How to get to Thassos, an independent trip. What we remember on the island of Thassos: a review of the settlement of Thassos with beautiful beaches

Getting to Thassos from Moscow is not as easy as getting to some other Greek islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Kos. The fact is that Thassos does not have its own airport, so it is impossible to get to the island directly. As a rule, a trip to Thassos from Moscow includes a flight to one of the two nearest airports (Thessaloniki and Kavala), a trip to the ferry terminal and a ferry crossing to the island. We have already talked about how to get to Thassos from Thessaloniki and Kavala airports in a separate article. Therefore, in this article we will only talk about how to get from Moscow to these airports.

Direct flight

It is clear that there can be no direct flight from Moscow to Thassos (at least for now), but you can fly directly from Moscow to Thessaloniki Airport on Aeroflot and Ellinair flights. The option, of course, is convenient, but usually the cost of air tickets for direct flights from Moscow to Thessaloniki is higher than the cost of air tickets for flights with transfers.

Transfer flight

This option is usually cheaper, but of course, not everyone likes to transfer at some other airport. If you fly from Moscow to Thessaloniki with a transfer, then the transfer can be in places such as Athens, Heraklion (Crete), Rhodes, Istanbul (Turkey) and even Belgrade (Serbia).
It is worth judging the profitability of a particular offer not only by price, but also by other criteria, such as the duration of the transfer, the possibility of free baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.
Another advantage of traveling from Moscow to Thassos with a transfer is the ability to land at Kavala airport, which is much closer to the Keramoti ferry port than Thessaloniki airport. This means that you will spend very little time traveling from the airport to Thassos, since you will need about 15 minutes to travel to the ferry port from Kavala airport and another 40 minutes to take the ferry. The flight from Moscow to Kavala is carried out with a transfer in Athens.

What's next

Whichever of the two airports you arrive at (Thessaloniki or Kavala), you will need to get to the ferry port of Keramoti or Kavala, and from there, take the ferry to the island of Thassos. Ferries run more often and faster from the port of Keramoti, but sometimes the port of Kavala is a more convenient option. You can learn more about how to get to Thassos from airports from another article on our website.

Thassos is a 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, at the behest of his father, went in search of his sister - the beautiful Europa, abducted by Zeus. The search was unsuccessful, and the young man could not return to his father without fulfilling his order, and therefore remained to live on a beautiful island, which was later named after him.

The first settlements on the island of Thassos appeared around 2000 BC, in the years 1600-1500 it was colonized by the Phoenicians, who were attracted by the reserves of gold and marble, as well as the surprisingly mild climate. Further, Persians, Spartans, Romans, Byzantines, Turks fought for the right to possess the island of Thassos, fertile lands rich in minerals, and only in 1912 Thassos became part of Greece.

There are many historical buildings in Limenaria, including the 19th century Turkish fortress and Palataki Palace, standing at the tip of the cape

In addition to snow-white marble, the island of Thassos is also famous for its excellent wines flavored with the resin of coniferous trees. According to legend, Tasios Inos grape wine was supplied to the palace of Cleopatra herself.

The cleanest beaches, the azure sea, the abundance of vegetation, thanks to which Thassos is nicknamed the "Emerald Isle", the marble cliffs, the historical sights of Thassos have long attracted both the Greeks themselves and numerous European tourists, while 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 Thassos does not have its own airport, and the nearest one - Megas Alexandros - belongs to the city on the mainland -. There should definitely not be any problems with transport to Kavala - the city is connected by regular flights to Athens, and find convenient and cheap flights on the dates of the proposed trip.

Another alternative for air travel enthusiasts is to take a plane to Thessaloniki, and from there take a bus to Keramoti, in order to then transfer to the ferry to Thassos. During the high season, ferries from Kavala and from Keramoti leave for the island daily. 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 the high season.

Find out more about the ferry schedule, as well as book a ticket. When booking via the Internet, we highly recommend our article, which describes in detail the process of buying and receiving tickets in hand.

Hotels

As in many other popular resorts in 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 northern, the cold period here is somewhat longer 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 it snows until March, the air temperature drops to + 15C. The beach season on the island, respectively, is 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. The peak tourist season is in July and August.

