THASSOS Greece is the most northerly holiday island in the Aegean group, lying off the coast of mainland Greece. Fabulously wealthy in ancient times, Thassos may now be outside the top league of Greek holiday islands but it still has much to offer with great beaches and fine holiday resorts.
Much of the archaeological heritage of Thassos island has unfortunately been lost and marble quarries still mar some parts of the island but a very good coast road gives easy access to its many Thassos beaches and to some charming hill villages.
Dubbed the 'Emerald Isle', Thassos is covered in pine trees. Slightly off the main tourist trail, it has also escaped the notice of many package holiday firms but it is still easy to reach from the mainland airport at Kavala.
Thassos is renowned for its magnificent mountainous backdrops, stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Holidays to the Greek Islands are often most cherished for this combination of sunshine, warm waters and beaches set against truly wonderful scenery.
One of the most northerly of the Greek islands, Thassos escapes the wild blast of the meltemi wind in July and August. The flip side is hot and sticky weather at the height of summer, and occasional rain.
Although Thassos islanders have tarted up some resorts with lorry loads of fake sand and imports of chip fat fryers, much remains authentic and charming. The island is small enough for any resort to be easily reached, Thassos beaches are rarely crowded and the interior hills are cloaked in pines and criss-crossed with paths.
Thassos has some very impressive beaches, with the best in the south and east. While some, like Limenaria, are unmemorable, others like Paradiso and Alyki are breathtaking. There are also delightful coves off the beaten track.
Thassos is not for island hoppers as it is off the main ferry routes. But, close to the mainland and with a regular ferry, Thassos is popular with Europeans, especially Germans, who can get there overland.
Thassos has no airport so most fly to nearby Kavala or to Thessaloniki on the mainland and get one of the regular ferries from the port of Keramouti.
Thassos Town is well served by a regular ferry shuttle from Keramouti. There are also daily ferries from Skala Prinos to mainland Kavala.
A road runs follows the coast around much of Thassos giving easy access to most beaches by car or bus.
Sandy beaches are found on all coasts of the roughly circular Thassos. Access is easy from the round-island coast road.
West coast beaches tend to be calmer and backed by olive groves on the flat fertile plains. East coast beaches can be more dramatic with wooded hills rising behind.
Most Thassos beaches are good sand and they have good facilities with tavernas always nearby or on the beach itself. Many also have watersports.
Thassos is most northern island in the Aegean Sea, 8km from the Macedonia mainland, about 380 sq km and roughly circular at 24km across.
Thassos has thick forests, olive groves and vineyards fed by underground springs. The south is rich in minerals such as lead, silver, copper and marble.
Thassos is milder than most Greek islands and unaffected by the northern meltemi wind that blows in August.
