Thanks to the kind invitation of my dear friend Dr. Yüksel Türemez, I had the chance to take a wonderful two-day break between June 19-22 on Thassos Island, one of the greenest and most unspoiled corners of the Northern Aegean. This short but eventful journey both rested my mind and allowed me to make eye-opening observations about the tourism approach on neighboring shores.

Thassos Island is located in the northernmost part of the Aegean Sea, only 10 km from the Greek mainland. It is one of the Greek islands closest to the Turkish border and Istanbul. Although geographically situated in the Northern Aegean, administratively it is part of the Kavala region.

Known as Greece’s “greenest island,” Thassos, unlike the arid character of other Aegean islands, is covered with pine forests, gigantic plane trees, chestnut trees, and centuries-old olive groves. The island, known for its rich nature, golden sandy beaches with turquoise waters, historical villages, and tranquil atmosphere, is a highly popular holiday destination. Its pristine bays, where forest and sea intertwine, offer opportunities for hiking and nature activities.

The Ancient Agora, Acropolis, and Archaeological Museum located in the island’s capital, Limenas, are among the frequent stops for visitors. Villages like Panagia and Theologos in the interior are famous for their traditional stone houses, narrow streets, and local flavors. Thassos is also quite rich in gastronomy tourism with its pine honey, quality olive oil, wines, and olives.

Access to the island is generally provided by regular ferry services from the ports of Kavala or Keramoti, which are close to the Turkish border. Our journey also began from Keramoti Port. The ferries used for crossing to the island are extremely luxurious, clean, and operate in an orderly manner. Seeing these ferries departing every half hour and the port organization, I must admit that our neighbor is far ahead of us in maritime transportation. Moreover, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. The two bottles of water and one beer we bought on the ferry totaled only 5 Euros; that is, approximately 260 Turkish Liras in today’s money. Whatever I paid when I went to Greece last year, this year it was exactly the same. Apparently, the global inflation wave has not really visited here.

Respect for Nature and Development Discipline

The first thing that strikes you as soon as you set foot on the island is the tremendous respect shown to the environment. Thassos’s geographical structure is protected with a very clear discipline: only the front coastline of the island is open for development, while the rear side is entirely covered with a green mantle of dense pine forests. One cannot help but think; if this place were within Turkish borders, the entire island would probably be opened to development, and not a single branch of those beautiful pine forests would remain.

During my visits to Greece for two consecutive years, the fact that inflation is almost at zero makes a budget-friendly holiday possible. Moreover, unlike our coasts, parking on the island is completely free. The fact that prices are so reasonable and stable encourages competition among businesses not in price but directly in increasing service quality. The island’s roads are extremely well-maintained, and its highways are flawless.

This year, Greece is expected to host 2 million Turkish tourists. However, according to my observations, Turks were still in the minority on Thassos. The island had a cosmopolitan density dominated by Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian, German, and Russian tourists.

Alea Hotel & Suites: A Holiday Universe Within Nature

During our stay on the island, our stop was Alea Hotel & Suites, located on the west coast, just south of Skala Prinos. This 4-star-plus facility, consisting of 1-2 story buildings scattered within a large and lush 35,000 m² garden in a way that does not disturb the silhouette of nature, is not just a hotel but offers an independent holiday universe within itself.

Located right on the turquoise waters of the Northern Aegean, when you look at the horizon from the hotel’s beach, you greet the fascinating silhouette of Kavala on the opposite shore. During the two days I spent at the facility, I observed that the staff were extremely kind, smiling, and helpful in every matter. They have further improved the service quality compared to last year. However, to give credit where it is due; no matter how hard they try, it is impossible for them to surpass the service quality in Turkey and that unique hospitality standards. When it comes to service quality in tourism, the absolute pinnacle of this business is still us.

Alea Hotel has a very rich range of accommodation alternatives. From “Luxury Suite with Private Pool” rooms to “Deluxe Suite with Sunset View” options that bring all the colors of the sunset into your room, 183 rooms and suites have been meticulously designed. Additionally, the Padel Tennis courts and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations added to the facility in line with today’s trends are an indication of how much importance they place on modern travel standards. For those who want to relieve the day’s fatigue, Alea Spa offers a wonderful relaxation oasis with its indoor pool and massage rooms.

Aegean Cuisine and a Memorable Taste: Bougatsa

Dining at the hotel is also a separate ritual. While fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors are presented with local ingredients at the Aegean Main Restaurant, you can sip your drink at the Almyra Beach Bar with your feet touching the sand. However, the flavor I liked the most on this trip and engraved in my memory was definitely Bougatsa pastry. This crispy pastry, which can be served both savory and sweet but is usually served sweet with powdered sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top, is an indispensable part of Thassos mornings.

Exploring the Surroundings

The hotel is also in a perfect location for those who want to experience local life. The charming village of Skala Prinos, with its taverns famous for fish mezes and shops selling handmade olive oil, is only an 850-meter walk from the hotel. The island’s historical center, Limenas, is located 12 kilometers away along a coastal road. While driving on this road, the rocks shaped by the waves and small chapels accompany you.

Thassos is one of the most special havens of the Aegean with its nature being protected, tranquility and peace at the forefront, and a budget-friendly holiday approach. I sincerely recommend that you find your way to this beautiful island and experience the serene world offered by Alea.

Murat TÜZEL

CHP Istanbul Provincial Presidency, Commission Chair for Tourism

Member of the World Federation of Travel Journalists and Writers