Thasos

Thasos, sometimes spelled Thassos (Greek: Θάσος), is a Greek Island tourist destination in the North Aegean Islands group, close to Kavala. Thassos is a green island with many picturesque bays and great sandy beaches, high forested mountains and interesting archaeological sites. It also offers plenty of beach nightlife.

Understand

Approaching Thasos by ferry boat from Keramoti

Thasos town,Old Port

The landscape is similar to that of Chalkidiki. The lively and fully developed south and east sides attract a younger crowd, while older visitors often prefer the much quieter west side between Limenas and Limenaria.

Overtourism: Balkan tourism on Thasos has increased significantly in the early 2020s, so the island is very crowded in July and August and suffers from overtourism. During these months, there are often power cuts, overloaded internet capacities and interruptions to the drinking water supply lasting several days. If time permits, travelling during this time is not recommended.

History

Earliest settlements are known from the Neolithic era. About 1500 BC, Thasos was taken by the Phoenicians, and by their knowledge in metallurgy, they were the first to exploit the mineral resources of the island. The island was then taken over by the Thracians until the Greek Ionian tribe displaced the Thracians in the 7th century BC. Gold and silver mining and trade flourished during this time and brought prosperity to the island. In 492 BC, the Persians conquered the island, which led to an economic decline. In 464 - 404 BC, Thasos was occupied by Athens and served as a colony of wood and metal supplies. 340 BC Philip II, king of the Macedonians, took over Thasos. In the period from 281 - 202 BC, Thasos was independent, until it was connected to the Roman Empire in 196 BC. After the division of the Roman Empire, it belonged to the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) from 330 AD. In 1455 AD, Thasos passed over to the Turks and was freed by Greek troops by 1912 in the Balkan War. In the Second World War, Thasos and larger parts of northern Greece were handed over by the Wehrmacht to Bulgaria, who had to leave these areas with war dead.

Get in

• Since Thasos does not have its own airport, the connection runs through the airport Kavala (near Chrysoupolis). From there it is 12 km to the ferry at the village Keramoti (ferry time Keramoti-Limenas, 45 min). By taxi the way from the airport to the ferry costs about €20, to Kavala the cost is €40. The bus connection is bad.
• From Thessaloniki Airport, there is a bus to the KTEL Macedonia bus station (1 hour), which is the bus station for intercity buses. From there, buses go to Kavala (2½ hours) every hour. From Kavala you either take a ferry to Thasos or a bus from the bus station to Keramoti (1 hour) and from there by ferry to Thasos. Alternatively, go by rental car from Thessaloniki Airport to Kavala/Keramoti (2½-3 hr). Some car hire companies from Thasos also have rental cars at the airport. Many cars rented on the mainland are not allowed to go onto the islands.

• Ferries: There are 2 ferries for vehicles and passengers to Thasos:

1) Kavala-Scala Prinos (1½ hours

2) Keramoti-Thasos Town (Limenas) (45 minutes).

The timetables vary depending on the season. Since the island is close to the mainland, the ferry costs are comparatively low, so that many weekenders and camper vans visit the island. In high season there are sometimes kilometre-long traffic jams at the ferry in Keramoti on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, and in Thassos town from Sunday afternoons for those returning. There are far fewer traffic jams to and from Kavala. Do not take the last ferry. There is a risk that you won't make it if the ferry is very busy.

Get around

The island has one main road which circles the perimeter. There is a bus service during summer. Taxis (costs about €1.5/km) are common and can be called from most restaurants, bars and supermarkets (taxis after midnight need to be booked in advance). Car and bike hire is possible from many of the larger towns and villages. To really see the interesting parts of the island, especially the mountain villages, a car or motorbike is needed. Normal cars are not allowed on dirt roads but some of the nice beaches an attractions can be reached on dirt roads only. Hire a 4WD at least for the days you want to go off-road.

See

Must see for short time visitors:

• Thasos town
• Panagia
• Aliki
• Giola
• Theologos and its waterfall
• Kastro
• Megalo Kasaviti

Most tourists rent a car at least for one day to explore the island. As there is only one ring road the villages are described starting from Thasos town clockwise. From the main ring road the mountain villages can be reached via side roads or dead-end roads. If you visit the main attractions only a tour takes from 4-6 hr.

