Discover Thirassia

The Capital of Thirasia

The Settlement of Manolas is the capital of Thirasia located on the east side of the island. Built on the highest point of the caldera, the traditional settlement offers panoramic views to the caldera of Santorini. The whitewashed houses, the windmills and the narrow alleys create an unimaginable contrast with the black earth that was created from the volcanic eruption. The majestic church of Agios Konstantinos dominates the village of Manolas. The huge blue dome of the church is distinguished from far enough. Here, one can enjoy panoramic views to the caldera of Santorini. Descend the two hundred seventy stone steps to the bay of Korfo to enjoy the local delicacies at the traditional taverns. If you happen to be here in August, make sure you attend the traditional celerbation in honour of Virgin Mary on August 15.

The Churches and Monasteries of Thirasia

In Thirasia, you will find twenty one churches and monasteries. The most important religious monument of the island is the church of Agios Konstantinos that dominates the village of Manolas. The church was constructed in 1874. The huge blue dome of the church is distinguished from far enough. In the village of Potamos, you will find the churches of Agios Dimitrios, Agios Spyridonas and Panagia Giatrissa. The chapel of Prophet Elias stands on the highest point of Thirasia. Here, one can admire panoramic views of Santorini. Also, the monastery of Panagia is located on the southernmost side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful churches of Thirasia that was built in 1887. However, the most intriguing part are the views towards the caldera and Santorini. In Riva, one will find the church of Agia Irini, else known as Santa Irini. According to tradition, the island of Santorini was named after the church!

Breathtaking Views to the Caldera of Santorini

Thirasia is widely known as the balcony of Santorini! Here, one will have the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views to the caldera of Santorini! You will find one of the finest views of the island from the chapel of Prophet Elias on the highest spot of Thirasia! Also, the monastery of Panagia on the northernmost point of the isle offers astonishing views to the Caldera of Santorini and Palea and Nea Kameni. On the position of “Vigla”, you will enjoy a beautiful view to the village of Manolas and Korfos.

The Village of Agrilia

The Village of Agrilia is one of the oldest rural settlements of Thirasia located on the southwest side of the island. Characterized as the most charming village of the island, the traditional setttlement has an authentic atmoshpere as seen from the traditional cave houses, the wine cellars and the beautiful churches of the area. In the entrance of Agrilia, you will see the impressive church of Panagia with a unique architecture. Keep in mind that it is advisable to take directions from a local in order to take the correct path for the settlement.

The Archaeological site of Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Aegean located on the southwest side of Santorini. Akrotiri was one of the main urban centers of the Aegean and its strategic geographical location helped it transform into an important harbor of commercial activity. Archaeological excavations brought to light the remnants of an ancient settlement during works to transport volcanic soil from the island with the intention of insulating the Canal Bridge of Suez. According to scholars, the ancient settlement was constructed around the 5^th century BC and destroyed by an earthquake in the 17^th century BC. As Thirasia used to be connected with Santorini, else known as Thira, the archaeological site shows important information regarding the history of Thirasia. In 1867, the French volcanologist Fouque conducted some excavations in Thirasia and studied the remains of the buildings and the findings including stone vessels, utensils and tools.  According to these findings, the settlement of Thirasia dated back to the Bronze Age.

In Thirasia, you will find twenty one churches and monasteries. The most important religious monument of the island is the church of Agios Konstantinos that dominates the village of Manolas. The church was constructed in 1874. The huge blue dome of the church is distinguished from far enough. In the village of Potamos, you will find the churches of Agios Dimitrios, Agios Spyridonas and Panagia Giatrissa. The chapel of Prophet Elias stands on the highest point of Thirasia. Here, one can admire panoramic views of Santorini. Also, the monastery of Panagia is located on the southernmost side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful churches of Thirasia that was built in 1887. However, the most intriguing part are the views towards the caldera and Santorini. In Riva, one will find the church of Agia Irini, else known as Santa Irini. According to tradition, the island of Santorini was named after the church!

One of the most impressive volcanic veins of the caldera of Santorini is located on the southern side of Thirasia. Actually, it is a vertical intrusion of lava that flows into earlier veins. Probably, the volcanic material penetrated the fault surface. Due to the erosion of the surrounding materials, the area is even more impressive and it stands out like a small wall.

Agia Irini is one of the most charming villages of Thirasia located on the north side of the island. The settlement was named from the homonymous church of the area, that also gave her name to the island of Santorini (Santa Irini). The village is famous for the delicious fresh fish specialties of the seaside taverns and its beautiful black beach. Lovers of hiking can explore the surrounding area through the small alleys, known as rimidia from the locals.

Agrilia is one of the oldest rural settlements of Thirasia located on the southwest side of the island. Characterized as the most charming village of the island, the traditional setttlement has an authentic atmoshpere as seen from the traditional cave houses, the wine cellars and the beautiful churches of the area. In the entrance of Agrilia, you will see the impressive church of Panagia with a unique architecture. Keep in mind that it is advisable to take directions from a local in order to take the correct path for the settlement.

Korfos is the old harbour of Thirasia located on the east side of the island. If you disembark here, the only way to get to the village of Manolas is on foot or by donkey. Sailing boats and fishing caiques dock in the bay of Korfos. The harbour is known for the fresh fish specialties of the traditional taverns.

