Thassos

Thassos (also written Thasos) is the northernmost island in Greece. It is only about 8 km from the Greek mainland. The almost round island is almost 500 square kilometers in size and has about 15,000 inhabitants. The highest mountain is the Ipsario in the east (about 1200 m). Large parts of the island of Thassos are covered with coniferous forest. The locals live mainly from tourism. Agriculture (olives, wine, goats, sheep, honey, fruit, fishing) and mining play a somewhat less important role these days. Lead, zinc and, above all, white marble are mined.

Tip: Various day tours and other activities on Thassos can be booked online at Getyourguide: More information and booking

Image: m-pictures – Fotolia.com

As there is no airport on the island of Thassos, package tourism has only been able to develop to a limited extent. The quickest way to get there is to fly to Kavala on the mainland and then continue by ferry. Beautiful beaches, a great landscape and ancient archaeological sites are the tourist highlights on Thassos. As the island is not totally overcrowded, there are many regulars. Many tourists are from Germany, but Greeks from the mainland also like to come.

How do you get to Thassos?

Kavala Airport (KVA):

Flights to Kavala → Taxi or bus to Keramoti (40 minutes) → Ferry to Limenas on Thassos (30 minutes).

Thessaloniki Airport (SKG):

Flights to Thessaloniki → Car or bus to Keramoti (2.5-3 hours) → Ferry to Limenas (Thassos).

Direct ferry:

Ferry from Keramoti or Nea Peramos (mainland) to Thassos.

Thassos Town (Limenas)

The capital in the north of the island is called Limenas. However, the place is more often simply called Thassos Town. Limenas only has 3,000 inhabitants, but seems much larger. Marble is mined behind the capital. Thassos is famous for its snow-white marble.

Thassos Town
Image: m-pictures – Fotolia.com

There are many sights in Thassos Town. Some parts of the island’s capital are over 2000 years old. Many buildings and other structures such as the city wall date from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Not far from the ancient war port (now a fishing port) is the Agora (ancient market place with many sights). Other ancient buildings include an arch of honor, the Temple of Heracles, the wall around the harbor and the city wall of Limenas. The ancient theater is so well preserved that performances are once again held there today. Around 2,000 visitors fit into the ancient theater on a hill outside the city center. You should also definitely see the very old Saint Nicholas Church in Limenas (9th century).

You should also go to the Archaeological Museum in Thassos Town. The highlight is a 3.5 meter tall figure, the Kouros with a ram. Coins, ceramic finds, statues and much more can also be seen in the most important archaeological museum in this part of Greece.

Good and inexpensive taverns can be found mainly in the alleys in the city center. We really enjoyed the “Tavernaki” in a side street. This restaurant serves typical Greek food (high quality, inexpensive).

Other places

There is a circular road around the island of Thassos. If you have a rental car, you can drive around Thassos in a day and see the most important sights and villages. However, it is better to take 2 to 3 days.

Panagia: There are two former capitals on Thaossos. The current village of Panagia was the capital of the island until about 100 years ago. It is only a few kilometers south of Limenas on the road around the island. Many old houses give the place a special charm.

Tip: Various day tours and other activities on Thassos can be booked online at Getyourguide: More information and booking

Potamia: The next place on the east coast is a seaside resort. The four-kilometer-long Gold Beach (Golden Beach or Greek Chrisi Akti) in Potamia (also Skala Potamias) is the most famous beach on the island of Thassos. In Potamia is the interesting Polygnotos Vagis Museum. Vagis was a famous sculptor who came from Thassos. Potamia is the birthplace of Polygnotos Vagis (1894). He emigrated to the USA in 1913, where he died in New York in 1965. He is probably the most famous inhabitant of the island of Thassos. About two kilometers outside of Potamia, some waterfalls are another attraction.

Kynira and Aliki: These are two coastal towns with good beaches on the east coast of Thassos. In general, the beaches on the east coast are the best on the island. Paradise Beach in Aliki (also often written Alyki) is particularly noteworthy.

Potos is a great seaside resort in the south of the island of Thassos with many stalls in the area. A recommended tavern with a bar is Piatsa Michalis (central, right on the beach). The fish dishes, seafood and salads are tasty and fresh. Vasiliadis Diving Club is a diving school on Thassos with a good reputation. It is in Potos (PADI courses for beginners and advanced). Aoelus Yachting offers sailing tours in Potos along the coast of the island of Thassos.

Theologos: From Potos a steep road leads up to the mountain village of Theologos, which is well worth seeing. This place was the capital of the island of Thassos before Panagia. There is a great museum about the place on the main street.

Limenaria: The second largest town on the island and the main town in the south, 2,000 inhabitants. Many beach holidaymakers and regulars from abroad also feel at home here. There is a small local museum in Limenaria.

Skala Prinos: Nice place with a large port for marble shipping. Direct ferry connections to the Greek mainland. In Prinos there is a weekly market every Monday that is interesting for tourists. In addition to fresh food such as fruit and vegetables, clothes and shoes are also sold.

Skala Rachoni: If you are looking for a small, romantic place that still has a Greek flair, this is the place for you. There are some very good taverns and rooms to rent in Skala Rachoni.

Another attraction on the island of Thasos is the Archangel Michael Monastery in the south of the island. One of the nails used to nail Jesus to the cross is said to be kept in this monastery.

What to do in Thassos?

Thassos, the northernmost island in the Aegean Sea, is known for its lush nature, crystal clear beaches and ancient history. Here is a rundown of the best activities and highlights you can experience in Thassos:

Enjoy the beaches

Golden Beach: A long, golden sandy beach ideal for families and sun worshippers.
Paradise Beach: A popular beach with turquoise waters and soft sand perfect for swimming.
Aliki Beach: A picturesque beach surrounded by ancient ruins and pine forests.
Giola: A natural pool surrounded by rocks – a unique experience.
Marble Beach (Saliara Beach): A stunning beach with white pebbles and turquoise waters.

