Thasos

Thasos is a green, mountainous island with many picturesque bays and sandy beaches. The landscape is similar to Chalkidiki or Sithonia. It is a ideal holiday destination for families and people who want to relax at wonderful and not overcrowded beaches. There are a number of interesting antiquities to visit and there are enough beach-bars and clubs for entertainment and night life. A fire in September 2016 destroyed parts of the forests but this does not affect its beauty as a top holiday destination. In general the east side is much more crowded than the west side. People who like to have more space on the beach are better off with the west side, while those who want more action the east side is the better choice.

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.

• Since Thasos does not have its own airport, the connection runs through the airport Kavala (near Chrysoupolis). From there it is 12km to the ferry at the village Keramoti (ferry time Keramoti-Limenas, 45min). 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 the airport Thessaloniki there is a bus to the KTEL (1 hour), which is the bus station for intercity buses. From there every hour buses go to Kavala (2½ hours). From Kavala you either take a ferry to Thasos or take a bus from the bus station Kavalas 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, with which you can also drive to Thasos. Many cars rented on the mainland are not allowed to go on the islands.
• Ferries: There are 2 ferries for vehicles and passengers to Thasos 1) Kavala-Scala Prinos (1.5 hours) and 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 addition to normal ferries, a high-speed hydrofoil operates only for passengers between Kavala and Thasos City (Limenas).

The island has one main road which circles the perimeter. There is a bus service during summer. Taxis 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.

Must see for short time visitors:

• Thasos town
• Panagia
• Aliki
• Giola
• 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.

• ThasosThe 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 meters 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.

• PanagiaA 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.

• Scala PanagiaIt is a mere collection of hotels, campgrounds, restaurants etc. along the "Golden Beach", the best beach on Thasos. There is no center. At the northern end of the beach is a small photogenic fishing port, where also excursion boats start. For sailboats, the harbor is only suitable when there is no wind because the anchors are bad due to seagrass.

• PotamiaAn 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.

• Scala Potamiais, like Skala Panagia, 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.

• KiniraA small, purely tourist place without a real center. It consists of a cluster of hotels, restaurants, etc.

• AlikiA "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 an 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. Due to the dismantling and sale of the coveted white marble a relatively large and prosperous settlement and a port suitable for transport was build. Alikes was evacuated abruptly due to the strike of an 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 , 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 . 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.

• AstridaAn abandoned village that had been rebuilt partially for tourist use. It is well worth seeing.

• PotosOne of the touristic centers 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.

• TheologosA 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 are some beautiful small waterfalls and pools, where you can refresh yourself wonderfully. The path to the waterfalls starts just before the end of town and is unfortunately not signposted, so you have to ask. It is recommended to wear sturdy shoes if you want to go down to the pools for a swim.

• LimenariaThe 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.

• KastroIn 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.

• MariesA 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 , which is worth a visit, as well as the photogenic located above the monastery. An approximately 400m long path leads from the parking lot of the monastery up to the ruins.

• Scala MariesA nice touristy village with a picturesque small fishing harbor.

• KalirachiOne of the larger mountain villages with narrow streets and is not very touristy. Worth seeing is the 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.

• Scala KalirachiA 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.

• SotirosA small mountain village with magnificent view and is well worth seeing.

• Scala SotirosAn elongated street village with a remarkable small fishing port.

• PrinosA 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.

• Mikros PrinosA formerly dilapidated mountain village that has been rebuilt in a touristy way. From here, there is a tortuous road leading to the ' at high altitude in the mountains. The ride and the spectacular views are more worthwhile than the visit of the monastery.

• Megalos PrinosA "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 , in a beautiful environment that can be reached via a 4 km-long dirt road.

• RachoniNot 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 (Agios Joannis) in an impressive mountain landscape. The way is signposted. You can drive with 4WD, but also make a worthwhile walk up.

• Scala RagoniA small quiet harbour village with few tourists. Some kilometers north are several nice and crowded beaches and bays.

• Ag. GeorgiosA 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 above the village is worth a visit.

• 4WD off-road toursRenting 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.

• HikingThasos 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)

• Water sportsare available at many organized beaches. There are boats, jet skis, banana boats and water parachutes available.

• Cave climbingThere 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.

• Boat toursTours 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

• Speed boatHire in Scala Potamia.

• Horse ridingYou can enjoy a horse ride with the horse clubs of Thassos in Theologos or Sc. Prinos.

• Mountain bikingCycling has increased in popularity and there are rental stations in Potos and the other larger places.

• Jeep SafarisStarting from Sc. Prinos, Limenaria, Potos. Adventurous tours on 4x4 cars into the mountains on dirt roads.

• Enduro-touringThere are many dirt roads in the mountains of Thasos that are perfect for this sport. Organized tours are also available.

• Sailing toursTours 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 to anchor, e.g. in Aliki.

• DivingAqualung diving is offered by 2 large diving schools in Potos and Pefkari.

