From Peter Kerrone, Lancashire, England

1 Nov 2003 - "Further to my 'Goldensun' info., November is now upon us, and still no brochure! Latest bulletin from them is now "last week in November". No apparent reason for the delay given, other than "problems with the brochure"! I rate that as one of the best official understatements that I have heard for quite some time!."

From David Ogden, Hyde, England

26 Oct 2003 - "Great site. I would like to recommend Pigi & Mosses in Thassos town both great greek food and very good value for money."

From Phil Liddy, Pat Dance, Wirral, England

19 Oct 2003 - "Stayed in Scala Potamias, lovely resort!. Very quiet and relaxing, with an excellent beach. Try the walk past Golden Beach to the marble outcrop. All the Restaurants we tried were very good. Our favourites were Captains and Korali. Try CJ's on the beach, english run and well cooked Brit dishes!. Stayed at the Pontios Studios, would'nt recommend them. Car hire from POTOS was cheap and friendly. Beaches on Thassos are very good, but Psili Ammos was our favourite, by a mile! Lovely Island for a relaxed Hoilday!"

From Peter Kerrone, Lancashire

14 Oct 2003 - "Latest information from Goldensun with regard to 2004 brochure, is that it will not appear until November. I foresee a mad rush to book accommodation, and my experience of them, is that they are extremely difficult to contact by phone. - Good Luck!!"

From anna nd bill dennis, grt manchester, england

11 Oct 2003 - "we returned from holiday 28/09/03 from thassos we stayed at vangelis studios, they were very clean but basic & just a stones throw from the beach, we had all of our evening meals at flisvos run by paula and vangelis who by the way knows how to cook fish & steak ,made us feel very welcome and spoke very good english. its the first time we have been to thassos but we are making plans to go again in may next year, we would recomend thassos"

From ellen, zaandam, holland

8 Oct 2003 - "We got back on monday the 6th of October, after a wonderful two weeks stay at Socrates, Skala Prino. The village is not much (30 inhabitants) but very convenient for taking the ferry or the bus all over the island and close to the old villages Megalo and Mikro Pinos. The island is definately (one of) the best Greec islands. Very quiet, very green, nice people and the sea is packed with fish, and even dolphins! - no waterscooters or 'bananas'! It was also dead cheap, compared to for instance Zakynthos. You could eat and drink at the Nest, for about 10/15 euro, two persons, and the food was really good. I would definately recommend this island to everybody without young kids, and over 25 years of age. We will be back some day, but still have some other Greec islands to explore..... Ellen and Piet"

From Mick & Tracey, West Yorks England

4 Oct 2003 - "Why is it that when I read this page I feel like saying "Stop telling people how great Thassos is", but then I go on about it just like everyone else does? Yes! We've been again & had a FANTASTIC time! And YES, we'll be coming back next year, but how busy do we want it to get???????? I'm already to blame for various people coming to try the place (all say they're going again). What a dilema!!!!! Enjoy the place, see you next August. (By the way, we know what Tracie & Phil mean about fed up Thassians - not enough English we were told!) Love to all, Mick & Tracey."

From Jane & John Carline, Lincolnshire England

3 Oct 2003 - "Second year for us at the Hotel Socrates in Skala Prinou beautiful hotel and resort. Everyone in the tavernas and bars very friendly. Please make an effort and get out and see the island it is really superb."

From Emily & Andrew Smith, Bristol England

2 Oct 2003 - "We have just got back from the fantastic island of Thassos for the 5th time! Stayed at the Achillion Hotel in Skala Potamia. Just fantastic. The best taverna by far has to be the Philipion, just off the beach in Skala Potamia. Steve & Marina (the owners)helped me celebrate my 18th birthday in amazing style, if you ever go there say a big hello from me!!! Will definately be returning!!!!!"

From Mike & Vera Coleman, Cheshire England

2 Oct 2003 - "We have just returned from 2 weeks in Scala Potomias staying at The Green Sea Apts which were excellent.We found the food at The Green Sea Taverna the best place to eat. Panos the owner was always helpful and friendly as were the rest of the family. All the other tavernas in the area were good, but I dont reccommend eating in Panagia it was very rushed. Pauline at Potos car hire was very helpful. We will be back next year for another dose!!!!!"

