By Vicky Litska
Looking for an alternative yet memorable summer trip to a special destination away from the usual hotspots that come to mind every time you plan your holiday escape to Greece?
Thassos is the answer.
This old time classic Aegean gem, widely admired for its vast greenery and its captivating fine beaches has a way of creating feelings of comfort, relaxation and rejuvenation thanks to its natural beauty, remote calmness, as well as the open-hearted hospitality of the locals who do their best to make tourists feel connected to the island.
Thassos is the most northern Greek island and according to ancient myths, it took its name after Thassus, one of the four sons of Agenor who had the responsibility along with his brothers to search for Europa, when the latter was stolen by Zeus. After travelling around, he finally decided to have some rest on the untouched island of Thassos giving his name to this spectacular place. Circular in shape and distant from any kind of vast commercialisation that would damage its pureness, it provides you with an amazing yet low profile vacation and is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a peaceful escape in privacy.
Although Thassos can be accessed from the Keramoti Port, just 8kms from Kavala, another way to enjoy this delightful island is on a unique yachting cruise, which offers you a comfortable way of taking in all the stunning sites the island has to offer, onboard the sailing yacht Alkyoni, which is operated by Aeolus Yachting. This is a must- do that will offer you a different outlook on the island.
A daily charter includes stops at famous beaches and villages such as Salonikios Cape and Panagia, a remote marine eco-system under the EU’ s NATURA 2000 policy, where you can watch seagulls and cormorants build their nests, Giola, a natural shaped pool formation among the rocks, as well as the Archangelos Monastery and its secluded beach with breathtaking turquoise waters.
Aliki is another spot to stop at, a place where the Phoenicians used to quarry and load Thassian marble on their ships thousands of years ago. Other activities included are a swim in the crystal clear water next to the sunken quarry where seawater is mixed with fresh water, a visit to the Roman theatre dating back to 197 B.C., and the Byzantine church ruins build on Roman temples as well as the view of the open sea of Northeast Aegean sea.
Fishing, Greek appetizers, a wonderful traditional Greek feast prepared by the crew as well as carefree moments of relaxation with a book or a glass of wine in hand are also part of the plan for this trip that aims to satisfy everyone’s needs.
The spectacular island of Thassos will definitely not let you down, neither will the crew of Alkyoni sailing yacht who are always prepared to set sail on the Aegean Sea.
