[BACK TO THASSOS]

Thassos

Thassos, the northern most of the islands of the Aegean Sea, is of volcanic origin, mountainous, and of great natural beauty. Politicaly the island forms an eparchy of the Macedonian Nome of Kavala. Its area is 399 sq. km, almost circular in shape, it has a length from north to south of 24km and a width of 19km. Its highest point is Mt. Hypsarion (1,142m), roughly to the center. The mountains are covered with forests, pines, planes, and chestnut trees. Its timber has always been in demand for ship building. The island capital is Limenas ('The Harbour'), or Thassos, located on the north coast, on the site of the ancient city of Thassos.

From Limenas, an asphalted road leads in 35 minutes past a classical cemetary to Makri Ammos, a pleasant beach with several taverns. The delightful inland villages can be easily reached. The road rises through pine-woods, and, crossing a ridge, emerges on a ledge (with a view of the beautiful Bay of Potamia). 5km Panayia has a square with two gushing fountains, shaded by plane-trees. 6.5km Potamia, slightly larger, with steep stone streets and old Turkish houses, is a starting-point for the ascent of Mt. Hypsarion (1,142m) in 2-3 hours. The road, now part of the island round, continues down the east coast. The island abounds in unexcavated Hellenic and Medieval remains.

On Cape Pirgos, in the north-east, are some remains of an ancient lighthouse inscribed as his own tomb and memorial by one Akeratos. Vestiges of ancient Koinyra may be found further south. At Aliki there are ancient marble quarries, an Archaic sanctuary and two excavated Basilican churches. The best preserved of many Hellenic towers is near Thimonia, the greatest concentration of them near Astris. Beyond Astris the road passes the Theologos turn before reaching Limenaria, a center of cadmium mining. Theologos, in the Dipotamos valley below the south slope of Hypsarion, which was the medieval capital. In Theologos there is the house of Mehmet Ali's youth survives and remains of a castle (Koufokastro).

The buildings of Thassos Town cluster round both new and charming old harbours. The ancient remains of the town, including a small theatre, afford idyllic views over the town. There is a wide choice of tavernas and cafes and the town boasts a good beach. Thassos Town is the ideal base to explore Thassos Island.

<click to go back>