• 1 Thasos (Θάσος, also known as Limenas, Λιμένας). The largest village on the island with the harbor for ferry boats to Keramoti and is deep enough for sailing boats and offering power connection too. Visit the old fishing harbour with the customs building and a beach with beach bars. Continue the walk to reach the viewpoint called “Karnagio” with an old chapel and a nice restaurant to sit. Nearby the old harbour are the ruins of the ancient city and the Archeology and Ethnology Museum. From the old port take a walk to the Amphitheater and ahead to the Acropolis and a castle ruin. The ascent is a bit difficult, but well worthwhile because of the fantastic views. In the center of Limenas are commercial streets with souvenir shops, restaurants, fast food, police, banks, travel agencies and some nightlife. The beachfront Agios Vassillios Chapel, about 200 m west of the ferry port, is also worth a visit. Behind the chapel is an archaeological excavation area with remains of cemetery, tower, temple, chapel. (updated Sep 2019)

Scala Potamia & Golden Beach

Monastery Archangelos

Water Falls in Maries

Kastro

Scala Sotiros

Giola pool

• 2 Panagia (Παναγία). A romantic small mountain village with old, traditional houses, restaurants and a few souvenir shops on a beautiful wooded hill. The "Dragon's Lair" is a cave near the village and is also worth a visit because of the scenic environment. (updated Sep 2019)
• 3 Scala Panagia (Σκάλα Παναγία). It consists solely of a cluster of hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and more lining the exquisite "Golden Beach," renowned as Thasos' premier coastal destination. No central hub exists here; instead, visitors can find everything they desire. Towards the northern tip of the beach lies a charming, picturesque fishing harbor, which serves as the departure point for various excursion boats. However, the harbor isn't ideal for sailboats, particularly in windy conditions, as the anchors can be problematic due to the presence of seagrass. During the summer season, the beach becomes extremely crowded. (updated Sep 2019)
• 4 Potamia (Ποταμιά). An old mountain village high on a wooded hill and is less touristy than Panagia. It is certainly worth a walk through the village. Because of the altitude location, it is getting a little cooler here in summer than at Scala Potamia. (updated Sep 2019)
• 5 Scala Potamia (Σκάλα Ποταμιάς) (next to Scala Panagia at the Golden Beach). Like Skala Panagia, this is a pure tourist spot on the "Golden Beach" bay with beautifully located restaurants and hotels. The small harbor is only partially suitable as anchorage for sailboats, since at night is very wavy. (updated Sep 2019)
• 6 Kinira (Κοίνυρα). A small, purely tourist place without a real center. It consists of a cluster of hotels, restaurants, etc. (updated Sep 2019)
• 7 Aliki (Αλυκή). A "must-see location" with a very romantic beach and the remains of an ancient temple. Aliki is not a village. It consists of only a few restaurants but it is one of the main tourist attractions of Thasos. It's the landscape that makes it so unique. In summer it is overcrowded and it may be hard to find a parking space. Aliki is also a peninsula of archaeological interest where an ancient quarry of marble is situated that was used from the ancient to early Byzantine years and was one of the main Greek areas regarding the mining and exportation of marble. Owing to the dismantling and sale of the coveted white marble a relatively large and prosperous settlement and a port suitable for transport was built. Alikes was evacuated abruptly due to the strike of a heavy earthquake in the 5th century AD. This is the reason why today the marble rocks are discernible under the surface of the sea. The residents of Aliki migrated to other areas of the island because their economic basis (the quarry) had disappeared. However, some people continued to live in the settlement on fishing business and merchandising until its total destruction by pirates in 1651. 5 km from Aliki there is the 1 Monastery "Archangelos", a very interesting complex on the mountainside. It's a convent with old icons and full of flower pots and it is a good viewpoint over the sea and the south shore of Thasos. A few kilometers after the monastery is another famous spot in Thassos, called 8 "Giola". It is a natural pool overlooking the sea. The descent to Giola is signposted. The trip goes on dirt roads to a parking lot and from there walk down the mountain. The walk is very strenuous, especially in the summer. During high tide, the pool is clean and inviting, but after days without high tides, no fresh water from the sea enters the pool, and the water gets dark and dirty. (updated Sep 2019)
• 9 Astrida (Αστρίδα). An abandoned village that had been rebuilt partially for tourist use. It is well worth seeing. (updated Sep 2019)
• 10 Potos (Ποτός). One of the touristic centres of Thassos, especially popular in younger people. Its a strong tourist embossed larger village with everything needed for such a place, like good shopping, many restaurants and bars, beaches full with music and beach parties and appropriate nightlife. It's certainly worth a visit. (updated Sep 2019)
