Greece - Korina Miller [523]
Orientation & Information
ATM-equipped banks are near the central square. The town beach, backed by waterfront tavernas and beach bars, is about 100m beyond the old harbour, a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
Billias Travel Service ( 25930 24003; www.billias-travel-service.gr; Gallikis Arheologikis Scholis 2) All-services travel agency.
Mood Café ( 25930 23417; cnr 18 Oktovriou & K Dimitriadi; per hr €3; 9.30am-2am) Internet cafe with fast connection.
Port police ( 25930 22106)
Tourist police ( 25930 23111)
www.gothassos.com Useful online resource.
Sights
Thasos’ archaeological museum ( 25930 22180; 9am-3pm Tue-Sun) displays Neolithic utensils from a mysterious central Thasos tomb, plus Ancient Greek art, including a 5m-tall 6th-century BC kouros carrying a ram.
Next door stand ruins of the ancient agora, the commercial centre in ancient Greek and Roman times. The foundations of stoas, shops and dwellings remain. About 100m east of the agora, the ancient theatre stages performances of ancient dramas and comedies during the Kavala Festival of Drama. The theatre is signposted from the small harbour.
From here a path leads to the acropolis, where substantial remains of a medieval fortress stand. Carved rock steps descend to the foundations of the ancient town walls on which the fortress was built. There are magnificent views of the coast from here as well.
Festivals & Events
In July and August plays are held in the ancient theatre during the Kavala Festival of Drama. A free Full moon concert occurs each August, featuring singers from all over Greece. The EOT ( 25102 22425) in Kavala has information and tickets, or ask Thasos’ tourist police ( 25930 23111). The summertime Thasos Festival includes classical drama, painting exhibitions and contemporary Greek music. Programs are available at hotels, cafes and tourist agencies.
Sleeping
BUDGET & MIDRANGE
Hotel Possidon ( 25930 22739; www.thassos-possidon.com; Old Harbour; s/d €40/50; ) This friendly waterfront hotel’s recently renovated lobby bar straddles both the harbour and main shopping street of 18 Oktovriou. It’s one of the few local hotels that doesn’t work with package-tour companies. Rooms are modern and well maintained, many with comfortable water-view balconies.
Hotel Galini ( 25930 22195; Theageneou; s/d €44/50; ) This small, slightly worn place opposite the Amfipolis Hotel has 16 simple but clean rooms. Service is gruff, though a flowery back garden restores good cheer.
Hotel Akropolis ( /fax 25930 22488; M Alexandrou; s/d incl breakfast €45/55; ) This century-old mansion offers a classic touch, with eclectic antiques and a relaxing garden, though rooms are slightly cramped.
Hotel Angelica ( 25930 22387; www.hotel-angelica.gr; Old Harbour; s/d €50/60; ) Another waterfront hotel, the Angelica is a dependable choice, though not overwhelming. Bathrooms are a bit dated but clean.
TOP END
Hotel Timoleon ( 25930 22177; Old Harbour; s/d €70/100; ) Located next to the Hotel Possidon, the three-star Timoleon has 30 rooms (15 with sea view) characterised by smooth fixtures and spacious interiors; considering the price, though, perhaps not unique enough.
Amfipolis Hotel ( 25930 23101; www.hotelamfipolis.gr; cnr 18 Oktovriou & Theogenous; s/d/tr/ste incl breakfast €95/140/165/235; Jun-Oct; ) Thasos’ most elegant hotel occupies this national heritage–listed building with an imposing blue facade. A hotel since 1938 and previous to that a tobacco warehouse, the Amfipolis has elegant rooms with high, wood-panelled ceilings, and even a garden Jacuzzi.
Eating & Drinking
Simi ( 25930 22517; Old Harbour; mains €7-10) At first glance, Simi looks like all the other Old Harbour tavernas with touting waiters; however, locals agree that it serves Limenas’ best fish. There’s taverna fare, too.
I Pigi Grill Room ( 25930 22941; Central Square; mains €5-7.50; dinner) This friendly,