ThassosNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Thassos

Thassos is a beautiful emerald island sitting in the north Aegean Sea, not far from the mainland town of Kavala. It is very popular during the summer because it offers everything that one could desire: verdant forests, superb beaches, welcoming traditional mountain villages and a wealth of historical sites. The island attracts many hikers, who can enjoy the lush mountain trails through breathtaking scenery, and it is also known for its honey products due to the beekeeping industry still ongoing today. On your visit to Thassos, you will be impressed by the lack of over-development in tourism, which has helped it to retain its natural charm and peaceful aura.

Thassos was said to be the island of the sirens who tried to lure Ulysses to their side while on his Odyssey in Greek mythology. The island was once rich in minerals, timber, and gold and you can still find the abandoned marble quarries that used to bring great wealth to the inhabitants. It was also a much-coveted land due to its strategic position and saw several powers come and go over the years. The Persians, Phoenicians, Romans, and Turks have all left their footprints on Thassos and a visit to the Archeological Museum in Limenas will intrigue you with its precious finds. The ancient sites of the Agora, Alyki and the Theater should also be on your list of places to see while you are there.
 

Routes and Ferries to Thassos

 You can book your ferry tickets to Thassos with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Kavala. The crossing takes about 1 hour 15 minutes with Thassos Ferries and there are frequent trips throughout the day to Skala Prinos or Limenas (Thassos Town). You can also book ferry tickets for Thassos and sail from Keramoti to Limenas and the journey lasts for 25 minutes with ANETH Ferries.

If you plan on flying, the airport of Kavala ‘Megas Alexandros’ serves regular European flights during the summer and daily flights from Athens all year round. Upon arrival at the airport, you can easily reach the port of Keramoti by taxi. If you are flying to Thessaloniki airport (International Airport ‘Makedonia’), you can reach the city of Kavala either by car or with the KTEL coach from Thessaloniki in 2 hours. On arrival, make your way to the port, and be sure to book your ferry tickets for Thassos beforehand.
 

Ports of Thassos

Thassos has two main ports that serve the passenger ferries, and several other small harbors dotted around the island. Limenas is located on the northern side of Thassos and also has a marina for yachts to moor. You will also find the old port of Thassos here while at Skala Prinos, which is the second port, there is a small shipyard for the repair of fishing boats.
 

Capital & Villages

The villages of Thassos stretch from the emerald coast to the verdant mountains and have a unique architectural style that blends Macedonian elements with local idiosyncrasies. All are accessible by road and well worth visiting if you wish to immerse yourself in true island living.

Limenas

The capital of the island, known as Limenas, is located on the north side and is a great base from which to explore. It offers wonderful beaches and cosmopolitan entertainment, with bustling beach bars and inviting restaurants. Daily ferries come and go at the new port while the old harbor is the perfect setting to enjoy the sea views. Be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum, the ancient theater of Thassos, as well as the church of St. Nikolas and the monastery of Vatopediou.

Potamia

Potamia is a village named after the river that runs through it and is a beautiful mountain retreat 10 kilometers away from Limenas. Its 1200 inhabitants reside in the small stone houses on the slopes of Mt. Ipsarion and are mainly involved in agriculture, cattle-breeding, and fishing. You will receive a warm welcome in its quaint taverns and cafes after visiting the Vagis Museum to enjoy the artwork on show there. After leaving the village, you can take a footpath up the mountain or down to the beach.

Theologos

Theologos sits at an altitude of 220 meters and is a lovely hillside retreat with traditional dwellings occupied by no more than 800 residents. Once the island’s capital, this protected settlement features stone-paved alleyways that lead to little coffee shops, an old stone bridge and water mill, the church of Saint Dimitrios, an interesting folklore museum, and an 8th century BCE necropolis. Enjoy some of the culinary offerings on your visit, like the succulent braised goat and spoon sweets with figs and walnuts!

Limenaria

Limenaria has a population of 2500, making it the second-largest village on the island, and it lies 38 kilometers away from the capital. It owed its past wealth to mining activity in the area, which also attracted refugees from Asia Minor and Thrace at the beginning of the 1900s. Today, it is an attractive seaside resort where you will find yachts sitting side-by-side with little fishing boats and it still boasts some impressive neoclassical buildings, as well as the remains of a prehistoric settlement nearby.

Kastro

 Kastro (Castle) is located about 12 kilometers away from Limenaria and it is worth visiting if you are a nature lover. The route to the village is dominated by lush pine forests and when you arrive, you will spot the quaint church of Saint Athanasios. The village was built to protect its inhabitants from pirate attacks and the fortification walls of the old castle are still visible. There are no permanent residents today, but you will find many beautiful restored houses that are used as summer getaways and in the village square there is a coffee shop where you can sit and enjoy absolute peace and quiet.
 

Best Beaches of Thassos

The island’s beaches are sometimes exotic, often bewitching, and always beautiful so whichever one you choose to visit, you can be assured of a fantastic time. The rich greenery of the land is reflected in its waters, creating sparkling emerald waters that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.

Aliki Beach

A beautiful beach only 32 kilometers from Limenas, Aliki is actually two natural harbors of pebbles and sand lined by shady pine trees. The western side is quite organized with taverns serving delicious seafood, and the eastern side is quieter and less busy. This ancient port still bears traces of its intriguing past, with ancient marble quarries nearby and two paleo-Christian basilicas.

Golden Beach

Golden Beach (or Chryssi Akti) is an award-winning beach 12 km southwest of Limenas and is the longest beach on the island. A very popular location for sun worshippers and bathers, due to its fine white sand and shallow waters, it is surrounded by dense vegetation reaching down to the sea with Mount Ipsarion rising over the bay. While there, you will find many hotels, taverns, camping facilities and a range of water sports available.

Paradise Beach

A touch of tropical paradise awaits you at this beach, which is one of the best swimming spots in Limenas with its powdery sand and azure waters. Surrounded by the green mountain landscapes, you will definitely appreciate the exotic setting of this beach and wish to spend your whole day there. It is an organized beach with some taverns and if you are into nudism, this is the place for you.

Giola Lagoon

Not really a beach but definitely worth visiting, Giola is a natural rock pool located in the region of Astris. Swimmers love to bask on the rocks of the pool before diving 8 meters into the crystal clear waters. If you wish, you can move on from here to Salonikios beach just 2 km away to experience its lush greenery and secluded beauty. Access to Giola is not easy and you will have to park and walk down a dirt road to get there, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
 

Transportation Around Thassos

You can use the local bus network to get around Thassos or choose to take a taxi, which is more expensive than public transport. Car and motorbike hire is also available, while sea taxis leave from Limenas throughout the summer for less accessible spots such as Skala Potamias, Skala Panagias, and Makryammos. The entire island is a hiker’s dream, so take advantage of that fact and explore its natural beauty on foot.