Things to do in Thassos

Thassos has many wonderful attractions. Visitors can still see the 7th-century ruins of Ancient Thassos in the capital, Limenas, and the 12th-century Archangelou Michail Monastery in the island's southeast region. Thassos also has a number of interesting museums and archaeological sites, plus an excellent street market.

Outside of Limenas, the island's small villages feel authentic and undisturbed, with many having their own markets and quaint folk museums. Nature lovers will enjoy Thassos' beaches, lakes and waterfalls; Scala Potamia and Golden Beach are both loved for the calm waters that make them child-friendly. Visitors who enjoy wandering along picturesque trails can try horse riding, which is a popular activity on the island.

Theologos photo

Theologos

The history of Thassos is uncovered at the Museum Theologos, which is set in an old mansion that was the home of the mountain village's former mayor, Mr Chatzigeorgiou. The mayor p…

Theologos

The history of Thassos is uncovered at the Museum Theologos, which is set in an old mansion that was the home of the mountain village's former mayor, Mr Chatzigeorgiou. The mayor played an essential role in the revolution against the Turks that took place on the island in 1821. Exhibits include displays of olive presses, flour mills, tools, looms and chests from the 18th century, as well as some wonderful pictures. Situated up in the mountains, the museum is only one interesting aspect of this fascinating old town.

It's worth visiting just to stroll through the picturesque streets and stumble over all the evidence of antiquity. Theologos used to be the most important village on the island and was both the political and economic centre of Thassos, which is why the museum is situated here. Theologos was declared a cultural capital by the Greek government in 1979, which means that construction or alteration to existing buildings is limited to preserve the authentic old architecture. The village has also preserved many folk traditions and still produces its own olives, vegetables, alcohol and lamb, so that when visitors have a meal at the local taverna, they will almost certainly be eating local produce.

Website www.thassos-view.com/sights/theologos-folklore-museum

Thassos Beaches photo

Thassos Beaches

Most visitors to Thassos are drawn by the stunning white sandy beaches on the east cost of this island. The more popular beaches have all the required tourist amenities, but despit…

Thassos Beaches

Most visitors to Thassos are drawn by the stunning white sandy beaches on the east cost of this island. The more popular beaches have all the required tourist amenities, but despite this the beaches have retained their natural beauty and haven't been ruined by crowds or infrastructure.

The largest and most popular beach is Chrissi Ammoudia (Golden Beach), a sweeping strech of white sand that is set against the towering slopes of Mount Ipsario, which rises to 1,200m (4,000 ft). Tripiti Beach, on the south of the island, is known for its natural bathtub and a cave leading to the Aegean Sea. It's a big beach, quite far from the main town, and boasts rich marine life in its waters. Livadi is popular with campers and backpackers and is a protected cove. Makriammos is a beautiful, long, sandy beach and is a favourite for many; it's also home to some great mussels.

Pefkari has bars, taverns and a small kiosk, and watersports include banana boat rides, jet-skiing and paragliding. The nudist beach of Paradise is one of the most beautiful on the island; it isn't exclusively a nudist beach but nudity is tolerated. The eastern beaches are the calmest and Scala Potamia and Golden Beach are two of the best for small kids as they are sandy with shallow, calm waters.