Thassos

Thassos is a green island with magical beaches and a rich tradition. The Greek island of the North Aegean Sea is famous for its natural beauty, emerald waters and quaint villages. On this Ferryhopper page, you can find all the information you need about vacation on the island of Thassos, the best beaches, food and accommodation, as well as ferry tickets and schedules.

Beach in Thassos with turquoise waters and lush vegetation

Vacation in Thassos

Thassos is close to the coast of Eastern Macedonia in Greece. It is located a few miles off the coast of Kavala. The island is mountainous and untouched, perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Its lush greenery and impressive landscapes make travelers fall in love with the island. Pine and fir trees, waterfalls, golden sand beaches and turquoise waters create a heavenly setting.

Thassos is also famous for the beautiful villages and numerous archaeological sites. Don’t miss out on the delicious local delicacies of the island and the lively nightlife. During your holidays in Thassos, you can relax, drink and dance at bars and clubs, taste amazing dishes and try outdoor sports!

How to get to Thassos

Ferries to Thassos depart from the ports of Kavala and Keramoti in northern Greece. The route from Kavala to Thassos lasts 1.5 hours, while the Keramoti - Thassos sailing duration is less than 1 hour.

What to do in Thassos

When in Thassos, you can try water sports such as waterskiing and windsurfing, swim in beautiful beaches and reinvigorating waterfalls, as well as try delicious local dishes in one of the many local restaurants and traditional Greek coffee shops. Find the best vacation experiences in Thassos below.

Beaches in Thassos

The beaches of the island have emerald green waters and there are many remote and popular spots to choose from. There are sandy, pebble and rocky beaches with tall trees and shrubs, where you can enjoy the peace or try water sports. Here are some of the most charming beaches in Thassos:

• Paradeisos: This is one of the most impressive beaches in the Aegean Sea! Its turquoise waters and golden sand radiate an exotic feeling. You can find visitor amenities such as parking spaces, restaurants and beach volley facilities. The beach is easily accessible and it is frequented by nudists.
• Chrisi Amoudia (Golden Sand): It is the largest beach in Thassos and there are many restaurants and cafés in the area. The beach has shallow emerald waters and thin sand. It is easy to get there and there are visitor amenities and water sports facilities.
• Aliki: These are two adjoining beaches on the southern coast of the island. They are covered in pine trees and they have crystal-clear waters. The south part of the beach is sandy and you can find visitor amenities such as restaurants. The northern coast is peaceful and it’s covered in pebbles and sand. There are several archaeological sites by the beach. You can visit the ancient marble quarry, the ruins of an ancient settlement, as well as the remnants of two churches from the 5th century ACE.
• Giola: The lagoon of Giola is a natural pool by the sea, surrounded by impressive rocks up to 8 meters tall. You can only get there via a quite challenging hiking trail. The hike is short (20 minutes), but you need appropriate footwear. The beach is surely worth it, as you get to admire one of the prettiest sceneries in the Aegean and dive into the crystal-clear waters from the tall rocks!
• Saliara or Marmara: This is a beach of exotic beauty with white pebbles, turquoise waters and lush vegetation. The dreamy beach is great if you’re looking for visitor amenities and it is one of the most popular on the island. You can get there taking a quite accessible 20-minute dirt road.
• Kinira: This is one of the largest beaches in Thassos, perfect for serenity and social distancing. The beach is untouched and it has clear blue waters, as well as a great view to a green islet. You can visit the nearby picturesque village of Kinira after your swim, to enjoy fresh seafood by the sea.
• Glifoneri: The beach of Glifoneri is small and sandy with inviting emerald green waters. There is plenty of natural shade due to the lush pine forest that stretches to the shore and it’s perfect for families with kids. You can find a traditional taverna serving food, coffee and drinks.
• Arsanas: Arsanas is a beautiful cove with thin white sand and umbrellas. The turquoise waters of the beach are cool and reinvigorating, due to the two small streams that flow into the sea! It’s quite challenging to get there, as you either need to approach the beach on a boat or drive on a dirt road and then follow the hiking trail.

