Giola is a rock pool of crystal-clear seawater in the south of Thassos, near the village of Astris. How to get to Giola, where to park and what to watch out for.
Giola, often also called the Eye of Zeus, is one of the most unique and most photographed natural wonders on Thassos. It is not a classic beach but a natural pool carved into the rocky coast in the south of the island, near the village of Astris.
The pool was formed by thousands of years of erosion of the rocks. It is separated from the open sea by a narrow strip of rock, over which fresh seawater flows into it, especially when the waves are bigger. As a result, the water in the pool tends to be a little warmer than in the surrounding sea.
Roughly 20 × 15 m; the depth varies with the waves
A dirt road and a 15–20-minute walk
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon
Giola lies a short distance from the main road near the village of Astris. From the road you turn onto a dirt road that leads to the coast – with an ordinary hire car, park at the car park at the start of the road and continue on foot.
The last stretch is a 15–20-minute walk down a stony path to the sea. The path is well marked, but the way back is uphill.
Only vehicles with an off-road permit may use the dirt road to Giola. An ordinary hire car is not allowed there – you risk a fine and losing your insurance.
Sturdy shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops, and plenty of water – especially in the hot summer months.
Giola is beautiful, but it is a wild place without lifeguards or facilities. This is worth knowing before you go:
Slippery rocks – get into the water carefully.
Only jump from the rocks if you know the depth – injuries are not unusual here.
The fewest people are here early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Sturdy shoes – the path to the pool is stony.
Plenty of water – the way back is uphill.
The best photos are from above – from the surrounding rocks or with a drone.
Trips I recommend as a tour rep. Local agencies list them on GetYourGuide mainly in season. On jeep trips, depending on the group, you may also get to drive yourself.
The closest hotels to Giola are Aeolis and Aeria – two linked resorts in the resort of Astris with a beautiful view in a quiet spot. Bear in mind, though, that a car really comes in handy here.
You will find more tips in the article Resorts on Thassos.
In the south of Thassos near the village of Astris, a short distance from the main road between Potos and Aliki.
With an ordinary hire car, only to the car park at the start of the dirt road. Only vehicles with an off-road permit may use that road. The last stretch is a 15–20-minute walk along a stony path.
More for older children, under supervision – the rocks are slippery, the path is stony and there are no lifeguards or facilities.
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon – you will avoid the crowds and the worst of the heat, and the light is ideal for photos.
According to local legend, Zeus created the pool for his lover Aphrodite. The name Eye of Zeus refers to Zeus.
Local legends say that Zeus created Giola for his lover Aphrodite. Even though it is a little harder to get to, the reward is breathtaking beauty that shows you nature can create the most amazing pools.
