Thirasia Greek Island

The small island of Thirasia is located northwestAghios Dimitrios and the Panaghia i Yatrissa
of Thira. It has 245 inhabitants, most of whom("Virgin Healer"). Southwest of Potamos is the
are employed in fishing or farming. According tovillage of Agrilia, which is now derelict. At the end
scientific research, the island was formed in theof the island is the settlement of Kera, which is
volcanic eruption of 1640 BC. However, thealso abandoned and uninhabited.
ancient historian Pliny claimed that Thirasia brokeThirasia also has some significant churches that
off from Thira in 237 BC in the same earthquakeare renowned for their architecture and sculptural
that sunk Thira and created Palaia Kameni, Neaornamentation.
Kameni and Aspronisi.In earlier days, the only contact with Thira (Oia,
Tradition has it that the island got its name fromFira, and Athinios) was initially by rowboat and
the daughter of King Thiras, to whom the islandlater by caique from the Bay of Korfos. Now, a
was given and where a palace was built in herpassenger-car ferry runs between Thira and
honor. In fact, traces of a building rumored to heThirasia, and a passenger ship out of Piraeus calls
sections of the "king's palace" can he seen on theat Naxos, Pares, los, Thirasia and Thira twice a
island today.week.
Thirasia has three villages. Manolas, which is alsoDuring the summer season, the island can be
the capital, is built along the eastern and southernvisited by boat from Thira.
shores of the island. The second and mostThere is good swimming and dining in the Bay of
densely populated village is Potamos, whichKorfos, in Riva, and in the village of Manolas. One
contains numerous "hyposkafa" houses (carvedcan also stay in the islands capital in rooms-to-let
into the volcanic rock face) and the Churches ofor at the Hotel Kavomares.