holidayreviews.info

Day one

We arrived at Gatwick North Airport just before 4am and coming out of the lift we just followed others into what we thought was a new form of departures and after putting our bar code through we realised the luggage should have been put through the TUI desks before hand . After this senior moment we then had to be dehumanised (or a description like that) and have our photographs taken to allow our bar codes to be active again.

At 4:10am we joined a TUI queue of passengers using the bag drop for different planes and the lines set out looked like something one would expect on the latest ride at Alton Towers on August bank holiday

We finally got to one of these machines after queuing for 30 minutes not sure who has won after introducing this bag drop system.

Once through we found one of the toilets was closed upstairs and queues had formed and we had no time for our standard coffee and bacon roll in the small cafe above.

Soon our gate was called and we headed to our departure lounge



We had a small narrow plane and only the front door was available so being up front we were last on



When the trolley came around they had no bacon rolls

so I had a cheese toastie above the clouds



After a bit of a sleep we were approaching Thassos



and going over land into Kavala and it's patchwork fields






Then the landing



Kavala has two carousels and both were being used for the same plane along with what was left by the Birmingham flight. Our cases were one of the last off, so not such a lucky run for us.

However, things changed as we were given a taxi as part of the deal staying at the Alexander Golden boutique hotel. The rep was pleased to see us along with another couple as she thought we had got lost. Now she took our bags from us and labelled them up, these would be put on the coach for the journey over on the ferry. We were then put in a taxi and a rep would be waiting at Keramoti to arrange the coach details. We were well ahead of the coach and we were told to go on board the first ferry and that the coach would deliver our cases to the hotels. Sounds fine to me how nice was that.

This sounded fine to us so we boarded the first ferry






So passengers all on board



I took a few shots of Keramoti





Then the ferry headed out of the harbour area




Mrs Db prefers to stay cool in the cabin







I prefer to try and get pictures of the seagulls who follow the boat after tip bits on offer.



Squadron 633 ready to target the ladies hats



Soon the ferry docked at Thassos town and we were told to look out for a rep with a taxi sign. We were then put into a taxi and driven to our hotel. On arrival we were welcomed and given a glass of champagne and then taken to our room. All will be revealed later but we decided to have lunch on the hotel site

so free starters





a beer was 4.50 euros which we did not think was too bad for the hotel of this quality, outside were charging 4 euros for a draught and 3 euro for a 500ml bottle



A Greek salad was 9.50 but piled high with cheese



Mrs Db had salmon wraps the same price



a free desert given and whilst we sat eating, our cases arrived at our room, how lovely was that



so our balcony view



some rooms below have pools



we attended the reps meeting but we were both very tired.

So after the meeting we would sleep without going out



and tomorrow is another day




End of Day one


Day two

early morning the room had a mozzie net and free air conditioning but open the door for more than a few seconds and it goes off and one has to switch it on again.



A sun rise but disappointingly I could not see it to photograph it



The hotel has two swimming pools and a strange stripey horse at the entrance to a spa



Breakfast was included for us

so I had strawberry yogurt with strawberries cut up inside



I then had a fried breakfast, this is not a good thing for me but of course i have to try them for the forum lol



followed by toast and marmalade



over the far side of the pool is the restaurant



In the swimming pool area on our side of the hotel there are two golden chairs perhaps on this occasion Mrs Db and I should have sat in them for a photograph but did not get around to it



The lunch bar we sat in yesterday



The hotel has it own sunbeds for it's hotel guests only



sun beds further down were 6 euros a set or buy drink to sit on them for free



the perfect spot for us



This is just the spot we like but I will give you a walk down the whole beach later in the holiday






I am into photography now so will try and give you some of the pictures that I am looking for during the holiday such as flowers and other things that take my eye





rooms over looking the sea



we could ring a bell if we wanted to buy a drink





or just watch the boats passing



Lunchtime and going back to our room which has now been refreshed for us



I should brighten the picture but with so many to sort they are just out of the camera as I don't have the time. I just have my small camera on intelligent mode and the bright window dulls the area





better without the window lol



fascinating head light



TV, ghost chair and fridge with a mini bar, I just used the fridge



I may end up repeating some of this as not yet included the bathroom but it will all come out during this holiday

So I'm out of the room heading for lunch and the gardener has done a wonderful job with the flowers

