Thassos has an interesting history as a metal producer and some of the former mines can be visited today. Most tourists come for the beaches of the island and the greatest numbers of those come from nearby Greece.
A lot of the island is quite picturesque due to the local custom of having built the villages and towns inland whilst constructing steps or skalas to reach the small port facilities of each village. Hiring a car and venturing inland you’ll find the highest peak Ypsario, rising to nearly 3,500 feet, giving spectacular views over the Thracian coastline.
Thassos Mini Guide
What can you Tell me About Thassos?
The island’s name can also be spelt as Thasos and it’s the northernmost island in Greece. Its wealth was originally built on agriculture and many of the villages were built inland where the most fertile land was found. To export their produce, the villages built little harbours connected to the villages by stairs called ‘skalas’. Eventually, as tourism looked to be a greater source of income, the villagers migrated to the shores to build the resorts of today’s Thassos. The island’s highest point is called Ypsario and reaches nearly 3,500 feet. The ascent to it is quite gentle and from the top you can look over the more rugged north eastern coast to Greece.
How do I get to Thassos?
You’ll need to fly into Kavala International Airport on the mainland and take the short ferry journey to the island. Most flights to Kavala are seasonal charter flights with the only scheduled year-round flights being from Athens and Larnaca. From the UK, Thomson flies from Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester whilst those that prefer budget airlines will need to fly to Athens and connect from there.
What is There to see on Thassos?
Thassos is a great holiday destination because it has both the full on attractions required by some, including noisy bars, clubs and fast food together with glorious beaches on which to sleep off the previous night’s excesses. Its alter ego is that of a quiet island, steeped in tradition and with a wealth of historical and natural sights. A good start is to visit the ruins of the Venetian castle at Limenaria. There you can still imagine the beauty and the power of the building despite the decay. The Venetian mansions at Theologo are also worth visiting. Many of them have been restored and are now private residences but even from the outside you have great photo opportunities. The main road circles the island and from it you can access many walking trails.
What Should I buy as Souvenirs?
Natural products abound there and the honey and olive oil is to be especially recommended. Many of the shops do attractively packaged honey and olive oil and they make great gifts if you can force yourself to give them away.
What Should I eat Whilst Staying on Thassos?
You have a good choice depending on where you stay. Food ranges from the typical tourist fare of burgers, etc. to traditional Greek food which there is influenced by the sheep and goat cream and cheese together with the spices that add a heat to the food of Northern Greece.
What Should I do for a Great Evening out?
It depends on your tastes. There are bars and clubs for the young and young at heart with endless cheap cocktails or there are the traditional Greek tavernas, often with live music where you can enjoy a great meal, engage in stimulating conversation and then be entertained by the sound of the bouzouki.
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