Potamia

Potamia is a village on Thassos, located on the hills of the Mountain Ipsario, just 10 kilometers away from Limenas Thassos. It’s near the eastern coasts of the island and very close to some of the most popular beaches, such as Golden Beach (4 kilometers away), Vathi Beach (10 kilometers away), and Makriammos Beach (11 kilometers away). Those arriving on the island from Kavala and disembarking at Skala Prinos will need to travel 24 kilometers to the east to find the village.

To get to Potamia, one must choose between the three transportation options available on the island: renting a vehicle, taking a taxi, or using the KTEL buses. Those who opt for the bus should check the schedule as soon as they arrive (and for the entirety of their stay), as national, religious, or local holidays might affect the timetable. However, from Limenas, there are several bus routes throughout the day, from 7:30 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.

The name Potamia is attributed to the river that flows through the village and the small streams formed around it due to the significant amount of rainfall it receives throughout the year (Potamia in Greek means river). Although it’s a mountain village, Potamia has 1,200 permanent residents and is worth visiting year-round. It’s an ideal destination for those who love hiking, carnivals, and winter excursions.

Beyond its beautiful architecture with its lovely stone houses, in Potamia, you can also admire the works of the renowned sculptor Polygnotos Vagis at the museum bearing his name, housed in the old stone school building. Polygnotos Vagis achieved widespread recognition in the United States, and many of his works are now displayed in his beloved hometown, Potamia Thassos. Another beautiful point of interest you don’t want to miss is the church of Saint Dimitrios, built in 1845.

Potamia is a vibrant village that doesn’t fall short when compared to Thassos' coastal areas or its namesake, Skala Potamia, located just 3 kilometers away. There, you’ll find the beach with the same name, known for its shallow turquoise waters attracting numerous visitors yearly. Potamia offers taverns, cafes, businesses selling local products, and various accommodation options, making it a delightful alternative for summer vacations.

Additionally, the village is widely prevalent among hiking enthusiasts, as it offers various trails suitable for both beginners and very experienced hikers. A popular path begins in Potamia and ends at the summit of Prophet Elias. Another more challenging and higher-altitude trail starts in Potamia and reaches the summit of Ipsario, where you’ll find the refuge belonging to the Hiking Association of Thassos, approachable by car. Of course, there are other shorter trails, like the one leading to the village of Panagia, which only takes about 50 minutes.

In Potamia, the carnival tradition is highly cherished. Preparations for the carnival parade begin several months before the festivities, which escalate on the last Sunday before Clean Monday and the beginning of the Lenten season. The locals are known for their sarcastic humor, evident in their daily conversations and the costumes they choose for the carnival. These outfits typically offer snarky commentary on the local and national political scene. The Potamia Carnival Association organizes the parade passionately and promotes the event with videos and posters. During the celebration, the streets are filled with free red wine for all participants and spectators. It’s certainly an event worth experiencing if you’re in Thassos.

The village fair (panigiri) in Potamia is also a traditional event of great significance and takes place on the first Friday after Easter in honor of Zoodochos Pigi. Another local custom worth witnessing up close is the revival of the “Anavrochiari,” organized annually on July 31st by the Cultural Association Polygnotos Vagis. An association member or a village resident covers themselves from head to toe in leaves and roams the village streets. People drench the leaf-covered person with water from their balconies to ward off the damaging summer droughts that can harm the crops.

Visiting the village of Potamia in Thassos, you will experience unique cultural events and deeply rooted customs. You’ll have the chance to taste local wine and tsipouro, Thassian recipes with meat and fresh ingredients, and walk amidst the island’s unique natural beauty. The surrounding beaches are a short distance away, and you can comfortably visit them daily by car or bike. Potamia is a stop on your journey you shouldn’t miss even if you’ve booked accommodation elsewhere on the island.