By Nikolas Bardis

Sotiras is a small, picturesque mountain village die, which is built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 340 meters, in a green landscape with plane trees and running water. It is about 22 kilometers from the port of the island and 3 kilometers from Skala Sotiros. Its inhabitants were mainly workers of the mines that once operated in the area, but also residents of today’s Kallirachi.

Over the years, this beautiful village began to slowly become deserted, with the result that today only 7 permanent residents live there during the winter. In the summer the village comes alive again, several houses open and the village tavern does not drop a pin!

This mountainous village stands out for its traditional architecture, cobbled cobblestones, the central square with plane trees and the fountain from 1890, as well as for its traditional gastronomy, which will win you over from the first bite. From stuffed zucchini flowers and sarmadakis, to excellent quality seafood, bell peppers and pitas, the local cuisine will enchant you. If you find yourself in the area, don’t forget to get the delicious Thassis feta, which with a little tomato, peppers, boucovo and oil makes an excellent boujourdi in clay.

In the heart of the village dominates the Holy Church of Sotiros which was built in 1980, and its elaborate iconostasis was made by monks of Mount Athos, which confirms that for many years the village maintained good relations with Mount Athos. The white bell tower of the church stands out from behind the tiled houses of the village and in combination with the green hills creates a very authentic Greek image, like a postcard, that leaves no one unmoved. The cats passing through the narrow streets and the view of the endless blue come to complete this picturesque scene.

Among the attractions of the area are also the Byzantine church of the Ascension, located about 3 kilometers from the village, and the Holy Monastery of Agios Panteleimonos, which is 7 kilometers from the center of the settlement. Of course, if you find yourself in the area in summer, you will go swimming in the neighboring Skala Sotiros, with its golden sand and turquoise waters. Even during the busy tourist months in this part of the island you will find a unique tranquility and you will experience unforgettable moments of relaxation under the Greek sun.

The camera of “Where there is Greece in SKAI”, making a special trip to the island of Thassos, reached the village of Sotira in the west of the island, talked to its few permanent residents and showed us what it’s like to live in such a place, far from the comforts that life in big cities provides.