Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to-follow trail network branches off from the pretty
plateia
of Megalo Kazaviti, with a
sign marking the routes.
The next real point of interest lies further south, the whimsical fishing port of
Skala
Marion
. Its few canopied tavernas overlooking the sea are faithfully populated by village
elders shuffling backgammon chips, while children scamper about. The village features a
few domatia, a bakery and an internet cafe on the northern jetty. On the village's feast
day (24 June), church services are followed by folk dancing around the square.
The coast road south passes more beaches until reaching
Limenaria
, Thasos' second-
largest town, followed quickly by
Potos
and
Pefkari
, two fishing-villages-turned-
package-resorts, both with long sandy beaches lined with cafes and tavernas.
Two interior villages warrant a day trip. Inland about 6km from Skala Marion, forested
Maries
rewards visitors with cool upland air and a handsome monsastery,
Agios Taxi-
archis
. Although technically nowhere near the west coast, Thasos' medieval and Otto-
man capital,
Theologos
, is only accessible from Potos, where the road leads inland to
this forested hamlet of 400 souls, notable for its whitewashed slate-roofed houses. Find
the
Church of Agios Dimitrios
(1803), distinguished by its grand slate roof and white-
plastered clock tower.
From the Theologos-Potos corner of the main road, head southeast round the coast for
views of stunning bays. The last southwestern settlement,
Astris
, has a good beach with
tavernas and domatia including
Menir Luxury Apartments
(
25930 58270;
www.menir-
thassos.gr
; s/d incl breakfast from €50/80)
.
.
Activities
Despite its touristy feel, Thasos' west coast offers worthwhile outdoor activities such as
scuba diving, mountain biking, birdwatching and more.
Birdwatching Boat Trips
BIRDWATCHING, BOATING
The rocky, uninhabited
Panagia Islet
, southwest of Potos, is home to Greece's largest
sea cormorant colony (
www.yrefail.net/Thasos/habitats.htm
); local environmentalist Yi-
annis Markianos at Aldebran Pension arranges birdwatching boat trips.
International Mountain Biking Race
CYCLING
(Potos; last Sun in Apr)
This popular amateur event draws more than 200 contestants to
Potos, who race across the island's wooded interior, scaling Mt Ypsario (1204m) and re-
turning through scenic Kastro village. Incredibly, the entry fee (only €20) also includes
