Thasos, sometimes spelledThassos (Greek: Θάσος), is aGreek Island tourist destination in theNorth Aegean Islands group, close toKavala. 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.
The landscape is similar to that ofChalkidiki. 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.
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.
Thetimetables 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.
The island has one main road which circles the perimeter. There is abus 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 andbike 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.
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.
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 old40.780824.71311war harbor at the40.779824.71222Agora, 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 the40.780224.71473passages, a stone walled access from the residential quarters to the agora, the40.778424.71294Odeion, a small 2nd-century theater. and the40.779824.71495Arthemis Shrine from early Hellenistic times. From the agora you go northeast passing the40.7807324.714246District of Dionisos, the40.781524.714357Sanctuary of the Poseidon and Wagon Gate, the40.782324.715318eastern residential area and Chariten Tor slowly uphill under shady trees towards the headland. There stands the very photogenic40.7853324.715789St. 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 the40.782124.717710Theater from the 3rd century with beautiful views of Thasos. Performances take place here during the summer months. Further above is the40.778124.719711Akropolis. 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 the40.776824.71812Sanctuary 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 to40.776324.717213cave 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 the40.7788224.7091214Early Christian Basilica. If you follow the road away from the coast you will reach the40.7779224.7100715Hercules (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 the40.775524.709116Gate 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 the40.774424.712817Silent 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 ancient40.6012424.7395818marble quarry, the remains of an ancient settlement, a double sanctuary and two paleochristian basilicas. The40.6050324.7424319ancient 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 the40.6033824.7428520ancient 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 the40.606624.717221Ancient 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 and the knowledge about this place is very limited. The nice view from the tower is more worth than the ruins itself.
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.
Theeast and south sides of the island have many picturesque bays and popular sandy beaches, while thewest side has more elongated, lonely, rocky beaches, but also beautiful sandy ones. For people who are looking fornudist beaches[dead link], 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:
40.78324.71471Thassos town.Narrow sandy beach near the Old Port with beach bars, beach chairs, umbrellas, etc., mean water quality(updated Jan 2018)
40.770124.72612Makriamos.Beautiful wide open bay with a sandy beach and a large hotel complex, often crowded.(updated Feb 2018)
40.750424.74833Saliara-, Marbel-, Vathi-beach.1 km before Makriamos turn right and follow the path for 4 km toSaliara 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 theMarble 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 toVathi 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)
40.725824.75854Golden 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)
40.671824.76245Kinira.Elongated rocky beach, only partially sand beach.(updated Feb 2018)
40.645224.7676Paradise 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)
40.618824.7617Agios Joannis Bay.About 3 km from Aliki, beautiful sandy beach with a few olive trees in front of a hotel complex.(updated Feb 2018)
40.605124.74158Aliki 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)
40.605724.72099Timonija Beach.Bay with a sandy beach surrounded by hotels and B&Bs.(updated Feb 2018)
40.597924.691310Livadi 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 theArsanas Beach, separated by a few rocks from Livadi Beach.(updated Feb 2018)
40.571624.643411Salonikos 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)
40.583524.63912Astris Beach.Sandy beach near the road. Opposite are several hotels(updated Feb 2018)
40.58424.630713Psili Amos Beach(1 km after Astris beach, 5 km from Potos).Beautiful sandy beach, a little crowded. One of the most popular and cosmopolitan beaches of Thassos. This fully organized beach features fine white sand, said to have therapeutic properties, while the sea is shallow and crystal clear.(updated Feb 2018)
40.610524.605314Potos 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)
40.623624.583215Metalia 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)
40.625824.568616Limenaria.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)
40.622524.538917Trypiti.Picturesque sandy beach, usually crowded, but a "must see" due to a nice rock cave.(updated Feb 2018)
40.63604124.52427318Fari 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.
40.639524.515719Scala Maries.There are several beautiful sandy beaches on both sides of the village, which usually are not crowded.(updated Feb 2018)
40.71624.53920between 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 ofScala Kalirachi andScala Sotiros.(updated Feb 2018)
40.759724.571421Scala Prinos.Several beautiful long sandy beaches with beach bars, not too crowded. Nudism possible off season.(updated Feb 2018)
40.759724.571422between Scala Prinos and Limenas.Along the road are many smaller beaches, usually with beach bars. Most visited are the beaches aroundScala Rachoni (Pahis beach, Glyfada Beach).(updated Feb 2018)
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.
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.
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).
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)
Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-fi.
An advantage of Thasos is the close distance to the main land what makesday trips easy.
Thiscity travel guide toThasosis ausable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but pleasefeel free to improve itby editing the page. |