Attractions of Thassos

Limenas, the capital of the island of Thassos, is famous for its Archaeological Museum: here you can see numerous finds from all over the island: magnificent sculptures and Dionysus made of marble, ancient coins and jewelry. Many sights of the island of Thassos are located right in the open air - the ruins of the ancient theater, the agora - the central trading square, the 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 sixth century BC.

It is worth visiting the convent of Michael the Archangel, who is the patron saint of Thassos. The most important Christian shrine is kept there - a particle of the Holy Cross on which Jesus was crucified.

In the monastery of the Archangel Michael, a particle of the Holy Cross is kept, on which Jesus was crucified

Limenaria is another tourist center of the island of Thassos. 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 cape that goes far into the sea.

Potamia is a small village in the mountains of Thassos, the birthplace of the sculptor Polygnotos Vagis. In the village there is a museum dedicated to the famous countryman - there you can see his sculptures, as well as paintings. Outdoor enthusiasts start their routes to Mount Ipsario from Potamia - the ascent takes about four hours, but the journey is worth it - amazingly beautiful views of the island of Thassos open from the top.

Not far from Potamya, there 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 rites.

Beaches

The island of Thassos is famous for its beaches - clean and well-groomed, which, in particular, is evidenced by the fact that many of them are marked with "blue flags".

Golden Beach - Golden Beach, stretching along the east coast of the island of Thassos, 12 kilometers from Limenas. This long beach with golden sand and crystal clear water, 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 stretches between the settlements of Aliki and Loutros. Paradise beach is soft white sand and clear 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 - Potamyas beach, distinguished 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.

The Monastery of the Archangel Michael is located twenty-five kilometers from the city of Limenaria. The monastery is the largest and one of the most famous monasteries of the island of Thassos.

The monastery was built in the 18th century and at first depended on the Filofeyevsky Monastery on Mount Athos. In many ways, this is why the monastery of the Archangel Michael has preserved a collection of religious articles and works of monks. A piece of the Holy Nail from the crucifixion of Jesus is also kept here.

The monastery is female. The monastery dictates strict rules for visitors, which primarily relate to clothing. For men - long trousers, for women - long skirts and blouses with long sleeves.

It is interesting to note that the monastery is located on the edge of a cliff. This fact turns it into a kind of observation deck, which offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Coordinates: 40.59704300,24.70155100

marble beach

Marble Beach is one of the most beautiful and unusual beaches of the Greek island of Thassos. The beach is located on the east coast of the island, not far from the marble quarry.

Marble Beach is not in vain bears its name - its surface is completely covered with marble chips instead of the usual sand or pebbles. It looks extraordinarily beautiful: the marble chips are absolutely white, and the beach literally sparkles in the rays of the bright Greek sun. Marble Beach also boasts all the amenities - there is a toilet, changing cabins, comfortable sunbeds, sun umbrellas and a small cafe with soft drinks and snacks. Entrance to the beach is absolutely free, and to use a sunbed, you just need to buy something at a local bar.

Also, the undoubted advantage of this place is its isolation: Marble Beach is located a forty-minute walk from the nearest hotel, so it is never crowded here. Of course, the remoteness of the beach scares off all lazy swimmers, but this place is still worth a visit.

Marble Beach is a truly heavenly place, a real gem of the island of Thassos.

Coordinates: 40.75031300,24.74742700

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Limenas

The capital of the island of Thassos is the city of Limenas, which is located right on the site of ancient Thassos.

It is obvious that ancient Thassos was larger than the modern city. In 1910, archaeological excavations began in Limenas, which continue to this day.

It is best to start exploring the city from the ancient walls that stretch around the city for more than two kilometers. In some places, these walls are well preserved. In the center of the ruins of the ancient city, you can see the market square - the Agora, which occupies one of the first places in Greece in terms of the degree of preservation. On the Agora of Thassos, you can see the remains of the porticos, and in the center of the Agora, altars and sanctuaries.

Coordinates: 40.77703200,24.70902400

Paradise is a popular sandy beach and one of the best places to stay in Thassos. The beach is located on the southeast coast of the island, near a small isolated bay.

From English, the word "paradise" is translated as "paradise". And the beach is fully consistent with its name - this is a truly heavenly place, ideal for relaxing. On all sides, the beach is surrounded by low hills covered with tropical greenery, and the water in the bay is surprisingly warm and clean. Paradise Beach has even been awarded the "blue flag" - a European quality mark, which is awarded to the cleanest beaches in Europe.

