The small and picturesque island of Thassos (Greece) is located in the north-east of the country, in the Aegean Sea. This is the northernmost and greenest Greek island, covered with forests, oak forests, chestnut and sycamore groves. The area of Thassos is 380 km2, and the permanent population is just over 14 thousand. You can drive around the entire island in just one day.
A peaceful atmosphere prevails in this harmonious place with bright landscapes and ancient sights. The island will appeal to those who love silence, picturesque nature and history. If you prefer a quiet and informative holiday, then you will be comfortable here.
How to get
There are few Russian tourists on Thassos: probably because of the remoteness of the island from the nearest airport in the large city of Thessaloniki, where regular flights from Moscow fly. To get to the island, you first need to take the 78 bus to the bus station, and then change to a regular bus to the port cities of Keramoti or Kavala (ticket price-15 euros). The distance of 130 km can also be covered by rented car.
Then you need to take the ferry. Ferries run from ancient Kavala to the port of Prinos, and from Keramoti to the island’s capital, Limenas. In terms of time, transfers differ by 2 times — 1.5 hours and 45 minutes, respectively. For tickets from Keramoti, you will need to pay 4 euros (adult) and 2 euros (children), from Kavala – 6 and 3 euros, respectively. A rented car can also be transported to the island for an additional fee of€18-19. The current ferry schedule and ticket prices can be found on the website http://thassos-ferries.gr/ (there is a Russian-language version), and you can only purchase travel tickets at the company’s ticket offices shortly before departure.
The isolation of the island creates certain inconveniences for travelers, because it is impossible to get to it without direct transfers. But thanks to this, Thassos remains a peaceful place with unspoilt nature.
Villages and attractions on the island
Ancient temples, snow-white beaches and picturesque mountains, groves, atmospheric settlements-all this is harmoniously combined with each other. Although the island is small, you will have a wide choice of what to see on Thassos and where to take beautiful photos.
Capital Limenas
Limenas is the ancient capital of the island of Greece, where most of the architectural attractions of Thassos are concentrated. The city is surrounded by ancient walls extending more than two kilometers. Fragments of the walls are in good condition. In the center of Limenas, visit the ancient Market Square – one of the best preserved ancient attractions on this Greek island. Also on a small area of the capital’s town are located:
- archaeological museum;
- ancient ruins of the acropolis and theater:
- partially preserved temple of Apollo;
- a more modern church of St. Nicholas.
Potos Resort
Initially, it was a fishing harbor with no permanent population. Only a few years ago, the village became a lively resort with well-equipped, but sparsely populated beaches with azure water, clear even in the most popular tourist months.
Cars in Potos only go on a couple of streets: most of Potos is reserved for pedestrians. Cozy streets are filled with restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. In the evening, you can sit in a restaurant on the beach and watch the beautiful sunset. In good weather, you can also see the famous Mount Athos from the bank of Potos. For more information about the mountain, see this article.
Mount Ipsario
The highest point of the island is Mount Ipsario. Its peak reaches an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. The mountain is covered with green trees, and its slopes offer a gorgeous panorama of the island and the coast. To enjoy these views, head up to the mountainside village of Potamya. Here you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also visit the museum of the Greek sculptor Vagis.
Theologos
10 kilometers from Potos is the mountain settlement of Theologos, which used to be the capital of the island. This is one of the most colorful sights of Thassos in Greece. In the town there are many restaurants with national cuisine, there is a museum of ethnography. But the main local pride is the ruins of the ancient city of Istanio.
The old center will not leave photo lovers indifferent: narrow streets and attractive houses with high windows represent an example of traditional Greek style. You can diversify your vacation in Theologos on a well-maintained beach: it is especially appreciated by windsurfing enthusiasts, as the wind blows almost constantly here.
On a note! Which resort to choose for a holiday on the Halkidiki peninsula in Greece-read here.
Aliki
This historic village on the Thracian Sea coast is a must-visit for lovers of cognitive, intellectual recreation. Here you will enjoy not only the beautiful beach and nature, but also the most ancient sights. The real gem of Aliki is the ruins of an ancient temple with preserved ancient inscriptions.