• 11 Theologos (Θεολόγος). A quiet and beautiful "must-see" mountain village where the houses are mostly built of stone and covered with stone slabs. Also the museum is worth seeing. Going through the village, you will reach the restaurant "Neromillos" (Water mill) after about 500 m after the cemetery. The water mill is a wonderful place to stay, eat and drink. Another attraction is the old stone bridge. Behind the Agios Dimitrios church is a footpath to the photogenic bridge about 200 m away. In the valley between today's Theologos and the ruins of the settlement on the other side there are some beautiful little 12 waterfalls and pools (called Kefalogourna), in which you can refresh yourself. The path to the waterfalls begins shortly before the end of the village and is now signposted and expanded. There are several waterfalls and pools cascading one behind the other. You have to approach it from the side of the embankment as there is no way. Only the top, largest waterfall has a path and after the community created the path it belongs to the "must see" on Thasos. The scenic circular route paved with bumpy stones between the Greek and the former Ottoman district (today only ruins) of Theologos leads from the church of Agios Dimitrios down into the valley, over the old stone bridge to the chapel of Archangel Michael and further uphill between the ruins of the former houses, a fortification and the ruins of a tower back to the church of Agia Paraskevi. The peace and quiet and the beautiful view of Theologos is worth it. (updated Oct 2020)
• 13 Limenaria (Λιμενάρια). The second largest village on the island and has a lot of tourism. The long sandy promenade is lined with restaurants, gift shops, cafes, pubs, etc. But even in high season the beach is not overcrowded. There are supermarkets, banks, doctors, police station in the center. The new build Marina is deep enough for sailing boats. From Limenaria leads a new paved road to Kastro fillage. 3 km from Limenaria direction Scala Maries is the well-known beach Tripiti. Its famous for its rock with a hollow. (updated Sep 2019)
• 14 Kastro (Κάστρο). In the mountainous center of the island, it used to be a dilapidated village. It has been partly rebuilt, but it's more the landscape that makes it worth going there. The environment is more impressive than the place itself. From Limenaria a winding but well-maintained road leads to the village. Two small restaurants invite the diner to linger in clean mountain air. If you want to visit the church, you get the key in the restaurant next door. At the end of the village is the former castle, from which only part of the fortification walls are preserved. On the castle grounds today stands a chapel and an ossuary. A small waterfall is located near the village and can be reached on foot or 4WD from Kastro. To get to the waterfall take the dirt track on the east side of Kastro, which is a 3-4 km journey and goes through a beautiful and pristine forest. It's most impressive to see during the spring as it tends to dry up during the summer. Alternatively you can reach the waterfall from Theologos by vehicle. (updated Sep 2019)
• 15 Maries (Μαρίες). A very original old mountain village. Interesting is also the location a few miles outside the village with a small lake and a little waterfall. During July/August when there is no rain, that waterfall is just a runlet. If you continue on the dirt road from there, after 13 km you will reach the Ipsario, the highest mountain in Thasos. The road there is not paved and therefore may not be used with normal rental car, only with 4WD. Between Scala Maries and Maries lies the 1 Convent Monastery of the Assumption (Ιερά Μονή Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου Μαριών), which is worth a visit, as well as the photogenic 2 Convent ruin Stavronikita located above the monastery. An approximately 400-m-long path leads from the parking lot of the monastery up to the ruins. (updated Sep 2019)
• 16 Scala Maries (Σκάλα Μαριών). A nice touristy village with a picturesque small fishing harbour. (updated Oct 2015)
• 17 Kalirachi (Καλλιράχη). One of the larger mountain villages with narrow streets and is not very touristy. Worth seeing is the 2 Chapel Metamorfosi above the place. A 5-km-long dirt road (4WD only) leads to just below the summit. From there you walk about 300 m steeply uphill to the chapel. The view is breathtaking from there. Approximately 300 m before the village turn left into the side street and then turn left again at the parking lot in the village. After about 5 km dirt road you reach the parking lot of the chapel. (updated Sep 2019)
• 18 Scala Kalirachi (Σκάλα Καλλιράχης). A street village with a beautiful small harbor that invites you to linger. The harbour is deep enough for sailing boats and offers also power connection for boats. Otherwise very quiet. (updated Sep 2019)
• 19 Sotiros (Σωτήρας). A small mountain village with magnificent view and is well worth seeing. (updated Sep 2019)
• 20 Scala Sotiros (Σκάλα Σωτήρος). An elongated street village with a remarkable small fishing port. (updated Sep 2019)
• 21 Prinos (Πρίνος). A larger village with shops, supermarkets, bakeries, restaurant, pubs but less touristy. A popular attraction of Prinos is the outdoor market (bazaar). It takes place in the town's open square every Monday morning. Visitors can obtain fresh fruits, vegetables, clothing, footwear, household items and at the same time enjoy a unique lively atmosphere. (updated Sep 2019)
• 22 Scala Prinos. Pier of the ferry to Kavala. Beautiful sandy beaches, restaurants, hotels, a campsite, otherwise rather quiet. (updated Aug 2023)

