Thasos - Inspired by Nature
Our hiking program "Thasos- Inspired by Nature" offers our guests the opportunity to discover the island of Thasos from different perspectives. The white marble, the diversity of the island in its vegetation, its culture and history and the culinary specialities make it unique and it was therefore formerly known as "Athens of the North".
Accommodation
Makryammos Bungalows takes up 30 acres of forest land leading to the bay by sea, 2 km from the main port (Limenas) of Thassos. The property is one of rare natural beauty which has remained untouched by time. Building additions and renovations have not distorted the first impression for the visitor, that of a virgin paradise. The compound consists of 40 buildings and 206 rooms (standard and superior) and suites in harmony with the surroundings, all with a view of the sea. The architecture is in harmony with the local style. The sun and the moon rise on the horizon, the waters are crystal clear emerald and the private beach in front of the hotel is lit by silver sand.
The bungalows and all other buildings are built using the natural resources of the island, mainly local slates and marble from Thassos, and they all have their own private balcony with a view of the sea. They are surrounded by trees, both the forest of Makryammos as well as the gardens of the hotel, which are enriched with new plants every year. The compound consists of a main and a variety of other buildings, as well as 200 bungalows. The main building houses the reception, various common areas as well as the mini market, which during the summer season is open throughout the day.
The main building is linked to the hotel’s main restaurant “Dioskouri” and the bar “Nymphes”. It houses the Front Office, the mini market as well as the common rooms where there is access to satellite television and wireless internet. The mini market is equipped with all necessary products for your summer stay, as well as cigarettes and international press.
Across the main building is the beach, the pool with non-salt water and right next to it the Mini Club. In the middle of the beach is our Beach Bar “Ammos”, where you can combine relaxation and shade during your stay at the beach. At the other end of the beach, among the rocks and the surrounding garden is the a la carte restaurant “Sirens”.
The hotel has parking areas for guest’s cars, so you can park your vehicle in one of the designated areas located nearest your bungalow. Finally, 24-hour medical coverage is provided for emergency health incidents.
Schedule
Scroll at the center of the screen to view the full schedule
Day 1: Arriving at Kavala or Thessaloniki Airport.
Transfer to the port Keramoti and by ferry boat to Limenas/Thasos Island. Transfer to the hotel. A welcome meeting followed by dinner. Transfer to the port Keramoti from Thessaloniki airport about 3 hours. Transfer to the port Keramoti from Kavala airport approx 15 minutes. Ferry approx 40 minutes.
Day 2: The Villages from the Time of the Pirates
The trailhead is at the village Prinos. Here you can visit the traditional market of the island and have the possibility to enjoy the riot of colour of the flowers and vegetables and to learn more in a small herbalism. You walk through the eponymous valley that welcomes us with typical island vegetation. After a small rise, you reach the mule track to Kazaviti.In order to hide from pirates who threatened locals founded here a large and a small village. Like a bird's nest the houses hanging between sycamore and walnut trees on the hillside. Our visit to the beautiful “Platia” (village square) of Megalo Kazaviti is an interesting historical research. The unique architecture of the island is still at its liveliest.
Total duration: approx 5-6 hours/Hike: approx 3 hours + 400 m - 400 m
Day 3: Sea Kayak Tour
Experience the island of Thasos from a new perspective. On our Sea kayak tour, you will explore hidden coves of the island and experience the unique nature along different stretches of the coast. All kayaking equipment you need will be provided by us.
Total duration: about: 4-5 hours/Kayak: 2-3 hours
Day 4: Panorama trail from Potamia to Panagia and down to the Beach of Chrissi Ammoudia (Golden Beach)
We walk through a scenic route with fantastic views from the mountain village Potamia to the mountain village Panagia. In Panagia, we visit the olive press and in the village square, you can watch the local goings-on at a typical Greek coffee. It continues down through a path passing the Dragon's Lair to Chrissi Ammoudia (Golden Beach).
Total duration: approx 6 hours/Hike: approx 4-5 hours + 100 m - 400 m
Day 5: Free
Day 6: "Ai Lias - The Pilgrimage to the Prophet"
This sometimes quite challenging hike takes us from Theologos to Potamia. The hike starts with a partially steep and steady ascent up to the summit Church of theProphet "Ai-Lias". Here awaits you a splendid panorama with the views of the Golden Beach and the Ipsarion Mountains. While we follow old mule paths, the landscape is changing rapidly. From rocky barren and red soil determined in the south will now walk step by step to the green and forested landscape in the northeast. The path winds down larded in the jungle-like forest and with old huge plane trees on an ancient trade route between the two villages, by a water-rich area from where the name of the village Potamia resulting (Potamia= stream, river) with giant ferns and green meadows.
