Olive Harvest Thasos Island
When you walk through the silvery shimmering olive groves, you can feel the power of the ancient gnarled trees, which have withstood wind and weather for centuries and whose fruits are valuable natural resources not only for the islanders. These trees have a long history. Hardly a local gets through the day without olive oil. He drizzles it over his bread, cooks his food with it and uses it for skin care. Some of the island's olive trees are so large that the islanders cannot pick the olives directly from the trees, but had to find creative solutions.
Experience with us the extraordinarily lush vegetation of the Emerald Isle and get to know the warm-hearted locals. The olive tree is at the center of our journey.
Your accommodation: Hotel Ipsario Garden 4 stars, in the hinterland of Chrissi Ammoudia
The warm, family-run hotel is very quiet, surrounded by evergreen nature. At the foot of Mount Ipsario, the highest and most impressive mountain of Thassos, between the beautiful sandy beach of Chrissi Ammoudia and the traditional hilltop village of Potamia. The beach of Chrissi Ammoudia and the center of Skala Potamia with taverns, cafes and shops can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot.
Watching the sunrise here is a unique experience. In the large garden with comfortable seating and hammocks you will surely find a quiet spot for a good book or a little time out.
The friendly owner Sofia loves to cook and will spoil you with traditional delicacies during your stay.
Early November 2024
Hotel Ipsario Garden 4 Sterne, im Hinterland von Chrissi Ammoudia
Das herzlich familiär geführte Hotel liegt sehr ruhig, inmitten immergrüner Natur. Am Fuße des Berges Ipsario, dem höchsten und eindrucksvollsten Berg von Thassos, zwischen dem wunderschönen Sandstrand von Chrissi Ammoudia und dem traditionellen Bergdorf Potamia. Der Strand von Chrissi Ammoudia und das Zentrum von Skala Potamia mit Tavernen, Cafés und Einkaufsmöglichkeiten erreichen Sie in ca. 20 Gehminuten.
Den Sonnenaufgang hier zu erleben ist ein einmaliges Erlebnis. Im großen Garten mit gemütlichen Sitzplätzen und Hängematten findet sich sicherlich ein ruhiges Plätzchen für ein gutes Buch oder eine kleine Auszeit.
Die nette Inhaberin Sofia kocht für ihr Leben gern und wird Sie während Ihres Aufenthaltes mit traditionellen Köstlichkeiten verwöhnen.
Day 1:
Our shared transfer will take you from Thessaloniki Airport to Keramoti Port (about 2 hours).
40-minute ferry crossing to Thassos island, capital of Limenas and on to Hotel Ipsario Garden.
Before dinner we cordially invite you to a welcome round in which we present the weekly program and give you a lot of interesting information about the rich history and culture of the island of Thassos.
Day 2:
If you like it, the day starts with a few yoga exercises before breakfast. After breakfast, there will be a small olive oil tasting to get you in the mood for the week. Then a small tour in the garden and exploration of the surrounding area. Stroll along the Chrissi Ammoudia beach, the longest on the island at 3.5 km. In the evening we will prepare dinner together with Sofia in a small cooking class.
Day 3:
After our breakfast we hike from the hotel to the mountain village of Potamia and continue on an old mule track through lush vegetation to the mountain village of Panagia (approx. 3 hours). This region is one of the oldest forest areas on the island. Both villages have retained their traditional charm and Panagia in particular had a strategic position during the pirate era.
Day 4:
This day is dedicated to the olive harvest. You will learn more about the olive cultivation of the island and the importance of the olive for its compatriots and about the method and the execution of the olive harvest. The olive of Thassos called "Throumba" is unique. This olive naturally dries up directly on the tree and is only then harvested. Around noon we take a break and strengthen ourselves with a traditional picnic. After the work is done, we bring the olives to the olive mill. With high-quality oil, it is important that it is pressed on the very day it is harvested. You will learn everything about the pressing process. At the latest after this excursion you will know why good olive oil is a "must".
Day 5:
If you feel like it, the day starts with a few yoga exercises before breakfast. After breakfast we drive to Prinos. We stroll through the market where regional farmers offer their fresh goods and then explore the sights of the island of Thassos on the island tour. On the way, typical delicacies of the island await us in a traditional tavern.
Day 6:
Strengthened from breakfast we drive towards the south of the island and then into the interior of the island to Theologos. From there we hike over the Apostolus waterfalls to Kastro, the oldest mountain village on the island (hike approx. 4 hours). Arriving in the mountain village, we take a tour of the church and the ossuary. Afterwards we stop at the tavern of Kostas at the church square. It is one of a kind, let yourself be surprised!
Day 7:
This day is dedicated to the artists of the island. Both the processing of olive wood and the island's unique white marble have a long history. Be inspired and get creative.
We'll also visit a local beekeeper en route and you'll learn about the island's delicious pine honey. Greek beekeeping goes back a long way in history. Honey is the first traditional sweetener used by the Greeks since ancient times.
Over a leisurely dinner together, we review the week.
Day 8:
Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport, departure.
Services included
- 7 x overnight stays with half board in the 4 star Hotel Ipsario Garden on the island of Thassos, vegetarian or gluten-free food please register
- English speaking guide
- day trips according to the program
- 1 picnic with Greek products and olive oil tasting
- 1 small cooking course with Sofia
- including all transfers (from and to Thessaloniki airport and ferry crossing to and from Thassos island/Limenas port) and during the program, including ship ticket
Services not included
- Personal expenses such as yoga classes, drinks, souvenirs, tips etc.
- Insurance
- Additional costs in the event of illness, mountain rescue and the resulting helicopter costs
- Optional excursions
Change of route due to force majeure possible
- Einzelzimmerzuschlag
