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It takes just one glimpse of the natural rock pool known as Aphrodite’s Tear to understand how Giola has assumed mythical status on the North Aegean island of Thassos

Whether Giola was created by Zeus as a lagoon for his wife Aphrodite to bathe in or is the result of millions of years of waves splashing into a gently growing rock pool, the experience of visiting it will live long in your memory.

Aphrodite’s Tear (as it’s referred to locally, with another myth saying that Zeus created it as an eye through which to gaze upon his lover) is a natural rock pool on the south coast of Thassos. It has assumed legendary status on the island because of the experience of swimming in it and the mesmerising contrast of its water with the wild and rocky landscape around it.

Around 3m deep and 20mx15m in area, it is generous enough to bathe in but small enough to give a completely different experience to swimming in the Aegean, which replenishes it with each wave that breaks over the narrow lip between it and the sea. The water is warmer than the sea and the colours are a constantly shifting shade of blue and green.

When visitors aren’t filling their Instagram feed with images of Giola, they laze on the rocks. And the braver ones dive or bomb off the taller back wall into the water.
The spectacle is complete with the view of the small, uninhabited island of Astiriotiko opposite (or Virgin Mary, as it’s also known), said to be inhabited by Sirens. There are no prizes for guessing where they come for a dip when they get the urge for a swim.

Source: discovergreece.com

Going village-hopping in Thassos introduces you to unforgettable traditions and local crafts & products and offers a perfect contrast to the famous beaches and turquoise water of Greece’s northernmost island

You might already have heard of Thassos’ pristine beaches and the Instagrammable beauty of Giola lagoon. But there’s another secret on this island in northern Greece. Within its emerald-green, hilly interior you’ll find mountain villages that are a wonderful contrast to the picture-perfect coastline. There’s certainly nowhere better to meet locals keeping alive traditional crafts and creating products like thyme-honey and extra-virgin olive oil.

Thassos has 22 settlements, some along the coast and others in the hills. We’ll be concentrating on the mountain villages here but, before getting started, make sure to give Limenas the attention it deserves. It’s the main port (with regular ferries from Keramoti on the mainland) but it’s small enough to have a village feel itself and offers cultural highlights such as the Old Harbour and Archaeological Museum and monuments like the Acropolis and the Ancient Theatre and Agora of Thassos. Visiting them will make your appreciation of the cobblestone lanes, mansion houses and Macedonian architecture of the villages all the greater.

Your first impression of mountain villages like Panagia, Potamia, Kazaviti and Theologos will be how harmoniously they blend in with the landscape. Many are built into the hillside or valleys, surrounded by fir, pine and chestnut trees and running water (especially in spring). If you’re into hiking, the mountain footpaths are a must or you could just find a picnic spot and admire the view. Thassos’ mountain villages were originally protective enclaves and lookouts in the days of pirate raids, meaning the sea views are out of this world.

So if Thassos is your choice for a holiday in northern Greece, or you want to combine it with other destinations on the mainland (like Kavala), you’re in for a treat as we go mountain village-hopping on Greece’s northernmost island.

Source: discovergreece.com

Nature and culture lovers will adore discovering the hidden treasures revealed on the hiking paths of Thassos, one of the greenest Greek islands, in the northeastern Aegean

The best hiking paths of Thassos

Known for its exotic beaches and the pure-white marble gracing many Greek monuments, Thassos is also a wonderful destination for lovers of outdoor activities and hiking holidays in Greece. More than 70% of the island is taken up by the slopes and foothills of Mt Ipsarion, much of it covered by pine, olive and chestnut trees and other greenery.

There are countless footpaths to follow, some connecting mountain villages hidden within forests and others winding down to coastal settlements, following trails used by the earliest villagers who lived in the hills as protection from pirate raids. Or you can turn your attention to Mt Ipsarion (1,204m) and enjoy one of the routes towards the summit, experiencing even more incredible sea views. Either way, you’ll be gifted with rich nature and (especially during spring and early-summer months) plenty of running water.

There are hiking paths in Thassos for all ages and abilities. We focus here on two options – the first, a gentle stroll for the whole family around the port-capital, Limenas, in which you’ll be introduced to Thassos’ ancient monuments, and the second (for more adventurous hikers) exploring the footpaths up Mt Ipsarion.

Source: discovergreece.com