Makryammos
Limenas - Limenas
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Just 10 km from mainland Greece, Thassos is not your typical picture-postcard Greek island. No white cottages and no barren, arid landscapes: Thassos has a mountainous landscape with lush vegetation, so it is not uncommon to hear it referred to as ‘the Emerald Isle’.
Fear not: in common with Ireland, Thassos has only the predominance of the colour green. Otherwise, it is warm, not very rainy and has as many wonderful beaches as other, better-known Greek islands. It is characterised by an almost perfect circular shape and is criss-crossed by a coastal road around its perimeter that makes it easy to get around.
A hire car is recommended, so you can stop along the way to look for the most beautiful beaches, while the ideal way to explore the inland trails is by mountain bike. In fact, Thassos is considered the best Greek island for mtb enthusiasts and the most important national competition is held here.
On one side of the island you can see Mount Athos, the sacred mountain of the Chalkidiki Peninsula, in the distance, while on the other side your gaze is already turned towards the east and the Slavic countries.
It is precisely from Bulgaria and the countries of the former Yugoslavia that the tourists arrive, who until now, together with a minority of Germans and Scandinavians, have fuelled the local tourist industry. But the secret of Thassos, a peculiar and still very cheap island, will soon be discovered by tourists.
Although Thassos’ winters are colder than those of the more famous Greek islands, this island also enjoys a mild climate. The best time to go to Thassos is summer; for those travelling in high season, it is a good choice as it is cheaper and less crowded than the more popular tourist destinations.
An off-season holiday in Thassos is recommended for nature lovers who, instead of basking in the sun all day, prefer an active holiday during which they can explore the island on foot or by bicycle. You can take advantage of very low prices for hotels and flats, but it may be difficult to reach the island due to reduced connections in the low season.
The beaches on Thassos are mainly sandy, but you can also find pebble beaches and a few small rocky coves.
The most famous beach on Thassos is the enchanting Golden Beach (Krisi Ammos), a 3 km-long stretch of fine white sand framed by green mountains. The sea is a turquoise expanse with emerald patches; the waters are calm and clear and the seabed gently sloping.
Golden Beach is an equipped beach easily accessible from Limenas, which is only 13 km away. It is a perfect mix of comfort and scenic beauty and is also suitable for those travelling with small children.
A beach that is easily accessible from Limenaria instead of Limenas is Metalia Beach. This pretty sand and pebble beach set in a small bay owes its name to an old iron mine.
Remnants of the old plant are still visible, but they do not detract from the beauty of the landscape; on the contrary, this nostalgic touch makes the place even more charming. The waters are crystal-clear and an incredible blue colour; there is a small bar and deckchair and umbrella hire.
One of the most popular beaches on Thassos is Paradise Beach, a name that many find more than appropriate. It is a beautiful sandy beach reminiscent of exotic faraway lands, washed by crystal-clear sea from which emerges a characteristic rocky outcrop covered with vegetation in a perfectly conical shape.
Hidden from view from the main road, it was once an oasis for nudists, mostly German and northern European tourists, while today it is accessible to all and also has an equipped area for those who want the comfort of a beach umbrella and deck chairs. It is located 2 km from the village of Kinira and about 20 km from Limenas.
A hidden gem of Thassos is the natural swimming pool of Giola, a pool of turquoise water created by the rocks, close to the blue sea. The more intrepid can dive from the top of the rocks, the others can splash around in relaxation in the calm waters of the natural pool. It is not easy to find, but worth a try: look for a dusty path near the Aeria hotel in the village of Astris.
Other beaches not to be missed in Thassos are: Makri Ammos, Alyki, Papalimani, Salonikios, Skala Maries, Skidia, Vathy Marble.
Thassos is an island full of things to see, perfect for those who want to combine days at the beach and cultural visits.
Beaches and bays aside, Thassos’ top attraction is the archaeological site of Alyki, where you can admire the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the protector of sailors and other fascinating ancient ruins.
To learn more about the thousand-year history of this island, conquered over the centuries by Persians, Romans, Byzantines and, of course, Greeks, visit the Limenas Archaeological Museum. Inside this large, modern museum, located just 100 metres from the harbour, are statues and other artefacts from the Classical and Roman periods, including a gigantic kouros (a male statue from the Archaic period) dating back to the 6th century BC.
Leaving the museum, look for the remains of the ancient agora, located right next door. From there you can reach the acropolis, which was profoundly altered during the Middle Ages, and an ancient theatre still used today for performances and events.
For breathtaking views of the sea, head to the Moni Arhangenlou Monastery, west of Alyki, scenically located on a hilltop.
Also put a visit to the delightful mountain village of Panagia, in the island’s hinterland south of Limenas, on your holiday agenda.
Hotels and holiday flats on Thassos are concentrated in the two main resorts of the island, Limenas and Limenaria: the former is located on the north-eastern tip of Thassos and the latter along the south-western coast. Both are excellent bases for exploring the island and are recommended for those who want amenities and ease of getting around.
Other resorts with a good choice of accommodation are Skala Potamia, Chris Ammoudia, Potos, Kinira and Prinos. If you dream of a lazy holiday, where the only travelling you will do is from the hotel to the beach, you can stay in small resorts along the coast.
The good news is that hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes on Thassos are much cheaper than on the other Greek islands, so even in August it is possible to find good quality accommodation without spending a fortune. However, it is advisable to book well in advance if travelling in high season.
The majority of tourists on holiday in Thassos choose to stay in Limenas, the island’s main town. It is a small, unpretentious capital that nonetheless wins everyone over with its simplicity, just a short distance from the island’s most famous beach.
Instead of the blue and white houses typical of the more famous Greek islands, you will find red-tiled houses, arranged in a somewhat haphazard manner, with no real town centre. Strolling through the streets of Limenas, you will come across ancient relics that testify to its long history, while a few steps further on, the countryside already begins.
It takes only half an hour to get around the whole of Limenas on foot, but there is plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and typical tavernas plus a nice seafront promenade to spend a couple of days relaxing without getting bored.
Limenaria is the main beach resort on the island of Thassos, 38 km away from Limenas. Here, too, you will find pastel-coloured houses and red roofs, a promenade perfect for evening strolls and beautiful beaches nearby.
There are no direct connections to the island of Thassos : you first have to arrive in mainland northern Greece and reach Kavala or Keramoti, then from there take a ferry to your final destination.
The closest airport to Kavala and Keramoti is Thessaloniki, which is connected by low-cost flights, mainly operating in the summer months. The distance is about 170 km from Kavala and just over 200 from Keramoti.
If the flight arrival and ferry departure times coincide well, renting a car at Thessaloniki airport and embarking at Keramoti can get you to Thassos in just three hours.
Taking a flight to Athens is not recommended because it increases the journey time considerably: consider that the capital is over 600 km from the ports of Kavala and Keramoti.
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