Thasos Island is one of the hidden gems of Greece, often overlooked by tourists who flock to the more famous islands in the south. However, Thasos has a lot to offer, and it deserves more attention and appreciation. Thasos is the northernmost island of the Aegean Sea, and it is known for its lush vegetation, crystal clear water, and rich heritage. Thasos is a place where you can relax, explore, and discover, and have a memorable holiday. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the most important things to know before you visit Thasos Island, how to get there, what to do and see, and where to eat and stay.
What to Know Before You Visit Thasos Island
Before you pack your bags and head to Thasos Island, there are some things you should know to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Language: The official language of Thasos Island is Greek, but you will also hear some people speaking Turkish, Bulgarian, or Roma. Many people in Thasos Island can speak some English, especially in the tourist areas, but it is always polite and helpful to learn some basic Greek phrases, such as hello (γεια σου), thank you (ευχαριστώ), and excuse me (συγνώμη).
- Currency: The currency of Thasos Island is the euro (EUR). You can exchange your money at the airport, banks, or exchange offices, but you will usually get a better rate by using your debit or credit card at ATMs. You can also use your card to pay at most places, but it is always good to have some cash for small purchases, tips, or emergencies.
- Climate: Thasos Island has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The average temperature in Thasos Island is 17°C (63°F), but it can vary from 7°C (45°F) in January to 28°C (82°F) in July. The best time to visit Thasos Island is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are blooming. However, you can also visit Thasos Island in the winter, when the island is quieter and offers a different scenery and atmosphere.
- Transportation: Thasos Island has a good public transportation system, consisting of buses, taxis, and ferries. You can buy tickets at kiosks, vending machines, or on board, and you need to validate them before boarding. A single ticket costs 1.80 EUR and is valid for one ride on any bus or ferry. You can also buy a 24-hour ticket for 5 EUR, which is valid for unlimited rides on any bus or ferry. You can also use taxis, which are cheap and easy to find, but make sure to agree on the fare before you get in. You can also rent a car, a scooter, or a bike, which are more convenient and flexible, but also more expensive and risky.
- Safety: Thasos Island is a safe island, but like any place, it has some risks and dangers. You should be aware of pickpockets, scammers, and beggars, especially in crowded and touristy areas. You should also avoid walking alone at night in dark or isolated streets, and be careful when swimming, hiking, or driving, as there may be rocks, currents, or accidents. You should also respect the local laws and customs, and avoid any political or religious demonstrations. If you need any help or emergency, you can call 112, the European emergency number, or 100, the Greek police number.
How to Get to Thasos Island
There are many ways to get to Thasos Island, depending on where you are coming from and what your budget and preferences are. Here are some of the most common ones:
- By plane: Thasos Island does not have an airport, but you can fly to the nearby airports of Kavala (KVA) or Thessaloniki (SKG), which are about 50 km and 200 km from Thasos Island, respectively. You can take a bus, a taxi, or a private transfer to the port of Keramoti, which is about 10 km from Kavala Airport, or the port of Thessaloniki, which is about 20 km from Thessaloniki Airport. From there, you can take a ferry to the port of Limenas, which is the main port and town of Thasos Island. The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes from Keramoti and about 3 hours from Thessaloniki, and it costs about 4 EUR per person and 16 EUR per car. You can also fly to other nearby airports, such as Athens (ATH) or Istanbul (IST), and then take a bus or a train to Kavala or Thessaloniki, and then a ferry to Thasos Island.
- By ferry: Thasos Island is well connected by ferry to the mainland and other islands of the Aegean Sea. You can take a ferry from the ports of Kavala, Thessaloniki, Volos, or Alexandroupoli, which are located on the northern coast of Greece, or from the islands of Samothraki, Lemnos, Lesvos, or Chios, which are located on the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. You can buy ferry tickets online, at the port, or at authorized agencies, and you need to show them to the crew before boarding. A ferry ticket from Kavala to Thasos Island costs 4 EUR per person and 16 EUR per car and takes about 40 minutes. A ferry ticket from Thessaloniki to Thasos Island costs 15 EUR per person and 60 EUR per car and takes about 3 hours. A ferry ticket from Volos to Thasos Island costs 25 EUR per person and 100 EUR per car and takes about 6 hours. A ferry ticket from Alexandroupoli to Thasos Island costs 10 EUR per person and 40 EUR per car and takes about 2 hours. A ferry ticket from Samothraki to Thasos Island costs 8 EUR per person and 32 EUR per car and takes about 2 hours. A ferry ticket from Lemnos to Thasos Island costs 15 EUR per person and 60 EUR per car and takes about 4 hours. A ferry ticket from Lesvos to Thasos Island costs 20 EUR per person and 80 EUR per car and takes about 5 hours. A ferry ticket from Chios to Thasos Island costs 25 EUR per person and 100 EUR per car and takes about 6 hours.
- By bus: Thasos Island does not have a bus station, but you can take a bus to the nearby towns of Kavala or Thessaloniki, which are about 50 km and 200 km from Thasos Island, respectively. You can take buses from many other cities in Greece, such as Athens, Patras, Ioannina, or Larissa, or from other countries in the Balkans, such as Bulgaria, Turkey, or Albania. You can buy bus tickets online, at the station, or at authorized agencies, and you need to show them to the driver before boarding. A bus ticket from Athens to Kavala costs 40 EUR and takes about 7 hours. A bus ticket from Patras to Kavala costs 50 EUR and takes about 9 hours. A bus ticket from Ioannina to Kavala costs 25 EUR and takes about 4 hours. A bus ticket from Larissa to Kavala costs 20 EUR and takes about 3 hours. A bus ticket from Sofia to Kavala costs 15 EUR and takes about 4 hours. A bus ticket from Istanbul to Kavala costs 20 EUR and takes about 5 hours. A bus ticket from Tirana to Kavala costs 25 EUR and takes about 6 hours. From Kavala or Thessaloniki, you can take a taxi or a private transfer to the port of Keramoti or Thessaloniki, and then a ferry to Thasos Island.
What to Do and See in Thasos Island
Thasos Island is a place where you can never get bored, as it offers a variety of activities and attractions for all tastes and ages. Here are some of the must-do and must-see things in Thasos Island:
- Enjoy the beaches: Thasos Island is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Greece, ranging from sandy to pebbly, from organized to secluded, from calm to windy. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing, or sailing on the crystal clear water, and admire the stunning scenery of the green mountains and the blue sea. Some of the best beaches in Thasos Island are Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, Marble Beach, Aliki Beach, and Psili Ammos Beach.
- Explore the villages: Thasos Island has many charming and traditional villages, each with its own character
