10 Places in Thasos Only Locals Know

Rachoni is a picturesque village in the north-western part of Thasos. The village’s old buildings, as well as its beautiful 19th-century church dedicated to Our Lady found by the river, make it worth a visit. Rachoni is most famous for its olives, with most of its olive trees among the oldest on the island.

You can visit the Olive Oil Museum and arrange for olive-picking excursions. Olives are harvested by the local community between November and January. You can spend time with the locals by helping with the harvest, learning how to pick, collect and bag the famous Throuba olives.

The Beekeepers’ Collective Honey Factory is located near Skala Prinou, in the northern part of Thasos. The island is known for its honey, as its climate isn’t effected by the brisk summer Meltemi winds that sweep across Greece’s southern islands. As you walk around Prinos village, you will hear a constant humming of bees and notice beehives lining the trails.

The island’s Beekeepers’ Collective consists of over a hundred beekeepers who are dedicated to the use of environmental-friendly beekeeping practices to produce a variety of products, such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly. Visit their factory to learn about beekeeping and sample different varieties of honey. If you visit in August, you can experience its annual honey festival.

The village of Potamia is perched on the foothills of the Ipsari Mountains, around 10 km south of Thasos. This lively village has a picturesque main square shaded by the dense foliage of old plane trees. Some of its most popular sites include a beautiful stone-built church and an interesting sculpture museum.

Potamia is also home to Thasos Donkeys, the island’s only donkey sanctuary. The center works at improving the lives of these hard-working animals. You can catch donkey-racing events during an annual festival organized by the local community, usually at the end of July.

Kazaviti is a quaint old village with 2 distinctive areas, called Mikro (Little) and Megalo (Big). Located approximately 15 km southwest of Limenas, the village is best known for its premium local wines. Lush green forests of chestnut trees and oaks blend in perfectly with the traditional stone architecture and houses.

At Mikro Kazaviti’s stone theatre, an art festival called Kazavitiana takes place every summer. Megalo Kazaviti’s local attraction is a square café, which serves cold water sourced from natural springs.

Mount Ipsario is the tallest peak on the island of Thasos at around 1,204 meters above sea level. It’s worth the hike for panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and neighboring islands. The trail starts from Potamia village, following a well-signed path for around 3 hours of walking.

Locals recommend that you climb the mountain early in the morning, as the bright sun can obscure views later in the day. Take in the diverse vegetation that adorns the slopes of the mountain, including pines, planes, firs, and cedars. Once at the top, sign the visitor’s log and, if you’re in the mood, stay overnight at the Thassian Mountaineering Club Shelter.

Salonikios Beach is located in Astris on the southernmost point of Thasos, around 7 km away from Potos. It is an organized beach that’s particularly popular with the local youths, who consider it an “alternate” hangout spot.

The reddish color of the sand makes it stand out from other beaches on the island. With hammocks hanging between trees providing natural shade, Salonikios is an excellent spot for relaxation away from tourist crowds.

Atspas Beach is a sandy cove in Skala Marion, around 7.5 km west of Limenaria. It's popular with locals as its shallow waters make it excellent for kids to swim and snorkel safely.

Try to spot octopuses and starfishes that often frolic on the surrounding rocks. Atspas Beach is one of the best spots in Thasos for magnificent sunset views. Grab a drink at the Porto Gatos beach bar, while watching the sun sinking into the Aegean Sea.