The impressive natural lagoon of Giola in Thassos

Sightseeing in Thassos

Thassos has a rich ancient history and there is an abundance of archaeological sites and cultural attractions on the island. Here are some of our favorite cultural experiences in Thassos:

• Explore the village of Limenas: Limenas is the capital of Thassos and a main port. We recommend that you visit the ancient agora and catch a play in the ancient theatre. You can also walk aimlessly by the harbor to enjoy the sea view, go shopping at the central market, and have fun at one of the many bars and restaurants at night.
• Walk to the ancient Acropolis of Thassos: The Acropolis of Thassos is located on the hill above the ancient agora of Limenas. It was built by the first inhabitants of the island in the 7th century BCE. It is a bit tricky to get there, but the tremendous view makes up for the challenging hike.
• Visit the Archeological Museum of Thassos: The Archeological Museum of Thassos in Limenas is great to get acquainted with the history of the island. The museum is home to one of the most impressive archaeological findings in the world, the 3.5 metres tall archaic kouros sculpture!

The ancient theatre of Thassos with an awe-inspiring sea view

Activities in Thassos

Holidays in Thassos is all about nature exploration and outdoor sports! You can hike through impressive seaside forests, climb to the top of green hills, and conquer the waves of the Aegean Sea. Ferryhopper suggests 5 of the best activities in Thassos:

1. Water sports: There are many water sports to choose from in Thassos. You can try kayaking, rowing, waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, sailing and more! Some of the best beaches in Thassos for water sports are Golden Sand, Potos and Pefkari.
2. Diving and snorkelling: The crystal-clear waters of Thassos are perfect if you wish to explore the rich seabed of the island. There are diving centers in Limenas, Skala Prinou and Potos.
3. Cycling: The island is blessed with some of the best cycling routes in Greece due to its unique topography. Whether you take one of the most accessible cycling routes or you give the challenging mountain routes a go, you will discover amazing natural sites. There are bike rental shops all over the island.
4. Hiking: Thassos is a hiker’s paradise! The island’s trails take you through magical mountainous landscapes, wild forests, beautiful valleys and ancient sites. For the daredevils among you, hiking to Ipsario, the highest peak on the island, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The mountain is 1,200 meters high and the view to the sea is breathtaking!
5. Lakeside walking: The artificial lake in the area of Maries is worth a visit. You can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings under the shade of pine trees and sycamores. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, you can also head to the nearby waterfalls!

Ipsario: the highest peak on the island of Thassos

Villages in Thassos

The island of Thassos is famous for its picturesque villages. Stroll around the seaside and mountain villages of the island to admire the local architecture, take amazing pictures of the sublime nature and try mouthwatering local dishes at the traditional tavernas. Here’s a list with some of the top villages to visit in Thassos:

• Panagia
• Maries
• Kazaviti
• Theologos
• Agios Georgios
• Aliki
• Kinira
• Limenaria
• Kallirachi

Food in Thassos

Thassos is famous for its local products of exquisite quality since ancient times. Don’t leave the island without trying some of the delicious local delicacies. Ferryhopper suggests that you try:

• Spit-roasted goat of Theologos
• Sun-dried fish
• Octopus balls
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Wine
• Olives
• Preserved figs and walnuts

Nightlife in Thassos

There are restaurants, bars and clubs all over the island. Although Thassos is not the typical party island, there are many entertainment opportunities. Popular nightlife venues are mostly located in the largest villages of the island like Limenas, Potos, Skala Potamias and Golden Beach. If you’re looking for a more traditional Greek night-out, there are amazing little bars and kafeneia in the mountain villages that stay open until the early morning hours.

You can also attend music festivals and live events particularly during the summer months. There are jazz nights, DJ sets, electro nights and many more events for music lovers. Most of the clubs and venues are located either on the beach or at the main pedestrian streets of the villages.