This rose has got my attention and may have another try with my better camera later



Butterflies are plentiful and there are many of these painted ladies about



Thomas the cat



Pool area



Main complex of apartments



so lunchtime now and going to Palude



menu







they do toasted bread but forgot to photograph it with all this jet lag



with their Mama's salad



and cheese and ham pastry to share



followed by a free mini magnum that the tavernas' are giving out




so back on the beach for the afternoon



but I found where the long neck Terrapins are hanging out





more flowers in the hotel complex



for the evening we are going to Nisi Island for a meal. Christina's husband was cooking as they were a chef down

menu





I had the lamb chops which were nice



Mrs Db had a butcher's pork block which was massive and I had to help her out lol



a free chocolate mousse desert



End of Day two

Day three

sunrise



going down to breakfast another go at my favourite rose



Pots of coffee, tea and orange are served to you by the staff

and I had my favourite yogurt



and then bacon and egg on toast, having mastered the toaster



Then toast and marmalade.

So over the holiday I have discreetly taken photographs of the breakfast spread to show you the choices and will add more photographs every so often

the bread section



additional fruit juices



yogurts peach and strawberry, the ordinary yogurt has gone for a refill



fruit



some of the marmalade and jams



more of the spread to come

so after breakfast I took a photograph of two of the four sunbeds that are hardly used but look quite comfortable



more flowers going back to our room



This morning Mrs Db is going to sit on the beach reading her Kindle whilst I pay a visit to the Hotel Dionysos run by the daughter of the Vigli's family as I have heard good reports on the food at the Dionysos. I wondered if it would be possible to reach there for an evening meal.



so passing the stripey horse and trying to get the right angle, as we have a competition with the theme of 'stripes' at the end of the year but just not working for me



a flower and I have a camera in my hand lol



always trying to improve my pictures



so outside now and on the road to the Dionysos





Nisi Island restaurant were we ate yesterday evening



a Euronet Atm at the entrance to the campsite



The road that the Palude restaurant and the Marina Hotel are in



The Playa de Ora taverna that does wood fire pizzas



The Finikas taverna





The bus stop outside of the Arista supermarket



the Arista supermarket



down on the beach road there is now a mini fun fair



including bumper cars



The promenade pathway





The beach with free sunbeds if you buy a drink



and the attached taverna



so continuing along the path way





The Golden Sands beach bar



looking back from where I came




Pathway starts to narrow with taverna's clustered together above a narrow beach





Vigli's which was renamed to Romaness by the Romanian proprietor is now closed and from what I have heard it is unlikely to open again under the present proprietor



sea view and beach from this end









The renamed Island Hotel was the Blue Bay Hotel with the new webcam on the 'Go Thassos' site on it's roof



The two rocks at the end of the pier



New cafe / bar opened below the old Vigli's





way up to the Dionysos



the road which is up hill all the way









This would be too much for Mrs Db, so only a taxi would work



The view is great for those that can make it





so going back

a view through the old Vigli's trees



so down on the main road



another new Atm but again Euronet which is not a Greek Bank



A supermarket on the main road



And the first bus stop opposite it



The current bus timetable at this time but may change in July



The Enavlion



Another new hotel going up but not finished yet





Smaro



The Campsite



So back for lunch and going to Finikas

menu





so a beer



a Greek salad to share



and stuffed peppers



and free mini ice creams,
wait Mrs Db I have not photographed it yet lol



Late afternoon and on the beach

The Zeus boat returns



they look as if they have enjoyed the trip



so after getting changed, this evening we are eating in Palude

house white is 9 euros



menu





we had toasted bread



Then a down pour and everybody shuffled under cover





Mrs DB had chicken ala creame



and I fillet steak Palude



followed by free cake



Then we had a coffee on our balcony



End of day three

Day four

early morning and a side view from our balcony



breakfast, peach and strawberry yogurt for me



followed by egg and bacon on toast



so waiting for the toast and a small camera in my hand a bit more of the breakfast spread

ham and cheese



cakes and pastries



cooked breakfasts



so this morning whilst Mrs Db is Kindling on the beach I am going to explore a site I saw four years ago on my mountain recce and did not have time to cover it.

