Greek islands
Thassos
Photos and travel information about the island of Thassos
The holiday photo site
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Thassos |
The holiday photo site
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About ThassosAn abundance of greenery and picturesque villages make up this wonderful island that is described as "paradise on earth". Holidaymakers return year after year to soak up the atmosphere and relax on one of the many beaches that never seem to get over crowded. Thassos lies in the North Aegean just 30 minutes by ferry from Kavala. It's one of the best kept secrets in the whole of the greek islands. The mountain range in the centre of Thassos dominates the island with mount Ypsario at 1,203 metres above sea level giving one of the most impressive backdrops to several resorts.
It's said that many of the mountain villages were built in the mountains to get away from the pirates that continually raided the island many years ago. So do not be put off by the ferry journey, the island is well worth the visit. |
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Around Thassos IslandThassos a dream come true, even in the height of the season there are still the quite coves to be found where you can relax and do nothing except soak up the sun and cool off in the clear cool waters. If your feeling energetic you can visit Limenas, this is the islands main town. Prinou For those of you that want to get out of Limenas for the day you can hire a car or take a local bus ride to one of the many beaches on the island.
Glyfada and Papalimani Glyfada and Papalimani are two resorts that are not too far away from Limenas. The beeches are long and thin and mostly used by the residents in the local Hotels. Some of these hotels offer lunch and take away food and their facilities can be used if you want to eat out. If you decide to travel in the opposite direction why not try the Makryammos beach. Makryammos
The resort of Makryammos is ideal if you want built in entertainment. When you visit Makryammos the first thing to do is go to the reception area and book a sun bed for the day. It all looks and feels regimented but it is worth while. There are a couple of restaurants in the resort and they can be a little expensive but the food is excellent, you may also be able to get take away food. The beach itself has very shallow water and is ideal for small children. If you like to snorkel try going left of the beach amongst the rocky outfalls. Potamia and Panagia Lovely little shops and Tavernas can be found dotted around the village and of course the local church adds to the atmosphere. Not being in the resort areas of Thassos the local tavernas are not so expensive here.
Golden Beach My favourite resort on Thassos is Golden Beach (Chrissi Amoudia), it has a long stretch of fine white sand that seems to go on for miles. Like most of the resorts on this side of the island the sea can change from one day to next. Hire a car for 3 days and you will see most of the island, my tip is to visit Potos car hire in the resort and talk to the lady who runs the hire shop, I'll be surprised if you can find a better deal. The resort of Golden Beach is an ideal base to visit the rest of the island from. If you like company on the beach stay up the far end of the beach where the restaurants are situated but if your prepared to walk towards Potamia then the beach gets very quiet. In the evenings Golden Beach just about comes alive with many restaurants to choose from. If it’s a more lively atmosphere your after your out of luck here, except for the Irish Bar that is. The resort of Golden Beach and Skala Potamia is dominated by Mount Ypsarion, it provides that so special and impressive back drop that just adds to the magic of this Thassos resort. Skala Potamia Skala is at the opposite end of the bay to Golden Beach and enjoys beautiful golden sand and clear shallow waters, ideal for the family. The little gift shops and restaurants at the back of the beach are not over Watch out for the advertisements for Eric's Bar, the person who runs the bar is an Eric Cantona look alike. The resort is surrounded by the high poplars, green pines and silver olive trees that enclose the resort adding to the distinctive beauty of the resort. At the far end of the shops and tavernas lies the little harbour where fishing boats wait to set out for another day or nights work. The little church of St Nicholas with it's slate roof can also be found here. On the road out of Skala, on the way to paradiso you climb up the steep road here you can pull over and take one last look at the view across the bay. Paradise Beach (Paradiso) Park your car just off the main road and walk down to the beach. It will only take a few minutes and it could save you having to have your vehicle towed away with a damaged suspension. The beach is split into two, nudists one side "textiles" the other end. This is the only nudist sanctioned beach on Thassos as far as I am aware.
The beach itself is excellent, one day the sea is calm and the day next the surf can be about three feet. The beach has soft white sand and umbrellas and chairs can be hired on the beach. My tip is not to sit in front of the tavern, the music can be a little loud. The only downside to this beach is the walk back up to the road, but allow yourself 10 minutes to walk up and you should be back up the top. If you have come by the local bus the last bus I'm told is about 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
Alyki Beach Probably the most photographed beach on the whole of the island, the scenery is outstanding. The beach has two beaches that are back to back and there is a huge contrast in both beaches. Alyki is not the sort of beach that you can relax on, there is a constant change of visitors from the road and the pleasure boats that tie up and visit for an hour or so. Having said that, it is worth visiting and spending time exploring the rocky headland with it's marble outcrops. The sea at Alyki is absolutely crystal clear and for those of us that like to spend time snorkeling it's a must. From the sandy beach when entering the water there is a line of small rocks that line the waters edge for about 10 metres but pathways past these rocks have been created and once past the rocks the sand starts again. Psili Ammos Beach Most of the visitors to Psilli arrive by car and park across the road from the beach. The bay of Psili Ammos (literally means The beach is ideal for families who can take advantage of the many activities that are available to the tourist. The beach not being that big means it does tend to get quite crowded in the high season. If your planning on making a round the island trip by car this is an ideal place to stop off and take a break.
