If you are planning to explore Thassos and want to experience more than just beaches and tavernas, a hike up Ipsarion (also written Ypsarion or Ipsario, Greek Υψάριον) is the real adventure. At an altitude of 1,204 metres, it is the highest point on the island. It rises in the northern part of the island above the traditional mountain village of Potamia – the inland counterpart of the popular resort of Skala Potamia.
At the summit, a 360-degree view awaits that will take your breath away. When visibility is good, you will see Mount Athos on the Chalkidiki peninsula on the mainland, the island of Samothraki and Kavala on the mainland. Ipsarion is not just a point on the map but a real symbol of Thassos – it shows you the island’s wild, clean and peaceful side.
In the village of Potamia above Golden Beach
Roughly 3–4 hours up, 3 hours back
Only a 4×4 that is allowed to go up Ipsarion
The climb up Ipsarion is a moderately demanding hike that any reasonably fit walker can manage. The route from Potamia takes roughly 3–4 hours up and around 3 hours back down, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Expect steep, stony paths, pine and oak forests, mountain springs and panoramic views that reward every step. An alternative, more demanding approach leads from the village of Theologos or Maries.
Wear sturdy shoes, take plenty of water and a snack, and protect yourself from the sun. There are no stalls or permanent facilities on the route.
Bring warmer clothes and a raincoat too – the weather changes quickly in the mountains.
If you are not a keen hiker, a very popular way to get up Ipsarion is by off-road vehicle. You can hire a vehicle that is allowed to go up Ipsarion – for example a Suzuki Jimny or a Dacia Duster – from a local car hire company. Booking ahead does no harm; in high season demand is extremely high.
If you do not dare to drive off-road, never mind – you can also book the trip as an optional excursion with a tour operator, with a guide and experienced drivers.
Only vehicles with an off-road permit may use dirt roads – an ordinary hire car is not allowed there; you risk a fine and losing your insurance.
An ideal, beautiful trip is to combine Ipsarion with Lake Maries and then cross the interior on off-road tracks to the mountain village of Kastro. For this circuit you need a 4×4 vehicle with an off-road permit.
In clear weather, head for the summit in the morning – in the afternoon a haze often forms over the mountains and the views are not as sharp.
Plenty to drink and eat, in summer sun cream and a hat, and only sturdy shoes. Out of season, warmer clothes and a raincoat will come in handy too.
If you are looking for an authentic experience on your holiday in Greece, put Ipsarion on your list of places you must see:
An unforgettable view – the whole island from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Contact with nature – wildlife, aromatic herbs and centuries-old trees.
Great photos – not just from the summit but along the whole route.
Peace and quiet – no crowds like on the beaches.
Sturdy shoes – the paths are steep and stony.
Plenty of water – there are no stalls or facilities on the route.
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 climb starts in the village of Potamia, so the ideal place to stay is Skala Potamia by Golden Beach. I like the Ntinas Filoxenia hotel – pleasant, quiet and relaxed. Villa Smaro and the Aloe hotel also offer relaxed, pleasant accommodation.
You will find more tips in the article Resorts on Thassos.
Ipsarion is 1,204 metres high and is the highest point on the island of Thassos.
From the village of Potamia roughly 3–4 hours up and around 3 hours back down, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Only in a 4×4 that is allowed to go up Ipsarion. An ordinary hire car is not allowed on dirt roads. An alternative is an optional excursion with a tour operator.
When visibility is good, Mount Athos on Chalkidiki, the island of Samothraki and Kavala on the mainland – and, of course, the whole of Thassos.
Sturdy shoes, plenty of water and food, sun protection and, out of season, warmer clothes and a raincoat.
Ipsarion is a great way to get to know the wild side of Thassos – and the view from the summit will be one of the most beautiful moments of your trip.
