Thassos - a precious emerald, emerges from the depths of the sea, like a piece of paradise. Green hills, shining sandy beaches, aquamarine sea and marble cliffs fascinate tourists from all over the world. According to legend, he is even called the son of Poseidon, who endowed the island with various treasures.
Thassos— an ideal holiday destination for lovers of nature, peace and antiquity. The coast of the island is washed by the Aegean Sea, small towns and villages are surrounded by majestic rocky mountains and lush forests. The area of the island is 380 square kilometers and it is located 6 kilometers from mainland Greece. The capital of the island is the city of Thassos (another name is Limenas) - a cozy town, the center of life, where the benefits of civilization are combined with a quiet harbor, a wide sandy beach and impressive ruins of the ancient city.
Everything beaches in Thassos municipal and have the distinction of the European Union, the blue flag, which only the cleanest and most well-groomed beaches receive.
The island has always been valued for its natural resources: gold, silver, copper and other metals were mined here. The island now hosts the largest marble quarries in all of Greece.
How to get to the island of Thassos?
Since there is no airport on the island itself, they sail from the mainland to Thassos by ferry from the two cities of Kavala and Keramoti - this is a very exciting journey. The view from the ferry is simply amazing - crystal clear sea, seagulls, mountains are visible from afar.
The inhabitants of Thassos are very friendly, all tourists who arrive on the island are greeted with wine and dried olives. Thassos is the only place in Greece where dried olives are available.
Attractions of Thassos
Almost the entire island is a large archaeological museum. One of the attractions of the island is the ancient Agora in the city of Thassos, where the ruins of the temple of Poseidon and the temple of Dionysus (4th century BC) are located. Also in the capital you can see: the military harbor, the walls of the Acropolis, the temple of Apollo, the temple of Zeus, the sanctuary of Pan, the gates of Dionysius and Hercules. Not far from the city, the ruins of an ancient theater have been preserved, where performances are held in the summer. On the southeast coast, in the village of Aliki, there are ancient monuments of architecture: the ruins of temples and buildings that date back to the 7th century BC.
There are interesting museums on Thassos: the museum of olives and olive oil, in the Prinos area, the ethnographic museum, which is located in an old mansion of 1880, the Libra Museum - in the area of Skala Potamias.
Monastery of the Archangel Michael.
Ruins of an ancient theatre.
Shrines on the island
Greece is an Orthodox country with many holy places and ancient temples. Spiritual life in Thassos is also rich. There are three monasteries and eight churches here. The convent of the Archangel Michael is one of the most picturesque. The temple is located in the southern part of the island, on the edge of a high cliff, from which you can see the Holy Mount Athos. The monastery houses a part of the holy cross on which Christ was crucified.
In the mountain village of Panagia, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin rises, in which there are ancient icons of the XIV-XVII centuries and the icon of the Mother of God "The All-Seeing Eye of God". Also in the temple there is a red and white flag of the Crusade period, which once belonged to Richard the Lionheart.
Monastery of Saint Varlaam.
Meteora monastery complex
Excursions to mainland Greece are constantly sent from Thassos. Trips to the Meteora monastery complex, which rises on the rocks, between heaven and earth, are popular. They organize excursions to the monastery of St. Varlaam. In the middle of the XIV century, the monk Varlaam climbed a rock and built several cells and a small church there, which he dedicated to the Three Hierarchs. The walls of the temple are decorated with ancient frescoes, there are several fine mosaics made of ivory and mother-of-pearl. You can put candles for health and peace, however, in one place, in a vase with sand. Candles are not for sale, you can just take them, and if you wish, make a donation in a special box.
On the territory of the monasteries there are icon shops selling beautiful handmade icons decorated with gold and silver.
Rusanu Monastery, now Saint Barbara
Monastic complex Meteora-2
Dense pine forests and maritime climate have a beneficial effect on the health of children, while clean golden sand and shallow waters near the coast make it pleasant and safe to spend time on the beach. In hotels, children will not be bored either. If the institution is designed for a family vacation, then on its territory there is necessarily animation, usually in Russian, children's mini-clubs, playgrounds, swimming pools, slides. Some hotels hold special film screenings - they broadcast cartoons and films for children.
Extreme holidays on the island of Thassos
Diving enthusiasts will be delighted with Thassos. The Aegean Sea keeps many amazing secrets, crystal clear waters beckon to get acquainted with underwater life. Almost every beach has places where you can take equipment. They offer deep or shallow water diving, snorkelling, photography of the rich underwater world. If you are a beginner, don't worry, qualified instructors will properly organize your dives and take care of your safety. In a special school you can take a diving course.
Jeep safari is another exciting adventure. You will be able to drive a car in extreme conditions, independently maneuver on difficult roads that run through forests and mountainous terrain. On jeeps you will go deep into the island, where you will see the pristine nature and picturesque villages. A picnic in the mountains at an altitude of 910 meters, swimming in a lake among waterfalls, stunning landscapes, treating yourself to orange, olive, spruce honey - and this is not all that Thassos can surprise you with.
Hotels in Thassos
Thassos has many modern hotels from two to five stars. Each hotel has its own features and benefits. In two- and three-star hotels, the flavor of Greece, the spirit and lifestyle of the island are more felt. Five-star hotels are refined, but with generally accepted European standards. Meals in hotels can be either half board or all inclusive. In addition, you can have a delicious meal in the waterfront taverns, which offer a wide range of Greek and European cuisine. Breakfasts in hotels on the island start at 7:30 and end at about 10:00, dinners start at 19:30 and end at about 21:30. However, it also depends on the mode of the hotel. On the territory of the hotels there is a beach-bar, a pool-bar (on the beach, by the pool), A La Carte restaurants that serve a la carte. Almost all employees of hotels and even some restaurants and shops know Russian well, so there are no problems with communication.
One of the popular five-star hotels on the island is the Ilio Mare Hotel & Resort. The interior of the institution is modern, in high-tech style. Spacious, tastefully furnished apartments equipped with every possible comfort. Service is professional and high quality. The hotel has a swimming pool, gym, games and sports grounds. "Ilio Mare Hotel & Resort" is very romantic, so newlyweds often come here. In addition, the hotel can celebrate an unforgettable wedding. For brides and guests, luxurious wedding ceremonies on the beach, feasts and more are organized.
Ilio Mare Hotel & Resort.
Two- and three-star hotels in Thassos are also cozy and beautiful. For example, Kapahi, which has two stars, is located right on the waterfront in Pefkari. The interior is made in ethnic style. The rooms are clean and have air conditioning. If you order any drink at the bar, then you will get a set - two sunbeds and an umbrella for free.
National cuisine on the island of Thassos
The Greeks cook very tasty, and the portions are large. It is worth trying the local cuisine with seafood, olives, sweet nuts and the famous Greek salad. Very tasty sauces that are prepared on the basis of yogurt. Frappe, a tonic drink popular with the Greeks, is cold instant coffee churned with milk, like a cappuccino, served with ice. As for alcoholic drinks, we recommend trying delicious national wines, white and red. Grape Greek vodka "Tsipuro" is popular with tourists.
Evening entertainment on the island
There are clubs on the island, many taverns on the waterfront, and discos are constantly held in hotels. Once a week they arrange a Greek evening - they invite singers, artists, teach tourists how to dance sirtaki in national costumes. There is such a custom as the dance of women on the table - in the middle of the evening, girls are called to the table to dance to the music. When the women dance, the men keep banging on the table. In general, men in Greece love women, treat them correctly, with great respect.
