Driving 12 kilometers from Kavala, you find yourself in an emerald paradise among the vastness Aegean- Thassos. The island is considered the greenest in Greece due to its lush, rich greenery. Spacious valleys, olive groves, various conifers, permeating the air with a wonderful aroma, cedars and plane trees - nature has generously endowed this area with the best that it has. 115 kilometers coastline provide the traveler with the opportunity to choose any of the many beaches with their white sands and incredible clean sea.
The island's landscapes are a bright emerald sparkling with the freshness of greenery. Waterfalls and sheer cliffs, which serve as a place of extraction, decorate the picture of nature. white marble... Such a picturesque wealth conquers the hearts of travelers from the first minutes of their stay in Thassos.
The resort will become ideal place for families with children due to the arrangement of beaches, developed infrastructure, numerous entertainment complexes. Admirers of a secluded pastime, as well as everyone who is interested in ancient history, will find their place here.
The mild climate allows Thassos to be a fertile territory (according to this indicator, the island is considered the best in the Aegean Sea). The area is also suitable for wellness holidays. For several years, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, lived here, noting that the local winter is more like spring, and the summer is pleasant and comfortable.
Capital of Thassos
The capital of the island, Limenas, also serves as the main port. Archaeological sites are available to tourists: Ancient Agora, ruins of ancient Roman temples, ruins ancient city Thassos. In addition, by visiting the archaeological museum, you can see unique exhibits that tell about the history of the island.
Limenas is equally beautiful at any time of the day. In the light of day, a tourist can relax by the sea by visiting one of local beaches... The best of them are Makriammos, Limanaki, Glyfada. You should definitely drop by the ancient theater. Evening time is good for shopping. Shopping in Thassos will bring pleasure to all shopping lovers; in parallel, you can acquire memorable souvenirs. In addition, a gastronomic walk that includes local cuisine prepared by the chefs of the capital's restaurants will help you to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the island.
The second name of Limenas is Thassos, so don't be surprised if you hear this name of the city. Despite its size, the territory of Limenas has a large number of various shops, hotels, bars, taverns, pubs. Large banks operate here, so the tourist will not have any problems with withdrawing money or exchanging currency.
The capital of Thassos has two parts - the new city and the old one. Old city- the most beautiful area of Limenas. There is an archaeological museum and numerous ruins of ancient buildings, so the value of this place cannot be overestimated.
The old port is picturesque. He fascinates and remains forever in the memory. An ancient agora was located here a long time ago. In addition, the old part of Limenas is rich in religious sites: the Church of St. Nicholas and the Vatopedi Monastery are the brightest monuments of religion. This monastery, by the way, is the visiting card of the capital.
Opponent of the capital - Limenaria
Limenaria can compete with the capital. This city is the second largest city. The high level of infrastructure development required by tourists attracts travelers with the opportunity to choose from a variety of hotels, restaurants, taverns, and entertainment centers. The traveler will not be disappointed by the well-equipped local beaches.
The first settlers of the city arrived here from Castro. Then they were simple workers. The population has grown significantly since 1922, when the major Asia Minor disaster struck. Because of this, refugees flooded here, settling in the city.
Turkish domination left a bright mark in Limenarie in the form of houses built at that time. They are still preserved, located along the streets of the city along with modern buildings.
For beautiful views, it is worth going to Palataki. It is a small palace with a fortress, towering 600 meters above the sea. These buildings are located at the top of the cliff. A two-storey rectangular building with towers at the edges is a beautiful landscape, once you see it, you will never be able to forget it.
The coastline of Limenaria is quite long. Here tourists can find cafes, bars, restaurants, various shops. Life along the coastline is noisy and colorful, so even a simple walk will be a real adventure. Very close to the city there is a beautiful sand beach Tripiti.
The villages of Thassos
Kazaviti (both Small and Bolshoi) are picturesque settlements spread out on a hill. Traditional houses and a classic area for mountainous regions characterize Thassos in the best possible way. Here you can enjoy peace, tranquility, quiet bird songs and beautiful waterfalls.
Deep in the olive groves, there is another village worth visiting - Kalihari. People go here for active recreation: the hilly terrain where the settlement is located determines the winding streets, and the picturesque groves provide a lot of opportunities for hiking through their territory.
Theologos was once the capital of Thassos. This is a mountain village, the buildings of which are recognized by Greece as architectural monuments. Theologos is often called a real "museum under open air". Yearly locals arrange a large-scale celebration, where the traditional wedding ceremony is reproduced. This happens in the summer, in June, so if you manage to be here, be sure to drop by.
Potos is especially popular among young people and is considered a tourist center. This is a great place for those who like to have fun after sunset. Bars, clubs, taverns, cafes, discos - night life Potosa makes noise until morning.
Rahoni is located to the southwest of Limenas. This village allows you to feel the traditional spirit of the island: many monasteries, mansions create a vivid picture of Thassos. The landmark of Rakhoni is the 19th century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin.
Panagia is a village where pine trees touch the sea, creating a unique landscape. You can get here by driving up from Limenas. Panagia is the epitome of the entire island with lush greenery, lush vegetation and pine notes that permeate the air. The village takes its name from the 1832 church.
The houses of the village of Potamya are located right on the slopes of Ipsario. They are the distinctive black mountain settlement: traditional houses are built of stone with wooden roofs. A beautiful panorama opens from Potamya, rich in all shades of greenery, seen by old churches and flowing streets. Here you can remove hotel room or rent a house, and numerous bars and taverns provide a wide menu for all tastes. The traveler should also visit the museum of the sculptor Vagis.
Thassos beaches
Chrissi Ammoudya ("golden sand") is located between Skala Panagiyas and Skala Potamyas. Crystal clear sea, beautiful beach, rich vegetation, surrounding area - the landscape of the beach seems to be borrowed from the picture. The towering mountain of Ipsario complements this beauty. The shallow coastline is ideal for bathing young children. The deep golden sand sparkles in the sun, which is why the beach was named that way. Sun loungers can be rented and you also get a drink, which is very nice given the summer heat of the Greek territories. All conditions have been created for active rest: interested persons can do aquatic species sports.
