We have just returned [ 28 August ] from a week on the island of Thassos and had a brilliant time.[I notice that most of the feedback is from visitors to Skala Potomias.]We stayed at Thassos town at the Villa Eden, and although the room was basic, as are all rooms in Greece, we were situated in lovely gardens with access next door to a pool if required. The cleanliness of the rooms was unsurpassed, a cleaner came in every day, the whole property was very well looked after and the owners were very friendly. We had a 20 minute walk to town but that was easy and plenty to look at en route.

As seasoned visitors to Greece over the past 10 years we thought that Thassos was a beautiful island, some friends of ours who live in Greece thought that Thassos was like Greece before mass-tourism, probably we thought because it doesn't rely on just tourism for income.

Thassos town is a great base with lots of different tavernas and if you are interested in history, do not fail to climb to see the theatre and the medieval fortress, great views of the town and also a wonderful unspoilt quality of ruins that we don't get in England - [National Trust nowhere to be seen you just clamber over everything] the Agora in town is also worth a visit. All gratis.

Thassos town is quite lively if a little touristy, with plenty of tavernas to choose from. We had a couple of lovely meals at the Symi Restaurant at the old port - they take credit cards which is quite good to know at the end of the holiday. We thought that Euros had caused the cost of living to increase - it seemed more expensive than our drachma holidays.

Although public transport good from the town, if you like doing something other than beach, I think you would be limited without a car. We hired one for five days [ approx ukl 100 ] and throughly enjoyed our exploration of the island. We found beautiful beaches, all with a different character. The western side of the island is much quieter and I would say the beaches are not so good although empty. We had an idyllic day at Aliki, [take your own umbrella] good for snorkelling and a brilliant taverna where the food was barbecued as you watched, plus ruins to clamber over when you get bored. Psili Ammos was good for rock pools, and snorkelling if you went out deep, as there were waves closer in. We thought that Potos was rather "Kiss me Quick" although the beach was good. Paradise Beach lovely, big waves, but the sun disappears behind the mountain at 5.00pm. Golden Beach was good but the wasps were a problem - definitely ask for the burning coffee as sometimes you are not offered it if they think you will put up with the discomfort. The wasps are definitely best ignored if possible, they are only looking for meat, so ham is not recommended here if you can avoid it. Definitely take mosquito repellent wherever you go in the evening.

If you are of an exploring nature, do travel up to the mountains. We had a lovely visit to Kalyves and Maries & Theologus and would have loved to travel further into the mountains if our hire car would have been up to it. As it was we saw some lovely unspoilt scenery, and lots of beehives but if you like blazing a trail, would recommend hiring a 4 x 4.

All in all cannot recommend Thassos too highly - didn't want to come home. Our company was Kosmar, and they were very good - as they have been over the past 10 years we have travelled with them.