Travel expert Simon Calder has named the Greek island of Thassos as his top pick for an affordable European holiday, calling it "absolutely lovely" and "absolute heaven". Known as the 'Emerald Island' for its lush landscape, Thassos offers a mix of beautiful beaches, dense woodland, and fascinating archaeological sites.
Why Thassos stands out
Unlike many of Greece's more arid islands, Thassos is covered in pine and olive trees, with mountains rising behind its coastline. The island is relatively easy to explore, with around 100km of coastline and a scenic coastal road, making it well-suited to a road trip.
For many visitors, the beaches are the biggest draw. Thassos is home to sandy stretches, secluded coves, and crystal-clear waters, with popular spots including Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, Alyki, and Potos. Golden Beach is particularly appealing for its soft golden sand and shallow waters.
Simon Calder's verdict
Speaking on ITV's This Morning in 2024, Simon said: "Absolutely lovely. It's in the North. It's really different from all the other ones. It's got great features. It's got this wonderful mountain in the middle. You have to get a little ferry across to there from Kavala, but once you do, it's just absolute heaven. Loads going on. It's got proper Greek stuff, ancient remains and things like that. And of course all those lovely tavernas you just want to sit in."
Costs in Thassos
Thassos can be a relatively affordable alternative to some of Greece's more popular islands, although prices tend to increase during the peak summer months. As of 2026, coffee typically costs roughly €1.50 to €5 (£1.28 to £4.50), local draught beer around €2.50 to €6 (£2.14 to £5.14), and an inexpensive meal at a restaurant about €10–€17 per person (£8.50 to £14.56).
Getting there
Simon cautioned holidaymakers that ferry transport to the island is necessary, as no direct flights operate from the UK. However, getting there is relatively straightforward: travellers can fly to Kavala International Airport (KVA) on mainland northern Greece, then take a ferry from Keramoti to Thassos, with the crossing taking around 35 to 40 minutes. During the summer, there are often seasonal direct flights from UK airports to Kavala, though available routes and airlines can vary.
