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Thassos Town - Limenas
About Thassos - Touring Thassos
 
Thassos Town / Limenas
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    The major port town of Limenas, or Thassos Town, is the island's capital. It is connected via ferry boat to the town of Keramoti and also to the city of Kavala by hydrofoil. It has more to offer its visitors than most can fit in a single day. The environment surrounding the town is breath-taking, rolling hills and mountains covered in pine forests and olive groves. It is on the North side of the island facing the mainland and you can see the city of Kavala from here glittering in the distance on sunny days. This is where the heart of Thassian society thrived during the ancient times, and there is plenty here to show for it.

    The largest archaeological site is found at the rear of the old port in Limenas. In the middle of the ancient agora there was a court flanked by colonnades that were decorated with statues, altars and votive offerings. The ancient conservatory was a place where music performances were held. Hercules, Poseidon and Dionysos' sanctuaries were the three most important holy places in Thassos. The ancient theatre has dominated the piney hillside since the 5th century BC; some sections date from the Roman times. On top of the hill, past the citadel towers of the acropolis, you can marvel at the impressive remains of the foundations of Athena's temple. While going down along the southwest side of the wall, you pass through Silen's Gate, Hercules' Gate, and Dionysos’ Gate and further down through Zeus and Hera's Gates.

    At the archaeological museum in Thassos Town exquisite sculptures, ceramics, coins and pots dug up from all across the island are displayed. Many of which come from the ancient settlement of Alyki , where the course of history has not been interrupted since the 7th century BC. At Potamia , you can visit Polygnotos Vagis's museum and see the works of a great twentieth century sculptor. 

Thassos Town
Thassos Town, the capital of the Emerald Island, as seen from the marina
 

     Limenas has many wonderful beaches along its coast, as well as outside of town farther along the coast. One beach, right past the old harbor that borders a line of beach bars, cafés and restaurants, is a shallow and sandy beach that has been awarded a Blue Flag. Thassos Town is also the shopping center of the North side of the island. Enjoy searching for many good bargains as you walk along walkways lined on both sides with dozens of small shops, businesses and snack bars.

The Archaeological Museum

     Extensive collections of archaeological artifacts, gleaned from excavations carried out at various times, are kept and displayed in the museum. The archaeological museum here is regarded as being one of the most important in the Greek provinces. Important architectural elements, outstanding examples of pottery, sculpture, statuettes, terra cotta figurines of various periods, coins, relief plaques, amphorae and a wide variety of other vessels and objects permit us to form an idea of the institutions, life, mores and artistic tendencies of the island’s inhabitants during ancient times.

Ancient Agora

     On the Northeast side of present- day Thassos Town near the harbor and next to the museum stand the ruins of the ancient agora; they were brought to light in excavations carried out between 1948 and 1955. The agora consists of a vast level area, rectangular in shape and lined on three sides with stalls which housed shops and storerooms. On the northeast side stood the administrative buildings as well as a row of cult buildings. Building on Thassos’ agora began in the fourth century BC and was completed in stages up to the second century BC. It was the heart of the city, its cultural and commercial center, and the place where locals and foreigners met and transacted business. There are also remains of the Sanctuaries of Theagenes and Zeus in the market place. Another building in this area was the Sanctuary of Artemis, or Artemision. In Roman times, a monumental entrance way was added. To the North is the Sanctuary of Dionysos that dates back to the fourth century BC. Northwest of the sanctuary stands a small ancient theatre. A narrow street leads us to the fourth- century BC Sanctuary of Poseidon; with a circular wall surrounding a U-shaped alter. The present-day entrance to the ancient agora is in the square next to the museum.

Military Harbor

     Thassos’ present-day "small harbor", or "old port" was the ancient city’s military harbor. Two fortified towers and a marble wall protected it. From the harbor a stone-paved road led to the center of the agora. It was the city’s enclosed harbor; entry to it was forbidden to any ship that weighed less than 100 tonnes.

Commercial Harbor

     Located near Evreo-kastro, the open harbor was used for commercial purposes. Also remaining in the sea is a section of the breakwater, on the tip of which there was a defense tower. Both harbors of ancient Thassos were located outside the city walls, perhaps for security reasons.