Paradise Beach is clearly divided into three independent areas - a bikini area where swimwear is required, a topless area where ladies can swim and sunbathe without a top, and a nudist area where swimwear is optional. It is better not to cross the borders of these zones in an inappropriate form - this is monitored.

Entrance to the beach is absolutely free, however, to use a sun lounger, you need to order at least one milkshake at a local bar. The beach is also ideal for windsurfing and attracts many fans of this sport.

Coordinates: 40.64520300,24.76706400

Glyfoneri beach

Glyfoneri beach is a warm beach in a beautiful green bay. It is located near the popular Pachis resort beach, in the Skala Rachoni area.

This is a small but fabulous beach with white sand, where you can hide from the hot sun under the shade of pine trees, swim in the crystal clear turquoise water or relax in a restaurant that specializes in local traditional cuisine.

This is the perfect place for those who want to relax and retire. Those who wish can walk along the olive groves of the beach and other charming and picturesque places. A nice bonus is that the sun loungers on the beach are free.

Coordinates: 40.79295400,24.63335800

Aliki village

The village of Aliki is located on the coast of the Thracian Sea. Holidays on the island of Thassos can be called more intellectual than relaxing. After all, despite the fertile atmosphere with sandy beaches and clear sea, tourists come to Aliki with a specific goal - to enjoy the medieval buildings with their own eyes. The oldest of them date back to the 7th century BC.

The pearl of the ruins of the village is an ancient temple, which survived only partially, but at the same time preserved ancient inscriptions on marble tablets. It is worth noting that there are several religious places on the island, each of which has a unique temple building. The convent of the Archangel Michael keeps a part of the holy cross of the Savior Jesus, and the monastery of St. Panteleimon has been helping every believer in his most cherished requests and prayers for several hundred years.

Coordinates: 40.60676100,24.74135900

Theologos village

Theologos village is located 10 km from the sea coast (Potos village) in the mountains. The former capital of the island of Thassos. There is an ethnographic museum. In the spring, the Greek Wedding Festival is held. It is famous for its taverns where they serve goat meat fried on skewers.

Theologos village is located on the west coast of the Greek island of Thassos, it is also known as Tholos. A pleasant Mediterranean climate reigns here, the average temperature reaches 18-20 ° C, and there are about 300 sunny days a year. The village gained great popularity due to the excavations of the ancient city of Istanio. The old center of Theologos is made in the traditional Rhodes style - narrow streets and buildings with high shutters. Among the many neat houses rises the temple of St. Spyridon with its magnificent white bell tower.

Theologos is a perfect combination of a quiet resort and a colorful traditional village with a large landscaped beach, well-developed tourist infrastructure, as well as opportunities for practicing various sports. The sea here is very restless, you need to swim very carefully. The constant wind has become one of the main reasons for opening a surf center on the local beach. Theologos is one of the most sought-after places on the island to relax away from the noisy crowds. The fresh sea breeze will not let you overheat in the sun, and the wonderful beach will provide all the conditions for windsurfing.

Coordinates: 40.65886200,24.69213700

San Antonio beach

The Emerald of the Aegean is called the island of Thassos. The rich vegetation has secured it the title of the greenest island in Greece. And indeed - the island with olive groves, firs, cedars and centuries-old plane trees growing throughout the territory, deservedly bears this title. And the coastline is 115 kilometers long with beautiful beaches, white sand and crystal clear waters.

Thassos is famous for its beaches, which have been awarded the "Blue Flags" - an international award given to coastal areas, the water and infrastructure of which meets the highest environmental requirements.

San Antonio Beach, which also owns the Blue Flag, is located on the western side of the island, in its quiet area. Crystal clear and perfect for swimming, this beautiful beach is just off the island of Thassos. Everything is great here. It has everything that a vacationer needs or may need: umbrellas, sun loungers, and numerous bars, taverns and restaurants. At your service are excellent, well-trained attendants, polite and always with a friendly smile on their lips. And another very important point - the food here is delicious, very tasty and of high quality. Enjoy the Greek sunset while swimming in the clear waters and don't miss the Greek night when everyone sings and dances to the rhythm of the live music.