Another beautiful beach is located directly at Skala Potamyas. White sand and pure water- that is why tourists go here. There are taverns and bars nearby, where you can have a snack, have fun, and most importantly - not think about the noisy bustle of the resort town. Also nearby there are various hotels where guests are provided with the necessary services.
Not far from Potamia is Potos Beach, one of the most favorite locations for guests of the island. The fun is around the clock, so you won't get bored. There is also Pevkari beach nearby. The Greek word "singer" is translated as "pine", because it is these trees that surround the area. This beach is marked Blue flag, so lovers of a comfortable stay will appreciate this place. It is not safe for young children to swim here because of the rocky areas, as well as the rather dangerous inhabitants of the sea - sea urchins.
An interesting place is Tripiti. The name means "full of holes", the beach got it because of the through passage. The territory is well-groomed and landscaped. You can rent umbrellas, sun loungers. An excellent hotel adjoins the beach. The coast is covered with white sand, however, further from the hotel, the silky coating stops. The sea is calm and warm here. For lovers of solitude, Tripiti is not suitable, as it is always crowded here.
Per unusual vacation head to Marble Beach... It is really marble: instead of sand, the coast is covered with marble chips obtained from the extraction of this material. A striking contrast of the azure sea with a white beach - an amazing landscape paradise... The beach is made up of three beautiful lagoons, surprising with unearthly beauty.
Going on vacation with children, choose Aliki. The beach has a gently sloping entrance, and the sea is shallow, so you don't have to worry about the safety of your little ones. The stunning shades of sea water are a real find that cannot be forgotten. There is a bar on the beach with various dishes.
The most beautiful place is Giola. This is the lagoon south of Astris village. You need to go here without children, as the depth of the sea is rapidly increasing. The water does not warm up too much, besides, the area is blown strong winds... However, a stunning view - snow-white rocks, boulders, clear sea - you need to be here at least once. Nature has created a pool with clear sea water at Giola, so this opportunity should not be missed.
Glyfoneri is not the most popular place which is amazing. Sun loungers are free here, prices in the cafe are affordable. White sand and clear sea, shady areas throughout the territory - a great place to hide from the tourist hustle and bustle of Thassos. Glyfoneri is the name of the tavern, so when you see the sign with the corresponding inscription, head there. Here you can have a delicious lunch if you plan to stay. By the way, the beach cannot be seen from the road, this is another reason why there are few tourists here.
More details
sights
Aliki
The small village is very popular with tourists. In addition to clean beaches, luxury hotels, many entertainments, cafes, bars Alika can be proud of its sights. Surrounded by centuries-old pines and olive trees, this wonderful village is one of the most beautiful places on the island. The cape, on which Alika is located, is recognized as an archeological monument. Here is an ancient quarry, where Thassos marble was mined for thousands of years. Not far from the quarry there is shopping center from which marble products were transported to various parts of the world. To this day, archaeologists and tourists find huge pieces of carved marble near the quarry.
A group of French archaeologists have found the ruins of an ancient sanctuary, on the walls of which ancient inscriptions have been preserved. An early Christian chapel was discovered in a small cave. According to legend, the gods Dioskouri and Apollo protected sailors while sailing. In honor of the gods, shrines have been erected dating back to the 5th-6th centuries. BC. Later, they were engaged in the evaporation of sea salt, as evidenced by the name of the settlement. Aliki from translation means "salt pans". Rest in this resort town will become not only beach, but cognitive and intellectual.
Monastery of Michael the Archangel
The monastery of Michael the Archangel is considered the largest on Thassos. It was erected near Aliki in the VIII-IX centuries. According to legend, the monk Luke is considered its founder. According to legend, the rock on which the monastery is located was not chosen by chance. This is a place of amazing miracles, unexplained events, healings, prophetic dreams.
The sacred monastery gathers pilgrims from all over the world. The monastery is proud and guards its main shrine - a piece of a nail driven into the body of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. During a visit to Michael the Archangel, you can both touch a sacred relic.
The old building is surrounded by incredible nature. A beautiful seascape opens from all sides. The spectacular cliff face excites everyone.
Entry to the territory is free. Here is a temple, cells, chapels, guest rooms. A walk through the courtyard will lead to a souvenir shop with church souvenirs and handicrafts. Knives and sabers are presented in the arms shop-exhibition. There is a small cave under the monastery. The entrance is open, but not secure. Inside the cave there is an icon of the Archangel Michael and a healing spring.
Monastery of Panteleimon
Monastery of Panteleimon is a historical landmark of the island of Thassos. It is located near the village of Kazaviti at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level. Legend has it that the monastery was built on this site for a reason. The construction was supposed to be a couple of kilometers away, from where the tools were constantly disappearing. The workers, having stumbled upon unknown tracks, followed them and found the loss. The incident was considered a sign from above, it was decided to build a temple here.
In the first half of the 19th century, construction was completed. The building was built of mountain stone, and the roof was made of wood. Near the temple there is a cave, which, according to legend, was the dwelling place of Panteleimon. A sacred monastery was erected in honor of the healer. It is believed that the sacred spring in the cave is able to heal from any disease. Thousands of people come here with the hope of recovery. With observation deck you can enjoy the incredible view, breathe in the smell of nature. On clear days, Mount Athos can be seen from here. Saint Panteleimon's Day is celebrated here every June. There are several ways to get to the sacred place. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, don't forget about safety.
Antique Thassos
Ancient Thassos is a monument of history and archeology dating back to the 7th century BC. In the old days it was a thriving city: its own merchant and military fleet, minting coins. Wealth natural resources turned Thassos into a commercial, religious and political center. The city was repeatedly attacked and captured, but once it could not resist and fell. At the beginning of the XX century. a group of French archaeologists began excavating the destroyed settlement. The few artifacts found confirm the grandeur and luxury of ancient Thassos. Some of them are kept in the Archaeological Museum. You can see the beauty of the ruins of marble fortresses, ancient sanctuaries, an ancient theater, the main square, foundations of churches on the ruins of the city. The destroyed walls were once a solid defensive wall. A walk through the ruins will be exciting and interesting.
Castro
"Castro" in translation from Greek means "fortress". The ancient village, located at an altitude of 500 m above sea level, was founded at the beginning of the 15th century. In those days, settlements were located high in the mountains, and a defensive wall was built around them. So the locals were forced to defend themselves against pirate raids. Castro prospered for several centuries, but by late XIX century it has lost its significance.