So I have decided to catch the 10:05 bus to Panagia to save me an hours walk up into Panagia as four years ago it took 5 hours to do my recce

I had a phone and Mrs Db had hers for contact.

The bus was twenty minutes late



and it took half an hour with the driver having to collect fares every stop going via Skala Potamia. I could have nearly walked it as quick but it did save my legs.



So arriving in Panagia the bottom part is very touristy





I needed to get to the top part of Panagia



and nice thing to Photograph on the way



The church



The kissing fountain, it is said any lady that drinks from the fountain will become pregnant or return to Thassos.



The water runs through the town



so what could be in the water lol



so out comes my bigger camera which I use in manual mode



perhaps a slow shutter speed which I have been practising with will reveal the content lol



well it does look a milky colour lol



anyway, I must get on with this walk



taking the road going out above Panagia





familiar sign



This road I guess is a dry river bed







left should be the turn but I tried right first and then realised I had gone wrong



I had only gone 50 metres and turned back but photographed these bee hives





so back to the junction of the road where I should have gone left which is now straight ahead



It's up hill all the way





although I have taken photographs of sections of the walk I will start to cut out some of it



but it is a long hot road without much shelter



I saw this sign which I remembered from before taking the Potamia direction



a view



and a thistle





so after about an hours walk all up hill I reach the spot where four years ago I spotted a mound with a gazebo on the top which was way in the distance



and the gazebo



however, this is a tricky path down and approached by me with some caution





at this stage it was taking me down and away from the area I wanted to get to and did not want to end up in some goat herder's field lol



Oh there is a fenced pathway leading up to where I wanted to get to but at this point in time, I had no idea where it went down to. From past experience I tend not to try a different way back as I may end up in a place that could be anywhere .

Also at this point, my small camera ran out of battery and not sure how much battery I would require from my bigger camera for the scenic shots. So I had to be more frugal taking shots on the way up



so with my bigger camera on this walk it has helped me to work out that if I ever did the mountain climb, a big camera would not be so wise.



but today a good job I had it lol



as to get this far and not be able to take pictures would have not pleased me





the gazebo and today's target



The view up top was, to be honest, a little disappointing, as a lot of the scenery is hidden by trees and shrubs



the bright light was making the camera display in manual mode look better than the photographs actually were so had to put some in software to help the final images















down below on the left is Panagia







The Princess Golden Hotel in the middle of the picture







It was gone 12:30pm and I was going to be late getting back. I had not seen a soul since Panagia but half way down the walkway I met a German couple going up. After a discussion it turned out if continued to take the railed pathway down it went down to Panagia

so that would save me time



it would still be a stiff climb up but one is amongst the pine woods to give protection from the sun



at the bottom



and it comes out on the road that runs across the top of Panagia village



then a walk left to join the road, the road I originally took to go high into the mountains a few hours ago lol

So ignore my route up and take this route instead (another walk crossed off my list) however, one needs to know it exists to use it and there are no marking on the road

Once in Panagia, I stock up with more water and a cold coke for my descent down the road to Golden Beach. On the track down I spotted this butterfly



I had trouble ringing Mrs Db as did not have +44 on her number. However, she rang me and I was able to tell her I was on my way but would be late again for lunch

As I was so late back, we had lunch in the Hotel and had the same as before, the salmon wraps and a Greek salad.

Getting ready for the evening neither of us was hungry so we decided we would have a walk and perhaps have a cocktail.

We stopped at the Golden Sands Hotel bar



comfortable chairs



too tired to have 'sex on the beach' so I picked Mojita



not sure what Mrs Db had....



after a while, we decided to go along to Playa de Ora and share a pizza and some wine





and with a small bill of 14 euro's they still gave us a free dessert



we walked back to the hotel and the pool was lit



and a few minutes from now we would be having coffee on this balcony



End of Day four


Day five

So a nice morning and down for breakfast



a bit more of the breakfast spread



Fruit and cereals







This morning I am going up on the fire break path to get some photographs of the area from above.

So setting out from the hotel with two cameras all charged up and a bottle of water











One of the supermarkets





The dodgems have arrived I was told the East Europeans like that sort of thing



so Skala Panagia is changing. A new hotel build in 2016 now over look this, I bet their guests are pleased



The water sports are still there





The promenade much the same as before




The Golden Sands Hotel seems to have had their frontage refurbishment.



