Thirassia Island Santorini

Thirassia island, we find it in the northwestern part of Santorini just in front of the Oia village and is considered one of the most authentic islands in Greece where time has really stopped perhaps due to the low influx of tourism. In fact there are not many visitors, it is more a destination for very discovery who still want to savor the atmosphere of the past made up of traditions and wild territories.

Before the great eruption of 1628 BC that shook the whole Aegean, it was part of the Santorini Island, only after the great explosion that caused the sinking of the Caldera distanced it by a mile from the village of Oia. It measures 9 square meters and has about one hundred and fifty permanent inhabitants. The east coast is steep while the west is flat and larger, the highest peak with its 295 meters above sea level is Mount Vigla. The main village and capital is Manolas where everything is concentrated. Throughout the island you can also find the villages of Korfos, Potamos and Riva with their colorful houses and large gardens full of flowers.

Definitely a place where you can find the essential comforts such as a historic bakery that bakes bread still baked in wood, a couple of shops that sell everything and some local taverns where you can eat excellent food made with authentic and ancient recipes, some cafes where relax, make friends with the locals and learn about the popular stories of this little corner of paradise.

From the village of Manolas you can go to visit the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin to which a beautiful feast is dedicated on 21 September. There are also some facilities to stay but being few you need to organize in advance. On the Thirassia island, you can also find some thermal springs where you can take a free cuddle. Life here flows slowly following the seasons and the rhythms of mother nature. Few houses, four streets but 21 churches almost all privately owned and therefore not open to visitors, this is Thirassia island, an oasis of peace where consumerism and progress have not yet affected its soul. But there is one thing to say, the sunset from the north spur is unparalleled, the best in the whole island of Santorini!

Magnificent inlets and coves still virgin and uncontaminated along the rugged coastline of volcanic origin with sharp rocks that stretch out into the sea where snorkelers will find a fascinating marine environment full of fish. Those who prefer to swim can have fun on the beach of the port in the village of Riva where despite the traffic it has clean, crystal clear waters with an intense blue or at the black Korfos beach where it is also possible to delight the taste buds with delicious traditional appetizers and fish dishes very fresh.

Not to be missed during your visit to theThirassia, a walk around the island given its small size, however, remembering to bring water because almost all under the sun, the village of Potamos with its houses built on three levels in a stream, the magnificent view from the Koimis Theotokou Monastery, the churches of Agios Konstantinos, Agios Dimitrios, the chapel of the Prophet Elias and the church of Agia Irini.

In the bowels of Thirassia island in the mid-18th century the earth was mined and then used for the construction of the Suez Canal. During the sampling, the remains of an ancient building, human skeletons and very old clay pots also came to light.

Obviously only and exclusively by sea with departures from Oia or Athinios. If you prefer, you can also participate in one of the many excursions that you will find in any tourist agency in Santorini or in some cases directly at the reception of your accommodation.

If desired, Thirassia is connected with the islands of Anafi, Folegandros, Naxos, Paros, Ios and Syros with a ship of the line twice a week (consult us for information).

An excursion to be included in the list of things to see in Santorini for a different itinerary and off the tourist circuit.