People went down to the fertile soil, took up agriculture... The village has been emptied, retaining its medieval setting. In the center of the settlement there is a church of St. Athanasius, built in 1804. Literally every inhabitant of the settlement took part in its construction. The sanctuary was built from materials from a destroyed Genoese castle. The ruins of this fortress have survived to this day.
Today the old houses of Castro are being restored. Tourists come here to enjoy the peace and quiet. For entertainment there is a small cozy tavern. In January, in honor of the celebration of St. Athanasius' Day, the village comes alive. All the inhabitants of the island come here, walk, sing songs, dance.
Lake Marie
The island fascinates not only with its historical sights, but also with natural ones. Lake Mari is the only one in Thassos. The Greek Archipelago does not have islands. Therefore, Marie is a real miracle.
Few travelers know about this cozy, quiet and scenic location... The lake is not marked on any map. To see all the beauty with your own eyes, you need to get to the village of Mari. Local residents will give directions.
Giola
Among the natural attractions, a unique lagoon called Giola should be noted. It is a natural body of water with blue-green sea water, surrounded by rocks. Giola is separated from the sea by a small stone wall... During a storm, raging waves overflow the barrier and fill the pool with fresh water. In appearance, the lagoon resembles a pearl shell. Swim in so amazing natural phenomenon- pure pleasure. Literally a meter from the lagoon, the endless sea spreads. The view is amazing. Vacationers come here to enjoy the sea and take extraordinary photos. It is very beautiful here at sunset, but evening time is not suitable for swimming.
The lagoon is called "Aphrodite's Tear". There is a legend that Zeus himself created a natural pool for his beloved. According to another legend, the pool is the keen eye of Zeus. You can get to the reservoir by car. But you should carefully follow the road and prepare a map in advance.
Ancient amphitheater
The ancient amphitheater, built in the 3rd century BC, is located on the hill of the city of Limenas. The stone seats can accommodate 3,000 spectators. There is an opinion that gladiator fights were held here earlier. Some of the seats have ancient inscriptions. It is assumed that this is how the places of the wealthy and influential were marked. Today, the amphitheater gathers for music concerts and performances. In the evenings, the audience sits on stone benches and enjoys the sunset. The sun sinks into the mountains and the sea, ships and yachts pass by. The view is simply amazing. The amphitheater is surrounded by a pine forest. An unusual smell of pine needles soars in the air. Climbing higher, you can see many ruins of a Byzantine medieval castle, towers and a church.
Archaeological Museum
You can immerse yourself in the past within the walls of the Archaeological Museum, which is located in the capital of the island, Limenas. The museum presents a fairly wide composition with a total area of about 2000 square meters.
More than one and a half thousand exhibits from the 7th century BC are kept here. to the 7th century A.D. Their main feature is that they are all found on the territory of Thassos.
The finds are varied: ancient Greek dishes, antique mosaics, sculptures. Primitive tools are the most ancient museum exhibits. The remains of a Bronze Age man are kept here. Marble statues, bronze figurines, jewelry, statues of gods and commanders - all this can be seen within the walls of the museum. Many exhibits are in the open air.
The museum is open daily from 8.30 to 15.00.
Thassos - beautiful island, located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea and separated from mainland Greece by only a 12-kilometer strait. The island of Thassos owes its name to the mythological hero - the son of the Phoenician king Agenor, who went at the behest of his father in search of his sister - beautiful Europe, kidnapped by Zeus. The search was not crowned with success, and the young man could not return to his father without fulfilling his order, therefore he remained to live on beautiful island, which was later named after him.
The first settlements on the island of Thassos appeared in about 2000 BC, in 1600-1500 it was colonized by the Phoenicians, who were attracted by the reserves of gold and marble, as well as a surprisingly mild climate. Further, the Persians, Spartans, Romans, Byzantines, Turks fought for the right to possess the island of Thassos with fertile lands, rich in minerals, and only in 1912 did Thassos become part of Greece.
There are many historic buildings in Limenaria, among which turkish fortress 19th century and Palataki Palace, standing at the tip of the cape
In addition to snow-white marble, Thassos is famous for its excellent wines seasoned with the resin of coniferous trees. According to legend, the grape wine "Thasios Inos" was delivered to the palace of Cleopatra herself.
The cleanest beaches, azure sea, abundance of vegetation, thanks to which Thassos is nicknamed "the emerald island", marble rocks, historical sights of Thassos have long attracted both the Greeks themselves and numerous European tourists, the Russians discovered the island not so long ago.
How to get to the emerald island of Thassos
If you are used to traveling by plane, then you should know that there is no own airport, and the closest - Megas Alexandros - refers to the city on the mainland -. There should definitely not be any problems with transport to Kavala - the city is connected by regular flights with Athens, and you can find convenient and cheap flights for the dates of the proposed trip.
Another alternative for air travel enthusiasts is to fly to Thessaloniki, and from there take a bus to Keramoti, and then change to a ferry to Thassos. Ferries from Kavala and Keramoti leave daily for the island during high season. About transport options from Thessaloniki airport Grekoblog.
Thassos can be reached both by plane and by ferries, which depart daily from Kavala and Keramoti during high season.
Find out in more detail the schedule of ferries, as well as book a ticket. When booking online, we highly recommend our article, which describes in detail the process of buying and receiving tickets on hand.
Hotels
Like many others popular resorts Greece, the hotel infrastructure of the island of Thassos is very well developed. Although the island is relatively small, there are over 200 hotels to choose from.
Climate and weather of Thassos
The climate on the island of Thassos is quite mild - winters are warm and humid, and summers are sunny and dry. Since the island is still northerly, the cold season is somewhat longer here than in other popular island resorts, although not the same as on the mainland. Winter weather on Thassos begins in November - it rains, and in the mountains and snow, it goes until March, the air temperature drops to + 15C. The beach season on the island is, accordingly, a little shorter - you can swim and sunbathe from late May to mid-September.
Summer weather on the island of Thassos is mild and pleasant, there is no sweltering heat, the daytime air temperature usually does not rise above + 30C. Peak tourist season falls in July and August.