From Kim Tyreman, Gloucester, England

30 Sep 2003 - "Earlier in June my family and I (Martyn, Daniel and Victoria), with my parents (Fred and Val), stayed at the Green Sea Apartments in Skala Potomias. This was our second time to Thassos and my parents fifth and without doubt we had another fabulous holiday.

We asked Daniel (11) and Tori (9) where they wanted to go next year and without hesitation they both asked to go back to Thassos. Ideally we would like to stay at our friend Alex’s Souzana Studios, which we visited and found impressive, but as yet they do not have a family apartment. As we were more than happy with the accommodation, location and staff at the Green Sea, we tried to re-book with Libra only to find (as did Peter Kerrone) that they no longer go to Thassos. (I hope that this doesn’t have a knock on effect with the tourist industry in Thassos!) We too are having problems getting hold of a Golden Sun Brochure and do not find their web site up to date nor helpful. Perhaps if anyone were travelling to Skala in the not too distant future, they wouldn’t mind asking at the Green Sea as to whom they will be advertising with for Summer 2004. Many thanks in anticipation and happy holidays."

From Malc and Marilyn Dye, Lincoln England

30 Sep 2003 - "We came to Scala Potamia on July 10th as a group to celebrate my big 50.We stayed at the Souzanna Studios and our daughters and partners complete with grandson stayed opposite at the Aliston Studios,PERFECT.All together but not on top of each other.Both the Aliston and the Souzanna were spotless and we had a wonderful time a per usual.There is a magic about Scala that draws you in.It was lovely to come back and sample some of Vangelis delights at the Flisvos and to say hello to people that we now regard as friends.We will be back next year alone this time but the others will follow as they too love the island.We have one extra too as Katy who was pregnant when we made our visit has now got a little boy Harry born 12.9.03."

From Alison & Paul Kearin, Bristol, England

27 Sep 2003 - "Taken this long to get back to normal mode after a wonderful week (4-11 Sept) in Skala Potomia! Went fully prepared for mossies & wasps but had no probs. Arrived at Hepih Studios very warily after reading bad report BUT IT WAS EXCELLENT! . . . . . . . .

The whole of this message can be found if you follow this link - a new browser page will open, leaving this one for your return.

From Carol Roberts, NE England

21 Sep 2003 - "I didn't recognise Scottish Dave's description of Skala Potamias as a place to avoid.

We stayed in the Dina Studios in Skala Potamias, which were well-run and very clean, with friendly hosts. Perhaps we were just lucky with the weeks we were there(end of July), but we didn't see any louts, just young people having a good time, both locals and tourists. Yes, most of the tourists are from Britain, but there were also French and Germans there.

As for eating out, the fish dishes at Flisvos are superb and the chef can cook steaks 'blue' which is a major achievement. The staff are helpful and speak Greek and English. Perhaps people who said their menu was boring meant that they don't do 'fast food'. 'Theagenis' is the oldest restaurant in the resort and is also very good.

We had a wonderful time and would recommend this resort for people who want a rest and who like doing things independently.

We didn't go to Eric's Bar as it wasn't compulsory!"

From Dave Gray, Borders, Scotland

20 Sep 2003 - "Just back from Thassos.We always travel independently and after flying to Kavala made our way down to Pefkari in the south of the island.Thankfully most of the package tour Brits stayed in the north. We stayed at the Hotel Esperia with Stelios and his excellent bar manager Iannis.Basic rooms and a little on the tight side but more than made up by the excellent friendly atmosphere and lovely setting.Rooms at 33 euro bed and breakfast for the 2 of us we thought was good value. The rest of the guests were German,Serbian and Romanians with whom we shared an excellent rapport despite some language difficulties. Their kids and those of the many Greek families who come to the south were some of the best behaved we have come across on this our 17th Greek island. A pleasure to be with. Do go to Psilli Ammos beach and Aliki, and taste the great doughnuts that are brought around every morning. Eating places,try Irenes Pizzaria, in Potos, yes I know we were in Greece, for the best Spaghetti alla Vongole and garlic bread we have ever tasted.

