Travel guide – thassos
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Overview
The package tour companies have only recently started to invade Greece's most northerly island, the emerald Macedonian isle of Thassos, close to the mainland port of Kavala in the Aegean Sea. Those seeking a true Greek Island get-away can still find some traditional tavernas, interesting archaeological sites, picturesque villages and beautiful sandy beaches washed by crystal clear water. The locals are fast learning to cash in on the tourist trade, however, and resort hotels are springing up as ferries disgorge the crowds during the height of the summer season.
Historically Thassos is one of the richest of the Greek islands. It was inhabited as far back as 2,000 BC, home to the Thracians until the Phoenicians, drawn by the wonderful climate, rich pine woods and white marble, colonised it in 1,500 BC. The Greeks arrived about 700 years later, staging a peaceful takeover, and the Roman's followed. All left their legacy in the form of archaeological sites, which today provide plenty of interesting excursions for visitors.
Capital and main port is the city of Limenas, which is not particularly inviting, but it does have a pretty old harbour sporting colourful fishing boats and traditional tavernas. Within easy reach of Limenas are the lovely little villages of Panagia and Potamia, overlooking the sandy Golden Beach and the long, inviting crescent of Skala Potamias. A little further away is the quieter village of Kinira with its pebbled beach, and the pinewood-ringed Paradise Beach, frequented by nudists. On the south coast, at Aliki, lies a peninsula forming two magnificent bays, also site of ancient marble quarries.
The most popular tourist resorts hug the south-western coast, near the town of Limenaria, but further along the west coast are a series of quaint fishing villages, interspersed with lovely beaches and coves. Inland, old mountain settlements charm with narrow cobbled streets and cafes on the village square.
Those tired of the more well-worn Greek destinations will find Thassos refreshing.
Golden Beach is a tourist-developed area on the east coast of Thassos island where hotels and apartment complexes have sprung up in recent years to cater for the ever-increasing number of holidaymakers who are discovering this so far unexploited Greek island. The resort has a magnificent, safe white sand beach and easy access to two quaint villages, Potomia and Panagia, providing everything one expects from a Greek island holiday. Compared to most other Greek resorts, though, the pace is slow and relaxed and nightlife is subdued. This is gradually changing as development proceeds and numbers of visitors increase, but there are as yet no bright lights and burger huts. Most visitors hire a car to explore the island and otherwise spend their time soaking up the sunshine on the beach, trying out the many seafront tavernas or taking walks.
Climate
Located in the northern Aegean, the island of Thassos is a little cooler than the more southerly Greek Islands. Winters tend to be wet and even cold. Spring is delightfully mild and sunny. Summers are warm to hot and tend to be humid.
Health
There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected areas. Bird flu was detected in swans in northern Greece in February 2006, but stringent measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; no human infections have been reported. The risk to people is believed to be very low, but visitors are advised to avoid any contact with caged, wild or domestic birds, and to ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked as a precaution.
The basics
Getting Around
Daily buses via Panagia and Prinos serve all the coastal villages. The 100 kilometers long road network is in good condition. Cars and motorbikes are available for hire on the island and taxis are available.
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