 
The Old Port
The Old Port in Thassos Town

Sanctuary Of Athena

     On the summit of the second hill stood a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Athena. All that remains today of the ancient sanctuary is a row of foundations.

Sanctuary Of Pan

     Hollowed out of the side of the third and highest hill, near the summit, is an artificial cave: the sanctuary of Pan. A relief on the wall depicts the ancient god with goat hooves and his pipes.

 
The Gate and the Quarter of the Silen
The Gate and the Quarter of the Silen

The Gate and the Quarter of the Silen

     Starting from the third hill is an ancient wall with various gates; among them are those of Parmenonand Silenus.The Gate of Silen is located outside the town of Thassos, at the junction of the roads to the village of Panagia and the beach of Makryammos . Nearby are some ruins of the neighboring Silen settlement. In the Ionic style, it is Thassos’ most ancient bas- relief. Two meters in height, it depicts Silenus with a thick beard and a horse’s tail, naked except for a pair of high boots. People passing through the city placed offerings in a votive niche in front of his feet. The Silen settlement stood near this gate.

 Ancient Amphitheatre

     From the old port, a stone- paved road leads to the ancient amphitheatre of Thassos, on the north side of town. The judgement of the ancient artisans and the refined artistic sense of the islanders ensured the fifth- century BC theatre would be built in a natural concavity on the hillside, The position of the amphitheatre offers a fantastic panoramic view of the sea, proof of the noble spirit of the Thassians regarding the arts and culture. The theatre seated 2,000- 3,000 spectators. Lysistratus, the Thassian who led the construction in the third century BC, dedicated the proscenium, or stage, to Dionysos, god of wine, vegetation, and theatre among other things. Beginning in the first century AD, the Romans remodeled the theatre and used it for gladiatorial contests. Only the proscenium remained in place; its carved metopes depict favorite deities. Nowadays, ancient tragedies are produced here every summer, reviving the ancient practice. Various musical groups and performers also give concerts.

Acropolis

     From the ancient amphitheatre there is an unpaved road that runs alongside the ruined walls, up to the acropolis, the first of a series of three hills whose summits form a sort of plateau, 137 meters above sea level. It was protected by thick marble walls and it stood on top of the first hill. It was the site of the sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, which also served as the treasury where the city’s riches were stored. Similar as the Hieromnemon, a functionary was responsible for managing and safeguarding the public wealth.

 
Limenas, Thassos
A part of the acropolis in Limenas

 Evreokastro

     This area was located at the Northeast end of the commercial harbor of ancient Thassos. Archaeological finds bear witness to worship of patrimonial gods, such as Zeus, Athena, Artemis, the Nymphs and Core. On a small rock stood the sanctuary of the “patrimonial gods”, which was built in the fifth century BC. Later on, an early Christian basilica was erected on the same site, using materials from the sanctuary. Today a picturesque chapel dedicated to the Saints and Apostles stands here. There are also remains of the ancient buildings. From here, as from the acropolis, one can admire picture- perfect sunsets.

Comments (32)Add Comment
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matija obradovic
September 28, 2009
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Does anyone know the name of the ice cream shop in Limenas,they sell only icecreams and beautiful cakes,it is on marina....?

Sarah
August 24, 2009
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This is for Alan!

My first real holiday was when I was 18 and I went to Thassos with Young World! I went again a couple of years later. I loved it! There wasn't an airport nearby then so we landed in Athens and then had a long coach ride (we had to stop off at 3 in the morning for chicken and chips!)We the got the ferry from Kavala, When we got off the ferry, we were herded in to the Just in Time at about 9 in the morning to be allocated to our accommodation, mine was a house called Olympus (is it still there I often wonder). I bet it has changed a bit since my time, but hopefully not too much. I had so much fun, what happened to Young World???

I would love to go back sometime as I had a brilliant time on both occasions!

Rebecca Wyatt
August 17, 2009
Votes: +2
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Have not long got back from Thassos. We would recommend it to anyone!! This was my second visit this year and my 7th in total. We always stay in Thassos Town and usually at the Finikis Studios. They are lovely and clean and the owners Vaso and Nikos are very friendly. We find the best places in the town are Cheers Bar for breakfast ran by Peter and Ian and we usually go to The Twins or Zodiac for tea. Also we would recommend Rumours cocktails and Wandas wild one is very nice!! We also ate at the Thassian a couple of times and really enjoyed the food but the annoying man on the taverner next door called Douckas put us off walking past!!
Whilst we were there this year we got married at the town hall and it was amazing. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating and all 24 of us had a fantastic meal at Zodiac afterwards.

