What to visit in Thassos: Thassos has more than just beautiful beaches with emerald waters and magnificent mountains to offer. You can also find a rich archaeological and cultural background dating back to ancient times. You can get a glimpse of our cultural heritage in some of the museums dotted around the island. Don’t miss the opportunity if you are holidaying on Thassos!
Archeological Museum of Thassos
First of all, a special gem of the island is the archaeological museum located in the capital, Limenas (Thassos Town). It boasts amazing collections which were found in Limenas and all around Thassos. This museum is curated by a knowledgeable team of people, passionate about their work and very happy to share their knowledge with you.
The original museum was opened in 1934 and went through a major renovation and enlargement a few years ago. Today, thousands of visitors pass through it’s doors to get a glimpse of the artifacts and collections which date from the 7th century BC up to the 7th century AD.
At the entrance of the museum you are greeted by the imposing 3.5 meter high statue of Kouros (youth/boy, of noble rank), one of the earliest types of Hellenic sculpture.
The museum is conveniently situated next to the fascinating archaeological site of the ‘Agora’ (Market), this was the center of athletic, artistic, spiritual, business and political life during ancient times.
A short, but steep, walk from the museum takes you to the ancient amphitheater with it’s spectacular views over Limenas and across to Kavala and the mainland, unfortunately it is fenced off for restoration at the moment but the views are still worth the walk. Further up the hill you can find other archaeological gems which were mainly places of worship.
Address & Contact details:
Limenas – (Thassos Town)
Telephone: +30 25930 22180
Email: ihepka@culture.gr
How to find the museum:
The archaeological museum is located at the old port in Limenas, close to the ‘Kalogeriko’ (Traditional Thassian House).
Where to park:
You can park your car at the marina for free, it is approximately a 500 meter walk to the museum.
When to visit-Opening hours:
Winter:
Tuesday to Sunday 08:00-15:00
Monday closed
Summer:
Tuesday to Sunday 08:00-20:00
Monday closed
The archaeological site of Thassos is open from 08:00-18:30.
Tickets:
Full: €2, Reduced: €1
The Traditional Thassian House “Kalogeriko”
The Kalogeriko building, situated at the old port of Limenas, is a renovated traditional Thassian house offering visitors an inside look into everyday life and local customs from bygone years.
The house consists of living quarters, work spaces and a kitchen, all equipped with old tools, furniture and clothing that have been donated by locals from around the island.
Kalogeriko also hosts many events and exhibitions all year round and is a must see if you are wandering around the old port of Limenas.
Address & Contact details:
Limenas – (Thassos Town)
How to find Kalogeriko:
Kalogeriko is located exactly at the old port a few meters away from the archaeological museum.
Where to park:
You can park your car at the marina for free, it is approximately a 600 meter walk.
When to visit-Opening hours:
10:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 21:00
Tickets:
Free entrance
Folklore museum of Theologos
At the center of the picturesque traditional mountain village Theologos, the old capital of Thassos, you will find one of the most interesting folklore museums on the island. The museum, similar to Kalogeriko, is inside a renovated traditional Theologos/Thassian house. You can see traditional Thassian furniture, handmade carpets, magnificent traditional costumes and various tools which were used by farmers, shepherds, fishermen, carpenters and other craftsmen.
The museum is also the start point for the annual re-enactment of a traditional Thassian wedding, it is here that you can see the preparations and traditions which make a Thassian wedding something different. This event attracts hundreds of visitors, be warned, the party continues late into the night! It is normally held on 15th August, ask for exact dates at the museum.
Address & Contact details:
Theologos
Telephone: 25930 31307
How to find the Folklore Museum:
The museum is located at the center of the village on the main road.
Where to park:
You can park your car at the beginning of the village and walk to the center (approximately 1 km). The roads in Theologos are very narrow and parking is mainly for the village residents.
When to visit-Opening hours:
Upon request (Normally everyday in the summer months)
Tickets:
Free entrance
Polygnotos Vagis Museum
This small museum is not very well known, which makes it all the more interesting! The Polygnotos Vagis Museum is a must see especially for contemporary art lovers. The museum is dedicated to a ‘famous son of Thassos’, the internationally renowned sculptor Polygnotos Vagis (1894 – 1965). He was born in Potamia and began his artistic adventure there. He eventually moved and settled in the USA where he distinguished himself. His works are highly collectible and can be viewed in several art galleries and museums in the USA and around the world. Kavala Museum also has a section dedicated to his works.
The small museum in Potamia exhibits 98 sculptures and 15 of his paintings, created between 1920 and 1960. His ‘first period’ works (1919-1930) were inspired by ancient Greek mythology and history and his mediums were gypsum, copper and Thassian marble. The works of his ‘second period’ (1932 – ) are mainly abstract using copper castings, gypsum, various stone and wood. His works are unique and instantly recognisable as Vagis!
What to visit in Thassos – Address & Contact details:
Potamia
Telephone: +30 25930 61400
How to find the Polygnotos Vagis Museum:
The museum is located in Potamia and is housed in the old elementary school.
Where to park:
You can find a parking place close to the museum.
When to visit-Opening hours:
Every day: 9.30-12.30, 18.00-21.00, Sunday: 10.00-12.30, Monday closed
Tickets:
Free entrance
Olive Oil Museum
Something a bit different and very relevant to modern Thassos and Greece, the newly opened Olive Oil Museun in Prinos, an initiative of a local bio-oil business, gives you the opportunity to learn how our unique Thassian olives are turned into our equally unique and delicious Thassian olive oil. The museum also has multi-media presentations explaining the different types of olive trees and olives. There are also tasting sessions and of course the opportunity to buy some olive oil to take home with you! Don’t miss it!
Address & Contact details:
Prinos
Telephone: +30 25930 71950
How to find the Olive Oil Museum:
The museum is located in Skala Prinou very close to the main road.
Where to park:
You can find a parking place close to the museum.
Opening hours:
Monday – Sat: 08:00 – 16:00, Sunday: Closed
Tickets:
Free entrance
So those were our ‘4+1’ Museums to visit on Thassos! We hope you liked our post and when you are on Thassos that you visit at least one of them! Hire a car from Potos Car Rentals and drive to the museums! As Euripides, the classical Athenian tragedian said – “Experience, travel – these are an education in themselves.”
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