By Nikolas Bardis

Beaches with blue-green waters, mountainous villages “immersed” in greenery, waterfalls and places of great natural beauty, but also unsurpassed seafood, are some of the many reasons worth visiting this special and beautiful island of the North Aegean. If you haven’t been yet, see why it should be on your new year’s bucket list!

1. History

According to Herodotus the island owes its name to Thassoshead of the Phoenician settlers, which testifies that it has been inhabited since ancient times. The Archaeological Museum of Thassos is located in Limenas and is a place you should definitely visit if you find yourself on the island. The museum is housed in a house dating from 1934 and has a great collection of exhibits of sculpture, ceramics and architectural remains from the Neolithic to the Roman Period. Undoubtedly, the museum’s most iconic exhibit is a 3.5-meter-high archaic kouros! Also, in Limenas are the Ancient Agora and the Conservatory, monuments that were brought to light by the French Archaeological School in the middle of the 20th century.

2. Architecture

The architecture of Thassos presents a peculiarity, and gives the island a special charm, but also the air of a mainland country. In the mountainous mass of the island you will find villages such as Panagia, Theologos, Maries and Kallirachi which have houses of Macedonian architecture, with stone-built roofs and cobblestones. Almost all roads lead to some square with plane trees, running water, small taverns and picturesque markets, where you will find whatever you are looking for.

In Kazaviti, which is the oldest village of the island, you will see the famous stone theatero, where the “Cazavitiana”, a festival with traditional music and dance evenings, take place every summer, while you will have the opportunity to enjoy a magical view of the sea.

Thassos

3. Beaches

Along the coastline of the island you will find beaches for all tastes. From the exotic Marmaras, with its blue-green waters and pine-clad slopes, to the enchanting Arsanas, located below the Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael, and Paradise, with its golden sand and crystal clear waters, you won’t know where to dive for the first time! If you still want to go to a more instagrammable area, then you will choose the famous Giola. The locals also call it “Tear of Venus”. It is a natural pool, carved out of the sea rocks, whose waters offer wonderful color contrasts. Here, in addition to spectacular dives, you will also take incredible photos.

4. Gastronomy

Thassos is famous for its olive oil and thrombe olives, which are even a product with a designation of origin. But apart from oil, on the island you will find excellent honey, wine from local producers and, of course, unsurpassed spoon sweets. As in every island, here you will find fresh seafood, and you can enjoy a huge variety of delicious sardines, anchovies, shrimps as well as bream, mullet and squid. And the menu does not end here… So while it is an island, Thassos also has excellent quality meats, which you will enjoy in the mountain villages of the island, such as Panagia and Kazaviti.

5. Easy Access & Hospitality

With frequent and short ferry routes from Keramoti, and at a distance of only 15 kilometers from Kavala airport, Thassos is the ideal destination for holidays. On the island, the distances are not particularly long, while you can easily go around the island, since the main road axis crosses all the coasts and connects the seaside villages. This distance is estimated at around 100 kilometers. If you go without a car, the villages are served by local buses. No matter where you are, the inhabitants will open the door of their house to welcome you, kiss you and say the first, heartfelt good morning, which will make you feel like your home! One thing is certain: leaving there, you will promise to return.