The tiny Greek island with a picture-perfect teardrop lagoon

A Greek island is becoming a magnet for Brits due to its stunning backdrops and beautiful beaches, even though we can’t fly directly to it.

Thassos is the most northerly sizeable Greek island, close to the mainland, and reachable only by a ferry from the island of Kavala, and has remained remarkably traditional.

But, it is worth the trek due to its plentiful white sandy beaches and the stunning Giola lagoon, dubbed the most Instagrammable spot on the island. Called Aphrodite’s Tear by locals, the lagoon is remarkably beautiful.

The raised, natural pool is carved into the rock by the sea, and the colour of the water within offers beautiful contrasts.

It is eight metres at its deepest, allowing for dives and jumps, or just laying in or by – as so many visitors do. 

At 146 miles squared and with a population of 13,000 people, Thassos peaks in the middle at 1,204 meters at the top of Mount Ypsarion. 

If it is possible to get your fill of the coastline and beaches, then you can head into the hills to watch the sunset from a taverna in a mountain village.

Greeka.com states: “Boasting a spectacular natural setting, Thassos, Greece, is the northernmost island of the Aegean Sea and it lies close to the Greek mainland.

“Ideal for relaxing family holidays, the island is also popular among nature enthusiasts and those who enjoy visiting historic places.

“Discover the top hotels and restaurants, landmarks, fantastic beaches, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos.”

The Tui website adds: “Holidays to the Greek Island of Thassos put great scenery, whitewashed hamlets and flawless beaches at your fingertips.”

Thassos is described by Tui as a “true authentic” Greek destination that has resisted the urge embraced by some of its neighbouring hotspots to include “international elements” to lure in more foreign tourists. 

It adds: “The scenery is trademark Greek. The island is blanketed with rolling hillsides, fertile vineyards and olive groves. Move down to the coast, and it’s got an A-grade collection of beaches.”

There are direct flights into Kavala from Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester.

Things to do:

Absorb the sea views at the cliff-teetering Archangelous Monastery

Scale Mount Ipsarion, Thassos’ tallest peak

Take selfies at Giola lagoon

Sunbathe on the 2-kilometre-long Golden Beach

Thassos Town has an ancient Roman amphitheatre and an acropolis.

Theologos Folklore Museum

Tour the old mines and Ancient Agora at Limenaria, the island’s second-largest town