Potos The resort of Potos is very popular, it is probably starting to rival Limenaria as one of the tourists favourite resorts on this side of the island. The beach is long and wide following the natural curve of the bay with soft white sand and clear blue sea. Occasionally you will see rocks and small stones but in the main it is a sandy beach. Potos is a former fishing village, and is quickly developing into a tourist centre for the south of the island. It is a very picturesque resort that does not seem to have lost it’s small town charm. The beach stretches along the length of the small town and the restaurants spill over almost onto the beach. Just be aware that the tavernas like other resorts do seem to have a misconception about tourists liking load music. Pefkari The resort is situated between Potos and Limenaria on the southern shores of the island. Pefkari has two wonderful beaches that are made up of coarse sand and pebbles. The many restaurants and bars that line the beach are all waiting for you to sample there traditional Greek dishes or while away your time while drinking iced coffee or a cold beer. If it's low key night life you require this resort could be for you. Limenaria The resort lies a few miles from Potos. There are a number of beaches close by such as
Skala Marion
With it's picturesque fishing harbour Skala Marion is an extension of the little village of Maries that lies just off the coast. The harbour splits the resort into two beaches with Atspas on one side and the other beach part of the harbour. A third beach can be reached just outside of the resort. It is from the Village of Maries that you can visit the Virgin Mary Monastery or Panagouda. Skala Prinos / Skala Kallirachis / Skala Sotira All these resorts are found on the west coast. They are not so crowded and are very quiet resorts compared with the east and south coast resorts. From these villages you can take a journey into the hills and see the real Thassos amongst the little villages scattered in the hills. Skala Rachoniou The resort of Skala Rachoniou is well worth visiting. This side of the island tends to have a lot calmer seas so it's very rare for the sea to get choppy. Huge fish will swim very close to the shore line looking for food. This was one of our favourite beach's and is highly recommended. |
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Car hire is a must, you can travel around the island in about 3 hours stopping off every now again just to admire the view. Or, if you like to investigate, take one of the many side roads into the mountains to one of the small villages and see for yourself how the people of Thassos live away from the coast, you will be amazed.
It has all the trimmings of what you would expect to find in a centre that caters for the tourist but be adventurous and wonder off the main track to find those little bars and restaurants that the locals use. If you walk down to the small harbour in the old part of Limenas this where you may find some of the best restaurants in town.
The local resort for Thassos Town (Limenas) is Prinou, it’s not the best beach on the island but if you want to combine your holiday with an active night life this is probably the resort for you. Prinou itself is a beach that can get a little noisy at times but the water is quite shallow and perfect for the younger children. 
It is very touristy but do not dismiss this resort it may be just right for you. Very often tourists who visit for a day, end up booking a holiday in one of the many bungalows the following year.
On your journey around this beautiful island, and before driving down some of the most fantastic scenery into Chrissi Ammoudia stop of and spend some time wondering around the small village of Panagia. The village sits against a back drop of deep forest and seems to balance on the edge of the mountain side in places. A local feature has been made where the water rushes off the mountain and down towards the sea. 
Umbrella’s and chairs can still be hired on the quieter end of the beach.
powering and quite reasonably priced. The only part of Skala that looks out of place for me is the section that looks like a fair ground, this is so out character with Thassos but don’t be put off. 
The beach seen on the postcards is for the tourists while the other beach is very minimal.
Fine Sand) is truly a picturesque little beach with pine trees coming down to the waters edge and golden sand and clear water. 
Potos has an array of tavernas and bars along the old harbour front and has become a favourite with a lot of tourists.
The resort is a classical Greek beach, with a range of water sports on offer it all adds up to make Pefkari an ideal family resort. The resort boasts many hotels and restaurants, or if you prefer you will find camping facilities available. 
Metallia and Trypiti, the beaches are mostly coarse sand and shingle but they are worth visiting. Nightlife here in Limenaria is still limited but they do cater for the younger tourist with a number of bars and I believe an open air disco. Eating out in the evening is not a problem with many restaurants that line the water front all trying to get your custom.
The beach is fine white sand and a gently sloping beach into the water makes it ideal for families. The beach has a couple of tavernas where you can buy take away food or use the tavern, but beware it's that loud music again.