Thasos is the northernmost island of the Aegean Sea, opposite the small town of Kavala and two hours drive from Thessaloniki. Thasos offers beaches with translucent emerald waters and has the most lush vegetation in Greece. An unknown Greek island, authentic and full of charm that deserves to be visited.
Thassos is the northernmost island in the Aegean Sea, west of Samothrace, opposite the small town of Kavala and a two-hour drive from Thessaloniki. Thassos (also spelled Thasos) offers beaches with translucent emerald waters and, above all, the most luxuriant vegetation in the whole of Greece. A little-known Greek island, authentic and full of charm, well worth a visit. How to get there Where to stay and eat in Thassos? We give you all our advice, practical information and good addresses in Thassos.
Thanks to Pascaline who gives us all the secrets of her favorite island, Thasos. She also offers drawing courses to discover the island.
Thasos in a few words…
A remarkable situation
A real mountain range detached from the mainland by a narrow channel, Mount Ypasarion with its 1208m and Mount Elijah separate the island into two parts.
To the northeast, there is a rocky coastline with a succession of small bays and capes with three plains Limena, Potamia and Kinira.
The springs are numerous and the forests are dense, Aleppo pines in the heights, pines, chestnut trees, fir trees, plane trees of the East.
To the southwest, gently sloping coastal plains cultivated with olive groves, with long valleys that rise to the peaks covered with pine, holm oak and scrub.
History and settlement of Thasos
Thasos was a large and prosperous city around 500 BC. It was colonized around 680 BC. The Greeks of Paros, who settled in the island, exploited the wealth of the island and the mainland in front of it: gold, iron and silver-lead mines, they spread white marble throughout the western Mediterranean and as far as the Black Sea, as well as their famous wine which they exported far away.
In the past, the population was grouped in the mountains, safe from pirate attacks. The numerous villages located in the high valleys are the most traditional. Each village had its ” skala “, a small port with a few small Kalives, small houses for the summer season.
All these skalas have become the tourist centers, with their share of taverns, bars, hotels. The island is particularly popular with tourists from the Balkans, as well as the two summer months. It is therefore necessary to know the less frequented beaches. The mountain is always a refuge for more tranquility. Out of season, many hiking trails allow beautiful ascents with amazing views of the sea and on clear days of Mount Athos.
Visit the island of Thasos with Pascaline
To know the must-sees of the island of Thasos, we advise you the article Visit the island of Thassos. Pascaline makes you discover in detail her favorite places, the history of the island and shares her good plans for hiking, beaches…
How to get to Thasos?
Airports
The nearest airport is Kavala. It is located only 15 minutes from the port of Keramoti (from where you can quickly access the island). There are daily connections between Athens and Kavala.
Alternatively, you can land at Thessaloniki airport (direct flights from France and Belgium), located 2 hours drive from the ports.
We recommend the flight with Aegean which has the advantage of having a real customer service.
Ferries to the island of Thasos
The boat can be taken :
- or in Keramoti (located 2 hours from Thessaloniki). The crossing lasts ¾ of an hour and the boat arrives in Limena. Ferries run every hour without reservation.
- or in Kavala (you can take the opportunity to visit this historical city with the old Byzantine fortress, the aqueduct of Roman origin, the house of Mehemet Ali and the Imaret, now transformed into a 5 star hotel. You will then arrive at the port of Skala Prinou.
Getting around Thassos
To visit freely the charming island of Thasos, you can rent a car via Rental Cars on the island or in Kavala.
Where to sleep in Thassos?
A Limena
Limena is the capital of the island. Here are Pascaline’s tips for staying there.
- From 5-star resorts to homestays, you will find all the accommodations that meet your expectations. A nice selection of accommodations on Booking.
- Makryammos Bungalows, a 4 star resort located under the pine trees on a beautiful cove with crystal clear waters.
- Vathi Cove, very nice hotel on the beautiful beach of Vathi.
Where to sleep in Kinira?
I highly recommend staying at Christos’ Loutrou Beach Bungalows. Under pine trees, vineyards and olive trees, small houses are surrounded by vegetation, the proximity of the beach, so to speak, is a luxury in summer. The atmosphere is family and Christos’s cooking succulent, ask him for his saganaki shrimps with tomato sauce or the stuffed squid!