Came up to Limenas for the final 2 days and stayed at Hotel Angelika on the front at the old harbour. Very spacious and scrupulously clean but just lacking that homely Greek atmosphere. We will possibly go back to Thassos but will definately avoid Skala Potamias and the ubiquitous Eric."

From Peter Kerrone, Lancashire, England

20 Sep 2003 - "We've been to Thassos four times in the last five years, and intend to go again in 2004. It's still a beautiful and relatively unspoilt place. Problem is, Goldensun STILL haven't brought out their full 2004 brochure, and amazingly, Libra have dropped Thassos for next year! I've spoken to the Libra booking desk, and they can't understand why, as Thassos has been really busy for them. I am just wondering, if Goldensun may be picking up the 'ex Libra' properties, and maybe this would explain the delay? If they do, then it will be a pretty thick brochure!"

From Dave, Sue and Sophie Hayter, West Yorks, England

20 Sep 2003 - "Just completed a fantastic week in Limenaria, staying in the Thalassies Hotel - basic but comfortable and very friendly. Memories of cocktails on the seafront will remain for ever! Spoilt for choice for eating out in Limenaria - tried several of the tavernas on the sea front - Asterias, George's, Palataki, the Pizza place by the harbour (can't remember it's name but the pizzas were excellent!) and the Thalassies itself and found them all equally good. Hired car via the internet - recommend shopping around for a local hirer - much cheaper than the multi-nationals. If you intend going inland, go for a jeep - great fun, and you need the ground clearance!

Mosquitos were busy - get an electric room insect killer - and go to the pharmacist if you're bitten badly - easy and cheap to get remedies!

Fell in love with the place - certainly intend to go back!"

From Sue & Steve Dugan, Hampshire, England

18 Sep 2003 - "Returned from Thassos a week ago after having a wonderful holiday there. Our first time to the Greek islands and it definately will not be the last. Stayed at the Makyrammos bungalows, and have to say that the staff were marvellous, the beach the best on the island - we went all round but always came back to this beach and have 3 teenagers who all agree, the food was brilliant also. Would recommend hiring a car - it was so easy to go round the island, and enjoyed visiting all the other places that have been mentioned on this website.

Definately take mosquito spray - forgot to use it one evening and got eaten alive!!

Favourite places we visited - Thassos town, Limenaria, Pefkali, Theologos (visit the old cobbler making shoes and selling them in his shop), Aliki and Panagia.

Thank you Thassos for a wonderful introduction to the Greek islands - can we find any better?"

From Matt King, Manchester, England

15 Sep 2003 - "Stayed at the Athrion Studios in Skala Potomia which are clean and comfortable, the cleaners attend 3 times a week and are kept spotless, there's also a comments book left at the entrance which can be filled in with any requests or problems you might encounter whilst there (this is checked daily). It's less than a 5 minute walk to the beach and I'd recommend that once you get to the beach make your way down to the Golden Beach which is a little cleaner (again less than a 5 minute walk). The sunbeds are anything between 5 and 7 euros a day which is a waste of money as you can buy a lillo and umbrella for around 15 euros. A couple of tips 1- Invest in a Mosquito plug-in for your room. 2 - The tap water is safe to drink.

The centre of Skala Potamia is a 15 minute walk where you can find some great restaurants including the Captains table where I can recommend the Lamb Kleftiko or Lamb on the Spit, unless you order the Pizza avoid the Aphrodite restaurant where I found the food very poor (the Pizza looked good though). Eric's bar is 5 mins walk from the centre if you miss the English Premiership or Rugby, he holds several events during the week including Karaoke which creates a great atmosphere and a Quiz which you may get roped into hosting due to the language barrier, if you happen to mention liking football or playing he'll invite you to play for his local team which is great fun. You can expect to pay around 80 cents for a bottle of Amstel or Mythos and 3 euros for a bottle of wine in your local supermarket. Eating/Drinking out is obviously more expensive but reasonable, a meal for 2 will cost you around 20 euros (2 starters, 2 main courses, 2 beers). A beer in one of the Tavernas will cost you anything between 2 and 3 euros.

I hope some of this information has been of use. We had a great time in Thassos."