As for the Island i must admit we haven't really explored it like we shud have over the years. We usually get the water taxi to golden beach which is an amazing beach.

Sammi
August 17, 2009
Votes: +0
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Hi Veny, Thassos Town compared to Potos and Limenaria combined are about the same in the amount of night life offered. Thassos Town has:

-1 club in town called "Just in Time"
-1 club just outside town called "Arkouda"
-1 bouzouki (Greek club with live music) called Romantica
-Countless bars and cafes throughout the town and along the water front

The cafes and bars are open until late, 1am-2am normally depending on business. The night clubs are open till much later, normally till around 5-6am, how ever long it takes for the last group of people to leave.

I've written a bit about what Potos has to offer here:

Potos Nightlife

veny
August 17, 2009
Votes: +0
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does anybody knows if night life is better in town or Potos and Limenaria? i will visit thassos in early sept and i would like to stay close to the place that has bars and nightlife.Where do the locals around 30 go for a drink in thasso?

Andy and Di
July 16, 2009
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Our first vist to greece and we decided to go to thassos on a friends recommendation and what a lovey experience it was .We flew to kavalla and transfered to komonti to board the ferry for a thirty minute crossing,we arrived at the hotel pegasus Mmm small and friendly Yah!!(they probably spoke six sentences to us in the whole week we were there !!)Hey no hard feelings the rooms were clean and tidy towels and bed linen were changed daily dont expect haerty breakfast at the hotel as this consists of bread, cheese and yoghurt which becomes a little repetative after a few mornings,so my wife and i ventured along the sea front to the cheers bar ironically the 1st bar we came across the 1st evening of our holiday.Pete makes a smashing breakfast and is very helpful and friendly he advised us on where and where not to eat and drink and does a lovely refreshing mythos in an ice cold glass!which is just what you need to start the evening off!We ate at the thassian restaurant twice which was nice simis a fish restaurant overlooking the harbour which was also nice and zorbas which was the pick of the crop!We also hired a car and went around the island which is a must if you wish to see all the beautiful scenery and beaches.All in all we had a lovely week in thassos and will probably return in a few years time providing it remains unspoilt

gardenia
June 18, 2009
Votes: +1
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I love the Grand bar next to The Zodiac restaurant. Davidoff and Cheers. I miss HAlf Moon and Annonymous.I also like Rumours but it has been closed each time I have been there. Does anyone know if it is still a working bar? I also miss Disco Thea and Disco Romantica. I am not fond of The Brazil bar or Just in Time. The beach bar on Pachis beach is lovely but because of the lack of transport has to close at 10pm because no one can get there. Bring some decent transport to Thassos.

Kaca
May 27, 2009
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Hi Branko smilies/smiley.gif I was in Thassos last summer.. and I visited club in Limenas JUST IN TIME. It was good there. But I think there are more night clubs in Limenas. Have a good time there byee smilies/cool.gif

Branko
May 26, 2009
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Hey people are there some Clubs at Limenas..I am coming there with school at 27.7.09.,and I want to know something about "night life"..If someone have some experience,please,write some comments..

Alan
May 18, 2009
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I first worked in Limenas in 1984 when I was a rep for Young Worldsmilies/grin.gifsmilies/grin.gif
25 years later I still love the place and visit as often as I can.
The standard of Taverna is very high and I can recommend the followingsmilies/sad.gifin no particular order)
Pigi, Takis, Moyses, Mouragio, Symi to name but a few.
Favourite bars are Bar Brazil, Platea, Atlas, Remezzo, Cheers, Karnaggio. (still miss the Full Moon and Anonymous)
Great Place see you again in August!!

Hege
May 10, 2009
Votes: +0
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I have never been in Thassos before.. We have been in many other Islands in Greece. This year our holiday will be at Thassos. To all of you which have been there before smilies/wink.gif. Is this a place to stay for three weeks without getting boored? We do like the beach, the sun and the slow way of living but.. I`am a restless person and love to travel around, maybe there are lovely places to visit also on the mainland? Where too eat? We stay at Limenas. Thank you :-)

SAIR
May 07, 2009
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Our first time in Greece was in 2008 when we went to Thassos and spent two weeks in Limenas (traveled and visited several other places throughout the island). An unforgettable experience that WE WILL REPEAT in 2010; this time the plan is to stay in the island for ONE MONTH. Met some friendly locals, and now I understand why so many people like to return year after year to such an idyllic place.

