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Why Not Visit Thassos - Whatever the Time of Year |
By Phil Thorp
After visiting Thassos on eleven occasions in the past ten years you could say that my wife Carolyn and I are hooked on the place.
And you'd be right.
To say Greece's Emerald Island is home from home for us is something of an understatement, but don't think for a minute we are on our own. Hundreds of people return year after year to sample the unique and special hospitality the local people offer in abundance on this island of natural beauty.
To date we have only been able to visit during the summer months, from May to September, when the package tour operators fly into Kavala. But now we have just discovered that we can visit Thassos all year round, independantly without a single “middle-man”.
The wonderful beaches, mountain scenery and relaxing ambience that make Thassos stand out from other Greek islands have a totally different feel in autumn, winter and spring. Yes, the island in general is a much quieter place, as if it was slumbering through the winter months, gaining its rest before waking up to host the thousands upon thousands of toursist who flock there for a Greek island holiday every year in the summer.
So, you may ask, what's the attraction 'out of season' once the baking sun begins to cool and the thousands of visitors have returned to their busy home lives?
For a start, for a keen walker or cyclist, there's no doubt that the island is a real natural paradise with superb, well-marked mountain routes all over the interior, which is covered in beautiful pine forests. And while it may be a tough task to head for the hills when the temperatures are in the late 90s, during the off season the weather is perfect for those who love the outdoor life.
In November you can witness the start of the annual olive harvest which keeps many of the islanders busy and even take home some of the wonderful Thassos olive oil that is famed throughout Greece.
Christmas on Thassos is another splendid time to visit and because it isn't as commercialised (Easter is the favoured festival for the Greeks) it's a far cry from the trauma and mayhem that surrounds Yuletide at home.
February is carnival time when all the villages and villagers re-enact ancient customs, preserving traditions that have been handed down for hundreds of years. The most impressive and famous carnival on Thassos is up in the picturesque mountain village of Panagia. There are parades, dancing and street parties as people make merry before fasting for Easter.
Then 40 days later comes Easter itself, a favoured time of year for a lot of visitors to Thassos and the most significant religious festival for the Greeks. It's a wonderful time of year, with everything green and fresh with flowers.
On Easter Friday and Monday as well as the traditional church services, there are dances, music and barbecues while on Easter Night an effigy of Judas is burned at Panagia.
Some of Thassos Town's bars and superb traditional Greek tavernas (where it is virtually impossible to get a bad meal) remain open throughout the whole year, so if you are staying there you won't have to worry about eating and entertainment. The quaint shopping streets offer a leisurely stroll through town, as do all the wonderful archaeological sites that have been uncovered.
Did I forget to mention that you could find some fantastic deals for accommodation during the off season? Well you can! Taking a vacation during the autumn, winter, and spring months can save you money on flights as well.
So what are you waiting for?
While package tour flights may stop during this time of year there are plenty of other ways of getting to Thassos via flights to Kavala via Thessalonika and Athens. The famous gull-chased ferries that sail from Kavala and Keramoti to Limenas and Skala Prinos run regularly throughout the year so there is never an excuse not to try out this piece of heaven out of season.
Our favourite accommodation that I must mention here is the Aberdeen Studios, which happens to be open year-round and is located in Thassos Town.
Musician Vasilis Pates (The Boss) and his Scottish wife Carol opened their beautifully situated studios twelve years ago and in no time they became THE sought-after destination on the island and was regularly the top-selling accommodation with Kosmar Holidays.
Many people - like us - re-book as soon as they return home, principally because of the relaxing, carefree and fun atmosphere that makes a stay at the Aberdeen so special.
Superbly situated in an olive grove on the outskirts of Limenas, there are eleven studios on the site, adjacent to a beautiful pool and bar.
The family home is part of the set-up so you are assured of the utmost attention during your stay.
Aberdeen offers an extremely reasonable October to April rate of 25 euros per double room per night. (It's one of those fantastic deals I mentioned above!)
For details on how to secure your room at Aberdeen Studios log on to www.aberdeenstudios.gr |
