'Something for everyone' could be the motto of Golden Beach! The beach is nearly 3 kilometers long and stretches from Skala Panagia, also known as Chrissi Ammoudia, to Skala Potamia. The Ipsarion mountain range provides a majestic green backdrop to the crystal clear waters and unbroken golden sands of the bay. If the beach is the most important part of your holiday, you are in the right place, you will find parts of the beach are organised and have sunbeds and umbrellas, beach volley, tavernas, bars and cafeterias. Some of these let you use their facilities for free if you buy a drink or snack from them. You will also find water sports centers which offer everything from kayaks to jet skis.
A water taxi operates twice a day during the summer and goes to Limenas (Thassos Town) via Makryammos, this is a relaxing way to get to the capital of the island and has the added benefit that you get to see parts of the coast only accessible by boat.
During the summer there is a full program of events managed by the cultural organisation and includes dance festivals, arts and crafts exhibitions, lectures, films, food tasting, cultural walking tours, beach volley tournaments, plays and musical events. There are many venues in the area which host these events including the camping ground and the renovated Tarsanas building in Skala Potamia.
The inland villages of Panagia and Potamia retain their traditional charm and give the visitor the chance to wander through the narrow streets shaded by ancient plane trees or simply to enjoy a traditional meal or meze next to one of the many natural springs and brooks. Visit a church and be awed by some of the icons, breathe the culture and history!
Polygnotos Vagis the sculptor (born 1892 in Potamia, Thassos - 1965 died in New York) was a famous 'son' of Thassos. He left the island during the Turkish occupation but always honoured his roots, even signing his works 'The Thassian'. Shortly before his death he stated: "I leave all my works to the people and government of Greece with the proviso that they be placed in a national museum or library built by preference on the island of Thassos, the land of my birth". You can find the small museum next to the church in Potamia. It is well worth a visit, as is the church.
Drakotrypa (Dragons Hole) cave is found east of Panagia, research has shown that the caves have been used since the bronze age up until Byzantine times, this has been proven by some of the pottery and artifacts which were found there. It has still not been fully explored!
There are so many more things to do, and we have only told you a little bit about our small part of the paradise we call Thassos. Visit us and live the dream!
