Kallirachi

Backed by green mountains and overlooking the coastline, Kallirachi’s unique positioning combines the best for both nature admirers and sea lovers. From its view, you can even see the city of Kavala on the mainland. The people of Kallirachi, with their warmth synonymous with Greek hospitality, proudly keep their ancestral traditions, making any visit to their village a journey in time. Some visitors say the clock “stopped” for Kallirachi a century ago, preserving its ageless beauty.

Kallirachi is located 24 kilometers west of Limenas, 10 kilometers south of Skala Prinos, and 2.5 kilometers away from Skala Kallirachis, a small port with a beautiful beach. It is a big village with more than 1000 permanent residents, according to the latest data.

To reach Kallirachi in Thassos, you have three options: The first is to rent a car from a port like Limenas or Skala Prinos, depending on which ferryboat you take to reach the island. The second option is to use a taxi, but this can become costly if you intend to explore a lot. Your third option, a more budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative, is traveling by bus (KTEL). To get to Kallirachi, the bus route from Limenas begins around 2:30 p.m., and for your return there, you should be at the bus stop around 6:30 in the morning. It’s crucial to stay informed about the bus schedules once you’re in Thassos, as national or local holidays might affect the timetable.

Kallirachi carries a history that dates back centuries. The residents of Kakirachi built Kallirachi in 1750 after the first one was destroyed by pirates. The names of the settlements offer a fascinating insight into their history: “Kakirachi,” the name of the original location, translates to “bad ridge,” while “Kallirachi,” established after the destruction of Kakirachi, means “good/beautiful ridge.”

The interesting facts about the names of the villages continue with the small, coastal location “Skala Kallirachis.” Many of you may have noticed that some mountainous villages share their name with a coastal counterpart, prefixed by “Skala.” These coastal villages were built by residents of the mountainous settlements who relocated to the seaside once the pirate threat was over. In Greek, “Skala” means ladder, symbolizing the connection between the coastal village and its original mountain counterpart.

Kallirachi is characterized by its beautiful narrow streets, lined with traditionally built houses that seem to whisper stories from the past. As you stroll around, you can feel the sense of serenity and tranquility surrounding you, allowing you to escape the hustle of modern life for a few moments. At the heart of this village lies the central square, where a public faucet stands as a testament to the village’s rich communal spirit.

Beyond the residential areas, the landscape around Kallirachi has stunning stone bridges made by skilled craftsmen from Epirus, each carrying its own history and legacy. One path from the village is a direct route to Kakirahi and Metamorfosi, allowing travelers to delve further into history. Metamorfosi or Hagia Metamorfosi is a small church on a mountaintop that offers a breathtaking view; definitely worth visiting.

In Kallirachi, there is the church of Saint Demetrius, renowned for its excellent acoustics, and the Kallirachi Folklore Museum, one of the many folklore museums of Thassos. Housed in a restored building from 1740, it offers visitors a glimpse into Thassos’s traditional way of life. With its authentic furnishings, the museum captures the essence of the island’s historical domestic settings. Notably, once belonging to a sea captain, this residence adds a layer of maritime history to the venue, with the seafaring legacy being showcased in old photographs and paintings sourced from the Navy Museum in Kavala.

During your visit to Kallirachi, you can enjoy meals and refreshments at its taverns, popular among locals for their quality food and drinks. You should taste the local wine, tsipouro, and ouzo and ask for local grilled souvlaki and traditional home-cooked dishes.

Close to Kallirachi, two breathtaking beaches await your exploration: Skala Kallirachis and Klisma. Skala Kallirachis has a sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for small children. Klisma, on the other hand, is a pebbled beach (often spared from large crowds) with a tavern that offers visitors the chance to enjoy fresh fish.

If your travels bring you to Thassos, the emerald island of the North Aegean Sea, don’t miss your chance to explore it since it combines sea wonders and wild nature adventures. Get to Kallirachi by car or bus, and discover the stunning nature, the unique bridges, and the traditional Thassian architecture. Visit all the nearby beaches, try fresh fish and local products, and relax with a glass of wine or tsipouro.