Departing 12 kilometers from Kavala, you find yourself in the emerald paradise among the expanses of the Aegean Sea - Thassos. Due to the lush rich greenery, the island is considered the greenest in Greece. Spacious valleys, olive groves, a variety of conifers, saturating the air with a wonderful aroma, cedars and plane trees - nature has generously endowed this area with the best that it has. 115 kilometers of coastline give the traveler the opportunity to choose from a variety of beaches with their white sands and incredibly clear seas.

The landscapes of the island are a bright emerald, sparkling with the freshness of greenery. The picture of nature is decorated with waterfalls and sheer cliffs, which serve as a place for the extraction of white marble. Such picturesque wealth wins the heart of travelers from the first minutes of their stay on Thassos.

The resort will be an ideal place for families with children due to the well-equipped beaches, developed infrastructure, and numerous entertainment complexes. Admirers of a solitary pastime, as well as everyone who is interested in ancient history, will find their place here.

The mildness of the 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 a wellness holiday. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, lived here for several years, noting that the local winter is more like spring, and the summer period is pleasant and comfortable.

Capital of Thassos

The island's capital, Limenas, also serves as the main port. Tourists have access to archaeological sites: the Ancient Agora, the ruins of ancient Roman temples, the ruins of the ancient city of Thassos. In addition, 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 daylight, a tourist can relax by the sea by visiting one of the local beaches. The best of them are Makriammos, Limanaki, Glyfada. Be sure to visit the ancient theatre. Evening time is good for shopping. Shopping in Thassos will bring pleasure to all lovers of shopping, at the same time you can get memorable souvenirs. In addition, a gastronomic walk will help you truly feel the spirit of the island, including local dishes prepared by the chefs of the restaurants of the capital.

The second name of Limenas is Thassos, so do not be surprised if you hear this name of the city. Despite its size, the territory of Limenas has a large number of different shops, hotels, bars, taverns, pubs. Large banks operate here, so the tourist will not have problems with withdrawing money or exchanging currency.

The capital of Thassos has two parts - the new city and the old one. The old city is 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. It captivates and forever remains in memory. This is where the ancient agora used to be. In addition, the old part of Limenas is rich in religious places: the Church of St. Nicholas and the Vatopedi Monastery are the brightest monuments of religion. This monastery, by the way, is the hallmark of the capital.

The rival of the capital is Limenaria

Limenaria can compete with the capital. This city is the second largest. The high level of infrastructure development necessary for tourists attracts travelers with the opportunity to choose from a variety of hotels, restaurants, taverns, and entertainment centers. The local equipped beaches will not disappoint the traveler either.

The first settlers of the city arrived here from Castro. Then they were ordinary workers. The population has grown significantly since 1922, when there was a major catastrophe in Asia Minor. Because of this, refugees flooded here and settled the city.

Turkish domination left a bright mark in Limenaria 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, you should go to Palataki. This 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-story rectangular building with towers at the edges is a beautiful landscape, once seen, it will never be forgotten.

The coastline of Limenaria is quite long. Here tourists can find cafes, bars, restaurants, various shops. Life along the coastline is noisy, colorful, so even a simple walk will become a real adventure. Very close to the city is the beautiful sandy beach of Tripiti.

Villages of Thassos

Kazaviti (both Small and Large) are picturesque settlements spread out on a hill. Traditional houses and a square, classic for mountainous regions, characterize Thassos in the best possible way. Here you can enjoy peace, tranquility, quiet songs of birds and beautiful waterfalls.

In the depths of the olive groves, there is another village that deserves a visit - Kalihari. People go here for outdoor activities: the hilly area where the settlement is located causes 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 monuments of architecture. Often Theologos is called a real "open-air museum". Every year, locals organize a large-scale celebration where the traditional wedding ceremony is reproduced. It happens in the summer, in June, so if you manage to be here, be sure to check it out.

Among young people, Potos, which is considered a tourist center, is especially popular. This is a great place for lovers of entertainment after sunset. Bars, clubs, taverns, cafes, discos - the nightlife of Potos is noisy until the morning.

Southwest of Limenas is Rachoni. This village allows you to feel the traditional spirit of the island: many monasteries, mansions create a vivid picture of Thassos. The attraction of Rakhoni is the temple of the Dormition of the Mother of God of the 19th century.

