Travel Eye on Thassos (North East Aegean Islands)

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Overview:

Thassos is part of the North-Eastern Islands and is located on the most northern part of the group, near the island of Samothraki, and 10 kilometres south-east of Kavala (on the mainland). It's shape is almost circular and its scenery is has, nevertheless, some awesome mountain vistas and sparkling beaches.

Thassos used to be called the "emerald of the Aegean" because of its large and verdant pine forest and olive grooves; but a huge part of this verdant lungs have been burnt between 1981 and 1993. Only the north-eastern quadrant of the island and the area around Astris and Alyki escaped the fires.

Thassos is, since a long time, a popular resort island for northern Greeks, people from neighbouring countries and for Germans and British. For that reason the island is far from unspoiled but many of its beaches are still very beautiful and attractive and a few villages are still picturesque and authentic.

The plethora of archaeological sites, the opportunities for all kinds of excursions transform Thassos into a great place to enjoy relaxing or busy holidays.

LIMENARIA, situated 30 mls away on the opposite side of the island, is the second biggest town and boasts an attractive promenade lined with small restaurants, shops and bars.

SKALA PRINOS is a small resort that has built up around the ferry service that operates from its harbour directly to Kavala. It also has a traditional boatyard where fishing boats are still made and repaired using the old, traditional methods.

Nearby PEFKARI and POTOS are former fishing villages now given over to tourism.

SKALA POTAMIAS, 9 mls S of Limenas, offers little more than a handful of simple seafront eateries and a long, sandy beach.

Suitable for those seeking a quiet island holiday and wishing to experience a little local colour, unspoilt by over-development. Own transport an advantage. The island does change in July and Aug as it becomes fuller with tourists, but the numbers don't drown the Greek culture and atmosphere. May is a particularly scenic time to visit, as many wild flowers come into bloom.

The accommodation here is mainly small, comfortable hotels, pensions and private rooms, a good few without a pool or many facilities (especially in Limenas); a growing number of apartments, most with pools. Only a couple of upmarket hotels, no luxury or 5-star properties.

Locality:

Thassos is located in the N Aegean Sea, 8 mls S of the Greek mainland. 10 mls S of Kavala airport and 35 mins by ferry from Keramoti, both on the mainland. In the Gulf of Kavala, facing the mainland's Macedonian coastline.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The beaches at Makriamos (5km. from Limenas), Archangelo. Agios loannis, Limenaria, Potos, Pefkari, Aliki, Kinira and Skala Marion lure one for a swim in their cool, refreshing waters, while the islet of Thassopoula makes for a charming jaunt by kayak.

There are a number of cultural, musical and folklore festivals on Thassos each slimmer. The Festival of Ancient Drama in the old theatre is the most important. Musical events are held in the Stadium. Among the folk celebrations, the re-enactment of a Thassos wedding at Theologos and the events connected with the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin at Panayia on August 15 are the most interesting.

But Thassos has many other surprises in store for the visitor: Drives past enchanting coves, opportunities for all kinds of excursions - whether to the sea or to the mountains - promising peace and relaxation in a splendid natural environment.

During the daytime there are many beach and water sports, including windsurfing and water-skiing. There is also horse-riding and mountain walking. Exploring Limenas (Thassos Town), taking in the remains of the ancient walls, amphitheatre, acropolis, several temples and archaeological museum.

Nightlife in the areais mainly in Limenas has a good choice of bars and clubs, which open late evening. Limenaria has music bars and a few unsophisticated discos concentrated around the harbour; elsewhere is very quiet.

There is a wide choice of local, international and fast food available in the many restaurants and tavernas. Fish is the speciality, particularly sea bream, though the larger fish are surprisingly expensive.