Another very good address is Agorastos, which offers nicely decorated rooms and Agorastos Suites, accommodations with a superb sea view at a reasonable price. In addition, it has a very good tavern, the ideal place to stay!
In Panagia
- In the heights and away from the tourist center, I recommend the Dionysos hotel, held by a very welcoming family of Panagia, the view is magnificent and the small beach of the marina is more quiet.
- Or the Villa Oresti in the center of the village, a house renovated and decorated with taste.
- For camping enthusiasts, I recommend Camping Golden Beach, directly on the beach.
Aliki Peninsula
Along Aliki Beach, you can stay at Acroterra Suites. Simple, ideally located accommodation at a great price.
A little wilder still, the small creek Skidia. There are Kékes Beach Skidia. A tavern in the shade of the pines, where you can enjoy delicious food. They also rent small houses.
Limenaria
Just steps away from the beach, Votsalo Cozy Apartments is a great value! Beautifully decorated apartments with a great location and the host Dimitri is very helpful.
On the beach of Pefkari, near Limenaria, you can stay in a very pleasant campsite under the pine trees.
Skala Prinou
Skala Prinou is the port to go directly to Kavala. Cape Prinou is very green, especially in spring.
- The municipal camping Prinou is well vegetated, the infrastructure very good with a beach where the sea is always calm.
- Located in Megalos Prinos (Kazaviti) in the mountains, I also recommend La Casa Rodia. Babis is a member of the village protection association, he knows all the paths and plants.
- And in Mikro Kazaviti, the traditional Kastanies houses
Where to eat in Thasos? Have a coffee?
Restaurants in Limena:
- Not to be missed ! Ftapodi: fresh and creative menu from a young chef, excellent Mediterranean cuisine, colorful decor, in the shade of the wall trees after the old port
- Restaurant Simi, a traditional cuisine since 1952, remember to book
- For an aperitif or a coffee, the Karanti café welcomes you on the port
- The Mouses restaurant has a flowered terrace and offers original dishes. Ideal when leaving the ferry or before boarding.
In Panagia
- The Café To Retro at Aleko is ideal to have an ouzo
- For a treat, stop at Elena’s, a very good family tavern.
Good addresses in Chrisi Ammoudia
- The Sotiris tavern is the first one in the bay, the most authentic and traditional, excellent cooking by Sotiris and his wife, not to be missed!
- Very good pizzeria Playa de Oro also serving delicious fresh pasta, located in front of the campsite
- Krambousa fish tavern at the bottom of the bay
- Evenings with traditional Greek music at Alkioni Taverna
Eating at Potamia
- Under the shade of the plane tree, enjoy the authentic cuisine of the Platanos tavern.
In Kinira
- At the restaurant Chez Christos at the Loutrou Beach Bungalows to taste its saganaki shrimps or its stuffed squid
- Agorastos, a very good tavern that also offers great accommodation
- Sta Kala Kathoymena, if you are lucky you may experience an evening of music with the singer Stephanos.
- Faros, fish tavern, on a small peninsula with a superb view.
In Skidia
- Skidia Tavern: located in Kekes Beach, a nice and quiet little tavern, and the food is delicious.
Taking the time at Theologos
- Have lunch under the shade of the plane trees at the Watermill-Neromilos tavern: a simple and fresh menu with products from their farm.
- Don’t miss to taste the goat at Stelios Tavern
- Also try the mezzes at the Tsiknas kafenion ouzeri
- And have a coffee at the Old Museum Cafe Bar.
Kastro, the highest village of Thassos
- Kosta’s Café: very simple dishes in a friendly atmosphere
In the West Island
- In Sotiros, the Platanos tavern offers traditional dishes. Located under a hundred-year-old plane tree, it has a magnificent view from the terrace, especially at sunset.
- In the charming village of Kazaviti (Megalos Prinos), enjoy an excellent meal at the Kazaviti restaurant.
- In Kazaviti, stop at the Cafe Anhfori and enjoy a coffee with a honey prune on the beautiful terrace in front of the church with its slate roof
- On the beach of Pachis, the tavern Pefkospilia is perfect to taste, in front of the sea and in the shade of the pines, very good fish with some evenings a musical atmosphere.
Pascaline Bossu
