Monastery of Archangel Michael

At the far southeastern corner of Thassos, where the land narrows toward Cape Pachis, the Monastery of Archangel Michael sits on a cliff above the open Aegean Sea. The setting is as striking as the buildings: bare rock, scrubby pine, a sheer drop to the sea and the sound of wind and surf. For many islanders it is the most important place of pilgrimage on Thassos, and the Archangel's feast brings crowds of worshippers on the day.

The Holy Monastery follows the Orthodox tradition, and like several monasteries on the island it is linked to Mount Athos. It is a dependency of the Athonite monastery of Philotheou, and it is now home to a community of nuns. The complex has been rebuilt and extended over the centuries, but tradition places the first foundation in the Byzantine period. Its small church, courtyard and terraces stay modest and quiet, in contrast to the grander monasteries on the mainland.

One of the best-known features is the spring that rises beside the sea. Pilgrims and visitors reach it by a low, narrow entrance that requires bending or kneeling to get through, and local tradition attributes healing and spiritual power to the water. Approach it with the same quiet courtesy you would show inside the church, and ask before taking photographs of people.

Visiting is a matter of dress and manners. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are usually asked to wear a long skirt, which is often provided at the gate. Opening times are limited and may differ in summer and winter, so confirm locally, and avoid mid-afternoon when the monastery commonly closes for rest.

Getting there takes some planning. Most visitors reach Thassos by ferry from Keramoti on the mainland to Limenas, then drive around the island's coast road to the southeast, where a quiet side road leads to the monastery. Public buses are infrequent, so a rented car or scooter is the practical choice. On the way you can stop at the Aliki Archaeological Site, with its ancient marble quarries and early Christian basilica ruins, and at the nearby sandy bays. The Gulf of Panagia on the north coast is a separate trip.

A visit suits those interested in Orthodox monastic life, and anyone who wants a quiet corner of Thassos away from the beach crowds.