Aegean
Thassos
White marble beaches, mountain trails, and the coolest summer in the Greek islands.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Busy in peak
Best months
Jun – Sep
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Thassos
Thassos is the northernmost Greek island and the most atypical — circular, almost entirely forested, and ringed by beaches where the sand is white marble dust rather than the usual yellow or brown. The water is genuinely clear and notably cooler than the southern Aegean even in midsummer, which is either a draw or a deterrent depending on temperature preferences. Ancient marble quarries have been working here since antiquity — Herodotus mentions Thasian gold — and the ancient ruins at Alyki, where a classical sanctuary of the Dioscuri sits directly above the sea beside a still-active quarry, are one of the more evocative archaeological sites in the northern Aegean. The island is a major favourite of northern Greek families and Eastern European visitors, which gives it a domestic, unpretentious atmosphere and prices that remain honest relative to what the beaches actually deserve.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Very popular with Eastern European and northern Greek tourists — has a different feel to the more internationally known Greek islands.
Hidden gem
Aliki beach — twin coves separated by an ancient marble quarry you can swim through.
Where it sits
Aegean, Greece
Thassos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Thassos? +
- The best months to visit Thassos are June to September. Avoid late July and August if you can — the island is crowded in July and August.
- How do you get to Thassos from Athens? +
- Thassos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Thassos good for couples? +
- Thassos is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Thassos good for families with kids? +
- Thassos is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Thassos expensive? +
- Thassos is one of the cheaper Greek islands — and it's one of the better-value picks in its tier.
- Do you need a car on Thassos? +
- You'll want a rental car on Thassos — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Thassos? +
- Very popular with Eastern European and northern Greek tourists — has a different feel to the more internationally known Greek islands.