If you plan to visit Thassos Island, you might wonder about the best ways and all the details on how to get to Thassos. In this article, I will show you the various air and sea routes to travel to Thassos Island.
Traveling to/from Thasos by Air
If you’re planning to travel to Thasos Island by plane, there are several airports that you can fly into.
Where do you fly into to get to Thasos?
The nearest airport to Thassos Island is Kavala International Airport. However, there are other airports in the region that you can fly into, such as Alexandroupoli Airport and Thessaloniki Airport.
Can you fly direct to Thassos?
No, there are no direct flights to Thasos Island. However, you can still fly less than fifteen kilometers from the coast of Thasos. The Kavala International Airport, named Alexander the Great, is thirty kilometers away from Kavala and ten kilometers from Keramoti.
Apart from the domestic and frequent flights to Athens, the airport also features several international flights, mainly to European countries. As a result, you can fly here, take a ten-minute taxi to the port of Keramoti, and be in Thasos within one hour of landing.
How to get to Thassos from Athens: Flights from Athens to Thasos.
Getting from Athens to Thasos is easier than you may imagine. In summer, you can often find up to two daily flights with the Kavala Airport. There is usually one flight in the morning and one late in the evening of the next day.
So, if you carefully plan your landing time in Athens, you can quickly catch the next flight to Kavala.
Another way to reach Thassos from Athens is to use public transport. You can opt for a direct overnight bus to Kavala or even take the train to Thessaloniki as a stopover to Thasos. The options are plenty, but none beat a flight’s convenience and speed. Remember that Thasos is about 9 hours away by car from Athens.
What airlines fly directly to Kavala airport, Thassos’s nearest airport? Best airlines for traveling to Thassos Island
Several airlines operate flights to Kavala International Airport, including Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. Aegean Airlines is considered one of the best airlines for traveling to Thasos Island, as they offer direct flights from Athens to Kavala International Airport.
Plus, TUI Airways operates seasonal flights from Manchester, London-Gatwick, and Birmingham to the international airport of Kavala.
Flights to Thasos from Europe: Which airports fly to Kavala airport, Thasos nearest airport?
Apart from Athens, other airports that fly to Kavala International Airport include Frankfurt, Vienna, Manchester, London-Gatwick, and Birmingham.
Kavala airport to Thassos
Kavala International Airport is located approximately 20 km from the city center of Kavala and 10 km from the port of Keramoti. From the airport, you can take a 10-minute-long taxi, rent a car, or take a bus to the port of Keramoti, where you can catch a ferry to Thasos Island.
Alexandroupoli Airport to Thasos
Alexandroupoli Airport is located approximately 100 km from the port of Keramoti. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or take a bus through Xanthi to get to the port of Keramoti, where you can catch a ferry to Thassos Island.
Thessaloniki airport to Thassos
Thessaloniki Airport is located approximately 200 km from the port of Keramoti. The easiest way to get to Thasos from Thessaloniki is to rent a car from Thessaloniki airport and drive to Kavala or Keramoti.
Once you land at Thessaloniki airport, rent a car and head off for Thasos. It will take you two hours to reach Kavala and an extra thirty minutes to get to Keramoti, which would be the preferred choice thanks to the more frequent ferry connections.
If renting a car is not an option, worry not. There are busses from Thessaloniki to Kavala almost every hour. If you are at the airport, take the city bus on lines 01N or 01X and reach the bus terminal. From there, an €18 ticket will grant you passage to Kavala in less than two and a half hours.
If you reach Kavala late in the afternoon and find no scheduled ferry to Thasos, you still have the option to get to the island on the same day. Ferries from Keramoti go as late as 11 pm, so you can take another bus or taxi from Kavala to Keramoti.
Alternatively, you won’t regret spending a night at Kavala and enjoying the views of the island as you head there early in the morning.
Another way to get from Thessaloniki to Thassos is by taxi. There are taxi drivers who make these routes daily. And if you find someone to share the cab with you, you can spread the cost and avoid the hustle of getting on and off buses.
Sea travel options to Thassos Island. Best ferry routes to Thasos Island
If you prefer to travel by sea, several ferry routes serve Thassos Island.
Can you get to Thassos by car?
Yes, you can get to Thasos Island by car. However, you must take a ferry from the mainland to the island. Two ports on the mainland serve Thasos Island: Kavala and Keramoti. The former has sparse 90-minute connections, while the latter offers more frequent 35-minute ferry crossings.
How long is the ferry ride to Thassos?
The ferry ride from Keramoti to Thassos Island takes approximately 35 minutes, whereas the ferry from Kavala takes one and a half hours.
As a result, most travelers, especially those coming by car, prefer the port from Keramoti. The connections there are also more frequent. At the peak of summer, ferries cross to the mainland as often as every fifteen minutes.
Do the ferries to Thasos operate in winter?
Yes, the ferries that connect Thassos with Keramoti and Kavala operate throughout the year. However, the connections are limited. So always keep an eye on the official Thassos ferry schedule for up-to-date itineraries. Usually, the authorities upload the schedule the Sunday before the following week.
