Travel expert Simon Calder has named the Greek island of Thassos his top pick for a budget-friendly European holiday. Known as the 'Emerald Island', Thassos stands out for its lush greenery, a contrast to many of Greece's more arid islands. Its dense pine forests, olive groves, and other vegetation stretch almost to the coast, while its beaches are framed by clear, shallow turquoise waters.
History and Attractions
Thassos has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Settled by ancient Greeks from Paros, the island prospered through its marble, gold mines, olive oil, wine, and trade. Remains of an ancient theatre, agora, and sanctuary can still be found in Thassos Town.
Local Cuisine and Costs
The island offers classic Mediterranean cooking, featuring fresh seafood, goat and lamb dishes, and local specialties like gouna (salted, dried mackerel) and tatarka (a seasonal vegetable dish). Local cheeses, honey, olive oil, and wine are also highlights.
Dining out is relatively affordable compared to islands like Mykonos and Santorini. A typical taverna meal costs around €12 to €25 per person, while casual options like gyros or souvlaki range from €5 to €10. Beers are about €3 to €6, and cocktails at beach bars cost roughly €8 to €12.
Getting There
Speaking on ITV's This Morning in 2024, Calder described Thassos as "Absolutely lovely. It's in the North. It's really different from all the other ones." He noted the need for a ferry crossing, as there are no direct flights from the UK.
Travellers can fly to Kavala International Airport (KVA) and take a ferry from Keramoti, with the crossing taking 35 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, flights to Thessaloniki offer more options, followed by a road trip to the coast and a ferry. Some UK travel companies also offer package holidays with seasonal flights during summer.
Direct flights from London to Kavala take about 3 hours 25 minutes from Stansted, while flights to Thessaloniki take around 3 hours 10–25 minutes, depending on the airport.
