Thassos

Thassos is the most northern island in the Aegean Sea. It is famous for its crystal clear beaches with fine sand, luscious vegetation and beautiful villages boasting houses of traditional Thracian and Macedonian architecture.

The main town consists of white houses with tiled roofs, green scenery and superb archaeological monuments. Thassos (also known as Limenas) is the island port, established in the 4th century BC.

During antiquity, Thassos evolved into a significant power and economic centre due to its natural wealth (marble, timber) and its commercial enterprise. In 338 BC, the island was seized and annexed by the northern Greek power of Macedonia under Philip II (father of Alexander the Great), and flourished during the first centuries of the Byzantine era. It was incorporated into the Greek state in 1913.

The island connects to Kavala and Keramoti by sea. It has an area of 379km², a coastline of 95km and a population of 14,000.

Places you must see
Thassos Ancient City, built on a strategic location, features a wall approximately 4.5km long and gates decorated with relief representations. You can visit the Ancient Agora, hosting Theagenis’ Monument, Glafkus’ Tomb and the Sanctum of Agoraios Zeus. The construction of the Agora began in the 5th century BC and was completed under the Emperor Hadrian. Also visit the Roman neighbourhood, Dionysus’ Temple (4th century BC), and the temples of Poseidon and Artemis. Hercules’ Temple, east of the city is from Roman times, while the Evraiokastro Basilica (5th century AD), a three-aisled, Christian basilica, was built on the ruins of an ancient temple. Other noteworthy monuments include the Ancient Theatre of Thassos, and the Byzantine Acropolis, with the Temple of Athena, Pythis Apollo and the Cave-Temple of Pan.

The Archaeological Museum exhibits finds from the entire island, dating from the prehistoric age until the Byzantine period.

Courtesy of GNTO