• Fishing toursBoat trips for fishing, 2 times daily from Potos port, €35/person.

• Parachute – ParapendeWith 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 at the , 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 , a stone walled access from the residential quarters to the agora, the , a small 2nd-century theater. and the from early Hellenistic times. From the agora you go northeast passing the , the , the slowly uphill under shady trees towards the headland. There stands the very photogenic 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 from the 3rd century with beautiful views of Thasos. Performances take place here during the summer months. Further above is the . 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 . 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 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 beeing really interested in ancient ruins. It's best to start from the . If you follow the road away from the coast you will reach the . 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 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 that is quite well preserved. From here it goes back towards the harbor.
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 , the remains of an ancient settlement, a double sanctuary and two paleochristian basilicas. The of which only the ground walls remained is on the oposite 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 . 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 is singnposted. 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 BeachThe 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 60s 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 euros), a mining park and museum was to be built on the site from 2000 onwards. Due to the usual corruption and nepotism in Greece, the money unfortunately collapsed and so everything is left to decay.

• VouvesThe 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 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.

• Iron ore open pit MavrolakoFrom 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.

Beaches

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:

Thassos townNarrow sandy beach near the Old Port with beach bars, beach chairs, umbrellas, etc., mean water quality

MakriamosBeautiful wide open bay with a sandy beach and a large hotel complex, often crowded.

Saliara-, Marbel-, Vathi-beach1 km before Makriamos turn right onto a dirt road and follow the path for 4 km to Saliara Bay (a very romantic bay, sandy with crystal clear water and crowded 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 of difficult to drive dirt road you will come to Vathi Bay. It is also a romantic bay. The Vathi Hotel, a luxury hotel, sits at the crystal clear water front. The beach is not so crowded because of poor road conditions. 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.

Golden BeachIt 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.

KiniraElongated rocky beach, only partially sand beach.

Paradise BeachTurn about 2 km from the center of Kinira off at the signs. Very popular open sandy beach with 2 beach bars, also used by nudists (mainly on the rocks at the left side of the beach).

Agios Joannis BayAbout 3 km from Aliki, beautiful sandy beach with a few olive trees in front of a hotel complex.

Aliki BeachOne of the most picturesque places in Thassos, very busy in high season, a must-see location with archaeological sites.

Timonija BeachBay with a sandy beach surrounded by hotels and B & Bs.

Livadi BayLong 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.

Salonikos BeachHard 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. 200m 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.

Astris BeachSandy beach near the road. Opposite are several hotels

Psili Amos Beach1 km after Astris beach, beautiful sandy beach, a little crowded.

Potos Beach & PefkariPotos 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.

Metalia Beach1 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.

LimenariaThe 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.

TrypitiPicturesque sandy beach, usually crowded, but a "must see" due to a nice rock cave.

Scala MariesThere are several beautiful sandy beaches on both sides of the village, which usually are not crowded.

between Scala Maries and PrinosAlong 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.

Scala PrinosSeveral beautiful long sandy beaches with beach bars, not too crowded. Nudism possible off season.

between Scala Prinos and LimenasAlong the road are many smaller beaches, usually with beach bars. Most visited are the beaches around Scala Rachoni (Pahis beach, Glyfada Beach).

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.

• Pefkospilia TavernaVery well-known beach restaurant under pines.

• GlifoneriBeach restaurant in a wonderful location in a bay.

• Taverna DrossiaUnder tall trees with stream course next to the church.

• Taverna VasilisIn Megalo Kasaviti (Megalo Prinos) in a traditional restored house with wonderful views of the valley of Prinos.

• Kazaviti RestaurantUnder old plane trees in the village square of Megalo Kasaviti (Megalo Prinos) in the mountains.

• Taverna PlatanaSimple restaurant high in the mountain village of Sotiros with great views of the valley.

• Kostas TavernOn the small village square at the church in the mountain village Kastro located very simple restaurant with nostalgic atmosphere.

• 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.

• NamasteGood restaurant at the ferry terminal in Thasos city.

• Kekes Beach Skidia TavernNice restaurant under trees with great views.

• Scala Maries Beach TavernsSeveral restaurants in the small picturesque bay of Sc.Maries are worth a visit.

• Faros TavernRestaurant at Kinira with a particularly beautiful view.

• Agorastoswith very nice sea view at Kinira.

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).

• 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.

The most famous large hotel complexes are:

Alexandra Golden Boutique HotelAdult only

Royal Paradise Beach Resort

Thassos Grand Resort

Makryammos Bungalows

ALEA Hotel & Suites

• Enavlion Hotel Batagianni

  phone: +30 25930 58222
  address: Golden Beach

• Kallisti Hotel

  phone: +30 25930 53316
  address: St. Anthony, Potos
  A 4-star hotel.

• Miramare Hotel

  phone: +30 25930 61040
  address: Scala Potamia

• Sunny Hotel Thassos

  phone: +30 25930 58184
  address: Chrissi Ammoudia

Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-fi.

• 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.

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