A guide to the best beaches in Thassos
Holidays to Thassos are all about lying on the beach, as the region is surrounded by 96 kilometres of sand. In fact, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a shady spot to lay your head. If you’re looking for a more developed shoreline complete with all of the modern conveniences such as showers, sunbeds and lifeguards you should check out Golden Beach, while the more active beach bum might want to try his or her hand at windsurfing and other watersports at Paradise Beach. Alternatively, if you prefer seclusion and tranquility, head to the south coast, where a number of quiet stretches of sand await.
Golden Beach
A tourist destination in its own right, Golden Beach is one of the most developed stretches of sand on the whole island and quite rightly enjoys its fair share of tourist traffic. Unfolding between the twin resorts of Skala Panagias and Skala Potamias, it is set against the backdrop of Mount Ypsarion and offers cool, calming water with a shallow incline perfect for young ones. The beach is long and wide, offering plenty of space for reclining sunbathers, while at its centre a rocky outcrop breaks the continuity of the sand.
Paradise Beach
Fertile vegetation stretches almost all the way down to the shoreline at this idyllic swimming beach, where a deep sandy bank drops slowly into clear waters. On windier days, the spot is incredibly popular with windsurfers, while it represents a great place to take a dip throughout the year due to its calm waves and water clarity. It started life as a naturist resort and although nudity is still tolerated, it has been pushed to the fringes of the beach. Families and couples dominate the scene nowadays.
Potos Beach
Another of the most popular beaches on the island, Potos has a thriving tourism infrastructure all of its own. As a result, you can expect plenty of cafes and beach bars by the water’s edge, while the town that sits in front of it is particularly popular with tourists on Thassos holidays. Obviously this means the beach might be a little busier than some of the other more secluded spots, but with two kilometres to choose from, there’s plenty of sand for everyone to share.
Alyki Beach
Once a hidden secret among the locals, these days the cat has been let well and truly out of the bag when it comes to Alyki. A cluster of tavernas has sprung up to meet the tourist demand, while coaches ferry day-trippers to and from the secluded bay round the clock. The site is fringed with marble quarries, olive groves and pine trees, making for a spectacular setting in the bay.
Metalia Beach
The gentle descent into the perfectly clear water of Metalia Beach makes it a popular choice for children and snorkellers. Less confident swimmers can splash about in the shallow waters near the shoreline, while those looking to get closer to the creatures of the deep will find many fish and other sea creatures swimming around the inlet. The crumbling towers of the abandoned smelting factory behind the beach make for an eerily beautiful backdrop.