Just returned from a week in Thassos - wow - what a wonderful island. It was quite honestly the most relaxing holiday I have ever had. This place has such a laid back atmosphere you switch off as soon as you arrive. That's not to say there isn't tourist development - there is - but it is relatively low key and quite upmarket compared to smoe other Greek islands.

The islands outstanding features are undoubtedly it's natural beauty and many uncrowded beautiful beaches. The beaches are amongst the best I have seen in Greece (on Cephalonia and Crete). Outstandings ones are The beach between Skala Potamias and Golden beach, Eliki (Aliki) and a few small ones I don't know the names of along the south and east coasts.

We stayed at Susie studios at Skala Potamias which were good. The owner was a grumpy old fellow (conrtary to some opinions I have seen posted) bt it was a great, clean and well located place. Don't expect much from the plumbing though. The pool is lovely and much needed with the temperatures we had last week (36C + !!). The local beach is magnificent - the views of the mountains make it very special, as does the gently sloping sandy bottom and warm water.

Get a car and see the island - it is so small and very unstressful to drive around. Potos did a good deal for us (80E for four days in a clean Punto with AC).

Eating out is a tremendous pleasure. To be honest I read the recommendations here before going and visited many of the tavernas recommended - they were all great and so were others that we stumbled across. Ther are loads of places to eat in Skala Potamias - Steki, Captain, Kramboussa etc - all excellent. Local speciality fried squid is delicious as they catch it and bring it into the harbour - it's very fresh.

Other things to do - go to Eliki beach, go to Thassos town for a meal - there are some great palces to eat and go for a drink - Mythos fish taverna has great views and god food but the service was so-so. There is a whole string of lovely tavernas near the town square which serve delicious food. Snorkelling of fthe many beaches is pretty good for the Med - saw an octopus so its nice to kow they haven't all been caught.

Amazing island! PS - look for the 2m Montpelier snakes if you are going around the inside of the island - beatiful creatures 2m long!