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Thomson Destinations
Greece's most northerly island is also one of the most unspoilt. It's wonderfully laid-back, with great beaches and lush scenery - the perfect place to unwind.
Thassos
reviews Video tour & customer on.co.uk thoms
When it comes to the traditional Greek island experience, Thassos is the real deal. Just 12 kilometres from the mainland, it's long been a favourite holiday spot for the country's northern residents. Despite increasing popularity with visitors from other countries, it's managed to retain its quintessential Greek identity. Cue whitewashed houses. Rolling hillsides. And secluded bays. The proposition here is simple. Relax on the beach. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters. While away evenings in tavernas. Apart from that all you have to do is concentrate on de-stressing and banishing any thoughts of deadlines or the daily grind. Mind you, if you're up for a spot of sightseeing, Thassos also has several interesting places to visit, including remains of its ancient past. What's more, it's just a short hop to the mainland, where there's more to see, including Kavala's Archaeological Museum and what's left of the glorious metropolis of Philippi, the first Christian city of Europe. Another alternative to the beach is Thassos's wonderful inland countryside. Things to see and do Limenas Archaeological Museum Widely regarded as one of the best Greek museums outside Athens, you'll discover a fine collection of artefacts. Highlights are the 7th c BC plate depicting Bellerephon on Pegasus slaying the Chimera, and an unfinished 11-foot high Kriophorus sculpture from the 6th c BC. Ancient Limenas Limenas stands on the site of an ancient city, and there are several marble ruins and monuments that can still be seen today on the outskirts of town. Among the most interesting are the ancient walls which encircled the city, the acropolis and the Temple of Apollo. Archangelou Monastery Situated close to the picture-postcard village of Aliki, and set dramatically on cliffs overlooking the sea, stands the slate-roofed Monastery Archangelou. You can visit the pretty courtyard and church - just remember to cover your shoulders and knees. Mount Ipsarion Travel south of Limenas, through the charming hilltop village of Panayia, and you are in the foothills of Thassos's highest peak, Mount Ipsarion. The four-hour walk up the mountain is not easy, but it's worth it for the spectacular views. Mountain Biking Freeriders. Downhillers. Trekkers. If you're into cycling, Thassos is your dream destination. The island's got everything from well-ridden trails to daring dirt tracks taking you through some spectacular scenery. So get on your bike and ride. Watersports You'll find everything from kayaks and peddle boats to adrenaline-packed banana boats and parasailing in the beach resorts here. And as there's an almost constant breeze, it's great for windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing, too. Skala Marion Sunset The island's west coast is the place for spectacular sunsets. A good spot for a sundowner is Skala Marion, around 10 miles from Limenaria. It's a pleasant beach in a gorgeous little bay, dotted with colourful fishing boats. Horse Riding What could be better than getting on horseback and going for a leisurely amble through some of the island's glorious countryside? There are several places to hire horses on Thassos, including an equestrian centre in the village of Rachoni, just inland from Skala Rachoni.
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Skala Rahoni Skala Prinou Ormos Prinou Rachoni
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THASSOS TOWN
Prinou
Skaia Sotira Kazaviti
Akra Pyrgos
Golden Beach
Potamia
Skala Potomias
Kallirachi
Kastro Theologos Kinira Skala Marion Limenaria
Limenaria Bay Koinyra
Potos Thimonia Pefkari Astris
Akra Stavros Babouras
Thassos
Akra Salonikos
THASSOS
Panagia
5 km
© TUI 2005
Beaches When it comes to beaches, Thassos is your oyster. A circular road runs right round the coast, giving relatively easy access to just about every bay, cove and inlet. If you're prepared to hire a car and do a bit of exploring, you might even be lucky enough to find somewhere all to yourself, if you don't mind a little legwork that is. Wherever you choose to lay your towel, it's likely the swimming will be good and generally safe. Most beaches, particularly the larger ones, shelve gently into the sea and the waters are calm, so the kids can splash about to their hearts' content. Probably the best stretch of sand on the island is the aptly named Paradise Beach, near Kinyra on the east coast. It's straight out of the Caribbean, with a glorious sweep of powder-white sands lapped by azure-blue waters. Other gems are the vast beach at Limenaria and the twin beaches
. at Aliki, which are framed by pine-clad hills and overlooked by a quaint, whitewashed village. And don't forget the family-orientated Chrysi Ammoudhia, or Golden Beach', tucked between the villages of Skala Panagias and Skala Potamias, with Mount Ipsarion as an impressive backdrop
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London Thassos
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Apr 7 5 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Average daily hours of sunshine 9 11 13 12 9 6 7 6 6 5 Oct 6 3
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Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent to 10p/min plus 6p set Call 0871 230 8100 Calls cost upother providers' charges up fee from a BT landline. Mobile and may vary.
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