Thimena in Greece

Thimena, just west of Fourni, belongs to the East Aegean archipelago. It is a small island both in terms of area and population, with about 190 people living here. The capital, and the island's only village, is also called Thimena. The area is 10 km2 and the highest mountain is 564 meters above sea level. The island's name is sometimes spelled Thymaina or Thymena.

In the picture you see the road to Kambi beach on Fourni. Thimena is the island in the background.

Have you heard of the island of Thimena? I assume you will answer no to that question. But you are not alone because very few people know about Thimena. At the time when there were guidebooks about Greece, Thimena was almost never mentioned, and if anything was written about the island, it was mostly as a side note in the information about Fourni. Even today, very little is written about Thimena. Not even on the internet can you find much information. So it is truly a secret island.

I have been to 65 islands in Greece and none of them compare to Thimena. A visit to Thimena is a journey back in time, to how the islands were in Greece in the 1980s. The island is as far from mass tourism as you can get and if you feel like taking a trip back in time I can really recommend a trip to Thimena. You don't have to stay overnight to experience the time travel, a day visit is enough.

The port in Thimena.

TRAVEL TO THIMENA

The easiest way is to take a boat from the port in Fourni. The boats are of the same type that go between Kalymnos and Telendos. There is also regular boat service to and from Samos and Ikaria, and Fourni of course. The boat is called Megalochari and only takes passengers. The boat trip between Fourni and Thimena only takes five minutes.

A boat on its way from the port of Thimena to the port of Fourni.

Boat timetable for Thimena »

Book ferry tickets online here »

GETTING AROUND ON THIMENA

There are almost no roads and of course it is not possible to rent a car or moped, so the only way to get around Thimena is on foot.

There is only one village on Thimena and it is also called Thimena.

VILLAGES ON THIMENA

There is only one village on Thimena and it is also called Thimena, and this is where the vast majority of the island's inhabitants live. Nothing in the small village is adapted for tourism, Greek everyday life dominates here. There is a minimarket and two small tavernas that also function as cafes.

One of the few streets in the village of Thimena.

Taverna and cafe in the village of Thimena.

To the right of the harbor is a pebble beach that is good for a swim. There is another beach a short walk from the village. To get there, walk up through the village and turn left, continue until you see the walled church of Agios Dimitrios (see picture below), turn right at the church and continue until you see the beach in front of you.

The port beach in Thimena.

The small snorkel-friendly beach under Agios Dimitrios church.

BEACHES ON THIMENA

The beaches near the port are quite okay, especially if you like snorkeling. The best, and most popular beach, is called Keramidou and is about a 15 minute walk from the village. The beach Keramidou is quite rocky and it is not easy to get into the water.

Keramidou beach at Thimena. The path to Lakkos beach is on the right in the picture.

Keramidou beach in the other direction.

The best thing about Keramidou is Taverna O Kottaras which is located just a few meters from the sea. The tables are placed in the sand under shady trees. Here you can easily spend a day with a good book for company. If you want to escape civilization for a while, the taverna has three rooms for rent. After Keramidou beach there is a smaller beach called Lakkos beach.

The best thing about Keramidou is Taverna O Kottaras which is located just a few meters from the sea.

You can easily spend a day here with a good book for company.

SIGHTS ON THIMENA

Actually, Thimena itself is a big attraction because the island is so incredibly Greek and so uniquely unexploited. In addition, there are a few churches that may be of interest. Agios Dimitrios, which is located on a hill along the road to Keramidou beach, is the most famous. From the church you have a very nice view of the sea towards Fourni. There is also a small nice church above Keramidou beach.

The path to Agios Dimitrios church.

Agios Dimitrios church seen from Keramidou beach.

The small and beautiful church at Keramidou beach.

HIKING ON THIMENA

Whether you want to or not, you will be hiking on Thimena as there is no other way to get around. The longest hike you can do is to the church of Agios Nikolaos which is located by the water about 3.5 kilometres north of the village of Thimena. The name Thimena comes from the fact that there is a lot of thyme growing on the island, so you will probably smell this lovely scent when you are out hiking.

O Kottaras on Keramidou beach has a few rooms for rent.

ACCOMMODATION ON THIMENA

I have never stayed on Thimena and I suspect that very few people stay overnight. But I could very well imagine doing so, because it must be absolutely fantastic to experience this super genuine island in the evening and in the morning. As far as I know, there is only one place to stay, and that is O Kottaras which has a few rooms for rent. O Kottaras is located on Keramidou beach and has the telephone number +30 22750-327 97.

Read about the neighboring island of Fourni here »