Thassos: A Hidden Gem in the Aegean (and the Local Artisan Shop You Shouldn’t Miss)

By Prim Kiatkajitmun (4/20/25) — Thassos, GR

Tucked away in the northern Aegean Sea, Thassos isn’t the most famous of Greece’s islands, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. If you’re into places that blend nature, history, and beautiful beaches (and aren’t overflowing with tourists), this island might just be your next favorite destination. Covered in olive groves, almond orchards, and pine forests, Thassos is the kind of place where you can spend a morning wandering through ancient ruins and an afternoon swimming in turquoise water. All without the crowds.

While many people flock to Mykonos or Santorini, Thassos has managed to stay more low-key. It welcomes just under 100,000 visitors a year compared to millions on the bigger name islands. That quieter atmosphere makes it easier to connect with the island’s landscape and people.

​​One of the unexpected highlights of my trip was stumbling across a small, family-run shop called Yaxe Accessories. It's that kind of place that draws you in because of its simplicity and. The business is rooted in sustainability and traditional craftsmanship. When I chatted with co-founder Maria Kosta, it became clear that this wasn’t just for marketing. It was a genuine mission.

“Our goal is to honor the environment by using what Thassos already gives us,” Maria told me. “Sustainability isn’t just a trend for us. It’s our responsibility to preserve.”

Their approach fits into a broader movement across the Aegean, where more artisans are returning to local, low-impact materials. Especially as the tourism industry begins to embrace slow, sustainable travel. The shop features handmade bags crafted from local olive wood and leather, but what really stood out to me were their marble jewelry pieces. Each piece of jewelry was carved from the island’s iconic white stone. (Fun fact: Thassos marble has been famous since ancient times and was used in temples, sculptures, and even in parts of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.)

They’re simple but elegant and feel like you’re taking a piece of Thassos home with you (without actually taking rocks from a beach!). Every item in the store reflects the landscape it comes from, both in design and in impact.

There’s also a beauty in how everything is presented. Whether it’s a necklace, a wooden dish, or a designed bag, you can tell that each item was created with care and has a story behind it.

If you find yourself in Thassos, take some time to wander beyond the main roads. Look for the quieter coves, where the menu changes with the catches of the day, and small shops like Yaxe that connect you more deeply with the island. 

Picking up a gift here doesn’t just mean buying something pretty. It’s a way to support the people who are actively working to preserve what makes places like Thassos so special.

Before I left, Maria said something that’s stuck with me:

“We hope our products inspire people to think about the impact of their choices and to see the value in things made with care.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.