Kinira

Kinira

Kinira is a small, charming village on the beautiful east coast of the island. It captures the hearts of its visitors, and the people who visit here come again and again because it is one of the quieter regions of Thassos and has a fabulous natural beauty.

Directly opposite this quiet coastal resort is the island of Kinira, the “Kiniriotiko” a small, offshore island, covered in pine trees and with its own small rocky beaches and as such is part of the natural topography of this area, providing an additional unique appeal. It is very difficult to access but the waters around provide the local fishermen with one of the richest fishing grounds in the area. The home of the original owner can still be seen there. Kinira has a rich history, going back to the Phoenicians. Kinira together with Ainira, the present Palaiochori, was the centre of the mining in this region. Nowadays it is also known locally as Loutra, (the bath).

In the village you will find all the necessities that you need for your holidays. There are restaurants and tavernas, pizzerias, a supermarket, and you will find the locals will greet you warmly and welcome you to their area. The majority of visitors who come here are those who are looking for a traditional Greek environment and to experience and enjoy the simple life, and the hospitality which is freely offered.

Kinira has two long beaches along the full length of the village, one mostly smooth white pebbles and sand, the other entirely sand, and they are divided by a small and picturesque cape. If you go swimming and sunbathing here, you will most certainly lie down and relax and admire the natural beauty of this region which surrounds the gently curving beaches, the olive trees and the pine trees which cover drawn the deep grey/green mountains all around the region. The landscape really will take your breath away.

There is always plenty of space on the beaches as big crowds do not gather here. As all around Thassos, the waters are sparkling and clean. Those who don't mind to drive a little further on, a couple of kilometres distant, can find the fabulous and sandy Paradise Beach, a name truly deserved by this location.

According to ancient history, written by Heroditos, the Phoenicians exported timber and gold from this area of the island, from around the end of the 16th century before Christ, until the Parian Greeks came and colonised the island.

Here one can still see the ruins of baths from the Byzantine era, and also the remains of an important Christian king ‘s tomb (Basilica) were excavated here. During one of the darkest period’s history, pirates killed many Christians here in an area of this village which is called “ the slaughter”. As in all areas of the island, Kinira has experienced good and bad moments in its history, but it is an enchanting place to visit, and one is certain to have a warm welcome and a peaceful and relaxing experience while visiting this beautiful Greek coastal village.