Sights of Thassos
Limenas, the capital of Thassos, is famous for its Archaeological Museum: here you can see numerous finds from all over the island: magnificent sculptures of Dionysus made of marble, ancient coins and jewelry. Many attractions of the island of Thassos are located right in the open air - the ruins of the ancient theater, agora - the central retail space, acropolis.
In the old part of Limenas, you can see no less interesting ruins of the temples of Dionysus and Poseidon, dating back to the 6th century BC.
The convent of Michael the Archangel, who is the patron saint of Thassos, is also worth visiting. The most important Christian shrine is kept there - a particle of the Holy Cross, on which Jesus was crucified.
A particle of the Holy Cross, on which Jesus was crucified, is kept in the monastery of the Archangel Michael.
Limenaria is another tourist centre Thassos islands. There are many historical buildings erected by the Turks in the 19th century, a fortress built at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, as well as the Palataki Palace with picturesque towers, standing at the tip of a promontory jutting out into the sea.
Potamia is a small village in the Thassos mountains - the birthplace of the sculptor Polygnotos Vagis. The village has a museum dedicated to the famous countryman - there you can see his sculptures, as well as paintings. From Potamia, lovers of outdoor activities begin their routes to Mount Ipsario - the ascent takes about four hours, but the journey is worth it - from the top there are amazingly beautiful views of the island of Thassos.
Not far from Potamia is another attraction of the island of Thassos - the village of Felogos - a traditional Greek settlement, where a folk festival is held annually, the purpose of which is to demonstrate ancient wedding ceremonies.
Beaches
Thassos is famous for its beaches - clean and well-groomed, as evidenced, in particular, by the fact that many of them are marked with "blue flags".
Golden Beach - Golden beach, stretching along east coast Thassos islands, 12 kilometers from Limenas. This long beach of golden sand and crystal clear waters, surrounded by vegetation descending from the mountains to the sea, is one of the most beautiful on the island. The gentle entrance to the water makes it an ideal place for families with children.
Paradise Beach or Aliki Beach is white velvet sand and azure sea surrounded by mountains
Makriamos is a beautiful sandy beach located in the heart of the island - Limenas. Soft fine sand, gentle warm sea, emerald vegetation make the beach very attractive for tourists.
The paradise beach of Thassos island stretches between the settlements of Aliki and Loutros. Paradise beach is soft White sand and the cleanest sea surrounded by mountains. The beach is divided into three sectors: bikini swimmers, topless sunbathers and nudists.
Near Potos there is an amazing Pevkari beach, surrounded by a pine forest, near Potamya - Potamias beach, characterized by white sand. In general, there is no shortage of beaches on the island of Thassos - they stretch along the entire coast: long and open, romantic and secluded, located in secluded bays, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay and completely wild.
Thassos is a green island in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. It is located in close proximity to the coast of Kavala, where the Nestos River flows into the sea.
Thassos. Photo from the site - kavalathassos.blogspot.com
Thassos is a mountainous island with an abundance of beaches. The sandy strip stretches for many kilometers along the sea, which changes color from emerald green to azure blue. Plane, spruce, oak and pine forests often descend directly to the coast, generously endowing with their coolness. Therefore, Thassos is called the "emerald island", "green diamond", etc.
In addition to natural beauty, there are many interesting things to do here. Local residents carefully preserve not only their traditions and customs, but also the monuments of past eras. Walls ancient fortress, the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, the acropolis and ritual buildings dedicated to the god Dionysus are open to the public.
The island has a well-developed leisure industry. Hotels, apartments and campgrounds are scattered throughout Thassos. The proximity of the coast of Kavala with its port and airport increases the opportunity to take excursions to any other corner of Greece.
Geography
Thasos is located off the coast of East Macedonia. The length of the coast reaches 115 km, the area of the island is 378.8 km ². To reach the island, it is necessary to travel six nautical miles from the port of Keramoti by ferry or 18 miles from Kavala by hydrofoil.
The mountain slopes of the island are covered with Mediterranean vegetation. The island is home to both wild and cultivated olives, pines, spruces, plane trees, cedars, dogwood and figs. The most high peak on Thassos - Ipsarion (1203 m.). There are deposits of marble, gold, iron and other metals.
Climate
Thassos is known for its comfortable climate. The type of climate is Mediterranean: warm, not very hot summers and mild winters, so much liked by the great "father of medicine" Hippocrates, who lived here for 3 years. In his book Epidemics, he writes: "Here, winter is more like spring." The average annual temperature is + 17.2 ° С, the average daily temperature in July is + 24.3 ° С. Because of the rarity of winds, the sailors nicknamed Thassos "Arnonisos", which means "lamb island" in Greek.
Population and tourism
The island is home to 13,720 people (according to 2011 data). The population is mainly employed in tourism. Also an important role in the economy of Thassos is played by the extraction of marble, timber and fishing, as well as beekeeping, animal husbandry, processing of olives and winemaking. But no matter what the locals do, they always try to achieve high quality products and services.
Mythology and history
According to Herodotus, the island was named after Thassos, the son of the Phoenician king Agenor. He came here in search of his sister Europa, kidnapped by Zeus. In the 16-15 centuries. BC NS. the mines of Thassos belonged to the Phoenicians.
In the 7th century. BC NS. the island is colonized by immigrants from the island of Paros, headed by the king Telesikles, the father of the ancient Greek poet Archilochus. Over time, a powerful state was created, which, because of its wealth and greatness, was called "northern Athens". Rich mines, a well-equipped port and a dominant position in the region became a tasty morsel for various conquerors. In the 5th century. BC NS.
Thassos becomes the "apple of discord" between Athens, Sparta and Persia. At that time, about 150 thousand inhabitants lived on the island. The theater, sculpture and architecture developed. It was then that one of the most famous athletes of antiquity, the fist fighter Tiagen, lived on the island. This is the first two-time Olympic champion to win 2102 fights.
In 340 BC. NS. Thassos is subordinate to the Macedonian king Philip II. In the 2nd century. BC NS. the island becomes part of the possessions of the Romans. For this region, the Roman period gently passes into the Byzantine period.
