subject: Thassos, the emerald island [print this page] Thassos, the emerald island Thassos, the emerald island
Thassos is a verdurous island of the Northern Aegean Sea, located very close to the Eastern Macedonia coastline, at a distance of 12 n.miles from Kavala and about 6 n.miles from Keramoti.
It covers an area of 380 sq.km, the lenght of coastline is 108 km and it has a round shape.
Thassos island has about 16,000 inhabitants according to 2001 sensus. it is mountainous with springs, marvelous beaches and thick vegetation. the forest cover about 7/10 of the total surface of the island and usually reach the sea.
The highest peak is Ypsario, about 1127 m. high, ideal for lovers and mountaineering. Next highest is the Profitis Ilias peak at 1108 m. On the slopes of the mountains grow al kinds of plants (bushes, rods, origanum, wild flowers) whereas at the lowlands and valleys there are olive and fruit trees. Thassos is the most fertile soil of all the Aegean islands. Grain, pulses, fruit, honey, olives, oil and wine are just some of the island's products that are well known throughout Greece and making a name for themselves in the rest of the word as well.
As far as the climate and the ground morphology are concerned, Thassos is special in comparison to other islands of the Aegean Sea.
Thassos island has wonderful beaches all around its coast. Some of them are organized and crowded, while others are solitary and quiet. the main road of the island is in very good condition, allowing the visitor to go wherever he wants for an enjoyable bathe.
one can choose between a solitary beach, for relaxation resting, or one of the well-known crowded beaches, for drinking coffee or ouzo by the sea.
All the beaches are incredibly beautiful, with crystal clear and shallow waters ideal for young children. starting off from Prinos, you will be acquainted with the island's unique beaches.
Skala Prinos has a wonderful beach with lots of pines, lying at a several kilometers lenght. clean, shallow sea with thin sand, ideal for swimming, beach who has been awarded with a European "Blue Flag" in 2004.
Rachoni is a long beach with thin sand and with a forest almost touching the blue waters.
Golden Beach, an endless beach, well organized, with golden, thin sand and crystal clear and shallow waters, also awarded with European "Blue Flag" in 2004.
Paradise Beach, a beach that will charm anyone with the crystal blue waters and the surrounding green mountains. it is one of the few, if not the only one, that also hosts nudists.
There are many choices. each of Thassos' beaches has its own beauty and uniqueness. Whatever your choice, it is certain that you will enjoy the sun and the clean sea of this island.
Thassos has many mountainous settlements because in the old days, the inhabitants use to build at the mountains' slopes, sourrounded by pines, with an excellent view to the sea. it seems that time hasn't touched the island and the inhabitants, who are kind and hospitable, keep the traditions from generation to generation.
The two main towns (administrative and commercial) are Limenas (or Thassos) in the north of the island and Limenaria in the south. In both these towns, you will be able to find virtually all services and relatively good shoping.
On Thassos, all the seasons of the year are lovely, but the most beautiful is late spring and early summer. Then the temperature is ideal and the landscape is accentuated by a thousand colours. The summer too is delightful, for the island is cooled by breezes blowing down from the mountains and off the sea. In winter, Ypsario is the first spot on the island to have snow, which contributes to creating a magic landscape with trees and snowdrops, more reminiscent of spring than winter.
According to Greek mythology, the first settler and founder of the island was a man called Thassos, who gave his name to it. Herodotus, the famed ancient historian, reported that the island had taken the name of Thassos the Phoenician. hasos was either the son or grandson of Agenor, king of Phoenicia, and found himself on the island in search of Europa who had been spirited away by Zeus, who had been captivated by her.
thasos is large enough to allow visitors to organise their excursions to reflect the mood of the moment. Besides, there's such a variety of sights to see on the island that even the shortest tour offers something of special interest.
Don't miss in Thassos:
The archaeological Museum of Thassos with unique and varied collections from the period between the 7th century BC and the 7th century AD;
The Kallirachi Folk Museum housed in a lovely heritage mansion dating from 1880;
The Vaghis Museum, Skala Potamias;
The archaeological site in the town of Thasos with many interesting monuments;
Alyki with its ancient and medieval monuments;
The Castle in Potos where there is a necropolis and settlement;
