The Monastery of Michael Archangel is a women’s hermitage, which falls under Mount Athos and was founded by Philotheos Monastery. You can easily visit it as it is located on the island’s ring road between Aliki and Astris villages. It is perhaps one of the most well-known monasteries of the island also due to its location, as it is built on the edge of a precipice and thus the pilgrim can be enchanted by the view of the Aegean Sea and the Mountain. Apart from the location, the Monastery is famous as it preserves a part of the nails used during the Christ’s crucifixion and for this reason hundreds of pilgrims flock to the island every year. Finally, it is worthwhile visiting the showroom of the monastery.
The Folklore Museum of Theologos is housed in the two-storey mansion of Xatzigiorgis, who was a renowned chieftain of the island. It is worth visiting in order to see old Thassian textiles and the looms (devices used to weave cloth) with which they wove the textiles. You may also observe old tools that were used by Thassians in their daily occupations, as well as a flourmill and an oil mill.
The Folklore Museum of Limenaria is easy to find as it is located in the centre of Limenaria. Your visit there will give you the opportunity to see from close objects that were used daily by the Thassians, to see the Thassian uniforms and to travel through time by observing old photographs.
The Folklore Museum of Kallirachi is housed in a restored mansion built in 1880. In the last two years the Folklore Museum is hosting, with great success, an exhibition with nautical photographs and paintings with the support of the Maritime Museum of Kavala. It is worth visiting giving you the chance to approach tradition, customs and traditions of Thassians, while the Museum takes you to a genuine Thassian home with traditional furniture and textiles.
Right outside the settlement of Skala Prinos is located this newly established and pretty interesting museum, paying a tribute to the miraculous products of olive trees! An initiative of a local bio-oil business, the museum hosts a space where a representation of oil production takes place, a photography exhibition space, a part where all types of oils are exhibited (around 40 from the 130 different types that are known up today), a projections’ space and finally the olive products exhibition, where you will be able to taste and buy anything you like!
Kalogeriko is a historical building standing out from all the other buildings at the centre of the ancient port of Limenas. Is was built at the end of the 19th century and nowadays it hosts various cultural exhibitions and galleries of Greek and foreign artists. You should absolutely visit it and admire its architecture.
The Museum of Polygnotos Vagis is located in Potamia and is housed in the old primary school of the village.This Museum exhibits works of the internationally acclaimed Thassian sculptor Polygnotos Vagis, after whom, is named. Polygnotos Vagis (1894 – 1965) has been distinguished in the U.S. for his sculpture art and his works are displayed in many Museums in the U.S., the National Gallery, the Museum of Kavala and in private collections.
The Archaeological Museum of Thassos (tel. 25930 22180) is located in the homonymous capital of the island and it is situated near the ancient market, almost in the centre of Limenas. It is worth visiting the museum, as it is considered by many one of the most remarkable provincial museums because of the findings that are exhibited dating from the Paleolithic to the Roman era. The exterior area of the Museum is part of your tour, as it is configured in such a way that follows the Archaeological Museum.
At the Archaeological Museum of Thassos you can see unique sculpture, ceramics, miniature sculpture and coin collections dating from the 7th century BC until the 7th century AD. In the Museum you can explore the so-called “Hall of Kouros”, where you can admire the krioforos Kouros (statue of a young man) of 3.5 meters that had been created for the sacred temple of Apollo. In the next hall you will be able to watch a short film, which will be informative about the history of plastic art of the island. Finally, you can also watch a film with reference to the antiquities of Thassos.
Hiking on Thassos is a great way to explore the island’s unknown face. Thassos is not just a sunny place with beautiful beaches. Thassos is an island where you can do anything. One of those is hiking. There are wonderful trails where you will discover why Thassos fascinates its visitors. Typical hiking routes:
1. Climbing to the top of mount Ipsarion.
2. A great hiking route starts from the Monastery of Michael Archangel towards Theologos with a duration of approximately 3 hours.
3. Equally interesting is the hiking route from Alykes towards Theologos and vice versa.
4. From the settlement of Potamia starting from the camp starts a very interesting route through the dense primitive forest consisting of huge platanus, chestnut trees and pines.
Thassos rich natural environment is perfect for long walks and hiking. Here are some ideas for your walks:
Starting from the traditional village of Panagia, which is located at the foot of Ipsario mountain, you can head to Skala Panagia village, which is basicly Panagia's fishing port. This is a lovely route which passes through deep green forest of pine and plane trees.
The village of Potamia will amaze you with its traditional plinths streets, as you head to Skala Potamia. This walk will last about 30-40 minutes. After that you can enjoy your swim at the crystal waters of Golden Beach!
Many tourists prefer to walk from Limenas to the nearby beaches of Nisteri or Glifada. It is a nice sea walk where you can see the pine forest and gaze the Aegean Sea as you walk to Nisteri Beach. The distance is not far, about 1 km. If you wish you can continue your walk for another 1.5 km to reach Glifada Beach.
Another excellent walk is the one many people prefer to do from Limenaria to Tripiti Beach. You can choose to walk either along the main road, or by the seaside. There is nothing more romantic than a summer walk at Limenaria's long beach during sunset! You can combine your walk to Tripiti with a quick dive, or your lunch and coffe at the beach bar and restaurants which are at Tripiti.
An absolutely magnificent path starts from Palataki area at Limenaria and heads to Pefkari. Take a moment to admire the most important sightseeing in Limenaria, Palataki, and have a small walk in the nearby area. Then you can walk to the Church of Saint Nicolas at the top of the hill, and follow the path which will lead you outside of Limenaria. Walking the plinth path which is beside the main road will lead you after 1 km to Pefkari.
Starting from either Limenaria or Theologos, you can walk to the traditional village of Kastro. Both routes are through an uphill ground road but you will see many amazing areas as you walk. The route from Limenaria is about 11 km and the one from Theologos 9 km.
All the routes mentioned above are excellent for bicycle rides as well. Take special care when you ride your bike on the main road, and have with you all the necessary equipment. Furthermore you can ride your bicycle inside the villages street and explore the areas around.
The visitors of Thassos can go horse riding either by themselves or with a professional guide. Children can also try horse riding. You can also go for a ride with horses of the Equestrian Club of Thassos and attend riding lessons with trained instructors.
