"Greece's emerald isle"
according to the National Tourist Organization, (but
they say that about all the islands). Thassos is
blessed with excellent beaches and a road that circles
the completely round island that makes them all
accessible. The mythological island of the Sirens,
Thassos has been inhabited since the Stone age and
later colonized by Parians who were sent there by the
oracle at Delphi.
The island's capital,
Limenas or Thassos, occupies the site of the ancient
city. One can still see the walls, which completely
surrounded it, the acropolis, the Agora, theatre,
temple of Pythian Apollo, and many other ruins.
It is the main port and the transportation hub of the
island. Most of the activity is around the old port
where there are at least 8 restaurants, most of them
of the touristic variety, meaning Greek food and
English menus. The I Pigi restaurant on the main
square is recommended by Lonely Planet.
The wild landscape in
its northeast sector, with its precipitous lush
ravines and startling beaches forms a vivid contrast
to the serene beauty of the calm merging of sea and
land at the shallow southwest coast.
Golden beach is
considered the best beach on the island. Other
recommended beaches are Paradise, Kinira, and
Alyki in the northeast. In the south and west of
the island Skala Marion is the least exploited
villages on the coast. Liminaria is the second
largest town in Thassos and a popular resort. The
village of Theologos in the mountains is the
former capital and the islands most attractive
mountain village.
The Eros 2
excursion boat does trips around the island
starting at 9:30 am from the old harbor, stopping
at some of the nicest beaches on the island for
swimming and a barbeque, returning at
5pm.
Because Thassos is
only 7 miles from the coast and more or less
sheltered by Mount Athos and the Halkidiki
Peninsula, you won't find the strong Meltemi winds
that sweep many of the other islands in July and
August. But before you change your travel plans
for what you think must be heaven on earth keep in
mind that the Meltemi, along with blowing away the
occasional beach umbrella and your International
Herald Tribune, also blows the mosquitoes to who
knows (or cares) where.
There are
several ferries a day from Kavala and Keramoti.
There are several private campgrounds and the
Prinos Campgrounds has facilites for 800 people.
Hotels on Thassos
Studios Anny is complex of spacious, 18 beautifully designed apartments offering
a high standard accommodation, in an attractive friendly and pleasant
environment just 70 meters from the beach of Skala Killirachis. The Hotel Smaragdi on the other hand is 500 meters above sea level and offers traditionally furnished, self-catering apartments in the settlement of
Sotiras. The Sirines Studios and Apartments are beautifully situated in Dassilio Prinou in a peaceful little forest of pine
trees, surrounded by to 2 blue flag-awarded beaches. The studios are fully-equipped for a self-catering and are surrounded by a garden of ponds with waterlillies and flowers.
For more hotels in Thassos visit Booking.com's Thassos Pages for photos, reviews, maps and booking information.
If you are coming here in July or August it is a
good idea to book a hotel in advance.
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