I have just returned from a week in Thassos and it reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Greece in the first place. I had not been for a while, and I had almost forgotten how beautiful it is: the blue of the sea, the soft light in the evenings, and the way the villages hug the coastline. Most of all, I had forgotten how wonderful the food is, how warm and genuine the people are, and that relaxed, effortless ambience that seems to wrap around you the moment you arrive.This is a little glimpse into my week on Thassos, based in the village of Potos, staying right on the beach at Alexander Beach Hotel.

The journey: from plane to ferry to island.

Getting to Thassos feels like a proper journey in the best possible way. You do not land straight on the island. Instead, you fly into the mainland in northern Greece, then transfer to the port for the ferry.The atmosphere changes as soon as you reach the harbour. You can smell the sea and feel the breeze, watching locals and visitors gathering for the next crossing. Cars and lorries roll onto the ferry, suitcases rattle across the ramp, and there is a gentle hum of conversation in Greek and a few other languages mixed in.The ferry crossing itself is not long, but it is a highlight. Up on deck, you watch the mainland slowly drift behind you while Thassos appears ahead, green and inviting. Pine‑covered hills slide down towards the sea, small white buildings appear along the coast and the water glitters around the boat. It is the moment when everyday life feels as if it has been left somewhere on the far shore and holiday mode really begins.

First impressions of Thassos.

Thassos is often described as an emerald island and it is easy to see why. It is remarkably green for a Greek island, with pine forests and olive groves filling the hillsides. The coastline is dotted with beaches, coves and small resorts that still feel very human in scale. Instead of huge hotel blocks, you see low‑rise buildings, whitewashed houses and tavernas sitting close to the water. It is an island that immediately encourages you to slow down. The pace is softer, the scenery is gentle and there is a sense that life follows the rhythm of the sea and the sun rather than the clock.

Potos: a village with a holiday soul.

My base for the week was Potos, on the south of the island. Potos started as a fishing village and has grown into a friendly, easy‑going resort without losing its charm. By day, the village stretches along a sandy beach backed by cafés and bars. The water is clear and inviting, with families paddling in the shallows, children playing in the sand and couples relaxing on loungers under parasols. There is always somewhere close by for a coffee, a snack or a simple lunch overlooking the sea.In the evenings, Potos takes on a lovely glow. The seafront lights up with tavernas and bars, tables appear close to the water and you can smell grilling fish and meat carried on the breeze. It has a relaxed buzz rather than a loud party scene. You can wander along, read menus, listen to the music drifting out of doorways and settle wherever feels right that night. It is all very easy and very Greek.

Alexander Beach Hotel: private beach and fresh garden produce.

I stayed at Alexander Beach Hotel in Potos, which sits right on its own small private beach. This was one of the real joys of the trip. There was no need to pack up bags for the day or hunt for a spot on a crowded public beach. I could walk a few steps from my room and be on the sand within moments, with loungers and parasols reserved for guests. The private beach created a sense of calm and space that really made the week feel like a treat. Whenever I wanted to swim, I simply wandered down, slipped into the clear water, and then returned to my sunbed to dry off in the sun. The other special feature of the hotel was its own vegetable garden. Around the grounds you could see tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines and herbs growing, and then enjoy them on your plate at mealtimes. The difference in flavour was immediate. Salads tasted vibrant and fresh, with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and fragrant herbs dressed with good olive oil and lemon. Meals felt simple, healthy and full of sunshine. The atmosphere at Alexander Beach Hotel was relaxed and friendly, with an emphasis on comfort rather than formality. It was very easy to settle into a rhythm of sea, sun, good food and gentle evenings.

Why Thassos stayed with me.

After a week in Thassos, I was reminded of everything I love about Greece. Beautiful scenery, a soft and gentle pace, genuine hospitality and food that tastes as though it has come straight from the garden and the sea. Potos offered a lovely mix of village charm and holiday energy, and staying right on the beach at Alexander Beach Hotel added that touch of quiet luxury that makes a trip feel truly restorative. If you are dreaming of a Greek island escape that is relaxed, green and welcoming, Thassos might be exactly what you are looking for. If you would like to experience something similar, I can help you put together your own Thassos itinerary, tailored around the way you like to travel, so you can fall in love with Greece all over again too.