with X, we're dealing with a special club. These places force you to rethink geography and dig deeper than typical tourist trails. I've personally visited four of them now, and let me tell you - the bragging rights alone are worth it. "Oh, Xalapa? Yes, I've tasted their coffee" sounds infinitely cooler than "I went to Paris again."

This guide fixes that trivia-night humiliation by giving you the full lowdown. We'll cover everything from ancient Chinese capitals to Greek tobacco towns, with concrete details you won't find elsewhere. No fluff - just practical intel for actual travelers. Because let's face it: when you finally meet someone else who cares about cities that start with X, you wanna be the expert.

Why X Marks the Spot: Understanding These Rare Destinations

First things first - why are cities beginning with X so rare? Linguistics professor Dr. Emma Torres broke it down for me: "The 'x' sound doesn't naturally occur in many language groups. When it does appear at word beginnings, it's usually through cultural exchange or unique phonetic evolution." This explains why most X cities cluster in specific regions like China and Mexico where certain dialects favor that initial consonant.

Here's what makes these destinations special beyond their names:

• Off-radar tourism: You won't fight selfie-stick mobs like in Venice
• Authentic pricing: Hotels cost 30-50% less than famous neighbors
• Bragging rights: Try casually dropping "Xanthi" into conversation
• Cultural preservation: Less tourism often means well-preserved traditions

But fair warning: infrastructure can be challenging. When I tried getting from Xiamen to Xianyou by bus, the schedule was... optimistic. We broke down twice. Still worth it? Absolutely.

Detailed Guide to Major Cities That Start With X

Xi'an, China: Where History Comes Alive

Xiamen, China: Coastal Charm