Manolas is the capital of Thirasia located on the east side of the island. Built on the highest point of the caldera, the traditional settlement offers panoramic views to the caldera of Santorini. The whitewashed houses, the windmills and the narrow alleys create an unimaginable contrast with the black earth that was created from the volcanic eruption. The majestic church of Agios Konstantinos dominates the village of Manolas. The huge blue dome of the church is distinguished from far enough. Here, one can enjoy panoramic views to the caldera of Santorini. Descend the two hundred seventy stone steps to the bay of Korfo to enjoy the local delicacies at the traditional taverns. If you happen to be here in August, make sure you attend the traditional celerbation in honour of Virgin Mary on August 15.

Potamos is a traditional village located on the center part of the island. The cave houses and the colorful gardens provide an authentic color to the settlement. All the houses of Potamos are full of red geranium and bougainvillea. The center of the village is dominated from the church of Agios Dimitrios and Panagia Giatrissa. On August 6, one should not miss the traditional celebration of Metamorphosis Sotira that is held in the homonymous chapel. The traditional feast is followed from food and wine.

Riva is the harbor of Thirasia located on the northernmost side of the island. The most important monument of the settlement is the imposing church of Agia Irini, else known as Santa Irini in Latin. According to tradition, the church gave her name to the island of Santorini.

Spot: Chapel of Prophet Elias, Highest Point of Thirasia

Spot: Church of Agios Konstantinos, Manolas Village

Spot: Monastery of the Presentation of Virgin Mary, Northern Thirasia

Boat Trip: The Island of Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands of the world. The eternal beauty of Santorini is crafted through the reddish cliffs and the colorful houses hanging on the deep blue of the sea. Characterized as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Santorini will definetely leave you speechless from her invigorating beauty of the imposing sceneries of the island. Nowhere else on earth exist such an impressive scenery hosting human life. The explosive identity of this island will travel you to the craggy rocks elegantly carved lava provoking your awe and the thought that the volcano might be still active will inflame your shiver while bathing in the yellowish sulfur waters. The evocative landscapes, the lunar sceneries and the faschinating history of the island attest that Santorini is a natural monument for your bucket list, a destination you deserve to explore even for once in this life.

Hiking: Thirasia hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. (1) One of the most beautiful routes the one that starts from the village of Manolas and heads towards the chapel of Prophet Elias, the abandoned village of Kera and the monastery of Panagia on the southernmost point of the island. (2) Another interesting trail includes the one that starts from the village of Agrilia and leads to the old mines of Thirasia. This is the most important archaeological site of the island. (3) Quite interesting is also the route that starts from the village of Manolas and leads to the beautiful settlement of Potamos and the traditional settlement of Agrilia with the cave houses.

Although Thirasia is not famous for its sandy seashores, the island has steep beaches with magnificent views to the caldera. The most beautiful beach is the beach of Agia Irini. It is a black pebbled beach with dark blue waters located on the northernmost side of the island. Also, there is the beach of Korfos on the east side of the island. Korfos has also black pebbles and pumice stones.

Coffee Corners

Nomikou: Bakery, Manolas

Sirigou: Bakery, Potamos

Gastronomic Delights

Agistri: Seafood, Riva

Captain Mihalis: Seafood, Riva

Kantouni: Greek Cuisine, Manolas

Ouzeri Thirasia: Ouzo and Meze, Korfos

Panorama: Greek Cuisine, Manolas

The local products of the island include the cheese of chloro, the wild caper and wild asparagus and the round zucchini.

The local specialties of the island include fava, a dip made from chickpeas, and synamnoglyko, a sweet spoon made from mulberries.

Every 5^th of May, the traditional celebration in honour of Agia Irini takes place in the church of Agia Irini. This is one of the largest celebrations of Thirasia.

Every 21^st of Mary, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni takes place in the church of Agios Konstantinos at the village of Manolas. This is one of the largest celebrations of Thirasia.

Every 20^th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Prophet Elias takes place in the chapel of Prophet Elias.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of the Dormition of Virgin Mary takes place in the abandoned village of Kera.

Every 29^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Ioannis takes place in the village of Potamos.

Every 21^st of September, the traditional celebration in honour of the Panagia Giatrena takes place in the church of Panagia Giatrena in the village of Potamos.

Mythology

According to mythology, the island took its name after the youngest daughter of King Thera, Thirasia, who was given the island in order to build her grand palace.

History

Thirasia used to be a small part of the western coastline of prehistoric Strongili that was cut after the great volcanic eruption of 1.600 BC. In the middle of the 18^th century, pumice stone was mined from the quarry of Thirasia that was used for the construction of the Suez Canal. However, the mineworkers also found the remnants of a buildings and a human skeleton. These findings were the reason that the excavations in the area of Akrotiri in Santorini started.

By Air: Santorini has an international airport with scheduled flights on an annual basis.  From April to October, there are charter flights from numerous countries of Europe. The journey from Athens usually lasts forty five minutes to one hour. Book your tickets with AirTickets.com!

By Boat : Thirasia is accessible by boat from the harbor of Piraeus. The journey usually lasts from four to six hours. The island is also connected with Anafi, Folegandros, Ios, Sikinos and Santorini amongst others. Traditional boats operate from the harbor of Ammoudi to the bay of Korfos in Thirasia. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !