Tasos

Late May to September is the main season. June and September are warm with fewer people, and July and August are the busiest and hottest. Many hotels and tavernas close outside the summer months. Ferries run all year but less often.

The Philippi Festival runs in July and August. Plays and concerts are held in Kavala and also in the ancient theatre above Thasos town. Check the programme before you book.

• Giola is a natural rock pool near Astris on the south-east coast. The last 2 km is a dirt road, then a short walk. Do not swim when the sea is rough.
• Saliara - Marble Beach is a famous beach of white marble pebbles on the north-east coast, about 7 km from Thasos town. The last part of the road is unpaved.
• Agora of Thasos is the ancient marketplace in Thasos town, once the centre of public life. It sits right beside the modern harbour.
• Archaeological Museum of Thasos is a short walk from the agora. It shows finds from the island's ancient past, including the Kouros of Thasos.
• Gate of Zeus and Hera is one of the gates in the ancient city walls. Walk the old wall line to see how large the ancient city was.
• Acropolis of Thasos is the hill above Thasos town. The nearby ancient theatre has sea views and hosts summer performances.
• Alyki on the south-east coast is a beach next to abandoned ancient marble quarries.
• Psili Ammos is a long sandy beach on the south-east coast, near Potos. It has pine shade and a cafe.

• Hike toward Ypsario: the island's highest peak, at 1,205 m, has views over the forest and the sea. An annual stargazing camp is held on the mountain.
• Coastal boat trip: in season, boat trips along the coast leave from some harbours.
• Thassian Wedding: a traditional village wedding celebration is held around 15 August in Theologos.
• Honey Festival: held in early August in Prinos, with tastings and local dance.
• Evening at the old harbour: watch the fishing boats and the ferry lights from a harbour table in Thasos town.

Thasos is an island, so day trips mean a ferry to the mainland.

• Kavala: about 75 minutes by ferry from Skala Prinos. It has an old quarter above a working harbour.
• Philippi: an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site near Kavala. Allow time for the theatre and the Roman ruins. Reach it by car or taxi from Kavala.

• Kavala is the main port and airport city for the island.
• Xanthi and Drama are towns on the mainland, in the same region. Allow a full day for either.

• By air: the nearest airport is Kavala (KVA), also called Alexander the Great Airport. It has flights from Athens and seasonal flights from several European cities. A taxi from the airport to Keramoti port takes about 15 minutes. Thessaloniki (SKG) is the larger alternative, about 2.5 to 3 hours away by road.
• By ferry from Keramoti: the shortest crossing, about 30 to 35 minutes to Thasos town (Limenas). Boats run often in summer. Cars can queue in July and August, so arrive early.
• By ferry from Kavala: about 75 minutes to Skala Prinos on the island. Departures are less frequent. This route is better if you stay on the west or south of the island.
• By bus: KTEL buses run from Kavala to Keramoti, about 45 minutes. Check current timetables before you travel.

• Bus: a local bus network links Thasos town with Skala Prinos, Limenaria, Potos and other villages. Buses are infrequent, so plan your day around them.
• Taxi: taxis are available in Thasos town and the larger villages. Agree on the price before long trips.
• Car or scooter: renting one is the easiest way to reach the beaches. See the driving section.
• On foot: Thasos town is compact and easy to walk. Beach areas are spread along the coast and not connected on foot.

• Is a car worth it?: yes. Beaches and villages are spread around a 95 km ring road. Buses are limited.
• Roads: the main road is good. Some coastal stretches are narrow and winding, so drive slowly.
• Ferries: you can bring a car on both ferry routes. In July and August, queues form at the ports.
• Rental: cars and scooters are rented at both ports. Book ahead for July and August.

Thasos is known for its olive oil and the local Throumba olive, which has a protected designation of origin. Honey and local wine are also produced here.

For eating, choose the harbour tavernas in Thasos town and the fishing harbours along the coast. Fresh fish and grilled meat are the usual orders. Some villages have small tavernas with local cooking away from the beaches.

Thasos is safe for visitors, with little serious crime. Take normal care with your belongings at crowded beaches.

• Wildfires: summers are hot and dry, and forest fires can happen. Follow local advice and alerts.
• Sea: rough sea can make rock pools and some beaches unsafe. Avoid swimming when waves are high.
• Sun: wear sun protection. Shade is limited on many beaches.

Settlers from Paros founded a colony on Thasos around 650 BC. The island grew rich from gold mines and marble quarries, on the island and on the mainland coast.

Today you can see this past in Thasos town. The ancient city had an agora, walls and a theatre. Ruins of Agora of Thasos, the hill of Acropolis of Thasos and the walls near Gate of Zeus and Hera are still visible. The finds are in Archaeological Museum of Thasos.

Marble stayed a main export for centuries. The old quarries at Alyki show where the stone was cut.

Quick practical facts for Greece at a glance: