Thassos Island Travel Guide

My trip to Thassos Island, one of the shining gems of the Aegean Sea in northern Greece, far exceeded my expectations. Golden beaches, lush mountain roads, ancient ruins, and friendly villagers... Every moment of the three days I spent in Thassos was full of experiences. If you're looking to both relax and explore, this place is perfect for you.

How to Get to Thassos?

To reach Thassos Island, you first need to get to Kavala or Keramoti. I drove through the İpsala border gate and arrived at Keramoti Port. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from there, and the journey takes about 35 minutes. Boarding the ferry with a vehicle is easy—tickets are around €5 per person and about €20 for a car.

Note: You can also go via Kavala, but Keramoti is shorter and has more frequent trips.

Getting Around the Island: Should You Rent a Car?

Having your own vehicle is a big advantage because the island's perimeter is around 100 km and places of interest are spread out. If you're not driving, car rentals are common on the island, with daily prices ranging from €35 to €50. ATV or scooter rentals are also an option, but be cautious as some roads are mountainous and winding.

Places to Visit: Thassos' Most Beautiful Spots

No matter where you go on the island, nature and history are intertwined. But some places are absolutely unmissable:

Aliki Beach and Ancient Ruins

I visited Aliki early in the morning. I swam and explored the ancient marble quarries and temple ruins on foot. Even the stones in the sea sparkled like marble.

Giola – Natural Rock Pool

I had seen Giola often on Instagram, and it truly is mesmerizing. It's like a natural pool among the rocks... Going early in the morning is best, as it gets crowded in the afternoon.

Panagia Village

Located at the foot of the mountains in the island’s interior, this village makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you wander its stone streets. The traditional taverns and shops are delightful.

What to Eat in Thassos?

If you're a fan of Greek cuisine, Thassos will make you very happy. My personal favorites:

Grilled Octopus – A must-try at seaside restaurants.
Greek Salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and lots of feta cheese.
Thassos honey – Especially the pine honey is famous. I brought back two jars!

Accommodation Guide for Thassos

I stayed in a small family-run place near the beach in the Limenaria area. Clean, affordable, and friendly service. Besides hotels, the island also has plenty of bungalows and guesthouses.

My recommendation: Stay close to the beaches but slightly outside the main tourist crowds. That way, you get both peace and accessibility.

Visa, Prices & Tips

A Schengen visa is required. I had a multiple-entry visa, which made crossing easy.
Food and drink are slightly more expensive than in Turkey but not too much. A typical tavern meal costs around €15–20 per person.
You can reduce Euro-based spending by shopping at local markets.
You can check ferry schedules at this link.

For Campers in Thassos

If you want a more free-spirited holiday close to nature, there are several campgrounds in Thassos. I found one in the Astris region using kampbu.com. It's by the sea and has showers and electricity.

Thanks to its natural setting, Thassos is ideal for camping, especially during spring and summer.

3-Day Sample Itinerary for Thassos

Day 1:

Morning: Ferry to the island
Afternoon: Lunch in Limenas and a beachside walk
Evening: Sunset at Sunset Beach

Day 2:

Morning: Aliki Beach and ancient ruins
Afternoon: Panagia Village and local cuisine
Evening: Dinner at a tavern on Limenaria beach

Day 3:

Morning: Swimming at Giola
Afternoon: Visit Astris Beach and the campsite
Evening: Ferry back

Thassos: Close Yet So Different

Thassos Island is one of the most accessible among the Greek islands, yet it’s also uniquely special. With just a short ferry ride, you can experience a European vibe while staying immersed in nature. For me, this trip wasn’t just a vacation — it was also a personal renewal.

Be sure to include Thassos in your travel plans.