Guide For Thassos By Olia Thassos

History And Archaelogical Sites

Archaelogical Sites in Thassos

Thassos, nestled in the embrace of the Gulf of Kavala, is the northernmost island of the Aegean, the only island of Macedonia, and the 12th largest in all of Greece. It has a long history dating back to the Neolithic period. During its golden age in the 6th and 5th centuries BC, the ancient city had a perimeter wall of 4 kilometers and a strong economy dominating the opposite coast from the Strymon River to the Evros River (marble, gold, oil, wine, timber, etc.).
Thassos was also significant during the early Christian centuries (up to around the 7th century AD), but it weakened considerably over the centuries. It experienced a brief resurgence in the 19th century when it was favored by Mehmet Ali of Egypt, who was born in Kavala but raised in Thassos. It was liberated from Turkish rule in 1912. Today, it is one of the most important tourist destinations not only in Northern Greece but in the entire country, with an unparalleled advantage: it is only half an hour from the mainland opposite coast and has urban-style ferry transportation every quarter-hour!
In today's capital, Thassos (Limenas), located on the same site as the ancient city, you can visit:
  • The Archaeological Museum (one of the most important in all of Greece),
  • The Ancient Agora,
  • The Ancient Theatre and the Odeon,
  • The Acropolis,
  • The ancient ports,
  • The Early Christian basilicas, and the perimeter wall with its many gates.
On the rest of the island, you can see archaeological sites:
  • In Alyki,
  • Koinyra,
  • The Castle and Sotiras,
  • As well as the Monastery of Archangel Michael.
On the rest of the island, you can see archaeological sites:
  • Panagia,
  • Theologos,
  • The Castle and Limenaria,
  • Maries,
  • Kazaviti, and more.