Thassos

Day 1: Limenas heritage and the golden east

Ease into Thassos with a blend of history and easy swims. Base yourself around Limenas, then follow the coast to the island’s most family-friendly sands. Check the wind first thing; if a strong northerly is blowing, swap east-coast swims for southern coves.

• Morning: Explore Limenas’ ancient agora and the Archaeological Museum, then drive 10 minutes to Makryammos for your first swim; there’s an entrance fee, shaded parking and calm, clear water. Tip: bring reef shoes if you’ll poke around the rocks; sea urchins are common.
• Midday: Head to Golden Beach via Skala Panagia; settle into a sunbed set with minimum consumption or use the restored “free” sections after the towel-movement crackdowns. Shallow, warm water makes it ideal for a long, lazy lunch and a stand-up paddle.
• Afternoon: Walk the soft-sand arc between Skala Panagia and Skala Potamia, or rent a kayak when the sea is glassy. If the Meltemi kicks up waves, switch to the lee side at Pefkari where conditions are usually calmer.
• Evening: Sunset in Limenas’ harbour with mezze and a freddo; stroll the promenade and pick up supplies for tomorrow (large water, snacks, beach umbrella if you prefer “free” sections).

Day 2: Ancient marble shores and the south’s coves

Today blends archaeology with dramatic coastline. Start early at Alyki before the coaches, then work along the south-east where cliffs meet luminous coves. Keep footwear handy for rocky entries and bring cash for simple beach canteens.

• Morning: Alyki: swim in the western bay and walk the easy loop around the peninsula to the ancient quarry and early Christian ruins; look for marble blocks visible under the water. Arrive before 10:00 for easy parking and the calmest sea.
• Midday: Drop to Arsanas for a spring-cooled dip; access is via a steep footpath below the Archangel Michael Monastery, so pack light and wear decent shoes. No facilities—bring water and a snack.
• Afternoon: Time your visit to Giola for late afternoon when crowds thin and the rock isn’t scorching; the path is rough and slippery in flip-flops. Prefer sand and services? Aim for Psili Ammos or Pefkari for organised loungers and watersports.
• Evening: Dinner in Potos and a post-meal stroll along San Antonio Beach. If you prefer mellow sunsets, drive 15 minutes to Salonikios for a quiet golden-hour swim with chill-out music at the low-key beach bar.

Day 3: Marble magic by boat, east-to-west island loop

See the northeast’s famous white-pebble coves by sea, then cross to the characterful west for history-tinged beaches and a big-sky sunset. The ring road is about 98 km; allow time for photo stops and slow, scenic driving.

• Morning: Take a water taxi from Limenas to Saliara and Porto Vathy to avoid the rough quarry road and dust; boats typically run morning out/late afternoon back in high season. The marble pebbles get hot—sandals are essential, and the water turns a surreal turquoise on sunny days.
• Midday: If winds swing southerly and the east is calmer, detour to Paradise Beach for body-boarding waves or lake-still paddles, depending on conditions; respect the discreet naturist corner at one end. Grab a simple beach lunch (cards aren’t always accepted—carry cash).
• Afternoon: Drive to the west coast: swim at Metalia beneath the old ironworks ruins or choose roomy Trypiti for space even in August. West-side pebbly strands like Skidia have exceptionally clear water when you want near-solitude.
• Evening: End with a picnic sunset at Salonikios or dinner in Limenaria’s seafront tavernas. Tip: lifeguards are mostly on Blue Flag hubs only; plan swims earlier in the day, hydrate well, and avoid unlit dirt roads after dark.

Notes for all days:

• Check wind each morning; pick your coast accordingly (north wind = calmer south, and vice versa).
• Sunbeds usually come with minimum spend; “free” public sections exist on every organised beach.
• Sea shoes save your feet on rocky entries and around urchins; carry a small first-aid pouch.
• In July–August, arrive before 10:00 for parking; June and September have warmer seas with fewer crowds.

By Air

• There is no airport on Thassos.
• Kavala International Airport (KVA, “Megas Alexandros”): closest option. About 12 km (15–20 minutes) by taxi or hire car to Keramoti port, then a 35–40 minute ferry to Limenas (Thassos Town). Year-round Athens flights and summer charters.
• Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): major hub with extensive year-round connections. About 220–230 km (2.5–3 hours) by road to Keramoti, then ferry.
• Alexandroupoli Airport (AXD): alternative regional gateway. About 140 km (1 hour 45 minutes) by road to Keramoti, then ferry.

By Ferry

• Keramoti → Limenas (Thassos Town): the main, fastest route. Crossing 35–40 minutes; very frequent (every 30–45 minutes in summer, hourly or so off-peak). Car ferries and foot passengers. First/last sailings typically early morning to late evening; check current timetables.
• Kavala → Skala Prinos: longer crossing (about 1 hour 15–1 hour 30), fewer daily departures. Convenient if staying on the west side of Thassos.
• Tickets are sold at port kiosks; foot passengers usually do not need to pre-book. In July–August, arrive 30–45 minutes early with a vehicle.

By Bus

• Thessaloniki to Kavala: KTEL intercity coaches from Macedonia Intercity Bus Station; about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. Connect in Kavala to a local KTEL bus to Keramoti (about 35–40 minutes), then ferry.
• Athens to Kavala: KTEL coaches (day and overnight) around 7–8.5 hours; connect to Keramoti as above.
• Kavala city to Keramoti: frequent local KTEL buses (about 35–40 minutes). Timetables vary seasonally—check KTEL Kavala.

By Car

• Thessaloniki → Keramoti: A2/Egnatia Odos via Kavala/Chrysoupoli exit; 220–230 km (about 2.5 hours). Tolls apply. Then ferry 35–40 minutes to Limenas.
• Kavala → Keramoti: about 35 km (30–40 minutes). Alternatively, board the Kavala → Skala Prinos ferry from Kavala port.
• Alexandroupoli → Keramoti: A2 westbound; about 140 km (around 1 hour 40 minutes).
• In peak season, queues for vehicle embarkation are common—arrive early.

By Train

• No direct rail to Kavala or Keramoti. Nearest stations are on the Thessaloniki–Alexandroupoli line (e.g., Drama, Xanthi).
• Services are limited and slow; most travellers use buses. From Drama or Xanthi, continue by KTEL bus or taxi to Keramoti (roughly 45–70 minutes by road), then ferry.