thasos

Thasos, also spelled Thassos, is a Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea. It is part of the regional unit of Kavala in East Macedonia and Thrace and is one of the largest Greek islands in the Aegean. The island lies opposite the mainland near Kavala and is connected by ferry routes from the mainland. The capital and main port is Limenas (ancient Thasos) with other towns including Limenaria, Skala Prinos, Theologos, and Panagia.

Geography and natural features: The interior is rugged and mountainous, with evergreen forests and the highest peak Mount Ipsarion. The long coastline features many beaches, bays and coves. The island has a rich history of natural resources, particularly marble, which has been quarried for centuries.

Economy and culture: Tourism is the main economic activity, supported by agriculture (olive oil, grapes), fishing, and small-scale marble quarrying. The island has a long history of marble production; Thasian marble was used in ancient sculpture and architecture. The culture reflects a blend of maritime heritage, traditional villages, and Greek island life.

History and archaeology: In classical antiquity Thasos developed as an important island-city-state with a strong maritime economy; it minted its own coins and participated in the Delian League. It later fell under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule, and became part of modern Greece after the Balkan Wars, formally joining in 1913. The island contains ruins and remains from classical and Hellenistic periods, including the ancient city at Limenas, early Christian and Byzantine sites, and several museums.

Transportation: Thasos is accessible by ferry from Keramoti and Kavala on the mainland; the island has a network of roads connecting coastal towns.