This small, almost circular island, which measures 15 mls from N to S and 12 mls E to W, has a resident population of only about 14,000. As such, it's still very undeveloped and unsophisticated, especially in comparison with other Greek islands, and so something of a "find". Thanks to generous amounts of rainfall, it's also green and forested. The coastal fishing villages have now become modern tourist resorts, whereas the old mountain settlements still retain their picturesque charm and traditions. The main centre of cultural interest is Limenas (Thassos Town), the capital and principal port, with a handful of smaller outlying villages offering accommodation and attractive beaches. The modern town of LIMENAS (Thassos Town) was built on the site of the ancient city of Thassos, and the old walls, acropolis and amphitheatre can still be seen. Although it does have an old harbour, the town itself has lost much of its character. It is the main tourist centre and comes alive in summer with many clubs and bars. LIMENARIA, situated 30 mls away on the opposite side of the island, is the second biggest town and boasts an attractive promenade lined with small restaurants, shops and bars. SKALA PRINOS is a small resort that has built up around the ferry service that operates from its harbour directly to Kavala. It also has a traditional boatyard where fishing boats are still made and repaired using the old, traditional methods. Nearby PEFKARI and POTOS are former fishing villages now given over to tourism. SKALA POTAMIAS, 9 mls S of Limenas, offers little more than a handful of simple seafront eateries and a long, sandy beach.

Those seeking a quiet island holiday and wishing to experience a little local colour, unspoilt by over-development. Own transport an advantage. The island does change in July and Aug as it becomes fuller with tourists, but the numbers don't drown the Greek culture and atmosphere. May is a particularly scenic time to visit, as many wild flowers come into bloom.

Mainly small, comfortable hotels, pensions and private rooms, a good few without a pool or many facilities (especially in Limenas); a growing number of apartments, most with pools. Only a couple of upmarket hotels; no luxury or 5-star properties.

Choice of sandy beaches around the resort areas, with smaller, pebbly coves dotted about. All are safe to swim in, with little surf. It is possible to find a small isolated beach all to yourself, even in summer. The resort beaches are generally lined with bars and tavernas with sunbeds for hire, but the smaller coves are often completely undeveloped. The best beach is the long, sandy stretch incorporating Golden Beach and Potamia Beach, covering 2 mls around a wide bay near Skala Potamia. The twin coves of Aliki are very undeveloped and picturesque. Paradise Beach on the E coast is a nudist beach. Limenas has a small town beach next to the old harbour and a few smaller but more attractive beaches outside the main town.

Thassos is famous for its white marble; other specialities include honey and olive oil. A generous supply of general tourist tat, including fake icons. Limenas and Limenaria are the 2 best places for shopping, although offerings are limited to tourist products and the odd jewellery shop. The smaller resorts are limited to the basic tourist selection and plenty of minimarkets. Monday-morning market at village of Prinos. Kavala, on the mainland, has a much wider range of shopping opportunities.

Daytime: beach and water sports, including windsurfing and water-skiing; horse-riding; mountain walking. Exploring Limenas (Thassos Town), taking in the remains of the ancient walls, amphitheatre, acropolis, several temples and archaeological museum; Panagea church; a working 12th-century monastery with healing waters is still a popular pilgrimage site for Greeks. Nightlife: Limenas has a good choice of bars and clubs, which open late evening; Limenaria has music bars and a few unsophisticated discos concentrated around the harbour; elsewhere is very quiet.

Wide choice of local, international and fast food available in the many restaurants and tavernas. Fish is the speciality, particularly sea bream, though the larger fish are surprisingly expensive.

Regular around-the-island bus service calling at most villages; frequent in summer. Taxis are plentiful and are available on call or from the rank in each village. Taxi boat from Limenas to Golden Beach and Makryammos. Car hire.

Half day: visit to a marble factory; fishing trip. Full day: Limenas (Thassos Town) tour; island tour; inland villages of Theologos (old island capital), Panagea, Paries and Sotira; Kavala on the mainland for shopping and sightseeing; boat trip to the islands of Thassopoula, Panagia or Kinira; tour of archealogical ruins of ancient Macedonian city of Philippi.

In the N Aegean Sea, 8 mls S of the Greek mainland. 10 mls S of Kavala airport and 35 mins by ferry from Keramoti, both on the mainland.

In the Gulf of Kavala, facing the mainland's Macedonian coastline.

Telephone Area Code: 25930

Airport : Kavala
Airport Code: KVA
Flight time from ther U.K.: 3 hrs. 15 mins