I an now going onto the main road another supermarket called Anna



The old Vigli's renamed Romaness by a new proprietor and closed



Now going up the road passed it



The view from the new cafe / bar that sits below it and one of the few good points I have noticed in Golden Beach





so now going left to go up the hill



The views start to come from this point



This year these roads seem to be longer or is it an age thing lol



keep going up left here



harbour view below



The road continues up and no flat bits so up hill all the way today





passed this type of castle wall where nine times out of ten a dog will bark at you lol



views at this point by this building







so continuing up the road



The higher one goes, the more rewarding are the pictures of views



So here is the place we leave the road and go up the pathway on the left, it is just before some wooden signs on the edge of the road



Now you are unlikely to see a soul beyond this point, in three years I have only ever met one couple







This time it is hot and I am using up more water than doing it in the past, there is some shade on the pathway in the mornings to stop and take pictures







so we are now reaching the fire break road to the right is Blue bay and Marble beach direction. To the left is a look over Golden Beach and to Panagia



both directions continue up hill I am going left





The harbour below again from up here



This road is still going up and my bottled water is reaching half way down and my policy is not to go much further, as one still requires to drink water on the way down





Mrs Db reading her Kindle



so just up here is far as I am going to go today due to water shortages lol



so some pictures









As I carried my big camera up with me here are some shots taken but as I can't show you the full quality on here from either camera it will be difficult to see much difference





so going back down now as water, heat, energy and old age dictate my limits but will be back another day with more water to get further along



Lunch to day is at Palude





This time I have photographed the Mama's salad not eaten lol



some bread toasted



and shared ham and cheese pastries



oh and then free ice creams lol



afternoon was on the beach



This evening we are eating in Finikas

house wine is 7.5 euros a litre







we both had the chicken Hawaii



a a free dessert



and free Ouzo



End of day 5

Day six

I did not photograph breakfast is morning as I think I have captured most of it. Mrs Db is going down to the beach and I am going to the Enavlion to book a meal for this evening. However, I have a camera attached to my hand and can't resist using it lol




Apartment



I have small photographic competitions to enter in the winter time and we are set various themes. One to look out for is called 'shiny' so good fun looking out for things that might fit.



Judges say you must make it your own and the pool man gave me a hand lol However, the shadows are a bit annoying so going to work on that one.



roses seem to come and go and a new one has surfaced





so great fun with plenty of time and Mrs Db on the beach

another theme is 'stripey' and had my eye on this horse which sits above the tunnel to the Spa



anyway, that is my personal bit of fun.

Now the second hotel pool which turn into two jacuzzi's when switched on by the guests



more accommodation



standard sunbeds around the second pool



The main pool







The statue of Venus now I might do something with a picture of that



Entrance to the Hotel



another possible 'shiny' object I can use in competition



The reception area



The bar area



sun beds





Playing with lines of the pool



and the bridge over the stream that connects both sides of the hotel



And the Hotel's lunch bar



so off to the Enavlion to book a table passing the latest new hotel where the little church has now ended in a well at the end of the car park



how things change



So all booked for this evening at 7:45pm they seem to now do two sittings at 7:30 and 9:30 one is a bit early the other too late for us



So now back with Mrs Db and we had a Frappe



so now going back for lunch via apartment and the fish look shinier lol



This lunchtime we are eating at Finikas's





a welcome beer



Mrs Db had an omelette



and I had a toasted tuna bun



and free ice creams for dessert



On the way back a couple were looking for terrapins on the bridge. The guy said the reeds were much higher than last year. We got talking and I mentioned my name and they were astounded as I have helped them on the forum four years ago and he is known as Taxibobtwo. We had our picture taken together so their son could see the event lol

Afternoon was on the beach



Oh it's clouding over, might as well go back to apartment



on the way back, oh that's a better one of the fish now where is the pool man lol



So this evening we are dining at the Enavlion this place is special and has a vast menu



here is just some of it to give you an idea











We had a free shared starter



table are without customers yet



we shared a starter of bruschetta with figs, Gorgonzola cheese and nuts



Now this is what I call presentation of a rib eyed steak



Mrs Db had Lamb special



free desserts a creamy mousse



followed by a free strawberry liqueur



and walking back past the new hotel with the little church



and then coffee on the balcony with the lights of the fishing boats lined up and mentioned by a member on the forum



End of day six

Day seven

After breakfast I was going back into Panagia to take some more pictures as did not have a lot of time there on the last visit.

