Sun and Mythology

I and my partner came back from Thassos (from 32 degrees of heat in the shade) on Sunday, and thankfully to one of the sunniest days in London (well 26 degrees in the shade).


An incredible and very enjoyable unbroken seven days of sunshine on Golden Beach (or Chrisi Ammoudia). The beach itself is almost white (Thassos being famous for having the purest of marbles and the beach, well its very "pale" gold).

My partner and I had been two years before in the resort of Skala Rachoniou, just the flip (west) side of the island and although a much smaller resort, I must admit, the beach was even whiter.

No regrets for Golden Beach however, as not only did we give thumbs up to the apartment we stayed in (quite basic, but always clean and run by very friendly staff - Nostos Apartments) but to the people we met (teachers, social and care workers - yes you can tell we went on holiday in school holidays) as well as the local people who ran the restaurants and shops, all of whom made us very, very welcome.

We visited Thassos Town (the island's capital) or Limenas, as the islanders refer to it. This time visiting ancient Agora and having lunch in the old harbour. Last time we visited this bustling town we visited the Acropolis and hiked into the backdrop of mountains that help keep this island so green, even at the height of Summer.

We had a ride on the "fun Train" which, was actually a lot of fun and visited the mountain towns of Panagia and Potamia.

The heat and strength of the sun made it difficult to be too energetic in the afternoon, so the obligatory litre of rose was drunk at lunch time and then the essential Greek equivalent of a siesta was had until early evening.

Any downsides? A few, just the cost of everything now the exchange rate makes the euro so dear, and many of the shop keepers and trades people we spoke to agreed that the British (who were until recently some of their biggest spenders) are now spending a great deal less, would be the main one.

Getting around is easy, although a little frustrating to begin with (the buses are very regular but be aware that the time table is based on when the bus leaves its starting point, so if you are a 20 minute bus ride from there, add this to that published on the schedule) as it takes a while to get into "Greek time".