Kazaviti

• 23 Mikros Prinos (Μικρός Πρίνος, also known as Micros Kasavitis). A formerly dilapidated mountain village that has been rebuilt in a touristy way. From here, there is a tortuous road leading to the 3 Monastery "Panteleimonos ' at high altitude in the mountains. The ride and the spectacular views are more worthwhile than the visit of the monastery. (updated Sep 2019)
• 24 Megalos Prinos (Μεγάλος Πρίνος, also known as Megalos Kasavitis). A "must-see" mountain village with old, mostly renovated houses and a very beautiful central square under plane trees with restaurants. It is delightfully cool even on the hottest summer days. Above the village lies the Chapel 4 Agios Joannis, in a beautiful environment that can be reached via a 4 km-long dirt road. (updated Sep 2019)
• 25 Rachoni (Ραχώνι). Not a tourist village. An interesting sight is a church directly before the village. It is a nice cool place on hot summer days under large trees and with waterways. A tavern is also there. Above the village is the island's only dog sanctuary. Approximately 3-km dirt road above the village is the small worth seeing chapel 5 St. Johann (Agios Joannis) in an impressive mountain landscape. The way is signposted. You can drive with 4WD, but also make a worthwhile walk up. (updated Sep 2019)
• 26 Scala Ragoni (Σκάλα Ραχωνίου). A small quiet harbour village with few tourists. Some kilometres north are several nice and crowded beaches and bays. (updated Sep 2019)
• 27 Ag. Georgios (Άγιος Γεώργιος). A small old village with almost no tourism but with quite a number of foreigners that build houses there. On the right side of the road to Georgios and Rachoni lie the ruins of an old watermill. It is located between the two villages and is not easy to find in the bushes but well worth seeing. The chapel 6 Agios Georgios above the village is worth a visit. (updated Sep 2019)

Do

• 4WD off-road tours. Renting a 4WD off-road vehicle, you can reach some very interesting places that are prohibited for normal rental cars. Described are the sights in the respective places. Beaches: Saliara, Marbel, Vathi, Salonikos. Rachoni: Chapel; Megalos Prinos: Chapel; Kalirachi: Chapel; Maries: Waterfall, Mount Ipsaron; Theologos: Restaurant Neromilos; Aliki: Tower of Thimonia. If you only want to be on the road for one day, you should head for Maries and Kalirachi. 

• Hiking. Thasos is suitable not only for swimming but also offers many scenic walking tracks. Especially in the fall and in the spring when it is not so hot, many tourists use this alternative to beach life. There are local shops to buy hiking equipment and maps. For those who don't like to walk on their own in the mountains there are also organized tours. Information can be found in the Internet under "walk on Thasos".
  Popular trails are:
  * From Limenas to Makriamos and further to the Golden Beach (4 hr, 13 km, mostly flat)
  * From Potos to Theologos (3 hr, 10 km, slightly ascending)
  * From Theologos to Kastro (2 hr, 6 km, steep climb)
  * From Maries to the lake and waterfall (1 hr, 3 km, mostly flat)
  * From Ag. Georgios for abandoned old village of Ag. Georgios (1½-2 hr, a steep ascent) (updated Feb 2018)
• Water sports. There are boats, jet skis, banana boats and water parachutes available at many organized beaches. (updated Feb 2018)
• Cave climbing, jensfrahm64@gmail.com. There are many ancient tunnels and mines. Thasos was famous for gold, iron, manganese mining in older times. The tunnels are just abandoned and should only be entered with extreme caution. There is some special literature about the mines also describing their exact locations. Guided tours only after registration. Prerequisite are physical fitness and experience in cave climbing. (updated Feb 2018)
• Boat tours. Tours to the most beautiful beaches or once around the island start from the old port in Thasos/Limenas (10:00-18:30, €30 with stops for swimming and barbeque) or from Limenaria and Potos port. Motor yacht tours from Potos or Limenaria to Samothraki and Mount Athos (updated Feb 2018)
• Speed boat. Hire in Scala Potamia. (updated Feb 2018)
• Horse riding. You can enjoy a horse ride with the horse clubs of Thassos in Theologos or Sc. Prinos. (updated Feb 2018)
• Mountain biking. Cycling has increased in popularity and there are rental stations in Potos and the other larger places. (updated Feb 2018)
• Jeep Safaris. Starting from Sc. Prinos, Limenaria, Potos. Adventurous tours on 4x4 cars into the mountains on dirt roads. (updated Feb 2018)
• Enduro-touring. There are many dirt roads in the mountains of Thasos that are perfect for this sport. Organized tours are also available. (updated Feb 2018)
• Sailing tours. Tours around the island are offered start from Limenas, for example. If you arrive by your own boat you find good ports in Scala Sotiros, Scala Kalirachi, Limenas, Limenaria and some nice bays to anchor, e.g. in Aliki. (updated Feb 2018)
• Diving. Aqualung diving is offered by 2 large diving schools in Potos and Pefkari. (updated Feb 2018)
• Fishing tours. Boat trips for fishing, 2 times daily from Potos port, €35/person. (updated Feb 2018)
• Parachute – Parapende. With a tandem parachute in 15 minutes from the mountain Ipsarion (1200 m) to Paradise Beach 

Ancient sites tour

It is recommended to visit the ancient sites of the island in 2 tours in Thasos town and 1 in Aliki and Thimonia. The first leads up to the Acropolis of Thasos town and is also recommended for people who are less interested in ruin sites, because of the beautiful landscape and the wonderful vantage points. The second tour stays within the village and is less spectacular.