Panagia is a settlement where the pines come close to 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 permeating the air. The village takes its name from the 1832 church.

Right on the slopes of Ipsario, the houses of the village of Potamya are located. They are the distinctive black mountain settlement: traditional houses built of stone with wooden roofs. A beautiful panorama opens up from Potamya, rich in all shades of greenery, old churches and streaming streets. Here you can rent a hotel room or rent an apartment, and numerous bars and taverns provide a wide menu for every taste. The traveler should also definitely look into the museum of the sculptor Vagis.

The beaches of Thassos

Chrissi Ammoudia (“golden sand”) is located between Skala Panagias and Skala Potamyas. Crystal clear sea, beautiful beach, rich vegetation surrounding the area - the landscape of the beach seems to be borrowed from the picture. This beauty is complemented by the towering Mount Ipsario. The shallow depth of the shore is ideal for bathing small children. The deep sand of a golden hue sparkles in the sun, which is why the beach was named that way. You can rent sun loungers and you also get a drink, which is very nice considering the summer heat of the Greek territories. All conditions for outdoor activities have been created: those who wish can go in for water sports.

Another beautiful beach is located directly at Skala Potamyas. White sand and clear water - this is what tourists come here for. Nearby are taverns and bars where you can have a bite to eat, have fun, and most importantly - not to think about the noisy bustle of the resort town. Also nearby there are various hotels where the guests are provided with the necessary services.

Not far from Potamya is Potos Beach, one of the most favorite locations for guests of the island. The fun here is around the clock, so you won't be bored. Also nearby is Pevkari beach. The Greek word "sing" is translated as "pine", because it is these trees that surround the area. This beach is marked with the Blue Flag, so lovers of a comfortable stay will appreciate this place. It is not safe for small 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 "leaky", the beach got it because of the through passage. The territory is well-groomed, landscaped. You can rent umbrellas and sun loungers. Directly adjacent to the beach is an excellent hotel where you can stay. The beach is covered with white sand, however, further from the hotel, the silky coating stops. The sea here is calm and warm. Tripiti is not suitable for lovers of solitude, because it is always crowded here.

For an unusual holiday, 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. The bright contrast of the azure sea with the snow-white beach is an amazing landscape of a paradise. Three beautiful lagoons make up the beach, surprising with unearthly beauty.

Going on vacation with children, choose Aliki. The beach has a gentle entrance, and the sea is shallow, so you can not worry about the safety of the kids. Stunning shades of sea water - a real find, which is impossible to forget. On the beach there is a bar with various dishes.

The most beautiful place is Giola. This is a lagoon south of the village of Astris. 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 by 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 surprising. Sun loungers are free here, prices in cafes are affordable. White sand and clear sea, shady areas throughout the territory - a great place to hide from the tourist bustle of Thassos. Glyfoneri is the name of the tavern, so when you see a sign with the corresponding inscription, head there. You can have a delicious lunch here if you plan to stay. By the way, you can’t see the beach from the road, this is another reason why there are few tourists here.

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Attractions

Aliki

The small village is very popular among tourists. In addition to clean beaches, luxury hotels, a variety of entertainment, cafes, bars, Alik 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 a monument of archeology. Here is an ancient quarry, in which Thassos marble was mined for thousands of years. Not far from the quarry there is a shopping center from which marble products were transported to various parts of the world. To this day, near the quarry, archaeologists and tourists find huge pieces of carved marble.

A group of French archaeologists found the ruins of an ancient sanctuary, on the walls of which ancient inscriptions were preserved. An early Christian chapel was found in a small cave. According to legend, the gods Dioskouri and Apollo protected the sailors during the voyage. In honor of the gods, shrines dating back to the 5th-6th centuries were erected. BC. Later, they were engaged in the evaporation of sea salt, as evidenced by the name of the settlement. Aliki from the translation means "salt pans". Rest in this resort town will become not only beach, but educational and intellectual.

Monastery of Michael the Archangel

The monastery of Michael the Archangel is considered the largest in Thassos. Erected near Aliki in the VIII-IX century. 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, inexplicable 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. While visiting Michael the Archangel, you can both touch the sacred relic.
The old building is surrounded by incredible nature. From all sides, a beautiful seascape opens up. A breathtaking cliff excites everyone.

