Thassos travel tips: the ferry from Keramoti, the transfer on a package holiday, cars, buses, money and drinking water. What is good to know before you fly – a tour rep’s tips.
Thassos does not have its own airport. You fly to Kavala, and from there it is about a 15–20-minute drive to the port of Keramoti. Ferries run from Keramoti to the island’s capital, Limenas.
If you are not travelling with a tour operator, you can book a transfer from Kavala airport to the port of Keramoti in advance through Suntransfers. The price is fixed and known in advance.
In the season the ferries run often, roughly every 15 to 30 minutes. At its narrowest point the island is about 8 km from the mainland. The ferry from Keramoti to Limenas takes a slightly longer route, and the crossing takes 30–40 minutes depending on the company. Some ferries, especially the smaller and older ones, are slower.
You can buy snacks on all the ferries, so keep some money to hand. Seagulls follow the ferries all the way, and you have Thassos in front of you the whole time. Arriving on the island is an experience in itself.
Kavala (KVA) – Thassos has no airport of its own.
Keramoti, a 15–20-minute drive from the airport.
30–40 minutes to Limenas.
A ferry runs every 15–30 minutes.
Seagulls following the ferry to Thassos.
If you are travelling with a tour operator, your transfer from the airport to the hotel is arranged, including the ferry. You do not need to deal with tickets or timetables. This is how it works:
Remember the number of your coach. When you arrive in Limenas, you get back on the same one, where your luggage is.
Tickets are bought from the kiosk right by the ferry. You cannot yet buy tickets online for the Keramoti – Limenas route. In the season the ferries can be very busy and there are often queues at the kiosks. A lot depends on when you travel.
You will find timetables on the operator’s website, anethferries.gr.
Several companies run on this route. A ticket is only valid for the ferry of the company you bought it from.
The roads on the main circuit around the island are in fairly good condition. Driving is slower, though, and there are few chances to overtake. Some stretches have lots of bends, especially on the eastern side of the island.
Always park according to the situation and respect the yellow zones, especially in towns. It is always better to use a marked car park and walk a little.
You will find where to go by car in the overview Places to visit on Thassos.
In towns, only park where it is allowed. A marked car park and a short walk is the safe option.
Only vehicles with an off-road permit may use them. Not an ordinary hire car – you risk a fine and losing your insurance.
Petrol and diesel prices, the nearest filling stations and real-time traffic information – road closures, accidents and other restrictions – are shown in the GasBu app.
K.T.E.L. buses run around the island between the towns and resorts. The timetables are more of a guide; you will find the current version on the island’s official website (in Greek – you can translate the page). Bus stops are simple signposts, and in the larger towns there are shelters too. You need to wave to show that you want to get on, and you pay the driver. Drivers will often stop when flagged down even away from a stop if the situation allows, but you cannot rely on it.
Taxis have a rank in Limenas by the port. You can also simply ask your hotel reception to call one.
You pay the driver for your ticket, so have some change ready.
Hotel receptions will usually call you a taxi.
The currency on Thassos is the euro. In the towns you can normally pay by card in supermarkets, shops and restaurants. In the villages, have cash for small shops and stalls.
Only use cash machines belonging to official banks. You will find them in Limenas, Limenaria, Potos and Skala Potamia. Avoid tourist cash machines – they always have a worse exchange rate.
When a cash machine or card terminal offers to convert the amount, always choose to pay in euros. It works out better.
You often cannot pay by card at small shops and stalls in the villages.
Tap water is not suitable for drinking. It is fine for brushing your teeth, but for drinking, cooking and coffee I recommend bottled water.
Outside the tourist areas, people keep the siesta. In the tourist resorts things stay open all day.
For drinking, cooking and coffee. Tap water is fine for brushing your teeth.
In villages away from the resorts, expect an afternoon break.
A package holiday with the transfer and ferry, or just accommodation. You will find tips on specific places in the article Resorts on Thassos.
It is about a 15–20-minute drive to the port of Keramoti, and from there the ferry to Limenas takes 30–40 minutes. In the season the ferries run every 15–30 minutes.
The transfer from the airport to the hotel is arranged, including the ferry. Your suitcases stay on the coach; you board the ferry on foot with just your money and valuables. In Limenas you wait with your group and your rep until the coaches drive off, and get back on the same coach. Remember its number.
At the kiosk by the ferry, right in the port. Tickets for this route cannot yet be bought online. In the season there are often queues.
In the towns, yes – in supermarkets, shops and restaurants. In the villages, have cash for small shops and stalls.
Cash machines belonging to official banks are in Limenas, Limenaria, Potos and Skala Potamia. Avoid tourist cash machines – they have a worse exchange rate.
For drinking, cooking and coffee I recommend bottled water. Tap water is fine for brushing your teeth.
The ferry, the car and money are easy to manage on the island when you know what to expect. Before you set off, go through these Thassos travel tips once more: carry cash for the villages, drink bottled water and allow some spare time for the ferry in the season.