Total duration: approx 7 hours/Hike: approx 5-6 hours + 500 m - 500 m
Day 7: Fascination Nestos - canoe trip/mainland
The Nestos is one of the largest rivers of Greece and flows in the opposite of Thasos Island into the Thracian Sea. This delta is one of the few and largest nature reserves in Greece.Transfer to the mainland. On your way from Keramoti to Stavroupolis, you will get from your guide complete information’s about the further procedure. The tour takes you uphill through the beautiful landscape of northern Greece and offers magnificent views of the Nestos. In Stavroupolis arrived you will get the necessary equipment (life vest, wetsuit and shoes available). After a short introduction starts a unique canoe tour to discover the fantastic landscape of the Nestos gorge, accompanied by experienced guides. Your guide makes you naturally pay attention to special birds and vegetation types. Move the middle of this colourful nature, have a picnic and, if you like, a bath can take in the clear waters of the river.
Total duration: approx 8-9 hours/Canoe: 4-5 hours (20 km)
Day 8: Exclusive Sailing Cruise
Our trip starts at the marina of Limenas; from here we set sail (wind permitting) to the beautiful, partly hidden bays of the island of Thasos (direction dependent on the wind). From our skipper, you get a sail introduction and you can also take over the control. Enjoy the trip and look for dolphins. In the bays, they have the opportunity to swim and to explore the underwater world by snorkelling. Enjoy a typical Greek Meze with Ouzo/Tsypouro.
Duration: approx 6-7 hours
Day 9: Limenas - Eat & Walk
Explore the island capital town Limenas. Try traditional products and experience beautiful views and hidden chapels. We start our day with the pottery of "Kostis". Here you can look at Kostis by his work over his shoulder and get to know the old tradition of pottery. The pottery can look back on a long history and was already built in 1908 and is already in its third generation. Along the coast, you will walk passing the chapel "Agios Vassilios". Through the narrow streets of Limenas, it comes to our first culinary delight. Here you have the opportunity to taste the breakfast of the Greeks, the famous Greek "Bougatza". Visit a local beekeeper and obtain information on the traditional products of the island. After our visit, we walk to the fishing port of Limenas. You will walk to the ancient theatre and on to the church "Agios Apostoli". From here there is a fantastic view over the Cape, the sea and the mainland. In the old shipyard "Karnagio" you can enjoy a typical Greek meze (appetizers) and the self-burned Tsypouro will be served.
Total duration: about 4-5 hours/Walk: about 2-3 hours
Day 10: Departure from Kavala or Thessaloniki airport
Services
- 9 nights with breakfast at selected hotel / Thasos Island
- Possible overnight stay in Thessaloniki or Keramoti depending on flight times
- 9 x dinner at the hotel or in traditional tavern’s / vegetarian or gluten-free meals possible
- Map of the island of Thasos with marked routes
- English speaking guide
- 3 walking tours as program incl. lunch package
- 1 walking tour as program with traditional Greek Meze
- 1 walking tour as program with lunch with products from the farm
- 2 x canoe / kayak tour as program incl. lunch package
- 1 x sailing cruise as program incl. Greek Meze
- All transfers (to and from Thessaloniki or Kavala airport/to the starting points of the walks/tours and transfers after the hikes back to the hotel)
- Ferry tickets
- Transfers by minivan, minibus or bus (depending on the group size) and public buses.
- expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, gratuities etc
- insurance
- expenses in case of sickness, mountain rescue and resulting helicopter costs,of the routes due to force majeure
- excursions
Added Services
- room supplement
EQUIPMENT LIST
- Travel documents, perhaps a driving license
- Copies of important documents (stored separately from the originals)
- Small backpack
- Picnic food storage container
- Walking shoes with a good grip (the shoes must be above the ankle and be comfortable)
- 1 pair of trainers/sneakers or sandals • windproof and waterproof jacket with hood
- Waterproof trousers
- Long pants
- Shorts for hiking
- Short-sleeved t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts or blouses
- Water bottle with at least 1-litre capacity
- Hat, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Insect repellent, bite cream
- Photographic equipment, binoculars, battery charger
- Knife and a flashlight
- Personal medical supplies
- Walking sticks (recommended)
- Swimwear/sea shoes