Access 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, handicrafts. The weapons shop-exhibition presents knives and sabers. There is a small cave under the monastery. The entrance to it is open, but not safe. Inside the cave there is an icon of the Archangel Michael and a healing spring.

Monastery of Panteleimon

Panteleimon Monastery 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. Construction was supposed to be a couple of kilometers away, from where tools constantly disappeared. The workers, having stumbled upon unknown traces, followed them and discovered the loss. The incident was considered a sign from above, it was decided to build a temple here.

Construction was completed in the first half of the 19th century. 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 of Panteleimon. In honor of the healer, a sacred monastery was erected. It is believed that the sacred spring in the cave is able to cure any disease. Thousands of people come here with the hope of recovery. From the observation deck you can enjoy an incredible view, breathe in the smell of nature. On clear days you can see Mount Athos from here. Every June, St. Panteleimon's Day is celebrated here. There are several ways to get to the sacred place. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, do not forget about safety.

Ancient Thassos

Ancient Thassos is a monument of history and archeology dating back to the 7th century BC. In the old days it was a prosperous city: its own merchant and navy, minting coins. The wealth of natural resources has turned Thassos into a commercial, religious and political center. The city was repeatedly attacked and captured, but one day it could not resist and fell. At the beginning of the XX century. a group of French archaeologists began to excavate the ruined settlement. The few artifacts found confirm the grandeur and luxury of ancient Thassos. Some of them are kept in the Archaeological Museum. To appreciate the beauty of the ruins of marble fortresses, ancient sanctuaries, the ancient theater, the main square, the foundations of churches can be seen on the ruins of the city. The destroyed walls were once a reliable defensive wall. Walking through the ruins will be exciting and interesting.

Castro

"Kastro" in 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, the settlements were located high in the mountains, and a defensive wall was built around them. So the locals were forced to defend themselves from pirate raids. For several centuries Castro flourished, but by the end of the 19th century it had lost its significance.

People went down to the fertile soil, engaged in agriculture. The village was deserted, preserving the medieval atmosphere. In the center of the settlement, the church of St. Athanasius, built in 1804, remained standing. Literally every inhabitant of the settlement took part in its construction. The sanctuary was built from the materials of the 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 tranquility. From entertainment there is a small cozy tavern. In January, in honor of the celebration of St. Athanasius, the village comes to life. All the inhabitants of the island come here, walk, sing songs, dance.

Lake Marie

The island captivates not only with historical sights, but also with natural ones. Lake Mari is the only one in Thassos. The Greek Archipelago is not characterized by the presence of islands. Therefore, Marie is a real miracle.

Few travelers know about this cozy, quiet and picturesque place. 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. The locals will show you the way.

Giola

Among the natural attractions, a unique lagoon called Giola should be highlighted. It is a natural body of water with blue-green sea water surrounded by rocks. Giolu is separated from the sea by a small stone wall. During a storm, raging waves pour over the barrier and replenish the pool with fresh water. In appearance, the lagoon resembles a pearl shell. Swimming in such an amazing natural phenomenon is a pleasure. Literally a meter from the lagoon, the boundless sea spreads. The view is amazing. Vacationers come here to enjoy the expanses of the sea and take extraordinary photos. At sunset, it is very beautiful here, but the evening time is not suitable for swimming.

The lagoon is called the "Tear of Aphrodite". There is a legend that Zeus himself created a natural pool for his beloved. According to another legend, the pool is the vigilant eye of Zeus. You can get to the reservoir by car. But you should carefully monitor the road and prepare a map in advance.

ancient amphitheater

The ancient amphitheater, built in the III century BC, is located on the hill of the city of Limenas. The stone seats can accommodate 3,000 spectators. It is believed that gladiator fights used to take place here. Ancient inscriptions have been preserved on some seats. It is assumed that the places of rich and influential people were marked in this way. Today, the amphitheater gathers for musical concerts and performances. In the evenings, the audience sits on stone benches and enjoys the sunset. The sun sets in the mountains and the sea, ships and yachts sail by. The view is just amazing. The amphitheater is surrounded by a pine forest. The unusual smell of pine needles soars in the air. Climbing up, you can see many ruins of a Byzantine medieval castle, a tower and a church above.