Bev and John
April 28, 2009
Votes: +0
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Hi everyone

We have been to Thassos twice a yr for the last 6 yrs and love it! eventually going to move out there.
We always stay in Thassos Town, a few times at Villa Lena, which was really nice. Lena and her husband are very friendly but now Excel have gone bust, cannot stay there so we are staying at Aberdeen Studios in May and at Elia Apartments in July. Cant wait to get out there again, it feels like home to us!
We eat at Cheers for breakfast, really lovely food and Pete and make you feel very welcolme, then at the Thassian for lunch and dinner in the evening, Kat and Rigas are both great! Simis is good for seafood and our fave bar is Bar Eden where Liz and Nigel serve a good cold Mythos !! and also music and food good too, must try it,counting the days now smilies/cheesy.gif

Kirsty Makin
April 25, 2009
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We stayed in Thassos Town last year and it is a fantastic place. We loved the walk up to the ampitheatre and sitting in the old harbour watching the world go by. Our favorate Restaurant by far was the Thassian by the water taxi. Their food is to die for and they are lovely people. Our favorite bar was in the old harbour. If you need a good chemist the one in the square is great. The man is very helpfull.

We will Definately be back!!!!

dolly
April 24, 2009
Votes: +0
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thrilled to find this site. hopefully it will put thassos where it belongs. at the top of the islands. visited in 1994 fell in love with thassos. for the years 1995/6/7/8 tried to book thassos through numerous travel agents. always the same result. Accomadation available but NO flights. gave up in the end and have visited numerous greek islands. this year hurray. will be in thassos in june. sooooooooo excited. look forward to staying at the aberdeen.l feel like l know carol already and look forward to tasting her soups. l feel the tour operators and airlines target countries and areas making it difficult to get to places. now l`m internet savvi they`ll be no holding me back. well once l learn about ferry transfers to thassos? thassos town is my favourite place, the people are so hardworking and so helpful and friendly they should be proud of themselves. the relaxed atmosphere is what holidays are about.

Sammi
April 17, 2009
Votes: +3
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Hi Angie

Thassos during the spring is amazing. It is the greenest time of the year and has a lot to offer. There aren't crowds of people in the streets or on the beaches, and you can get really good prices for accommodations at hotels. The weather is fantastic but still unpredictable. May offers lots of sunshine but it could also bring clouds and rain at times. The temperatures are comfortable all day and are perfect for exploring archaeological sites, mountain trails, etc. In June, July and August it tends to get too hot to be out all day doing those activities, but May is the perfect time. Read this for some more information about what to expect in May:

Thassos in May


There are dozens of lovely places to eat in Thassos Town. The beautiful thing about that is you can try a new place every evening and have a completely unique experience.

There are countless places to visit and see, but one I definitely recommend is taking the short hike up to the ancient amphitheatre and acropolis. Wonderful views can be seen from up there.

Angie
April 14, 2009
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Hi there,
My husband has booked a surprise visit to Thassos town at the beginning of May, we have been to Thassos before back in 1995 and stayed in Golden Beach, we went in August and the weather was wonderful. Could anyone tell me what the weather would be like in May? Also, where the best places are to eat and maybe places to visit whilst we are there, many thanks in advance.smilies/grin.gif

Kate
March 23, 2009
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Limenas is wonderful smilies/grin.gif I love view from old theatre, streets, the port with nice lighthouse and also there are good bars and disco smilies/grin.gif I am going to visit it again smilies/smiley.gif

stefi
November 21, 2008
Votes: +1
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thassos is amazing. i was there this summer and i'll visit it again. it is the perfect place to relax smilies/smiley.gifsmilies/smiley.gifsmilies/smiley.gif

John Evans
November 10, 2008
Votes: +0
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Does anyone know the e-mail of Pete&Jane at the Cheers bar in Thassos Town. We were on holiday with them in Crete a few years go, but lost touch when they went to Thassos.

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