1) Thasos Town

Tour 1: It starts in the immediate vicinity of the old 1 war harbor at the 2 Agora, the economic center of the ancient city, a kind of marketplace with shops, religious and cultural sites. Even if only the foundation walls and a few pillars are present, the agora is the most interesting ancient area in the center. Directly following the agora are the 3 passages, a stone walled access from the residential quarters to the agora, the 4 Odeion, a small 2nd-century theater. and the 5 Arthemis Shrine from early Hellenistic times. From the agora you go northeast passing the 6 District of Dionisos, the 7 Sanctuary of the Poseidon and Wagon Gate, the 8 eastern residential area and Chariten Tor slowly uphill under shady trees towards the headland. There stands the very photogenic 9 St. Nicholas Chapel on the foundations of a 5th-century basilica. The view from there of the landscape and the sea is breathtaking. Below the chapel you can see the beach bar Karnagio. From here, the trail now leads steeper and much more strenuous uphill to the 10 Theater from the 3rd century with beautiful views of Thasos. Performances take place here during the summer months. Further above is the 11 Akropolis. In 1204, the Venetians built a castle in the eastern part of the Acropolis out of the ruins of the temples there, whose ruins are hidden between trees and barely visible from the village. If one follows the path one reaches the 12 Sanctuary of Athena. Only the foundations of the 5th century BC are left of the temple. Nevertheless, the path is worth it, as the view of Thasos and the surrounding mountains makes up for the effort. A narrow pawn leads east to 13 cave sanctuary of the Pan from the 4th century BC. Again, it is more the view that is worthwhile. From here you go back to the city.

Tour 2: It can be done well in less than 1 hour as you stay within the flat area of Thasos town and is really worthwhile only for people really interested in ancient ruins. It's best to start from the 14 Early Christian Basilica. If you follow the road away from the coast you will reach the 15 Hercules (Heracles) Sanctuary. Here too, only the foundations of temples and buildings from the 5th or 6th century BC are preserved. Now follow the signs along the Pier de Vambez road to the 16 Gate of Zeus and Hera past the remains of an Arch of Honor for Emperor Caracalla. The Gate of Zeus is the most elaborate and best preserved gate of the city, but also almost exclusively preserved as foundations. From there one arrives at the interesting remainders of the south wall to the 17 Silent Tor that is quite well preserved. From here it goes back towards the harbour.

2) Aliki

Tour: 3 starts in Aliki. The entrance to the archeologic site is free and you can explore the place walking on market trails. The archeological site of Aliki includes the ancient 18 marble quarry, the remains of an ancient settlement, a double sanctuary and two paleochristian basilicas. The 19 ancient settlement of which only the ground walls remained is on the opposite site of the taverns. An interesting inscribed sarcophagus is worth to see. Following the path uphill for about 50 m you reach out at the 20 ancient sanctuary. The remains of the sanctuary consist of two constructions with both ionic and doric architectural elements build during the 6th-5th centuries BC. dedicated to god Apollo as protectors of ships and sailors. At the stairs that are at the facade of the sanctuary, there are inscribed names of many sailors that had arrived at the island in order to ship marble. The sanctuary was abandoned during the early Byzantine era, with Christianity becoming the dominant religion. The two churches were built in the 5th century AD and destroyed by an earthquake. Going from Aliki about 1 km towards Limenaria the 21 Ancient Tower of Thimonia is signposted. A field road leads up to the tower that needs good ground clearance if you drive up or walk for 10 min. The ruined Hellenistic tower was probably part of an ancient settlement but no excavations have taken place an the knowledge about this place is very limited. The nice view from the tower is more worth than the ruins itself.

Mining site tours

The mining on Thasos can look back on a highly developed metallurgy that began about three and a half thousand years ago and thus plays a significant role in the Aegean region. Probably in the late Bronze Age, beginning at the latest in the early Iron Age, took place an intensive and until the Byzantine period ongoing ore smelting. The ores mined in tunnels and open-pit mining contributed to the wealth of the island in ancient times and are an important part of the history of the island. Unfortunately, the wealth also aroused greed and so in the history of the island mostly foreign powers exploited the ores. Some former open pit areas are easily accessible and today interesting and photogenic "lost places". Also galleries are accessible, but only with a local guide to recommend and experience walking in caves and only with appropriate equipment.