If you visit Thassos in winter, here is a winter guide for Thassos holidays!
Ports in Thassos
Thasos has two ports that connect the island with the mainland. One is the settlement of Skala Prinos with ferries to Kavala, and another is the capital town of Limenas with daily connections to Keramoti. Both routes operate year-round, with expanded itineraries from May to October.
Thassos Ferry companies
Four main companies run ferries between Thassos and the mainland. Aneth Ferries, ThassosLink, and Thasos Seaways, Thasos Ferries.
How much is the ferry from Kavala to Thassos
As of 2023, it is €6.50 per adult in the Kavala-Prino line and €5 in Keramoti-Limenas. The car is between €20 and €35 depending on its length.
Ferries from Samothraki to Thassos
If you want to get from Samothraki to Thassos, you must take a 2-hour ferry to Alexandroupoli, then a bus to Keramoti through Xanthi, and finally the 35-minute ferry to Thasos.
After all, the only connections to Thasos are from the ports of Kavala and Keramoti. Due to its proximity to the mainland and distance from other Greek islands, Thassos ferries only go to the mainland. But worry not. If you are in Samothraki, you can catch a ferry to the city of Alexandroupoli and then take a bus or taxi to Keramoti.
Ferries from Lesvos to Thassos
The islands of the North East Aegean connect with Kavala with a line that passes through the islands in the Northeast Aegean. Starting from Ikaria and Samos, the ferry gets to Kavala after three stops in Chios, Mitilini, and Lesvos, in that order. And once in Kavala, Thasos is only a one-and-a-half-hour ferry away.
Ferries from Samothraki to Thassos
To get to Samothraki from Thassos, first reach the port of Kavala and then take a bus to Alexandroupoli through Xanthi. Or, if you want to get there faster, take a taxi to Alexandroupoli. Finally, take the 2-hour ferry to Samothraki.
Ferries from Thassos to Skiathos and the Sporades
If you want to head to the Sporades island, travel to Thessaloniki and grab a ferry to Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos. The same ferry will also lead you to Athens; from there, the heart of the Aegean will be on your feet.
Traveling to Thassos Island from neighboring countries
If you’re traveling to Thasos Island from neighboring countries, such as Bulgaria or Turkey, you can take a bus from the respective cities toward Kavala and then catch the 90-minute ferry to Thasos.
How to get to Kavala port
Kavala Port is located in the city center of Kavala. From the port, you can take a ferry to Thassos Island. If you arrive at the bus station, follow the coastal path through Kavala’s port to the harbor. You’ll find the Thasos ferries at the edge of the port, only a 10-minute walk from the bus station.
How to get to Keramoti port
Keramoti Port is located approximately 10 km from Kavala International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or take a bus to get to the port.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Thassos
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Thasos Island.
Why visit Thasos Island?
Thasos Island is a beautiful Greek island that offers tourists a unique and authentic experience. It’s where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, hike through the lush forests, and explore the charming villages. Thasos Island is also known for its rich history and culture, which you can discover by visiting ancient ruins and museums.
Not convinced? Check out my ultimate Thassos Holidays Guide to learn more!
Is Thasos worth visiting?
Yes! It’s no coincidence that another name for Thasos is Emerald Island. We are talking about a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea. After all, Thasos is a Greek island still relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy an authentic Greek experience.
Look at this supreme list of 101 Things to do in Thassos and prepare to be amazed!
If you’re still unsure, check all the reasons you would love to visit Thassos!
And once you’re convinced, choose the best time to visit Thassos based on your preferences!
How many days do you need in Thasos?
To fully enjoy the beauty and charm of Thasos Island, I recommend spending at least five days on the island. This will give you enough time to hike through the forests, discover the ancient ruins, and explore a good chunk of the tens of Thassos beaches.
By the way, if you haven’t decided on your Thasos itinerary yet, check one of my suggested itineraries for your Thasos holidays: a 7-day itinerary, a 5-day itinerary, or a shorter 4-day itinerary.
How do you get around Thassos Island?
To get around Thasos Island, rent a car, take a taxi, or use the local buses. Renting a car is the most convenient option, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace. Nothing beats the freedom and convenience that a vehicle can offer.
After all, renting a car can allow you to do almost any of the many day trips available in Thassos.
Remember, the main road of Thasos is essentially a circle that goes around the island and follows its coastline. If you ever need it, you can call a taxi and get anywhere at a reasonable price. In that case, agree on a fee beforehand, just to be on the safe side and avoid overcharging.
Still, there is no doubt that the most convenient way to discover Thasos is to have your own vehicle. It is no wonder that most tourists, usually from the Balkans, travel in their cars. The villages, sites, and beaches are too far apart to explore them all on foot.
Cycling in Thassos is also a great alternative if you want to cover more ground and still have the feeling of exploring in person. You can rent an ebike and have it delivered to your accommodation, or even join an ebike tour.
Frequently Asked Questions for How to Get to Thassos
1. What’s the nearest airport to Thassos?
The nearest airport is Kavala International Airport “Alexander the Great” (KVA), located on the mainland. From there, you take a short ride to Keramoti, where ferries depart regularly to Thassos.
