The wide, golden beach and the Vigli hill give Chrisi Ammoudia its distinctive landscape features. Vigli is next to the village; from the hill, you can look down over the beach. Dunes with low-growing vegetation, mainly herbaceous plants, are often found along the edge of the sand and can extend over large areas. This brings out two aspects of the coastal landscape: the view from higher ground and the vegetated fringe of dunes along the sand.
Exploring on foot
A hiking trail begins at the northern edge of Chrisi Ammoudia and leads to Cape Pyrgos in about an hour on foot. This walking time is approximate. If you plan to take the trail, check the route conditions before setting out.
Thasos: hiking trails, history and island cuisine
Thasos has numerous footpaths for hikes that combine ecological and cultural interest. There are hiking trails for all ages and fitness levels; conditions can vary by season.
Those interested in archaeology will find several historical sites on Thasos. The archaeological site of Aliki lies in the southeast of the island, next to Aliki Beach. It includes the remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo and the ruins of two early Christian basilicas dating from the 5th century AD. Marble was quarried and exported from the ancient quarry at Aliki from the Archaic period through the Roman occupation and into Byzantine times.
The 3.5 km-long historical trail from Limenas offers another perspective on the island’s past. It runs through the ancient city of Thasos, on the site of which Limenas was built. Trail conditions can change; check them before your trip. The ancient agora was the political, social, religious and economic centre of ancient Thasos. The Theatre of Thasos hosts the annual Ancient Drama Festival. As programme details can change, check the dates if you want to combine your visit with the festival.
The museums also cover a range of subjects. The Archaeological Museum of Thasos houses artefacts from the Palaeolithic period as well as from Roman and Byzantine times. In Potamia, the Polygnotos Vagis Sculpture Museum houses 98 sculptures and 15 paintings by Vagis. The Hatzigeorgis Mansion in Theologos has been converted into a folklore museum. It features everyday tools and equipment as well as a depiction of a traditional Thasian village house.
More island perspectives and how to get there
Thasos offers nature and outdoor experiences alongside its history. From the 1,204 m summit of Mount Ipsarion, there are views of the coastal settlement of Skala Potamia and Golden Beach; visibility depends on the weather. Scuba diving is available at Pefkari, a hiking trail can be taken from the Kefalogourna waterfalls, and boat trips from Thasos visit the island’s secluded beaches.
Thasos is also known for Throuba olives and extra virgin olive oil. In Panagia, the Sotirelis Olive Oil Museum is housed in a traditional olive press. It operated from 1915 to 2007 and was then converted into a working museum.
Regular ferries run between Keramoti and Limenas to Thasos; the crossing takes about 40 minutes. There are also regular services between Kavala and Prinos, with a crossing time of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Check the timetable before travelling: these times are approximate and may change.
Discover more destinations: Theologos, Potos, Kinira, Skala Rachoniou, Mikros Prinos, Skala Marion, Panagia, Prinos
Return to the main travel overview: Thasos.