• Metalia Beach. The beach at Limenaria with its metal industry ruins is one of the must see attractions in Thasos. The German industrialist Friedrich Speidel succeeded in 1903 in lengthy negotiations by the Turkish Sultanate to obtain a license to exploit the zinc-lead-silver-ore deposits on Thasos. The ores (400-500 tons per day) were mined mainly in open pit about 2 km NE from Metalia beach (Vouves), transported by a mine railway and in the four round shaft kilns (which you can still see today), processed and then shipped. In the ruins of the halls on the beach were ore mills, wet processing, electrical center and rolling mills. The installations were occupied by French troops at the beginning of the First World War and plundered as enemy German assets, destroying the buildings. The management building (Palataki) and various outbuildings were preserved and served as a war hospital for English officers. In the 1960s Metalia was then used as a loading point for iron-manganese ores for the company Krupp. With the help of an EC funding program (€600,000), a mining park and museum was to be built on the site from 2000 onwards. Owing to the usual corruption and nepotism in Greece, the money unfortunately collapsed and so everything is left to decay. (updated Aug 2019)
• 28 Vouves. The lead-silver ore opencast mining 2 km northeast of Limenaria with tunnels was in operation since ancient times. Old tunnels can still be seen today in the large open pit mine from 1903 to 1914. About 350 m before the entrance to Metalia Beach (coming from Limenaria) leads a dirt road to the open pit 2 km away. The large bright studs with standing height are very interesting photo opportunities for 'lost place' photographers. (updated Aug 2019)
• 29 Iron ore open pit Mavrolako. From Limenaria the road branches off behind Kalivia to Maries and Kastro. From this junction, drive 3.5 km towards Kastro and then turn left into a wide dirt road. After about 300 m you reach the first construction ruins of the former opencast mine. The landscape there has the typical rust of iron ore and forms a photogenic contrast with the green of the vegetation. The mining was discontinued in the early 1960s. (updated Sep 2019)

Beaches

Marble Bay

Golden Beach

Aliki Bay

Psili Amos Beach

Pachis Beach

The east and south sides of the island have many picturesque bays and popular sandy beaches, while the west side has more elongated, lonely, rocky beaches, but also beautiful sandy ones. For people who are looking for nudist beaches, Thasos is a good destination too. In the following, only the best known beaches are listed. There are still many bays and beaches to discover.

On a tour around the island with starting point Thasos town you will pass by the following beaches in clockwise order:

1 Thassos town. Narrow sandy beach near the Old Port with beach bars, beach chairs, umbrellas, etc., mean water quality (updated Jan 2018)

2 Makriamos. Beautiful wide open bay with a sandy beach and a large hotel complex, often crowded. (updated Feb 2018)

3 Saliara-, Marbel-, Vathi-beach. 1 km before Makriamos turn right and follow the path for 4 km to Saliara Bay (a very romantic bay, sandy with crystal clear water and overcrowded in the high season, insufficient parking). It's a must-see location and probably the nicest beach of the island! After 600 m you reach the Marble Bay. Its a white marble sand bay which was used for the shipment of marble, with crystal clear waters and a unique but loud beach bar. Its also a must-see location. In the high season often overcrowded. After 2 km you will come to Vathi Bay. It is also a romantic bay but with a luxury hotel that have their sunbeds along the crystal clear water front. From there a dirt roads leads to Golden Beach. Rental cars may not drive the dirt road there (only 4WD). You can also reach the beaches by water taxi from Thasos town. (updated Jan 2021)

4 Golden Beach (Scala Panagia, Potamia Scala). It used to be a romantic empty beach, but is now one of the most visited beaches of Thassos. Its a long, wide sandy beach hemmed with hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and a camping site. Crowded in high season. Good water quality. Don't miss the little fishing harbour at the northern end of the beach. From there you have a wonderful view over the beach and the mountains in the background. (updated Feb 2018)

5 Kinira. Elongated rocky beach, only partially sand beach. (updated Feb 2018)

6 Paradise Beach. Exit the main road approximately 2 kilometers away from Kinira's city center, following the signs. You'll find a highly frequented, spacious sandy beach with two beach bars. To the left of the beach, on the rocky area, there is a designated nudist section, which, during the high season, serves as the exclusive spot for nudists. (updated Feb 2018)

7 Agios Joannis Bay. About 3 km from Aliki, beautiful sandy beach with a few olive trees in front of a hotel complex. (updated Feb 2018)

8 Aliki Beach. One of the most picturesque places in Thassos, very busy in high season, a must-see location with archaeological sites. At the southeast end of the peninsula there is a natural stone pool right by the sea, where you can bathe romantically. (updated Feb 2018)