Sunny day at the beautiful port village of Limenas in Thassos

Useful information for Thassos

Thassos is a large island with all necessary visitor amenities. In Limenas, the capital of the island, you can find banks, ATMs, medical centers, supermarkets, gas stations, shops, pharmacies, restaurants, cafés, as well as a post office and a Citizen Service Center. There is a health center in Prinos, as well as regional medical centers in more villages on the island. Potamia, Limenaria and Prinos are also visitor-friendly with several facilities for travelers.

If you’re searching for accommodation in Thassos, you can find a plethora of options from luxury hotels and villas to rental rooms and organized camping. Visitors mostly stay in the following villages: Limenas, Potamia, Kinira, Potos, Limenaria, Aliki, Glifoneri and Chrissi Amoudia.

Useful phone numbers for your stay in Thassos

Here are some useful phone numbers for your holidays in Thassos:

• Port Authority of Limenas: +302593022106
• Port Authority of Keramoti: +302591051204
• Port Authority of Kavala: +302513505430
• Health Center of Prinos: +302593350000 / 50027
• Regional Medical Center of Thassos (Limenas): +302593022222
• Thassos Police Department (Limenas): +302593022500
• Tourist Police: +302593023111
• Public bus service (KTEL) of Thassos: +302593022162
• Municipality of Thassos: +302593350100
• Citizen Service Center: +302593023667 / 23664

Transportation in Thassos

There are both paved and dirt roads in Thassos and it’s quite simple to get from A to B by private vehicle. If you’re not driving on the island, you can use the public bus service connecting Limenas with the major villages and the island’s popular beaches or catch a taxi. There are also some bus routes to less touristic villages on the island. You can find car and motorcycle rentals at the ports and the largest villages.

Ports in Thassos

There are 2 ports in Thassos: Limenas and Skala Prinou. Both ports are on the northern coast of the island. The port of Limenas serves ferries traveling from Keramoti, while the port of Skala Prinou serves ferries traveling from Kavala.

The remote beach of Ormos Prinou by the port

Thassos ferry: schedules and tickets

You can travel by ferry to Thassos from northern Greece. Ferries depart from the ports of Keramoti and Kavala to Thassos all year round.

• Keramoti - Thassos: The ferry route Keramoti - Thassos is available daily and the journey duration is 40 minutes on average. The ferry departs from the port several times per day and arrives at the port of Limenas.
• Kavala - Thassos: The sailing from Kavala to Thassos is available 3 times per day during the summer months. The journey duration is 1.5 hours and ferries arrive at the port of Skala Prinou.

How to get to Kavala and Keramoti

You can fly to Kavala International Airport, which is a 12-minute drive to Keramoti and a 30-minute drive to Kavala. You can reach the ports by rental vehicle, taxi and public bus. If you’re flying into the airport of Thessaloniki, you can drive to Kavala and Keramoti, get a taxi or catch a public bus. The trip duration from Thessaloniki to the ports of Kavala and Keramoti is around 2.5 hours.

If you’re in the mood for a road trip, you can also drive or catch a public bus to Kavala and Keramoti. There are public bus routes from Athens, Thessaloniki and other towns in northern Greece. It takes around 7 hours to reach Kavala from Athens by car. If you prefer to travel by train, you can catch the train to the city of Drama and drive or take the public bus (less than 1 hour) to Kavala and Keramoti. 

Tip: Bear in mind that there is no direct public bus service to the port of Keramoti from Athens, Thessaloniki and Drama. To get to Keramoti by public bus, you need to travel through Kavala. Buses from Kavala to Keramoti are available more than 10 times per day.

Serene islet off the coast of Thassos

Where to book ferry tickets to Thassos

You can only book ferry tickets to Thassos at the ports of Kavala and Keramoti. There are also ticket offices at both ports on the island, but it is not possible to book online. Make sure you arrive at the port early so that you purchase your ticket. Read the Ferryhopper guide, find the best experiences in Thassos and plan your next vacation!