Thassos - Greece's Emerald Island

The island of Thassos in the northern Aegean was named after Thassos, the brother of Europe, who, according to ancient Greek mythology, established the first settlement in this area in search of his sister, kidnapped by Zeus. The island's sandy beaches, its beautiful villages with stone-built houses coloured by flower yards and its pine-covered slopes make Thassos one of the many small "paradises"

found in the Aegean basin. Numerous chapels and monasteries stand on rocks overlooking the sea, while numerous villages, Theologos, Potamia, Kazaviti, Maries, Pefkari, Limenaria, Prinos, to name a few, preserve their traditional character. Thassos was known since antiquity for its white marble quarries and traces of them can be found today across the island. Archaeological findings prove that the island's capital and port was populated since the Neolithic age. The ancient port of Thassos was built in the 4th century BC, while the ancient agora, dating back to the Hellenistic period, was further developed by the Romans. The 4th century BC temple of Poseidon is an attraction for tourists while the walls of ancient Thassos are equally impressive. Thassos is known for its olive oil and "throumpes" olives. It is believed that the first olive trees were brought to the island by the Phoenicians some 2,500 years ago and were first planted in the regions of Rachoni and Prinos. The island is also known of its exceptional honey and handmade sweets.