Thassos lies just off the coast of northern Greece, a near-circular island of green hills, white-marble beaches and small villages that feels quite different from the more famous southern destinations. Its position in the northern Aegean keeps it cooler and lusher than the Cyclades, with pine forests rolling down to the coast and a single ring road that links every town and beach on the island. Easy ferry access from the mainland makes it especially popular with travellers from the Balkans and central Europe, drawn by the combination of natural beauty, history and reliably good value.

The island's main town, Limenas, often called Thassos Town, sits on the north coast and combines a small harbour with the most impressive ancient ruins in the region: a Greek agora, theatre and acropolis spread across the headland behind the modern town. The town beach is a short walk from the centre, and the seafront is lined with tavernas, ouzeris and the kind of relaxed cafes that mark a working Greek port. South and west, the coast unfolds into a string of resorts including Skala Prinos, Limenaria and Potos, while the east coast has the famous Golden Beach.

What makes Thassos memorable, though, is the inland half. Mountain villages like Theologos, Panagia and Potamia preserve traditional stone architecture, family tavernas and a slower pace; the marble quarries above Aliki shine bright white against the sea; and the Giola natural rock pool draws everyone with a camera. Expect a mix of family-run hotels, apartments, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts at Skala Prinos and a small but growing scene of boutique stays in the villages.