9 Timonija Beach. Bay with a sandy beach surrounded by hotels and B&Bs. (updated Feb 2018)

10 Livadi Bay (underneath Archangelos monastery). Long sandy beach with beach bar. However, there are underwater flat, slippery stones, some with sea urchins. Popular for nudists (off-season) just like the Arsanas Beach, separated by a few rocks from Livadi Beach. (updated Feb 2018)

11 Salonikos Beach. Hard to reach, yet very popular, scenic bay with sandy beach and beach bar. Under water partly pebbles and rocks. A small restaurant invites you to dine in a romantic setting. The bay is also suitable as anchor bay for sailboat. 200 m further south is a small uncultivated beach and at the end of the peninsula still 2 bays with stone beach. All only accessible by dirt road. (updated Feb 2018)

12 Astris Beach. Sandy beach near the road. Opposite are several hotels (updated Feb 2018)

13 Psili Amos Beach. 1 km after Astris beach, beautiful sandy beach, a little crowded. (updated Feb 2018)

14 Potos Beach & Pefkari. Potos is one of the tourist centers of the island Thassos with long sandy beaches but a bit crowded. Since it is very popular with young people, there are many beach bars with music. (updated Feb 2018)

15 Metalia Beach. 1 km before Limenaria. Beautiful sandy beach with beach bar and factory ruins from the time when mining was still going on. A "must-see" attraction. Also there is a nice rock cave. (updated Feb 2018)

16 Limenaria. The second largest village in Thassos and a center of tourism. Very long beautiful sandy beaches that are not crowded even in high season, although many hotels lining along the beach line. (updated Feb 2018)

17 Trypiti. Picturesque sandy beach, usually crowded, but a "must see" due to a nice rock cave. (updated Feb 2018)

18 Fari Beach. The beach is recommend it for people who prefer a quiet place to swim. This is not an organized beach and good for snorkelling. From a small parking lot you reach the beach in 5 min on foot. 

19 Scala Maries. There are several beautiful sandy beaches on both sides of the village, which usually are not crowded. (updated Feb 2018)

20 between Scala Maries and Prinos. Along the road there are many smaller, often deserted beaches. Even in high season here you can find a quiet places to relax. Popular with nudists. Most visited are the beaches of Scala Kalirachi and Scala Sotiros. (updated Feb 2018)

21 Scala Prinos. Several beautiful long sandy beaches with beach bars, not too crowded. Nudism possible off season. (updated Feb 2018)

22 between Scala Prinos and Limenas. Along the road are many smaller beaches, usually with beach bars. Most visited are the beaches around Scala Rachoni (Pahis beach, Glyfada Beach). (updated Feb 2018)

Buy

Thasos is known for its tasty dark Pine honey (ca €8/kg), fruits and vegetables in glycose syrup (extremely sweet) and good Zipouro, a pomace brandy at about €8/L.

Eat

Thasos Town

Rastaurant Pefkospilia

Restaurant Kostas, Kastro

Restaurants in Potos

Limenaria Promenade with restaurants

There are a lot of restaurants and fast food places around the island. Since the quality varies from season to season, it is impossible to provide reliable recommendations. It is better to ask advice from other tourists there. Places you should go to because of their nice environment are Theologos, Kastro and Megalo Prinos.

• 1 Pefkospilia Taverna. Very well-known beach restaurant under pines. (updated Apr 2018)
• 2 Glifoneri. Beach restaurant in a wonderful location in a bay. (updated Apr 2018)
• 3 Taverna Drossia. Under tall trees with stream course next to the church. (updated Apr 2018)
• 4 Taverna Vasilis. In Megalo Kasaviti (Megalo Prinos) in a traditional restored house with wonderful views of the valley of Prinos. (updated Aug 2019)
• 5 Kazaviti Restaurant. Under old plane trees in the village square of Megalo Kasaviti (Megalo Prinos) in the mountains. (updated Apr 2018)
• 6 Taverna Platana. Simple restaurant high in the mountain village of Sotiros with great views of the valley. (updated Apr 2018)
• 7 Kostas Tavern. On the small village square at the church in the mountain village Kastro is a very simple restaurant with nostalgic atmosphere. (updated Apr 2018)
• 8 Neromilos (Water mill). Simple but very nice and romantic restaurant under big plane trees, a former watermill, with a nostalgic atmosphere at the outskirts of Theologos. From the grave yard follow the dirt road for 600 m. (updated Aug 2019)
• 9 Namaste. Good restaurant at the ferry terminal in Thasos city. (updated Apr 2018)
• 10 Kekes Beach Skidia Tavern. Nice restaurant under trees with great views. (updated Sep 2018)
• 11 Scala Maries Beach Taverns. Several restaurants in the small picturesque bay of Sc.Maries are worth a visit. (updated Sep 2018)
• 12 Faros Tavern. Restaurant at Kinira with a particularly beautiful view. (updated Sep 2018)
• 13 Agorastos. with very nice sea view at Kinira. (updated Aug 2019)

Drink

Centres for night life are Limenas, Limenaria and especially Potos where younger people like to meet. Most of the bars and beach bars organize themed nights, beach parties, etc., which are announced on posters in the hotels or in the places. Very popular "Greek Nights" are offered by some big hotels and some restaurants and pubs (check postings).