Since 1353 Thassos has been the property of the Genoese Francesco Gtiluchi, whose family retained influence over the island until the arrival of the Turks in 1455. The Turks, in turn, ruled here until 1813. It was then that these lands were transferred into the possession of Muhammad Ali of Egypt. In 1912 Thassos was liberated.
Traditions and customs
Residents of Thassos are distinguished by simplicity and kindness to their guests. These hospitable and open, merry fellows are deeply religious people. The locals treat religious holidays with special trepidation. But the pagan past also affects. For example, after Easter holiday all gather for a common prayer service. The main goal is to bring rain to the vineyards. The celebration of the spring carnival with round dances, jokes, pranks and abundant libations belongs to the deep past.
sights
There are no big cities on the island, but this is not a minus. The most significant settlements in Thassos are the city Thassos(Limenas), Kallirachi, Limenaria, Theologos, Panagia Potamia and Bringing.
Thassos- the capital of the island, has about 3 thousand inhabitants. Locals call their capital Limenas. Thassos (Limenas) is located in a bay between two capes. This administrative and economic center of the island is surrounded by greenery. At the same time, it is the most active tourist center of the island. It has everything that vacationers need. These are sandy beaches, modern hotels, ancient monuments, taverns and bars. Convenient to Thassos (Limenas) and in terms of movement. From the pier, there are daily cargo-passenger ships to Keramoti (10 km) and Kavala (25 km).
Callirachi. The settlement reminds us of the times when pirates raged in these waters. In 1750, fishermen from the village of Kakirahi hide in the mountains and build a new settlement 2 km from the coast. Kallirachi is surrounded by hills with olive groves on all sides. The settlement has its own pier - Kallirakhis Rock. There are no large hotels on the shore, and the atmosphere of peace and tranquility reigns throughout the area. The houses here are built in the traditional island style. Kallirachi is also known as a center for the production of high quality olive oil.
Limenaria. The second largest settlement of Thassos has 2.5 thousand inhabitants. Located in the very south of the island, in a convenient bay. In the 80s and 90s. in the area of Limenaria, the tourism industry is developing. Hotels, apartments and taverns were built here. There is a pedestrian zone in the center of the village for the convenience of tourists.
Theologos. Mountain settlement located 10 km from the coast, but this does not make it uninteresting. The abundance of springs, dense forests and seclusion have become the reason why monks from Athos settle here. Until the middle of the 19th century. Theologos was the capital of the island. This lively settlement is very suitable for getting to know the life and traditions of the local people. Even the architecture here hasn't changed a bit. Taverns and coffee houses save
Beaches
Along the entire perimeter of the island there are spacious beaches and cozy coves surrounded by pine forests and olive groves. Thassos (Limenas).
The capital of the island is surrounded by beaches on all sides. The most comfortable and well equipped are Limanaki, Makriammos and Glikadi. Large and small hotels, car and motorcycle rental offices, taverns and bars - the developed infrastructure provides comfortable conditions for the guests of the island.
Chrissi Ammoudia(Golden sand). Wonderful beach 3 km long. It connects two villages:
Rock of Panagias and Rock of Potamyas. This is one of beautiful beaches islands. For several years in a row, it has been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness and good organization of recreation. Here you can enjoy water sports, play beach volleyball or sample local cuisine in one of the taverns. For those who wish, there is a camping, apartments and small hotels.
Rock of Prinu. Exclusively tourist village. There is a small port here, from where you can get to Kavala. Most best beach in this part of the island - Dasillio. The beach is about 2.5 km long. It's perfect for romantics. Sandy shore, a bright sunset and silence will be a good help for a comfortable stay. In addition to everything, there are several modern hotels... There is also an opportunity to relax in the campsite.
Limenaria beach. These are actually three beaches, turning one into the other: Tripiti, Limenaria and Metalia... The most famous and well-equipped of them is Tripiti. It is a sandy beach with a proper entrance and clear sea. On the coast there is an abundance of hotels, taverns and cafes. The presence of a large village Limenaria in the immediate vicinity contributes to the convenience of rest.
Potos beach. As often happens in Thassos, here we are dealing with an extended coastline of three beaches. These are the famous Pefkari, awarded the EU Blue Flag, Potos and Agios Antonios. It is the most thriving tourist center on the island. Potos is known as a resting place for young people. Large and small hotels, spacious sandy
Entertainment
Thassos is a modern resort with a well-developed recreation infrastructure. The island successfully combines sea and mountains, so lovers active rest but here they will not get bored. Whoever likes the sea more can do water sports or fishing, both normal and underwater.
Mountain lovers can walk along forest trails, listen to birds and visit mountain villages. You can hunt and do on Thassos rock climbing. There is a network of modern roads throughout the island.
You can ride a bike, scooter or car, swim in one of the many secluded bays. The development of tourism has led to the fact that the island has all kinds of entertainment inherent in large cities. Taverns, nightclubs, bars and discos keep their doors wide open to the last client.
For history buffs, Thassos is attractive for its ancient monuments, monasteries and temples.
Shopping
Leaving Thassos, you always want to take with you a souvenir that will remind you of a wonderful vacation.
Weaving art it has been practiced on the island for hundreds of years, and the technology has not changed a bit. The beauty of the drawing, wonderful plots, vivid colors and high quality are a good gift for friends and family. One of the favorite souvenirs is local ceramics.
In the capital of the island there are workshops that are more than a hundred years old, and apiaries are ubiquitous on Thassos. Local honey very aromatic and tasty. And, of course, olive oil and olives... Take more - you won't regret it.
Transport and movement
Sea traffic. The island can only be reached by sea, from the ports of Thassos and Prinos there are ferries and hydrofoils to the ports of Keramoti and Kavala.
Air traffic. The nearest airport to Thassos is Alexandros Megas, located near Kavala and Keramoti.
Bus service the island is quite active and provides everything without exception settlements islands. The maximum fare does not exceed 3.5 euros. Tickets can be purchased at newsagents or on the bus from the driver.
Taxi. Taxis are a very popular form of transport in Thassos. This fast and convenient way to travel is very relevant on small islands. If there is no taxi stand nearby, you can ask the workers of a nearby tavern or shop, they will call a car for you. Taxis in Thassos are white. The minimum fare is 3 euros. The tariff can be tracked by the meter.
Cuisine and food
The cuisine in Thassos is diverse.