From Scott, Wirral, UK

14 Sep 2003 - "Firstly I'd like to thank everyone else who's placed messages on this website - this provided us with everything we wanted/needed to know before visiting Thassos. We've recently returned from Scala Potamia at the Souzana Studio's and couldn't have been happier with them. The rooms were clean and well equipped, the pool area was nice and Tasos was friendly and very helpful (and makes nice food!). The pool was empty a lot of the time because we were so close to the beach, so it gave me the opportunity to mess about with all the Lilo's etc around the pool!

We travelled with Golden Sun, and they were pretty good although I definitely wouldn't recommend any of their excursions. They're just not worth the money in the slightest. Also, they'll recommend AutoUnion to you if you're thinking of hiring a car, and show you the 'special offer' price, which is very nearly double what you'd pay anywhere else. We hired a car from Potos and were very pleased with it. We drove to a few places, but we didn't find a beach any better than Scala Potamia's. We were especially disappointed with Paradise Beach after the drive and the mountainous trek down to it - it's small and overcrowded. The beach at Scala Potamia was really nice apart from the fag ends, and the water was fantastic.

We tried pretty much all of the restaurants in Scala Potamia and were happy with all of them, my particular favourites were Megos Alexandros, CJ's (huuuuge mixed grill for 10 Euro's), and the Indian Restaurant.

We were a bit worried about mosquitoes and wasps, but there wasn't a problem while we were there, I wasn't bitten or stung once, and didn't notice too many insects.

I can definitely see why Thassos has the highest number of return holidaymakers of all the Greek islands."

From Tracey,David,Beth and Bronte Hallam, Boston, England

13 Sep 2003 - "We've just had the most wonderful 2 week holiday on the beautiful island of Thassos,leaving us feeling terribly depressed and wanting to jump on the next flight out to Kavala,living the rest of our lives on Thassos!We went to the island 10yrs ago and nothing has really change (apart from the dodgems on the front in Thassos Town!)

The people remain very friendly and the food in the tavernas extremely tasty especially at Simi's,Sytakis,Old port and of course Zorbas{where the same curly haired with glasses brother was still working there and owning it as he was 10yrs ago!} Stayed at Makryammos Bungalows which with its location,most wonderful white sandy beach,clear emerald sea,the most pleasant friendly staff and fab food made it the best place we have ever stayed at in Greece!Was abslolutey brill for the kids too,very safe and lots for them to do which allowed us many pleasnt hours supping our 'large beers' at the ever friendly beach bar!Also very thankful for the Makryammos mini-bus which took us frequently up the hill to our bungalow after a long,hard,hot day on the beach!

Can't wait to get back next year,in fact already trying to sort it out and book it!

P.S. what a brilliant site this is,we have spent many a time looking at its contents,both before we went to Thassos and after! We hope that you are on commission from Thassos Towns Mayor!"

From Chris + Anne, West Yorkshire, England

12 Sep 2003 - "Just a quick note to say that Thassos is our paradise just like lady Marion's!! We stayed in Thassos town at the Antigone studios. These are the best studios we have stayed in in all our years visiting Greece. Antigone herself Herc, Panos, and Adonis made us feel so special while we stayed there. The cleaner is the the best!! Never a day went by without her cleaning everyone's room. We will deffo be staying there in the future!! As for the bars... Cheers is the best for Sue and Dave's maxi brekkie... Remezo's is the best for Nick and Sully's Tspouri and meze and not forgetting Pigi's, Zythion, Takis, Zorbas and all the other wonderful restaurants! We love you all in Thassos town . . .

Wow, please go there coz we aint telling porkies!!"

From Sarah Costello, London, England

11 Sep 2003 - "I went to Thassos in 1982 and 1985 when there was no airport at Kavalla, so the travelling was even longer than what was mentioned on your site. But it was well worth it! I love Thassos and although I haven't been for several years and understand that it has changed considerably, I still intend to go next summer.

It is, I believe, still the best Greek Island and I have been to several."

From Norrie and Lesley, Merriott, Somerset

10 Sep 2003 - "We cannot remember how many times we have been to Thassos now but always return.We can thoroughly reccomend Dina Appartments and the Blue Bay Hotel in Skala Potamia. Dina Appartments has beautiful views over the sea and mountains while Blue Bay is in a very tranquil setting with garden and mountain views. Both are owned by Dina and Stratos who go to enormous efforts to make their guests feel welcome and cared for . Both places are spotlessly clean and have those little touches that make so much difference to us. How many hotel owners make cake especially for their guests or offer fruit juice when they arrive.