Panteleimon Monastery
Near the village of Casaviti, in the interior of the island, is one of the main attractions of Thassos – the monastery of Panteleimon, built in the first half of the 19th century. This building was built of mountain stone, and the roof was made of wood and covered with slate. Near the monastery there is a cave in which, according to legend, Saint Panteleimon himself lived. It is believed that people who visit this monastery can be cured of any diseases. Therefore, some travelers travel long distances to get the hope of recovery.
Archangel Michael Monastery
Another famous religious attraction of Thassos (Greece) is the large temple of the Archangel Michael on the edge of a cliff. It is 25 km from Limenaryi settlement. This convent was built in the 18th century. It is interesting both for its architecture and beautiful sea views. In addition, it is here that they keep a fragment of the Holy Nail taken from the crucifixion of Jesus. Be prepared for the strict rules of visiting the monastery: women can only enter it in long skirts and with their hands closed, men – in long pants.
Beaches of Thassos
115 km on the island of Thassos occupies the coast with amazing beaches – with white sand and clear water. Most of them received an international Blue Flag rating. It is awarded to coastal areas with excellent conditions for recreation: clean water and air, high-quality infrastructure. Just looking at a photo from the island of Thassos in Greece, you want to immediately be transported to its beaches.
San Antonio Beach
This beach is hidden in a secluded area on the west coast of Thassos. A Blue Flag city, San Antonio boasts well-equipped beach areas and friendly bartender and waiter establishments whose cuisine is commendable.
Paradise Beach
In the south-east of the island of Thassos, Paradise Beach, which was chosen by surfers, is hidden in a small closed bay. The sandy beach is surrounded by hills surrounded by tropical trees and plants. The quality and purity of water is confirmed by the “Blue Flag” mark.
Paradise is divided into 3 zones-depending on the preferences of vacationers. The territory of bikinis is chosen by tourists who adhere to conservative mores. The topless zone is designed for men and girls without a swimsuit top. A separate area is also reserved for nudists. Vacationers are asked to respect the rules of each of the zones, there is a control on the ground.
Entrance to Paradise Beach is free, a sun lounger and umbrella are provided free of charge, but before that you still need to make an order at the bar. Just buy a regular milkshake.
Psili Ammos Beach
This beach is 5 km from Potos Village. Restaurants and taverns are open here during the high season, and it can be difficult to find an empty space under an umbrella. This is because Psili Ammos is considered the best sandy beach in Thassos. A special charm is given to it by cozy dunes with thickets of tamarisk. In the shade of the trees, you can sit on a towel. The entrance to the water here is gentle, so the beach is also suitable for small children.
Makrimos Beach
Families with children spend their holidays on Makrimos (south-east coast, near the town of Limenas). This beach is distinguished from the rest primarily by a wide infrastructure and a large selection of entertainment, including sports games.
Makrimos, like other beaches of Thassos, is awarded the European Committee for Tourism (Blue Flag Award), which indicates its high quality. Bars and restaurants can be found on site. Many vacationers prefer to stay in a comfortable hotel located nearby.
Hanioti is a lovely village in Halkidiki with well-kept beaches
Marble Beach
Marble beach on Thassos is the highlight of the whole island. Instead of the traditional sand or small stones, this beach is strewn with marble chips (marble is mined nearby). Thanks to this coating, the beach gets a perfect snow-white shade in the sun. Struck by such beauty, tourists do not cease to admire it and take numerous photos.
Marble Beach is famous for its peaceful atmosphere. Since the nearest hotel is a 40-minute walk away, there are usually few vacationers here. At the same time, the beach is free, vacationers can freely use all the amenities. The only condition is to make an order at the bar.
Glyphoneri Beach
Here you can bask on the warm white sand, swim in the azure water, relax and relax in solitude. All the conditions that the green bay creates are there for this. Sun loungers are provided free of charge.
Local restaurants serve traditional Greek cuisine, so you can spend the whole day on the beach and not worry about lunch. When you get tired of lying down, tourists go for a walk along the shady alleys of the olive grove, admiring the picturesque nature.
Weather and climate in Thassos
The monthly weather on Thassos in Greece is different from other, more popular islands. Thassos is located to the north, so it’s a bit cooler here. The maximum air temperature in the summer months rarely rises above 29 degrees Celsius. The swimming season runs from late May to late September, although many continue swimming in October.
Since the island of Thassos (Greece) is 90% covered with deciduous and coniferous forests, the air is fresh and the weather is comfortable in any month. Therefore, the resort is ideal for families with small children and anyone who can not tolerate the heat.