The seaside taverns always provide a wide variety of fish and seafood dishes. The fish is usually fried over charcoal. Seafood more often baked in sauces or in batter.
If you go to the mountains, to the village of Theologos, you can try local traditional dishes. First, papalopita, a zucchini pie with cheese and rice, will be served on the table.
Main dish in local taverns - charcoal baked goat meat... Be sure to try dried trumbes olives... All dishes are prepared with local olive oil. Wash down everything that is consumed with local wine, which was the key to the prosperity of the island's economy in antiquity.
For dessert - honey and sweets, baked with honey, or halva. A topic for a separate conversation - walnut jam. The nuts are harvested unripe and soaked to lose their characteristic bitterness. After that, the nuts are boiled in honey and cloves are added.
Thassos is an island in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, located opposite the coast of East Macedonia. Is an Greek territory and is located just 12 km from the mainland. The island's coastline is 115 kilometers long.
From Balkan Peninsula the island itself is separated by the Strait of Thassos. Main city the island also bears this name, but is also known as Limenas or simply "port". The ruins of the ancient city of Thassos, founded about 3 thousand years ago, were discovered not far from modern Thassos. Historically, it is part of the larger mainland Thrace to the south.
The rich vegetation of Thassos gives the right to call it the greenest island of the Aegean Sea: olive trees, pines, cedars, spruces, lindens, dogwoods and other types of trees and shrubs approach the very tops of the mountains. Green hills, snow-white beaches, small waterfalls in the wooded depths, marble rocks, the purest sea enchant the guests of the island. Lovers of nature, silence and antiquity prefer to rest here.
Thassos, thanks to its beauty, is called "the emerald island", "the green diamond of the Aegean Sea", "the island of the Sirens" and even the "marble island", because the mountains here are indeed made of magnificent white marble exported far beyond the borders of Greece.
Warm summers in popular resorts: Crete and Rhodes from a travel agency Pegas Touristik LLC WTC. online 24/7. Installment at 0%.
How to get there
There are no direct charters to Thassos, and therefore there are very few compatriots here. The most convenient way to get there is to fly to Thessaloniki (up to 250-300 EUR per person), then get to the port of Kavala near the town of Keramoti, from there take a ferry to the island. Keramoti also has an airport, but there are no direct flights from Russia.
Many people travel from the airport in a rented car, which will also be able to move around the island. You can also get around the island by buses that perform regular flights between local settlements, the coast and the capital of the island.
Search for flights to Thessaloniki (nearest airport to Thassos)
Weather in Thassos
Thassos is the most north island Greece, the climate of which is formed by forests (9/10 of the territory), a mountain range stretching from northwest to southeast, many springs and the sea that surrounds the island in a dense ring. In summer, it is very comfortable here and less hot than in other resorts in Greece, the average temperature is 27-30 ° C.
Thassos beaches
Thassos presents first of all beach vacation... On the coast of Limenas, tourists are waiting for the beautifully arranged beaches of Makriammos, Limanaki, Glyfada, surrounded by numerous hotels, shops, bars, taverns and pubs.
The sandy beach of Tripiti stretches near Limenaria. Along it there are also taverns, cafeterias, bars and shops, traditional for the resort coast.
In the Potamia area, there is the white sandy beach of Potamyas. And between Panagia and Potamya there are beautifully arranged beaches of Chrysi Ammoudia and Chrysi Akti, which form the resort area of Golden Sands. Bled by crystal clear waters, they are surrounded by dense vegetation that descends directly to the sea. The coast is shallow, which is very convenient for families with children. Rising above the beach, Mount Ipsario protects the area from the winds and gives it extra charm.
Another popular beach, called Paradise Beach, stretches between the settlements of Aliki and Loutros. Near Potos there is a splendid kilometer-long beach, perfectly landscaped and therefore very popular - with places for camping and other opportunities for a varied recreation. Nearby there is a small but decently organized Pevkari beach surrounded by pine trees. Exactly magnificent pine forests Nearby, the area owes its name - "singing" in translation from Greek means "pines".
Popular hotels in Thasos
Resorts and cities of Thassos
The port of Limenas is the commercial and administrative center of the island. Once it was located here ancient city Thassos. The ruins of the fortress wall, acropolis, theater, temple of Apollo, market square(Agora), the old port, etc. In the old part there are the Church of St. Nicholas and the Vatopedi monastery, called the symbol of Limenas. In addition, the richest museum is located here, telling about the ancient history of the area. Even higher in the mountains, there are evidence of pagan times - a cave-sanctuary of the ancient god Pan, on the wall of which a relief with a flute in hand is still visible.
Limenaria
Limenaria is the second largest city in Thassos. The main attractions are the fortress, built at a level of 600 m above sea level and the Palataki Palace on a promontory jutting into the sea. It is a two-story rectangular building with picturesque eclectic towers, built at the beginning of the 20th century by the German company Speidel, which was developing ore in Thassos at that time. Today it is the local Cultural Center. In the area there are many buildings built by the Turks during their rule on the island until the beginning of the 20th century, as well as buildings in the neoclassical style.
Panagia
Above Limenas is the Panagia settlement, the main attraction of which is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, which contains many ancient icons of the 14-17th century. Among them, the most revered is the icon of the All-Seeing Mother of God. The red and white banner of the period is also kept here. crusades owned by Richard the Lionheart.
Potamia
The mountain village of Potamia on the slopes of Ipsario is the most high mountain Islands (1 203 m) - offers travelers a beautiful view of the surroundings. In addition, it houses the Museum of Vagis, the Greek-American sculptor Polygnotos Vagis Hadzigeorgiu, who was born here in 1892.
Cape Aliki
Cape Aliki is one of the most beautiful and most visited places on the island. The main attraction is a temple built in the 7th century. BC e., behind which are the ruins of an ancient settlement. Nearby is the convent of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the island. The monastery contains a part of the holy cross on which Christ was crucified. The monastery itself is located on the edge of a high cliff and looks at the Holy Mount Athos, which is visible in the distance, in a small haze.
