Our anchorage at Thassos was a small beautiful cove called Aliki. Upon arrival our initial thoughts were that there was nothing here except a beach covered in Umbrellas and sunbeds, several beachside Tavernas and a mobile cantina up on the main road.
Marvelous Marble seashore 
Anchorage at Aliki, Thassos 
Ancient intertwined Olive tree
We soon discovered that the whole small Aliki peninsula was the heart of some ancient white marble quarries. Marble extraction at the Aliki quarry began in the 7th century BCE and operated continuously for over 1,200 years, up until the end of the 7th century AD when the quarry was abandoned. The mining operation required hundreds of carpenters, blacksmiths, sculptors, and general laborers, and for a long period of time these jobs were performed by slaves, prisoners of war, or criminals sentenced to life imprisonment. These workers cut, carved, and loaded the marble with hoists and drums onto boats that transported it all over the Mediterranean. Remains of the village were evident throughout and the site as well as half finished columns and blocks cut and abandoned – usually through faults discovered in the marble or accidents.
How the heavy blocks were moved 
Large square blocks 
Abandoned 5 metre column
I found this area fascinating and hard to describe. Imagine you were walking around the rocks at any beach and ALL the rocks were beautiful white marble, weather-worn and almost soft underfoot; marble that was below the tide line grows ugly brown algae.
5 metre high Kouros 
Museum, Thassos 
This one is legless!
The local bus took us on a 40 minute ride into the main town passing through the many beautiful white sand beaches which attract tourists from the mainland and the Balkans. Another quaint and picturesque town – more delicious food and one of the best museums we have seen in Greece.
Thassos – typical street in old town 
Thassos – Fishing village 
Thassos – Grilled Octopus
The Meltemi decided to visit us here in this anchorage and we spent 2 days and nights on full anchor watch and unable to go ashore. It was a relief when it finally passed and both ourselves, and another couple of boat friends on Anixi (Nora and Hacko from Germany) were safe and had not moved.
Traditional Slate Roof 
It’s a boy thing! 
Lunch on the town waterfront
We both left the anchorage the day following the big blow and headed for Samothraki another northern greek island rarely visited by yachts.
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