Thirassia Island
Thirassia is the only inhabited island amongst those off the west coast of Santorini.
It is a small island with a lot of natural beauties and traditional villages.
Thirassia is the ideal travel destination for those wanting quiet and peaceful holidays.
It is a small piece of the western coast of the ancient island of Strongili, which had been cut off after the devastating earthquake in 1500 BC.
This island is much smaller than Santorini with an area of 9 square kilometers but is has the same geological morphology and the same architectural style of houses and churches.
The inhabitants of those two islands have the same traditions and customs.
It lies opposite Ia, with which it is connected by boat.
There are also connections with Fira and Athinios of Santorini.
Thirassia Island
RIVA is the picturesque harbor of Thirasia where dock the ferries from Piraeus and Santorini.
The pebbled beach of Agia Irini is situated next to the small harbor. In Riva you will find graphic fish taverns.
MANOLAS
The village of Thirassia is built on the edge of the steep volcanic rock.
From the harbor, flanked by boats, steps lead up to the village MANOLAS, the capital of the island.
The splendid cathedral of Agios Konstantinos, built in 1874, welcomes the visitors.
The typical Cycladic settlement has small picturesque houses painted in various colors, narrow paved streets with traditional shops.
Here, calmness of the traditional lifestyle is immediately seen.
You will find rooms to let, coffee shops and taverns with delicious homemade food.
From Manolas you can trek to the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary which celebrates in 21st September.
KORFOS – POTAMOS
Cobbled steps lead from Manolas to KORFOS, the old harbor of the island. It is a small settlement with windmills, fishing boats and picturesque fish taverns.
South-eastern from Manolas, the settlement KERA, was inhabited 30-40 years ago.
It is standing high on the rock to give us an unforgettable breath-taking panoramic view on the volcanic islands Palea and Nea Kameni.
At the eastern side of the island is located POTAMOS a small village with many vaulted houses, courtyards full of flowers and the churches of Agios Dimitrios and Panagia Giatraina.
Thirassia Island
TRADITION & EVENTS
There is a total number of 21 churches and chapels on Thirassia, which have been dedicated to the saints.
Every holiday in a church is joined by the whole island.
The most important religious feasts include: Agia Irini in 5th May, the Saints Konstantinos & Eleni in 21st May in Manolas, Prophet Elias in 20th July, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in 15th August in Kera and in 21st November in Panagia Giatraina.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
The most famous products of the island are the small fleshy tomatoes, wild caper, amber-colored fava peas and chloro cheese.
It is a fresh, creamy, lightly sour cheese in ideal case combinated with the local white wines.
Thirassia Useful Phone Numbers
Community of Thirassia
Tel: + 30 22860 29143
Health Center of Thirassia
Tel: + 30 22860 29229