Greece’s northernmost island, Thassos, is an underrated holiday destination brimming with unique structures and sights. Travelers exploring the best places to visit in Thassos are thus often amazed by its stunning topography featuring beaches, mountains, and expansive wooded regions. Moreover, the island’s ancient remnants dating back several hundred years never fail to fascinate the most ardent of history buffs.
Famously referred to as the “island of sirens” in Greek mythology, Thassos remains a quiet yet enchanting escape. A pocket-friendly holiday option, it mainly attracts offbeat travelers looking for a change of scenery and mood compared to the more famous Greek isles like Mykonos and Santorini.
Since there are no airports, one needs to take a ferry to reach Thassos and discover its wonders. The mainland is only 10km away, and the travel time by boat is just over an hour. For this trip, it’s easy to book tickets via Ferryscanner from Kavala on Mainland Greece to the ports of Limenas (Thassos Town) or Skala Prinos. Else, you can also take a ferry from Keramoti to Limenas.
Ancient Agora
A short distance from the center of Limenas, the Agora is a classic introduction to the history of Thassos for most first-time visitors. A walk around the remains of the island’s ancient capital is a journey through time, both captivating and educational. Most of the ruins of Agora, which feature streets, administrative buildings, temples, and homes, go back to the 6th century BC. However, the area is known to have had settlements from centuries before.
Located close to the old harbor, the Agora is only a step away from the Archaeological Museum, also among the best places to visit in Thassos. Although a small museum with an entry fee of €4, it displays an array of age-old artifacts excavated around the island. Some of the more noteworthy exhibits include statues of Kouros and Aphrodite, the busts of Dionysus and Pegasus, as well as ceramics from the 7th-century.
Giola Lagoon
Beach lovers visiting Thassos are in for a treat as the island offers several gorgeous sandy coves and bays where one can lounge under the sun for hours. But if it is a local gem you wish to discover, nothing beats the excitement of a refreshing dip in the Giola Lagoon.
Among the unmissable places to visit in Thassos, Giola is a natural rock pool situated near the village of Astris in the southern part of the island. According to Greek mythology, Zeus constructed this visually stunning waterhole for his daughter to swim in. As a result, locals have christened it “Aphrodite’s Tear.”
Separated from the North Aegean by a thin rocky border and measuring roughly 20m by 15m, the lagoon’s crystal-clear water stays a few degrees warmer than the neighboring sea. Moreover, the water’s attractive bluish-green color and the opportunity to jump into the pool from the surrounding cliffs further add to Giola’s seductive appeal.
Limenas
The capital of Thassos invites tourists to become flaneurs and wander around its beautiful streets without an agenda. Sometimes referred to as Thassos Town, Limenas offers spectacular views of Mainland Greece. It is also an idyllic spot to admire beautiful Greek sunsets.
As one explores Limenas, meaning “the port,” it’s difficult not to get swept away by its quaintness. This northern city is also one of the best places to visit in Thassos for shopping. Its alleys are full of local shops selling traditional and handcrafted products. You can purchase everything from clothes and jewelry to olive oil and gastronomic delicacies when looking for souvenirs.
Moreover, like the historical sites dotting the town, tourists find the many cafes and restaurants of Limenas to be among its most appealing treasures.
Archangel Michael Monastery
The Archangel Michael Monastery is the most prominent religious monument in Thassos. Perched on the edge of a cliff, its dramatic position grants splendid panoramic views of the surroundings. Although the original date of its conception is unknown, the monastery’s existence goes back to at least 1287.
Visitors from across the globe visit the monastery, run only by women, to observe its many riches, including a part of the Holy Nail from Christ’s crucifixion.
Tourists can walk around the monastery grounds at leisure. Still, they must follow a dress code that includes pants, long skirts, and tops covering the shoulders.
Ipsarion Peak
For travelers looking to capture bird’s eye vistas of the island, a hike or a drive up to Ipsarion is a must. Since Ipsarion towers over the surroundings rising to 1204 meters, the journey to the top isn’t easy. No matter your transport choice. Nevertheless, it is worth all the extra effort.
Visitors can opt for one of two ways to reach the top of this impressive natural creation. The more adventurous tourists can undertake a three-hour strenuous hike from Potamia. The scenes along the way are breathtaking, especially of Golden Beach below. But remember to wear hiking shoes and keep a lookout for snakes and lizards.
A somewhat simpler option is a tour in a 4X4 from Maries, village, roughly 11km from the peak. You can also combine the two choices, taking the car halfway and climbing the rest. At the top, remember to leave a short remark and your signature in Ipsarion’s guest book.
Sotirelis Olive Oil Museum
Similar to many Greek isles, embellishing the already beautiful landmass of Thassos are countless olive groves throughout the island. A source of food and revenue, olives thus form an integral part of the local culture. Therefore, to celebrate and understand the importance of olives, Sotirelis Olive Oil Museum in Panagia is among the essential places to visit in Thassos.
Established in 1915, Sotirelis is the oldest water-powered olive mill in Greece, that still works. Commercially operational until 2007, it now helps demonstrate the process of making olive oil to curious visitors.
Besides having an audio-visual guide, the museum also showcases vintage photographs of the mill. Furthermore, tourists can taste and buy different types of olive oils and products made using olive wood from a small shop adjoining the museum.