Giola is a natural swimming pool cut into the rock close to
Astrida on the south coast of
Thassos. It’s around 40km from the capital
Limenas which would take you around an hour in the car.
The rock pool of Giola is not easy to get to as there’s no road leading down to the area. There is a dirt track that takes you first to a small taverna and then on to Giola. It’s not a difficult walk and is only about 40-50m from the main road, you do have to make your way down the rocks for the last few metres though which can be slippery, particularly when wet.
Once there you’ll see a 15m wide section which has been eroded out of the rock face over the years by the tide, with perfectly clear water. It’s possible to jump into the rock pool from the top which is about a 7 or 8 metre drop, alternatively you can climb in at the bottom or jump from one of the lower shelves at the sides. Just take it easy as it’s only 3-4 metres deep at best and there are a number of large rocks on the bottom. Also, be aware that when the tide is high the current can be quite strong.
Giola is usually fairly popular these days, normally with twenty somethings who enjoy jumping and diving from the top, it’s also popular with those who just want to relax on the rocks and take in the stunning views of the Aegean sea.