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 period from the 7th century BC are stored here. to the 7th century AD Their main feature is that they were 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 generals - all this can be seen within the walls of the museum. Many of the exhibits are outdoors.
The museum is open daily from 8.30 to 15.00.

Our family loved our holidays in Greece. Were in Rhodes, Crete, Kos. We 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 the hotels by buses that call on the ferry, so no transfers are needed. Ferries sail from the port of Keramoti to the capital of Thassos - Limenas. Ferries also run from Kavala to the port of Skala Prinu. On the ferry, the favorite entertainment of tourists is feeding the 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 Rachoni.

Filippos is a small family run hotel. It is run by a grandfather and his two grandchildren. Very polite and always ready to help. The bus cannot drive up to the hotel, and the brothers met the guests on the main road, so that they could then take them to the hotel. Filippos operates on a breakfast-dinner system (lunch is not provided). Breakfast is a buffet and dinner is a la carte. Drinks at dinner are paid, but water is served free of charge and without restrictions.

On the first day, we sat on the open veranda, but wasps immediately flocked to eat, of which there are a lot on Thassos. It's good that the guide Georgius asked the staff to light ground coffee in a saucer - a natural and harmless repellent that the locals use 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 very fast wi-fi. But most of all we were struck by the front 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 one is needed at all.

The room has a balcony, also with a good plastic door and sliding nets. There is a clothesline on the balcony to dry clothes. Unfortunately, there were no glasses in the room.

The village of Skala Rachoni 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 very punctual. The fare to Limenas is 1.8 euros. From Skala Rachoni you can get to Limenaria and Potos (without stopping at Limenas).

Not far from the hotel there is a large supermarket Latsouris.

The beach closest to the hotel is sandy and the sea is shallow. The sand is unusual, shiny, probably due to inclusions of mica. Sunset is different everywhere: somewhere there are stones at the entrance, somewhere there is more algae. From the hotel we went to the right, the second turn to the sea, located near the Kostas tavern. There we found the most convenient entry into the sea. They brought a beach umbrella with them, but it never came in handy. Trees grow on the beach, which provide a dense shade. It is especially pleasant to lie under the pines, inhaling their spicy aroma.

In a small hotel, animation, of course, is not provided. 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 Skala Rakhoni, or along the seashore (sometimes we sat on deck chairs and admired the bright stars). Walking along the road is not very convenient: there are no sidewalks 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, a lot of fireflies live! Every evening we went to admire these sparkling lights, however, you can not always see them. One evening the thickets literally shimmered with dozens of tiny but bright flashes, and another time 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 Prina. 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 under it a lot of turtles gather and everyone looks at the passers-by with expectation.

There is a local travel agency in Skala Prinou. We decided to find out from them how much the transfer to Marble Beach costs. It turned out to be very expensive: 79 euros for 5 people. We decided that we would get to the Marble Beach on foot from Limenas, since we have considerable experience in hiking.

We went to the capital of the island Limenas by bus. Get off at the Center stop. We examined the old port, went up to the amphitheater, walked among the ruins of the ancient agora, examined the most interesting exposition of the Archaeological Museum. We drove back from the bus station, it is located opposite the new port, where ferries arrive.

As planned, we went to the Marble Beach on foot from Limenas. We arrived in the city by bus at 9.20. We got out in the center and, armed with a navigator, went towards the beach, past the Gates of Selena and some other "antiquities" that were located right among the houses in the town.

We climbed the asphalt road to the Makriammos Hotel. Then we walked along a dusty dirt road to Marble Beach (about 5 km). It seemed to us too crowded on Salyara beach, we went a little further to Vathi beach and swam there. Marble Beach, of course, is a beautiful place, but it is better to be there in the early morning or vice versa, in the late afternoon. During the day there are too many people. In Limenas, we managed to catch a bus at 14.50 (and the next one only at 17).

Rakhoni village, walks 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 Georgios. 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 passed a marble processing plant (near 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 Georgios, but the first time we did not reach it. We saw a pointer to the old road to Limenas. But it was too late to follow it.

When planning a trip to Thassos, I read a lot of reviews, and I included the highest point of the island - Mount Ipsario (altitude 1206 m) among the must-see places. We were going to climb there together with my husband along the "main" tourist trail, which begins in Potamia. The weather forecast for July 25 promised a hot and sunny day (probability of rain according to the forecast 0%).

