Thassos Island in Greece – A Complete Travel Guide for Thassos

Thassos is the closest island to the mainland in Greece, in the North Aegean. Though it is relatively easy to access on a short ferry ride, it isn’t as crowded as some better-known Greek islands. Having said that, July and August are still too crowded for my taste, but June and September are perfect for visiting this beautiful island.

If you fancy spending your time off on a more remote island, why don’t you try Samothraki island or Limnos?

About Thassos Island

Thassos is called the Emerald Island in Greece due to its lush vegetation, not a common feature of the Greek islands. This island is an ideal place for a family holiday, as well as for couples. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, treat yourself to some delicious food or go hiking and explore traditional villages, you will not be disappointed in Thassos.

Legend says that when Zeus kidnapped Europa, her brothers left their home to search for their sister. One of them, Thassos, searched for his sister unsuccessfully for a long time. Finally, he got to a beautiful island in the Northern Aegean. He fell in love with the island and settled there, giving up on his sister. So, the island took his name, Thassos.

How to get to Thassos Island in Greece

You can get to Thassos on a short ferry ride from either Keramoti or Kavala. You can check the schedule and prices for both options here.

Things to do and places to visit in Thassos

Limenas, the capital of Thassos Island in Greece

The place you will arrive on Thassos is Limenas, the island’s capital. Limenas is a small harbor on the north side of the island. There are bars and restaurants by the seashore and some souvenir shops close to the harbor.

Close to the port, you will find the ruins of the ancient Limenas town, where you can visit an ancient theater. The walk to the theater will take about 20 minutes uphill. The site was under renovation, but I guess the process should finish this summer (2020).

The agora is very close to the port, and this is where everything happened in ancient times. Also, if you are passionate about history, you shouldn’t miss the Archaeological Museum in Limenas.

Best beaches in Thassos

Beaches are the main attraction in Thassos. There are a few popular beaches around the islands, but many hotels have their own private beaches. There are also some unattended beaches worth a stop.

Some of the most popular beaches are:

• Golden Beach, a sand-beach in the North-East of Thassos
• Paradise Beach, another place with fine sand and shallow waters
• Alyki Beach is a beautiful bay with a few tavernas and some ruins close by
• Giola is not an actual beach but a natural pool on the south side of the island. It is a little difficult to access but absolutely worth it.

Traditional Villages on Thassos Island, Greece

If you leave the seashore and venture inland, you will be rewarded with traditional villages, forests, and olive groves. The most famous village in Thassos is Theologos, a quaint village at the island’s center. Its stone houses are covered with colorful flowers, and typical roofs are lovely. There is also a folklore museum in Theologos.

Another village worth visiting is Panagia, on the east side of the island. Panagia is one of those picture-perfect places, with white houses, blue restaurant tables, and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Potos

This colorful and vibrant village developed along a stretch of sand. It is the area young people prefer, as it is full of bars and restaurants. You can spend your evening in Potos after a day at the beach or exploring Thassos island.

There are also many shops selling traditional products here. Speaking of that, you can buy spices to add a Greek flavor to your meals back home, olive oil made on Thassos island, as well as lots of different creams and soaps made with local ingredients.

Limenaria

Limenaria is a small harbor town, a place with lots of cafes and restaurants close to the sea. There are many beaches to choose from in the area. One of my favorite places in Limenaria is Agro – a small market with products handmade by local artists and natural cosmetics.

One more thing, you can walk the distance between Limenaria and Potos on a trail above the sea. It will take you around 45 minutes, and it’s an easy hike – just remember to wear a hat and bring water.

Maries Waterfall

Maries is one of the secrets of Thassos island. It is a beautiful village with a large square full of restaurants. From Maries, you can hike for about 3km (40-45 minutes) to a mountain lake and a small waterfall. The road is accessible by car, but I recommend taking this easy walk through the forest.

If you want more, the road continues to the highest point on Thassos, mount Ipsarion at 1204m altitude.

Marble Beach

I have yet to see Marble Beach. The seabed in this area is covered by small white marble pebbles, giving the water of the bay a rare color. Unfortunately, Marble Beach (the real name is Saliara Beach) is accessible only on a dirt road and is pretty crowded these days. The best way to get there is by the sea on a small boat.

Activities

That reminds me of the activities in Thassos. Most beaches offer water sports facilities and rentals. You can explore the coast on a paddleboard, kayaking, snorkeling, or rent a small boat to find less accessible beaches.

When you had enough of the sea and the beach, you can turn your attention inland and explore the traditional villages on Thassos or go hiking on the forest trails.

Renting motorbikes to explore the island is also a popular thing in Thassos.

Exploring the island to find the best restaurants is also an activity to be considered. That brings me to the next thing.

Where to eat in Thassos

One thing you must try in Thassos is the spit-roasted lamb, a specialty of the island, and the best thing to do that is in the taverns in Theologos village. Don’t forget a Greek salad and a Tzatziki sauce to go with the meat.

Cats are also very interested in the local delicacies, so there is always one around the table when the food arrives.

My favorite place to eat on Thassos island, which we discovered by accident, was in Maries. There are several restaurants in the main square and at the start of the road leading to the waterfalls. Everything we tried there was excellent.

One thing you must try here is the giant beans and bouyourdi – a slice of Feta cheese cooked in a clay pot with peppers and fresh tomatoes.

Of course, there are lots of restaurants by the sea. I recommend staying away from the large restaurants in popular tourist spots and trying some family restaurants. We found this great seafood restaurant just off the main road and by the sea. Make sure to order taramasalata (fish roe salad) and also some fresh fish or squid.

Where to stay in Thassos Island, Greece

There are many possibilities all around the island for any budget and necessities.

We stayed in Hotel Akti in Pefkari, which has a very convenient private beach. It is also very close to Potos.

Another budget-friendly option is Inspira Boutique Hotel if you want to stay in an adults-only place.

If you want a bit of luxury, choose Meli Suites Thassos close to Golden Beach.

Disclosure

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This was my guide for a summer holiday on Thassos island in Greece? Have you been to Thassos? What other Greek islands did you visit?