If you are looking for an island that brings together the charm of a mountainous destination and the beauty of marvelous and exotic beaches, Thassos is the ideal choice. With a significant historic and archaeological interest, this island of the northern Aegean is the perfect getaway, not only for family vacations but also for the youth.
Mountainous villages
Small and Big Kazaviti (Prinos)
It is one of the most beautiful mountain communities of the island and is essentially comprised of two separate villages that are only half a kilometer away from each other. It was inhabited first in the ancient ages, and, even though it was completely abandoned during the past century, nowadays it has been renovated and is now blossoming. Traditional houses of extraordinary beauty, with picturesque narrow streets and an astonishing natural surrounding, constitute a unique scenery, ideal for a short getaway from the beaches and the noisy sea-side villages. Take a break for some greek coffee, together with the traditional fig or walnut spoon dessert, and enjoy strolling around the narrow streets under the fresh alpine breeze.
Theologos
A village hidden between mountains and trees, in a distance of just 10 km from the sea. It is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved villages of the island, while in just a short walk you get to see small traditional front-yards, with vineries and little trees offering lavishly their cool breeze, as well as impressive old houses, scenic little stores, and coffee shops. In the centre of the village, you can find the famous church of Agios Dimitrios, built in the early 1800s, with the well-known wooden iconostasis certainly deserving a visit, while just outside of the village, you can find the traditional, Epirus-style, rounded bridge.
Heading towards the eastern outskirts of the village and into the forest, you will find yourselves in “Vathres”, where you should definitely try to dive into the crystal clear water, under the shadows of the centuries-old plane trees. In case you need a small break for coffee, or for lunch with traditional delicacies and biological products, the ideal place for you is the Old Windmill, preserved just like it was in the past and built right next to the spring of Agia Vasiliki, which has been supplying Theologos with fresh water for many years. Another thing that should not be missed is the delicious meal of goat that can be easily found in any tavern of the village.
Panagia
It is one of the most recently built villages, around the 18th century, although this does not make its architecture any less picturesque or traditional. Strolling around the narrow streets of the village, you will see beautiful little houses and small traditional coffee shops, while the most distinctive spot is the central square of the village, with a huge plane tree right in its center. Within small walking distance from the square, there is the still largely unexplored cave of “Drakotripa”, certainly worth a visit, while the village is also well-known for the various festivals that take place there all year round and especially the traditional carnival of “Clean Monday”.
Maries
Maries is a small, scenic village, hidden among the cliffs, and full of tall pine trees, just 12 km from the respective sea-side community, called “Skala Maries”. It is an excellent starting point for excursions to the nearby mountain since it is situated close to the only artificial lake on the island, famous for its unique waterfalls, while for the fans of hiking, there is the possibility to climb up to the top of the tallest mountain of Thassos, Ipsarion. Of course, if you are not that into hiking, you can always choose a car or an organized trip with Jeep Safari. No matter what you will choose, however, the view from the top is spectacular, and, when the horizon is clear enough, you are able to see as far as Mount Athos on the one side and the islands of Samothrace and Lesvos on the other.
Sea-side getaways
Alyki
The beach of Alyki, inside the village of the same name, is one of the most famous and picturesque beaches on the island. It is a small, sheltered from the wind bay with crystal clear turquoise water, thanks to the abundance of pine trees surrounding it, and it is the ideal beach for sailing ships. Walking around the beach, on the special pathway of the surrounding forest, you will find two ancient Greek sanctuaries, with the ruins of the first one still visible, while the ones of the second are covered by a Christian church that was built on a later point. Nearby you will find the marble quarry that has been used throughout the centuries, both the abovementioned places being spots of intense archaeological, as well as touristic interest. For the most adventurous ones, a dive from the natural salt stones that are preserved since the ancient ages is highly recommended.
Giola
There is no doubt that you have come across a picture of this well-known natural landscape of Thassos, since it is one of the most popular attractions of the island. Also known as “Aphrodite’s tear”, Giola is a natural lake, carved between the rocks and right next to the sea. Even though the access is not that easy and requires quite a bit of walking, the magical scenery is totally worth it and just one dive into the bright blue water from the naturally formed “steps” around it is more than rewarding.
Tripiti beach
Tripiti beach is situated just 4 kilometers from Limenaria and is well-known for the deep and crystal clear water. With a unique view to Mount Athos, the beach owes its name to the natural cave that can be found there, while you should definitely visit it on a night with a full moon.
Porto Vathy – Saliara beach
These two exotic beaches with clear blue water are situated in two little bays and within 500 meters distance from one another. Their most characteristic trait is their seabed, paved with tiny white stones from the marbles that are extracted in the same area, thus creating a breath-taking view, especially in the night-time, when the moonlight is reflected on the white bottom.
And these are just a few of the places worth a visit on this enchanting island. Far away from most of the noisy and crowded Aegean islands, Thassos is for those that adore swimming in bright blue waters, enjoying the peacefulness and the wild beauty of nature, for those who prefer little traditional coffee shops and taverns or nights at the beach, together with friends and looking at the stars…