We left Skala Rachoni by bus at 9.20. In Limenas we took a bus to Potamia (departure at 10.30). We were still on the road when it got dark outside the bus window, the mountains were covered with clouds, and a severe thunderstorm began. Naturally, the trip had to be postponed. We drove to Golden Beach, waited for the bus to Limenas and returned back. The storm, by the way, passed as suddenly as it had begun and the sun was already hot with might and main. This is how unlucky our first attempt to conquer Ipsario turned out to be.

One day we decided to try our luck again and climb Ipsario. But now we have approached the "ascent" from the other side, and in the literal sense of the word, going towards Potamia straight on foot, along mountain paths, skirting Ipsario on the left.

According to the navigator, we had to go straight to the middle of the "main" path that goes 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 Rachoni and further to the church of Agios Georgios. We saw how the rising sun illuminated the top of Ipsario.

We reached the church easily, but then we lost the path. The navigator stubbornly showed that she was somewhere nearby, but we did not see her. Only after half an hour of wandering did we finally find 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 path, we met only one car (in the back were armfuls of mountain tea) and one cyclist. And they practically did not see footprints, car tires, bicycles, hoof marks ...

At first, the coast of Skala Rakhoni stretched out in front of us, then we turned, and the city of Thassos and the marble quarries became visible. When we crossed to the other side of the mountain, a beautiful view of Golden Beach opened up.

The road winded: it went up and down, but remained wide. True, at intersections I had to check with the navigator. Along the way, we saw wild goats, lizards, and also passed apiaries with humming beehives. Walking along a row of such houses was a little uncomfortable.

We reached the trail to the top at 12 o'clock. Further, the ascent immediately began very steeply, we went up a little and realized that after thirty kilometers, in the heat itself and with thoughts of being late for the last bus at 17.10, we would no longer be able to master the rest of the route. I had to turn back, leaving Ipsario unconquered.

Before Potamia, we walked about three kilometers down, and even on this descent my knees were already trembling from exertion - the slope was very sharp. They saw a tree with a spring flowing from it, but they could not get drunk. Another apiary was located nearby, so a lot of bees flew by the water. In Potamia, the bus was supposed to be at 13.15, but it was late - it arrived at 14.00. 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 overcome on foot about 35 kilometers, counting the descent to the village. And still, this walk in the mountains left the most pleasant memories: mountain air, deserted people, beautiful views ... For the sake of this alone, it was worth going to the mountains.

From Skala Rachoni you can get to Limenaria without stopping at Limenas. The ticket costs 3.50. Bus at 10.15. The bus drove to Limenaria for 40 minutes - it stopped at Skala Prina, Prinos, Skala Sotiras, Skala Kalirahi, Skala Maries. In Limenaria we went down from the stop to the embankment, reached the park and climbed to the abandoned administrative building of the metallurgical plant - Palataki (Little Palace). The building is fenced, but the grid is torn in places and you can enter inside without difficulty. We wandered around the rooms, imagining that tables once stood here and people worked. Then we went further towards the beach of Metallia, 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 coast reminded the Costa Brava in Spain. They didn’t swim in Metallia: they didn’t like the entry into the sea (using sandbags), besides, it was stormy. We wandered around the park, climbed a hill near the port, tried to see Limenaria, but ... Walking the streets of Thassos is more of a test than a pleasure. The sidewalk is very narrow, and usually there is either a car or a scooter or a trash can on it. You have to get out on the roadway, along which cars are rushing. In general, we looked a bit: we returned to the 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. About 10 minutes before I decided to go out to see if anyone else was waiting for the bus. And I saw that he was already standing - so another feature of the buses on Thassos became clear: they can either be late or come earlier.

Pachis and Glyfoneri beaches

One day we decided to walk to the famous beaches of Pachis and Glyfoneri, which are located near Skala Rachoni. At first we walked along the seashore, then we had to walk a little along the side of the road. Pachis did not like it: it is filled with sunbeds 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 besides, it was too far from our hotel to go there daily.

Thassos has taken a special place in our collection of Greek islands. But I don't think we want to come back here. It turned out to be not very suitable for our usual trips on foot and by bus, and we never rent a car. And yet Thassos will be remembered as a sparkling island: shiny sand in the sea, iridescent marble and bright fireflies.