2. Can I fly directly into Thassos?
Thassos doesn’t have its own airport, so you can’t fly directly to the island. The most common route is flying to Kavala International Airport and then catching a ferry from Keramoti.
3. How often do ferries run to Thassos?
Ferries from Keramoti to Thassos run frequently, about every 30 minutes during the summer season. The schedule is less frequent in the winter, but there’s still regular service.
4. How long does the ferry take from Keramoti to Thassos?
The ferry ride from Keramoti to Thassos takes about 35 minutes. It’s a scenic journey, offering beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and Thassos Island as you approach.
5. Can I take a ferry to Thassos from another location?
Yes, you can also take a ferry from Kavala to Thassos. This route is less frequent but useful if you’re coming from the city of Kavala. The journey takes about 75 minutes.
6. Is there a bus service to Thassos?
While there’s no direct bus service to Thassos, you can take a bus to Kavala or Keramoti from major cities in Greece and then catch a ferry to Thassos.
7. Can I bring my car to Thassos?
Yes, ferries from Keramoti and Kavala to Thassos can accommodate vehicles. Bringing your car is a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace.
8. What’s the best way to get to Thassos from Athens?
The best route from Athens is to drive or take a bus to Kavala or Keramoti and then ferry over to Thassos. Alternatively, fly from Athens to Kavala International Airport and then take the ferry.
9. Are there any direct international flights to Kavala?
During the summer months, some European cities offer direct flights to Kavala International Airport. Check with airlines for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
10. How much does the ferry to Thassos cost?
Ferry prices vary depending on the season, the type of vehicle (if any), and the route. Generally, a one-way ticket for an adult passenger is affordable. For the latest prices, check the ferry companies’ websites.
Accommodation options on Thasos Island
Thasos Island offers many accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and villas. Limenas and the beach resorts of Golden Beach and Skala Potamia are the most popular areas to stay on the island.
One of the ultimate Thassos travel tips is finding the right accommodation. To help you with choosing, here are some stays I recommend on the island:
Pine Beach House
- Beachfront House in Plaka
- 5 m from beach
- 3 bedrooms
- up to 9 persons
Waterfront location? Check. Pine beach? Check. Olive grove? Check. Emerald waters? Check. All these are just the tip of the iceberg of what you will experience at Pine Beach House.
Nuevo Suites
- Suites in Limenas
- 295 m from beach
- 1 bedroom
- up to 4 persons
Stay in a newly built modern apartment with a private pool in the picturesque Limenas town. This luxurious accommodation will make your Thassos stay even more memorable!
Joy Apartments
- Apartments in Limenaria
- 300 m from beach
- 1 or 2 bedrooms
- up to 5 adults
Navis Luxury
- Beachfront Apartment in Plaka
- 2 m from beach
- 1 bedroom
- up to 4 persons
How about having your coffee with this view? At Navis Luxury, you can enjoy the ocean from the comfort of your very own vacation home. Come in, enjoy the sound of the waves and the majestic scenery, and find peace.
Port Oasis
- Suites & Studios in Limenas
- 76 m from beach
- 1 bedroom
- up to 4 persons
Stay at Port Oasis in Limenas, Thassos, and enjoy the experience of one of the most lively and charming towns on the island. 2 suites and 3 studios, each with its own balcony.
Villa Natura with Jacuzzi
- Villa in Limenas
- 1.2 km from beach
- 1 bedroom
- up to 4 persons
Waves Studios
- Studios in Golden Beach
- 50 m from beach
- up to 4 persons
- 1 bedroom
Looking for an accommodation on one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Thassos? Consider booking your vacation at the modernly furnished Waves Studios, where you’ll never leave the ocean.
Aliki Beach Houses Residence
- Beach Houses in Aliki
- 9 m from beach
- 1 or 3 bedrooms
- up to 6 persons
And you can view even more Thassos vacation rentals here and book your stay directly with the owners for the best price!
If you aren’t sure when to book your holidays, here are the best times to visit Thassos.
And if you haven’t decided on your Thasos itinerary yet, check one of my suggested itineraries for your Thasos holidays: a 7-day itinerary, a 5-day itinerary, or a shorter 4-day itinerary.
While you’re on the island, make sure also to follow these 24 insider Thassos travel tips and avoid these common 20 Thassos Travel mistakes.
And when you want to read something fun about the island during your holidays, here are 35 fun facts about Thassos.
If you want to show off your Thassos holidays on Instagram, visit the 20 most Instagrammable places in Thassos or these 22 off-the-beaten-path Thassos locations.
To look even cooler in your posts, remember to spice up your Instagram or Facebook feed with one of these 106 Captions and Quotes about Thassos.
Conclusion
Thassos Island is a beautiful Greek island that offers tourists a unique and authentic experience. Whether you travel by air or sea, several options are available to get to the island.
Once you arrive, you can explore the island’s beaches, forests, and ancient ruins and enjoy the authentic Greek culture. So, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable Thassos Island adventure!
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