Thassos made simple: a practical guide to travelling around the island. First find out what you need to know before you fly, then choose the places you want to see.
These are the questions holidaymakers ask me most often before they fly. Each card leads to an article with the details.
Resorts from Limenas to Potos: how they differ, what their beaches are like and my hotel tips.
Hot summers with a refreshing breeze and mild winters. When to go for swimming, when for hiking and what to pack.
The ferry from Keramoti, the transfer on a package holiday, cars and parking, buses, money and drinking water.
Marble Beach, golden Golden Beach and quiet coves – how to get there and where to stay nearby.
Basic information that comes in handy when planning your holiday and during your stay on the island.
The essentials about the island.
Average daily maximum air temperature (weather station on Thassos, National Observatory of Athens) and average sea temperature off Limenas. It tends to be cooler in the mountains.
| Month | Air (max.) | Sea |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11 °C | 12 °C |
| February | 12 °C | 12 °C |
| March | 14 °C | 12 °C |
| April | 19 °C | 14 °C |
| May | 24 °C | 18 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 22 °C |
| July | 31 °C | 25 °C |
| August | 32 °C | 26 °C |
| September | 27 °C | 23 °C |
| October | 21 °C | 20 °C |
| November | 17 °C | 17 °C |
| December | 13 °C | 14 °C |
The island is not just beaches. These are the three main faces of Thassos to help you choose where to go.
Marble Beach, Paradise Beach, the Aliki peninsula and the Giola natural pool.
Panagia with its spring of love, abandoned Kastro, Theologos, Lake Maries and the highest mountain, Ipsarion.
The capital, Limenas, with its ancient sights, the Monastery of the Archangel Michael and the old marble quarries.
Specific places and topics I have written about separately – with practical tips on how to get there and when to go.
History of ThassosAncient civilisations, myths and legends of the island.
GeographyMountains, forests and coast – the island in numbers.
Thassos marbleAncient monuments, quarries and marble beaches.
The legend of the island's nameHow the island was named after a king's son.
AgricultureOlives, honey and wine from fertile soil.
EconomyTourism, seasonality and sustainability.
PoliticsThe island as part of the regional unit of Kavala.Trips I recommend as a tour rep. Local agencies list them on GetYourGuide mainly in season. On jeep trips, depending on the group, you may also get to drive yourself.
A short overview of places and practical information that is handy to have with you on holiday.
Watch a selection of videos, both educational and sightseeing, and soak up the island’s atmosphere before you travel.
For swimming, in summer – in July and August the air reaches 31–32 °C during the day and the sea 25–26 °C, and a breeze takes the edge off the heat. For hiking and peace and quiet, in spring or autumn, when there are fewer tourists. More in the article Weather on Thassos.
The island is just 8 km from the mainland. Ferries run from the port of Keramoti to the capital, Limenas. The nearest airport is in Kavala. You will find out how the ferry crossing works in the article Practical information for your trip to Thassos.
A hire car is the best choice – the road around the island is about 100 km long and you can drive round it in a day. KTEL buses connect the main resorts, but they run infrequently and not always on time. For safety reasons I do not recommend a scooter or a quad bike.
No. Only vehicles with an off-road permit may use dirt roads, for example to Marble Beach. An ordinary hire car is not allowed there – you risk a fine and losing your insurance.
The busiest places are the capital, Limenas, and Potos; family-friendly Skala Potamia is by Golden Beach, and you will find peace in the coves around Kinira and Astris. You will find the differences and hotel tips in the article Resorts on Thassos.
There is a strict dress code – shoulders and knees must be covered. But you do not need to bring anything: at the entrance a nun will lend you suitable clothing, which is always freshly washed.
In the towns and resorts usually yes, but take cash to the mountain villages – not everywhere accepts cards.
In the mountains yes, and occasionally snow even reaches the coast. Otherwise the winter is mild, around 10 °C, with both rain and sunny days.