Sleep

• Thasos has few bigger hotel complexes but a large number of small hotels, guest houses and private rooms, which are listed in the well known internet hotel search sites and evaluated. The more lively and crowded east side and Potos attract more younger tourists, while older guests often prefer the quieter west side from Limenaria onwards.
• There are several camping sites: in Scala Prinos, between Prinos and Scala Sotiros (Camping Daedalos), AstroCamping in the mountains, Camping Pefkari, Camping at Golden Beach in Scala Panagia.
• There are also a lot of visitors over Christmas and New Year. As the island is very quiet in winter and most restaurants and shops are closed, it is advisable to stay in accommodation in the larger towns such as Thasos Town, Limenaria, Prinos or Theologos.

The most famous large hotel complexes are:

Alexandra Golden Boutique Hotel. Adult only (updated Feb 2018)

Royal Paradise Beach Resort. (updated Feb 2018)

Thassos Grand Resort. (updated Feb 2018)

Ilio Mare. (updated Feb 2018)

Makryammos Bungalows. (updated Feb 2018)

ALEA Hotel & Suites. (updated Feb 2018)

Blue Dream Palace, Tripiti Limenaria, ☏ +30 2593 053520. Features a restaurant with breakfast and dinner buffet, bar, parasols and volleyball on the fronting beach, pool, rooms with views, even a pillow menu. (updated Feb 2018)

• Enavlion Hotel Batagianni, Golden Beach, ☏ +30 25930 58222, fax: +30 25930 58223. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 
• Kallisti Hotel, St. Anthony, Potos, ☏ +30 25930 53316, fax: +30 25930 53317, info@kallistihotel.gr. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A 4-star hotel. From €60. 
• Miramare Hotel, Scala Potamia, ☏ +30 25930 61040, fax: +30 25930 61043, info@miramare.gr. 
• Sunny Hotel Thassos, Chrissi Ammoudia, ☏ +30 25930 58184, fax: +30 25930 58185, info@sunnyhotel-thassos.com. From €55. 

Connect

Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-fi.

Stay safe

• There is no danger for tourists, so you can move freely anywhere. Only take care of pickpocketing.
• Medical Care: There is no hospital in Thasos, but a "Health Center" in Prinos from the patient will be relocated to the Kavala Hospital for more serious illnesses. Medical practices (including dentist, orthopedist, cardiologist and general practitioner) can be found in Limenas and Limenaria.
• The drinking water quality is controlled, but differs from village to village. It is usually safer to use bottled water for drinking.
• Snakes: there is a poisonous snake that lives mainly in the mountains, often on stony terrain or in holes in walls, between rocks etc. (horned viper) It is very poisonous! Therefore, you should pay attention to good footwear and clothing, if you want to go off the beaten track and generally be careful with walls in abandoned houses and land.

Go next

An advantage of Thasos is the close distance to the main land what makes day trips easy.

• Kavala: often visited by ferry boat from Scala Prinos at Saturday morning as a day trip when Kavala's big and colorfull market (bazar) at the promenade is open (07:30-13:00, best visit time before 11:00, as it gets very busy later). The famous archaeological site of Philippi can be reached by bus from Kavala bus terminal Ktel, close to the bazaar. The best way to do this day trip is by taking the first ferry from Scala Prinos to Kavala and back on the afternoon ferry or back by bus to Keramoti and from there on one of the many later ferries. At the Aquadukt in Kavala you can also rent scooters and thus easily reach the sights outside the city center.
• Nestos-Delta and Nestos-Gorge: natural reserve areas of stunning beauty reachable by bus from Keramoti or but better by car as a day trip,
• Pangaion Hills: the Pangaio is with almost 2000 m the highest mountain in the Kavala area, with picturesque mountain villages, a multitude of monasteries and impressive vegetation. As a day trip from Thasos a car is necessary to reach the points of interest in a reasonable time.
• Drama. Provincial town but a good place to start an excursion to the Rhodope Mountains, wild, almost deserted natural landscape on the Bulgarian border.
• Xanthi: famous for its Old Town with many pubs and restaurants and night life
• Samothrace-Island: using public transport you go by bus from Kavala Ktel to Alexandroupolis where the ferry to Samothrace starts