Greece - Korina Miller [522]
While some of Thasos’ best beaches have been afflicted by shabby package tourism, untouched spots remain. And, considering that the relatively short ‘high season’ runs essentially from mid-July to mid-August, it’s possible at other times to enjoy peaceful moments on this so-called ‘emerald isle’.
Living as it does largely from tourism, Thasos’ shuttered domatia and hotels seem lonely out of season. Only the capital, Limenas, has a few functioning hotels in winter.
Getting There & Away
Thasos is only accessible from Kavala and Keramoti on the mainland (for details, see Island Hopping, Click here). In Kavala, ferries dock on the long eastern harbour while hydrofoils wait on the dock opposite the harbour, just behind the main intercity (IC) bus station, beside the small port police kiosk.
On Thasos itself, get ferry schedules at the ferry ticket booths ( 25930 22318) in Thasos (Limenas) and the port police ( 25930 22106) at Skala Prinou. The ferry dock for Keramoti is 150m west of Thasos town centre.
Getting Around
BICYCLE
Basic bikes can be hired in Thasos (Limenas), but top-of-the-line models and detailed route information are available in Potos from local mountain biking expert, Yiannis Raizis ( 25930 52459, 6946955704; www.mtb-thassos.com).
BOAT
The Eros 2 excursion boat ( 6944945282; day trip €25) makes full-day trips around Thasos four times weekly, with stops for swimming and a barbecue. The boat departs the Old Harbour at 10am. Water taxis run regularly to Hrysi Ammoudia (Golden Beach) and Makryammos Beach from the Old Harbour. Excursion boats of varying sizes, nationalities and alcohol content also set sail regularly from the coastal resorts.
BUS
Frequent buses circle the coast in both directions and service inland villages too. Buses meet arriving ferries at Skala Prinou and Thasos (Limenas), the island’s transport hub. The two port towns are connected by eight daily buses (€1.80).
Daily buses go 10 to 12 times a day from Thasos (Limenas) through west-coast villages like Skala Marion (€3.30) to Limenaria (€4), with seven continuing to Potos (€4.20). Five daily buses connect Thasos (Limenas) with Theologos (€5.30). From Thasos (Limenas) four buses daily go further south to Alyki (€3.30) and nearby Moni Arhangelou. From Potos you can follow the same route to these places on to the east coast and Paradise Beach (€3.10), Skala Potamia (€3.90) and nearby Hrysi Ammoudia (Golden Beach) for €4.20.
In summer 10 daily buses go the other way from Thasos (Limenas) to these east-coast villages, servicing Skala Potamia (€1.50) via Panagia (€1.40) and Potamia (€1.40). A full circular tour (about 100km) runs nine times daily (€9.50, 3½ hours), clockwise or anticlockwise. Helpfully, this round-the-island ticket is valid all day, meaning you can jump on and off without paying extra. The bus station ( 25930 22162) on the Thasos (Limenas) waterfront, provides timetables.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Avis Rent a Car Thasos (Limenas) ( 25930 22535); Potamia ( 25930 61735); Skala Prinou ( 25930 72075) is widespread, though smaller, local companies may be cheaper. In Thasos (Limenas), Billy’s Bikes ( 25930 22490), opposite the newsagent, and 2 Wheels ( 25930 23267), on the Prinos road, offer bike and motorcycle hire.
TAXI
The Thasos (Limenas) taxi rank ( 25930 22391) is on the waterfront, next to the main bus stop. In Potos, a taxi rank with listed prices is besides the main road’s bus stop.
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THASOS (LIMENAS) ΘΑΣΟΣ (ΛΙΜΕΝΑΣ)
pop 2610 / area 375 sq km
Thasos (also called Limenas), has the island’s most services and year-round life, along with a picturesque fishing harbour, sandy beach, shopping, a few ancient ruins and an archaeological museum. Still, considering