Potos and Theologos
In the vicinity of Potamia, there is another tourist center - Potos, which is popular with lovers of noisy rest. For lovers of walking until the morning, there are many discos, cafes, bars and traditional taverns. Slightly higher in the mountains is the settlement of Theologos, where many old mansions have survived. Due to its architecture, Theologos village was declared a “traditional settlement” by the Greek state in 1979, thanks to which many buildings were restored. Maintaining the title of an open-air museum, the locals hold a folk festival here every June, presenting a traditional wedding ceremony.
Castro
Castro translated from Greek means "fortress". It is in fact a fortress in the central part of the island, located at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level among ravines and gorges. Now abandoned, it was built by the Gattilusie family from Genoa, as evidenced by the inscriptions on the walls. Here is the oldest temple of the island - the temple of St. Athanasius. On the day of St. Athanasius, January 18, the fortress is revitalized with festivities in honor of the revered saint, and residents from all over the island flock here.
Sotiras and Prinos
At the foot of Ipsario, at an altitude of 380 m above sea level, lies the charming village of Sotiras, famous for the ancient ruins of former settlements, traditional village architecture and the drinking spring of 1888.
Prinos is the largest and most populous settlement in the western part of Thassos. It is the cultural and social center of the region, thriving on the oil fields found here. Nearby is beautiful monastery Saint Panteleimon, one of the most revered saints in Greece.
Other villages of Thassos
The settlements of Small and Big Kazaviti, Maries, Kallirachi and a number of others serve as fine examples of traditional architecture, immersed in the greenery of gardens and climbing the slopes of the mountain like steps.
Local cuisine is presented in numerous traditional taverns. The most authentic dishes are goat roasted on a spit and local homemade wine.
Our family really fell in love with the rest in Greece. Were in Rhodes, Crete, Kos. Heard a lot about the green island of Thassos and dreamed of visiting it.
Thassos is the northernmost island. It is separated from the mainland by a strait, which at its narrowest point is only 7 kilometers. The airport is located on the mainland, and guests are taken to hotels by buses that take the ferry, so there is no need to make any changes. Ferries leave from the port of Keramoti to the capital of Thassos - Limenas. Also from Kavala ferries follow to the port of Skala Prinu. On the ferry, tourists' favorite entertainment is feeding seagulls, which circle above the deck and snatch pieces of bread from their hands, invariably flying up from behind.
We went to Thassos in July, having bought a tour for 14 nights. We lived in the Filippos hotel on the outskirts of the village of Skala Rakhoni.
Filippos - small family hotel... It is led by a grandfather and his two grandchildren. Very polite and helpful. The bus cannot reach the hotel, and the brothers met the guests on the main road to take them back to the hotel. Filippos operates on a breakfast-dinner basis (lunch is not provided). Breakfast - Buffet, and dinner is portioned. Dinner drinks are chargeable, but water is free and unlimited.
On the first day we sat on an open veranda, but wasps immediately flocked to food, of which there are a lot on Thassos. It's good that guide Georgius asked the staff to light ground coffee in a saucer - a natural and harmless repellent used by locals to escape annoying insects. We confirm: the method works fine. But, nevertheless, we no longer sat on the veranda.
The room has a refrigerator, air conditioning and TV. There is free, but not too fast wi-fi. But most of all we were impressed by the entrance door - a powerful steel structure with a peephole, an opening stopper and a safe lock! By the way, there is no safe in the room, but I don’t think that with such a door it is needed at all.
The room has a balcony, also with a good plastic door and sliding screens. There is a clothesline on the balcony for drying clothes. Unfortunately, there were no glasses in the room.
The village of Skala Rahoni is located in the north-west of the island, 12 km from the capital - the city of Limenas. We went to the city by bus. The stop is on the main road. Buses run infrequently, according to the schedule - only eight times a day and not too punctually. The fare to Limenas is 1.8 euros. From Skala Rachoni you can get to Limenaria and Potos (without going to Limenas).
Not far from the hotel there is a large supermarket Latsuris.
The nearest beach is sandy and the sea is shallow. The sand is unusual, shiny, probably due to inclusions of mica. Entry is different everywhere: somewhere there are stones at the entrance, somewhere more algae. From the hotel we walked to the right, the second exit to the sea, located near the Kostas tavern. There it seemed to us the most convenient entry into the sea. We took a beach umbrella with us, but it never came in handy. Trees grow on the beach, which provide thick shade. It is especially pleasant to lie under the pine trees, breathing in their spicy aroma.
In a small hotel, of course, there is no animation. Guests entertain themselves. It is a pity that there is no embankment in the village. We usually walked along the secondary road that led to Rakhoni Rock, or along the seashore (sometimes we sat on sun loungers and admired the bright stars). It is not very convenient to walk on the road: there are no sidewalks there and you constantly have to let cars pass.
If you leave the hotel and go to the right, then after about three hundred meters you will find yourself on a small bridge over a small river, which dries up in summer. Along it, in the tall grass, there are many fireflies! Every evening we went to admire these sparkling lights, however, it is not always possible to see them. On another evening, the thickets literally shimmered in dozens of tiny but bright flashes, and on another occasion there were no fireflies at all. We did not understand the patterns of their appearance, but we noticed that it is best to come to the bridge not in complete darkness, but at dusk.
Several times we walked along the sea to the neighboring village - Skala Prinu. If someone decides to go there during the day, then grab a treat for the many turtles that live in the local river. There is a bridge across the river, and many turtles gather under it and everyone looks at passers-by with expectation.
There is a local travel agency in Skala Prinu. We decided to find out from them how much the transfer to Marble Beach costs. It turned out to be quite expensive: 79 euros for 5 people. We decided that we would get to the Marmara Beach on foot from Limenas, since we have a lot of hiking experience.
We went to the capital of the island Limenas by bus. We got off at the stop "Center". We examined the old port, climbed to the amphitheater, walked among the ruins of the ancient agora, examined the most interesting exposition of the Archaeological Museum. We left the bus station back, it is located opposite the new port where ferries arrive.
As planned, we went to the Marmara Beach on foot from Limenas. We arrived in the city by bus at 9.20. We went out in the center and, armed with a navigator, walked towards the beach, past the Selene Gate and some other "antiquities" that were located right among the houses in the town.
