Set amid the Aegean Sea, Thasos (sometimes spelt as Thassos) is one of the most popular choices for tourists looking to experience ancient Greek culture alongside a remarkable array of beaches. As you make your way around the mountainous island, each region offers its own coastal delights, from bustling seaside resorts and hidden-away coves to rocky lagoons.
Accessible only by ferry, this northernmost Greek island lies approximately 10 km from the mainland town of Keramoti. The summers in Thasos can be blisteringly hot. Thankfully, there are almost endless opportunities to spend your days in the turquoise water, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. When it comes to island getaways, Thasos is quite unbeatable. Here are our tips to the unmissable beaches on Thasos.
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Golden Beach
Close to excellent hotels and dining spots
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You'll come across Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach) when heading down the east coast of Thasos. One of the most popular stretches of beachfront on the island, there’s a wide range of hotels, restaurants and taverns, along with places renting out water sports equipment.
Golden Beach bustles with people throughout the summer months in Thasos. But the water remains wonderfully clear. The waves tend to be small and calm, making it a great choice for those travelling with children. The beach is around 12 km from the island's main town of Limenas. You can also walk along the waterfront to the lively marina of Skala Potamias.
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Marble Beach
One of Thasos' most beautiful beaches
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Saliara Beach (Marble Beach) is recognised for its stunning white stones and sand. Contrasting against the bright beachfront, the turquoise coloured water provides a scenic place to soak up the island atmosphere.
In recent years, Saliara Beach has grown from a local secret to one of Thasos’ most well-known spots. Hidden away down the end of a dirt road, there are plenty of reasons to spend the whole day – a small cafeteria and sunbeds keep everyone comfortable.
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Giola Lagoon
A special coastal experience
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Giola Lagoon might lack a sandy beachfront, but it certainly could be considered Thasos' most extraordinary swimming spot. Located near the village of Astris, adrenaline-seekers love to leap into this breathtaking lagoon from the surrounding rocks, which reach up to 8 metres high.
With only a thin rocky outcrop separating the sea from the pool, you can place your towel high on the cliff and experience the wonderful coastal views as the waves crash below. There's parking available at the nearby tavern, from where you can make the short walk to the lagoon down a dusty path.
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Aliki Beach
Spend the day on 2 beaches and ancient ruins
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Aliki Beach draws holidaymakers with its 2 pebble-and-sand beaches, which are separated by a slender gulf. At the busiest time of the year, the beautiful water is crowded with colourful fishing boats that have moored for the day. Meanwhile, nearby restaurants and cafés provide you with delicious traditional Greek fare throughout the day.
Both sides of the gulf have their own charms, though the western beach tends to be the most popular due to its proximity to the restaurants. On the eastern side, there's an archaeological site with an ancient marble quarry, 2 Paleochristian basilicas, and a collection of other fascinating ruins.
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Pachis Beach
Plenty of shade to escape the heat
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Pachis Beach offers great views back across the Thasos mainland. It's one of the longest beaches in the region, stretching down the coastline with fine sand and a wide beachfront, ensuring there's loads of space for everyone.
One of the reasons Pachis remains hugely popular is the fact that it offers lots of shade while you catch the sun on Thasos. The beachfront is lined with towering pine trees, excellent for taking a break from the scorching heat. Nearby are many hotels and guesthouses, along with restaurants offering simple meals and cold drinks. There are also sunbeds available for a reasonable price.
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La Scala Beach
A cool beachfront on Thasos
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La Scala is a public beach that’s maintained by a modern restaurant and bar of the same name. There's an abundance of sunbeds and canopies overlooking the sea, as well as a children's pool with plenty of shade.
The beachfront is kept clean by the restaurant's helpful staff, while the water remains relatively shallow so you can easily keep cool. Set 4 km from Limenas, La Scala is an especially great choice for when you want to add some glamour to your holiday.
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Notos Beach
Hidden away location with a bar
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Notos Beach offers a tranquil coastal experience for those who want to escape the crowds in Thasos. You can head directly onto the narrow shoreline and its luminous water via a sharp 30-metre footpath. If you arrive with your children, this beach is also very safe as the water stays reasonably shallow throughout.
Complimenting the remarkable landscape, there's a vibrant bar serving chilled drinks, alongside a small selection of umbrellas if you want to escape the sun. Tucked away in the nearby rocks, you'll find some great snorkelling opportunities. There's also a pathway through the rocky outcrop, leading you to another beach.
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Metalia Beach
Close to town and historical monuments
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Thasos might experience a wave of tourists once the summer months arrive, but Metalia Beach provides a haven away from the crowds. Set within walking distance of the village of Limenaria, if you decide to visit Metalia Beach, you'll find a peaceful landscape flanked by shade-giving pine trees.
Close to Metalia Beach are the ruins of an age-old German marble mine, which also showcases an abandoned palace. There's a chance to wander up to the Crown of Limenaria, a sculptural monument that sits atop a hill, where you can enjoy panoramic sea views.
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Salonikios Beach
Catch the sunset without the crowds
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Salonikios Beach, set close to the southern tip of Thasos, is where you'll experience some of the island’s famous sunsets. The beachfront is far from many of the island's largest communities, resulting in a relatively untouched setting. If you look closely, you'll notice that the sand has a unique red tinge, making the water appear a little bit brighter.
During the peak of summer, there's a trendy beach bar with music and a sundeck that serves snacks and drinks. Fortunately, there's also a row of pine trees set along the beachfront, so if the sun becomes too much, you can always retreat here to cool off.
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Paradise Beach
Wander out into the sea
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Appropriately named Paradise Beach, this appealing spot on the pristine east coast of Thasos lives up to expectations. Spread across several hundred metres, the long stretches of sand are wonderfully clean. Once you head into the water, you'll find the shallows extend a long way out into the sea, which makes it an excellent choice for families.
If you plan to spend the day, there are 2 charming restaurants and a café to keep you satisfied with tasty local cuisine and cold drinks. There are plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas, which you can rent for a few euros.
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