We both love this stunning island but it is the hospitality of Dina and Stratos which makes us return again and again."

From David Jones, Essex, UK

8 Sep 2003 - "The Fedra at Golden Beach offers an extensive menu some of which you would not expect to find in a greek taverna, however the quality is good although a little on the pricy side by greek standards."

From brook n family, west yorks, england

4 Sep 2003 - "went 2 antigone apts thassos town top apts very very friendly good base 4 explorin the town close 2 main high way but not noisy ! all restraunts superb, food cheap , drinks same as home !! say hello 2 dave n sue at cheers thassos town bradfordians just like us ! cud move 2 thassos 2morrow will return !!!!"

From John and Linda Davies, Beds, UK

4 Sep 2003 - "Had a very relaxing time earlier this year at Nostos Studios, Golden Beach. Verdict: Thassos is a beautiful island, the people in Golden Beach are very friendly and helpful, Nostos Studios are very good, the island beaches are great. We'd definitely go back. Enjoy!"

From Joanna and Greta Clarkson, London, UK

4 Sep 2003 - "My daughter and I stayed at the Makrina Studios 14 - 21 August, and had the most relaxing, pleasant holiday imaginable. The studios are light and airy, the marble staircase has to be seen to be believed, and the standards are exemplary.

Wonderful views, just far enough out of the main centre of Skala Potamia to be quiet, a gentle stroll over to the beach, and no problems with either wasps or mosquitoes. Entire staff at the Makrina were charm itself, and we will be back. Golden Sun representatives were most helpful, and we particularly enjoyed our boat trip day, when we ended up snorkelling off the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. We ate at a different restaurant every night, and would recommend Megas Alexandros and Phillipion in particular.

Fag ends on the beach are pretty unappetising, but other than that, it's perfect. Especially when the guy strolls along the beach selling doughnuts!"

From Louise H, West Yorkshire, UK

2 Sep 2003 - "We returned on Sunday after spending 2 weeks of sheer bliss and enjoyment at the Hotel Galaxy in Thassos Town, with Thomson Holidays and the hospitality of Yannis and Popi the proprietors. The hotel is spotlessly clean, and the only thing I would say is that Yannis seems abit serious at first with all his rules and regs, but he keeps a tight ship and we discovered his true "friendly" side, as time went on and he put on a fabulous demonstration of greek dancing on the last night! Many people in our hotel were there for the fifth or sixth visit running!

My two children enjoyed endless days of crabbing and fishing at Thassos Towns quaint little harbour, and even captured a squid after much effort!

We had got a lot of info beforehand from your brilliant website, but the best beach by far in our opinion is at Aliki, which is accessible down a slight slope from the main road, which you can reach by the bus service which leaves the bus station next to Mams cafe (great tuna salad sandwiches in brown bread)or we hired a car from Potos (80 euros for a MPV for 3 days). On the only dull and rainy day, we drove the full circumference of the island which is approx 100 km, and thoroughly ejoyed driving through all the small little villages and towns.

Some fab restaurants and bars in Thassos Town that just have to have a mention are Da Remo Italian restaurant (opposite the dodgems) for their fresh tortellini, Venizia (next door to Zodiac) and an absolutely delicious meal to be had from Zorbas which was slightly more expensive, but they put on a hilarious display of greek dancing with the customers which is worth the extra euros any day!

The "island bar" on the town beach offers reasonable drinks and snacks, and free sunbeds are available with no hassle.

Visit CJ's on the beach at Skala Potamia for a delicious bacon roll!

Be sure to take plenty of mozzy spray and machines for the room, as they are a bit of a nuisance on Thassos.

A great holiday,one of the best Greek islands we have visited and we will return one day!"