I caught the bus again which was only ten minutes late this time. Arriving in Panagia around 11 am the temperature was showing 38 degs on the Chemist shop but unfortunately I can't prove it as the sign changed as I fired the shot lol







so I wanted to see if I could achieve better shots of the fountain





so now walking along were the flow of the water goes



I got down at a lower level to give the archway to act as a border





a very old building



I am looking for a door as that is another competition theme



passing this decorative house which I believe is for sale





another rose at the top of Panagia



Above Panagia village



an old cottage an elderly guy in a chair at the side kindly offered me some water





so after a tour around in the heat I was back at the fountain



looking over the outlet pipe





So another hot walk down the hill from Panagia

Lunchtime was at the Nisi Island

menu



we had a Greek salad to share



and cheese and sun dried tomato pies



walking back the road felt like death valley with the heat, so we decided to call it a day on the beach and stay in the apartment.

I think I fell asleep with my camera on my arm lol

This evening we are eating in Palude





I had the lamb chops



Mrs Db had the peppered pork



and a free dessert a sort of fruit trifle



we were able to say our goodbyes to Taxibobtwo and his lady as it was their last night.

For us it will be another day in Golden beach

End of Day seven

Day eight

Mrs Db is on the beach and I am going down to Skala Potamia to find the Alpha Bank Atm. However, I did not find the most direct way so I will show you on a later visit. All Greek banks now charge a withdrawal fee and the Alpha Bank charges 2.5 euros on top of any other fee your card charges. So don't withdraw small amounts as that fee would become more expensive. Also don't accept any exchange rate offered as it will be very poor.

I am not sure what Euronet charges are so I avoid them.

so leaving the hotel



and heading on the road to Skala Potamia, many people have torches to see down here at night as no lights



This could be another new hotel as I don't recall it but my memory can slip these days



Getting onto the main road



This is a massive new hotel that has been built but will show you later on when I walk back



Passing the Korina hotel





Going through a lane to get to the main road to Potamia I spotted a new subject for the theme of 'stripes'



My dilemma is that judges like to see the insect's face sharp but the wings give the stripe theme.



Anyway, with some money I return to the coastline of Skala Potamia but will make a proper trip later in the holiday



One person put on the forum it is crowded and full of screaming kids. It does look a bit crowded so I will investigate that later, on a beach walk.



however, I am at the moment walking back to Mrs Db sitting on the beach



some of the Taverna's on the less popular shingle beach





There is a lot more competition down here and beers and cocktails use to be cheaper



we did eat at this place 4 or 5 years ago and their wine was quite dear to most others



good for stripes again with the sun



This is a graveled road and not suitable for wheelchairs as somebody complained on the forum





Somebody told me once there were sixty odd taverna's down here but I have never counted them





Now I am coming to the sea frontage of this new hotel





Beachside





so a very small strip of beach filled up by new clients and far from the Shirley Valentine days



but these type of tavernas will benefit from the clients



road back



I could here music approaching this place not sure if it is a beach club set up



so back to the Alexandia beach bubble as Mrs Db calls it and the terrapins



Lunch time was at Finikas



a welcome beer



and omelettes



Afternoon was on the beach



Where another stripey came along



These butterflies have been a little rarer this year but perhaps now is the time they are about to appear. The Painted Ladies are so common they pass the beach about one every thirty seconds and head towards Skala Potamia. I have no idea what happens down there with them perhaps they are baked in a pie



Towards the end of the afternoon the island with the church is picking up the lower sun



back at the apartment



I realised I had not take a picture of the bath which also has two showers



It rather a large bath for one person to have a bath said Mrs Db.
I think that would be for two people, I said, Do you want to try it.

Well perhaps another time Mrs Db said, I'll use the shower tonight



so a cup of tea being made for the balcony



tonight we are eating in Playa Da Ora





house wine was 9 euros



Mrs Db had the burger



and I had rib of beef



and free melon for afterwards



followed by coffee on our balcony

End of Day eight

hopefully I will give you more of an insight of the area in the next 7 days and whether that bath was ever used