Visit historical sites

Ancient Theatre of Thassos (Limenas): Still used for events today, this theatre offers magnificent views of the sea.
Agora of Thassos: The remains of the ancient city of Thassos, with ruins of temples, an odeon and statues.

Aliki Archaeological Site: An ancient settlement with temple ruins and an old quarry right by the sea.

Explore villages

Panagia: A traditional mountain village with cobblestone streets, shady squares and charming tavernas.

Theologos: A historic village with stone houses, known for its traditional architecture and local festivals.

Kazaviti (Mikro and Megalo Prinos): Quiet mountain villages, ideal for a relaxing stroll and good food.

Limenaria: A pretty seaside town with a picturesque promenade and the abandoned Palataki, a former mining administration.

Hiking

Ipsarion Peak: The highest point on the island (1204 m) offers spectacular views over Thassos and the Aegean Sea. The hike leads through dense pine forests and past springs.
Maries Waterfalls: A short hike leads to these picturesque waterfalls surrounded by nature.

Pine forests and olive groves: Thassos is perfect for walks through green landscapes that reach the sea.

Food

Thassos Honey: The island is known for its premium honey, especially pine honey.

Olive oil: Try the local, high-quality olive oil.

Grilled fish and seafood: Freshly caught food in the seaside tavernas.

Lamb from Theologos: A specialty of the mountain village, often served at traditional festivals.

Take boat trips and island excursions

Coastal tours: Explore remote bays and beaches that are only accessible by boat.
Day trip to Kavala: A short ferry ride takes you to the Greek mainland, where you can explore the charming town of Kavala.

Giola – visit the natural lagoon

The Giola natural rock lagoon is one of the island’s most unique natural phenomena. A walk takes you to this impressive place, which is perfect for a refreshing swim.

Staying overnight on Thasos

A good choice among the many hotels and guesthouses on the island of Thasos is the Hotel Vicky in the middle of the main town of Limenas, around 200 meters from the beach and the harbor. In addition to the good location, the Wi-Fi internet, the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the hotel are also repeatedly praised. Above all, however, the price is reasonable. A double room in the Hotel Vicky, for example, costs just 30 euros for spring 2017 (May). Studios with a small kitchen in the room cost only a little more. Larger apartments and rooms for 3 people are also available. Bookable at Booking.com

You should always book accommodation on Thasos online in advance. The website Booking.com is ideal for this. You can find over 500 accommodations here, i.e. a large proportion of the guesthouses, guesthouses, vacation apartments and hotels on the island of Thassos.

➔ Book hotels in Thassos for 2025 now

Ferries Thassos

There are ferries from Kavala and Keramoti (both are cities on the northern Greek mainland) to and from Limenas, the capital of the island of Thassos. The connections to and from Keramoti are more frequent, cheaper and faster (around 30 minutes, 10 km). The ferries from Kavala take around 1 hour (25 km). There are also daily ferries from Kavala to Skala Prinos on the west coast of the island. There are no ferries to other islands.

Map

In German and English, Thasos can be written with an s or double s in the middle. Thasos is only about 5 kilometers from the mainland (Northern Greece). The island of Thassos is the northernmost inhabited island of Greece.

Buses Thassos

The bus network on Thassos is well developed. During the season, around seven buses run daily from Thassos town to the most important places and excursion destinations on the island such as Limenaria, Potos, Panagia, Skala Prinos or to Golden Beach. There are also buses that circle the island several times a day. On Sundays, significantly fewer buses run (around three per day to the main towns). During the week, there are three connections to the mountain village of Theologos. The bus fares depend on the distance. In 2024, a single trip from the capital to the town of Limenaria on the other side of the island will cost 4.90 euros. A ticket for a short trip, for example from Thassos to Panagia, is sold for 2 euros. A ticket around the island costs around 12 euros. This timetable refers to the summer. In winter, as on all islands in Greece, the bus connections are significantly less frequent.

Thassos is not a bad island for holidaymakers without a rental car, the bus connections are good. However, you can get around faster with a car and motorbike and can stop wherever you want. You can book a rental car in all larger towns.

Other worthwhile sights on Thassos

– The ruins of the ancient temple of Alyki in the south of the island

– Many monasteries and churches

– The mountain village of Kastro (also accessible by a beautiful hike)

– The world-famous marble works of Thassos

– The natural swimming pool at Giola in the south of the island of Thassos (see picture). This can only be reached on foot via a long hike or by boat.

The turtles in the interior of the island are less dangerous, but very beautiful. There is a good chance of seeing turtles in streams and around the island’s only lake near the mountain village of Maries.

Tip: Various day tours and other activities on Thassos can be booked online at Getyourguide: More information and booking

List of campsites on Thassos

As far as we know, there are five campsites on the island of Thassos (as of 2016). Camping Nisteri is near the capital, Thassos Town. Camping Golden Beach is the only campsite on the east coast. Camping Pefkari is in the south. Camping Pirnos and Camping Dedalos are both not too far from each other on the west coast.

Snakes Thassos

There are several species of snake on the island. At least one poisonous snake lives on Thassos. It is the mountain viper, which is common in eastern Greece. The bite of this poisonous snake, the Asia Minor mountain viper (Montivipera xanthina), is rarely fatal, but the snake’s venom can cause serious poisoning. You should go to a hospital immediately. There are also some non-venomous snakes on Thassos.

Insel Thassos ( German version)

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