We went up the asphalt road to the Makriammos hotel. Then we walked along a dusty dirt road to the Marble Beach (about 5 km). It seemed to us too crowded on the Salyara beach, we walked a little further to the Vati beach and swam there. Marble beach, of course a nice place, but it is better to be there in the early morning or vice versa, in the late afternoon. There are too many people there during the day. In Limenas we caught the bus at 14.50 (and the next one only at 17).
Rakhoni village, walking in the mountains
One day after lunch we decided to go to the village of Rakhoni, which is located 4 km inland from the main road. First we passed the village of Agios Georgius. We reached a stop near the entrance to the village of Rakhoni and turned onto a side dirt road that went into the mountains. We walked past a marble processing plant (next to it there was a table and benches made of solid pieces of marble), then past a marble quarry and apiaries. On the road there were numerous signs to the church of Agios Georgius, but the first time we did not reach it. Saw a pointer to old road to Limenas. But it was already too late to follow it.
When planning a trip to Thassos, I read a lot of reviews, and included among the must-see places highest point islands - Mount Ipsario (height 1206 m). We were going to climb there together with my husband on the "main" hiking trail which starts in Potamia. The weather forecast for July 25 promised a hot and sunny day (the probability of rain according to the forecast is 0%).
We left Skala Rakhoni by bus at 9.20. In Limenas we took a bus to Potamia (departure at 10.30). We were still on the way, when it darkened sharply outside the bus window, the mountains were covered with clouds, and a severe thunderstorm began. Naturally, the campaign had to be postponed. We drove to Golden Beach, waited for the bus to Limenas and came back. The thunderstorm, by the way, passed as suddenly as it had begun, and the sun was already burning with might and main. Our first attempt to conquer Ipsario turned out to be such an unlucky one.
One day we decided to try our luck again and climb Ipsario. But now we approached the "ascent" from the other side, and in the literal sense of the word, going in the direction of Potamia straight on foot, along mountain paths, skirting around Ipsario on the left.
According to the navigator, we had to go straight to the middle of the "main" trail that runs from the village to the top. We left the hotel at 6 am and set off along the already explored route to the village of Rakhoni and further to the church of Agios Georgios. We saw how the rising sun illuminated the top of Ipsario.
We got to the church easily, but then we lost the path. The navigator persistently showed that she was somewhere nearby, but we did not see her. Only after half an hour of wandering, we finally found a barely noticeable path behind the church. At first, it is really barely visible, and then it turns into a fairly wide road along which (judging by the tire tracks) cars also pass.
For more than 20 kilometers along this mountain trail, we met only one car (there were armfuls of mountain tea in the back) and one cyclist. And practically did not see footprints, car tires, bicycles, hoof prints ...
First, the coast of Rakhoni Rock stretched out in front of us, then we turned, and the city of Thassos became visible and marble quarries... When we crossed to the other side of the mountain, a beautiful view of Golden Beach opened up.
The road twisted: it went up and down, but it remained wide. True, at intersections, I had to check with the navigator. On the way, we saw wild goats, lizards, and also passed apiaries with humming hives. Walking along a row of such houses was a bit uncomfortable.
We went to the trail to the top at 12 o'clock. Then the ascent began immediately very steeply, we went up a little and realized that after thirty kilometers of the way, in the very heat and with thoughts of being late for the last bus at 17.10, we could no longer master the rest of the route. I had to turn back, leaving Ipsario unconquered.
We walked about three kilometers down to Potamia, and even on this descent my knees were already trembling from tension - the slope was very sharp. We saw a tree with a spring flowing from it, but we could not get drunk. Another apiary was located nearby, so a lot of bees flew by the water. In Potamia, the bus was scheduled to be at 13.15, but was late - arrived at 14 o'clock. We arrived at Thassos, waited at the bus station and left for Skala Rakhoni at 14.50.
As a result, we climbed to a height of about 600 meters, having covered about 35 kilometers on foot, counting the descent into the village. And still, this walk in the mountains left the most pleasant memories: mountain air, desertion, beautiful views... For this alone it was worth going to the mountains.
From Skala Rachoni you can get to Limenaria without going to Limenas. The ticket costs 3.50. Bus at 10.15. The bus drove to Limenaria for about 40 minutes - it stopped at Skala Prinu, Prinos, Skala Sotiras, Skala Kalirahi, Skala Maries. In Limenaria, we went down from the stop to the embankment, reached the park and went up to the abandoned administrative building of the metallurgical plant - Palataki (Little Palace). The building is fenced off, but the mesh is broken in places and you can easily get inside. We wandered around the rooms, imagining that once there were tables and people worked here. Then we went further towards the Metallia beach, at the same time examining the remains of the former metallurgical plant, incomprehensible to the uninitiated.
This part of Thassos has a completely different coastline: the steep coastline reminded of the Costa Brava in Spain. They did not swim on Metallia: I did not like the entry into the sea (on sandbags), besides, it was stormy. We wandered through the park, climbed a hill by the port, tried to explore Limenaria, but ... Walking the streets of Thassos is more a test than a pleasure. The sidewalk is very narrow and usually has either a car, a scooter or a trash can on it. We have to go out onto the roadway, along which cars are rushing. In general, we looked a little: we returned to the bus stop and began to wait for the bus. According to the schedule, it should be at 14.40. We sat in the shade on a side street. In about 10 minutes I decided to get out - to see if anyone else was waiting for the bus. And I saw that it was already standing - this is how another feature of the buses in Thassos became clear: they can both be late and come earlier.
Pachis and Glyfoneri beaches
One day we decided to walk to the famous beaches of Pakhis and Glyfoneri, which are located near the Rock of Rakhoni. First we walked along the seashore, then we had to walk a little along the side of the road. Pakhis didn’t like it: it was packed with sun loungers to the very edge of the water. To Glyfoneri, which is located behind the cape, we walked along the coast, jumping over the stones. Glyfoneri is a cozy bay, all in the shade of pine trees, with fine, white, dense sand. The water in the bay was calm, although the sea was rough. I really liked this beach, but it is small, crowded and, moreover, it was too far from our hotel to go there every day.
Thassos has a special place in our collection of the Greek islands. But I don't think we'll want to come back here. It turned out to be not very suitable for our usual travels on foot and by bus, and we never rent a car. And yet Thassos will remain in memory as a sparkling island: shiny sand in the sea, iridescent marble and bright fireflies.