From Ross Jarrett & Emma Hargreaves, kent, england

2 Sep 2003 - "Just returned from a fantastic week in Skala Potamia, We stayed at the Semeli Studios,which although were very clean, had beautiful gardens and very well located, the mother and daughter were very distant and in some cases rude. They found it hard to even say hello back sometimes. After talking to other english couples there we found out we wernt the only ones to be treated this way. On the last night i briefly met the husband of the daughter who ran the hotel and he seemed very friendly and attentive, shame his wife and mother inlaw couldnt follow his example.

I do recommend hiring a car to really see all the sights, we rented a car from Avis for two days, not the cheapest but a large world wide company who offered better insurance and better quality of car. Was glad to see there wernt any lager louts on the entire island and found most restaurants very nice. There home made ouzo with watermelon was superb. All in all a fantastic place with lots to offer, will go back again one day!!!"

From kelvin, north wales

1 Sep 2003 - "liked thassos very much, but made completely the wrong choice of area and apartments. we stayed just outside thassos town in the nicoleta studios run by the most unfreindly family on the island, the doctor who owned the apartments lived on site and strutted around all day ignoring everyone, the wife had gorgeous gardens and stomped around dead heading her flowers with a face like sour grapes, the daughter sat around ignoring every one, overall the apartments were lovely, spotless, with very pretty gardens, but at times you felt as if you were an inconvienience to the family. one other problem we encountered was room numbers 3&4 have no view. They overlook an old run down caravan a load of scrap wood and the washing line for the families washing and the apartments bedding which are all within 10 feet of your balcony. overall thassos is a beautiful island but dont make the same mistakes we did .

P.S the kosmar rep joanne had no idea of the word helpful, when we had a problem she just sat by the pool bar drinking , with a totaly unhelpful attitude . i only hope this letter is published as i wish i had been prewarned . k b"

From John Collier, West Yorkshire, England

1 Sep 2003 - "My wife, daughter and I recently spent a week at the Hotel Achilion near Skala Potamias on our first visit to Thassos.

The island is as beautiful as all correspondents have said on your excellent website. The Hephi beach between Skala Potamias and Golden Beach is one of the best - clean, quiet and with just enough facilities - we have visited in the Mediterranean.

The Achilion hotel was good and the staff friendly but be prepared for a 15-20 minute walk to and from the beach or most of the tavernas in the resort. Because the road can be fairly busy we would recommend taking a torch or reflective armbands for the walk back at night especially after having had a few samples of the local brew!

Tavernas we enjoyed most were Nautilos - warm welcome, good food and house wine; Green Sea - great location, excellent food even if the service was a bit slow and Flisvos.

It's a shame some of the Greek islands received poor publicity while we were there as Thassos demonstrates the true face of Greece - friendly people, beautiful scenery, good food and not too noisy making it ideal for a family holiday."

From Derek and Bobbie White, Southampton, England

29 Aug 2003 - "We visited the island of Thassos during the last week of August, 2003, staying at Skala Potamius. We stayed at the Pontius apartments, situated by the side of the road which circumnavigates the island, and located just about one half of a kilometre up from the village. The accommodation was comfortable and the hosts extremely pleasant. The adjoining restaurant, open to all, is recommended for Greek cuisine at very reasonable prices and friendly service.

Skala Potamius is a popular resort with many tavernas, restaurants, and small supermarkets, catering for pretty much anything you might need during your stay. The predominant nationalities in respect of the tourists seemed to be Greek, French, British and German. Skala Potamius is not a large resort, though it would be fair to say that no built-up area on the island, except Thassos town itself, has any pretentions to being big. The beach is excellent, with sunbeds and attached parasol being charged at the rate of 6 euros per day, as at August 2003. There was no undue problem with wasps during out stay whatsoever.

We would suggest that hiring a car is a good idea. Potos Car Hire at Skala Potamius offered a decent motor for 5 days at the equivalent of £85. If you wish to hit the mountain trails though, a 4x4 will be necessary. Pauline was the lady in charge when we were there, and she was extremely efficient and helpful.

As far as other towns or villages to visit are concerned, naturally Thassos town should be included. If you want to sample an attractive compact beach and fishing village, with many interesting shops to view, then Limenaria is the place.

Overall, the island of Thassos is a great place to visit if you want perfect relaxation. However, a note of caution. If you are looking for more than beaches, friendly bars and restaurants, you may struggle to find many other things to do on the island. It is still fairly new on the tourist trail."

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