Astris

On the southern shores of Thassos lies the tiny village of Astris; you may also hear the locals referring to it as Astrida. Both names mean “village of stars” in Greek. Astris is 42 kilometers from Limenas Thassos for those arriving from Keramoti and 46 kilometers from the port of Skala Prinos for those coming from Kavala. You can reach the village by car, rental or your own, by bike, taxi or public transportation (bus).

Astrida used to be a rural settlement for people from the mountainous village of Theologos who journeyed to Astris every night on foot with donkeys under the guidance of the starry sky twinkling above to work in agriculture and take care of their livestock. The first houses were made of stone, a testament to the craftsmanship of the villagers of Theologos.

Today, the village has become a beautiful attraction with all that is needed to spend quality time next to the most beautiful beaches on the island. At the village’s entrance from the west, you can find the famous beach of Psili Ammos, which means “thin sand.” It has clean, shallow turquoise waters, perfect for small children to play, and it is also a popular sea destination for young people living in Potos.

The bay of Psili Ammos is famous for the unique scenery of the green hills behind the beach, which makes it ideal for relaxation. Almost next to it lies Astris Beach, located at a beautiful bay with deep waters. 2 Kilometers south of Psili Ammos, you can find Salonikios Beach, which means “the man from Thessaloniki.”

Near Astris is the small island of Panagia, or “Astriotiko.” According to some sources, in Greek mythology, this tiny green island was the home of Sirens, creatures with magical voices that tempted and lured sailors to crash their ships on the rocks. These rocky surroundings of the island attract a lot of sea life, and that’s why fishermen usually go fishing there. You can also see the island from the natural pool of Giola, one of the most popular attractions of Thassos, located 5 kilometers south of Psili Ammos Beach.

If you decide to spend your days in Thassos at its southern sites, the village of Astris is one of your best choices. It’s calm; it has hotels and rooms to let; it has plenty of beaches nearby, and for those who enjoy some quality nightlife, Potos is just 5 kilometers away!

In Astris, you can relax and enjoy local gastronomy and seafood at small taverns and restaurants. Even if you are not staying in the area, it’s definitely worth visiting while exploring South Thassos.