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Simon Calder names his top cheap holiday in Europe an Emerald Island of lush forests 3.5 hours from the UK

Travel expert Simon Calder has named the lush 'Emerald Island' a must-visit destination, featuring stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and meals starting from just 10 per person.

[Landscape with Limenaria city and harbour at Thassos island, Greece]

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Simon Calder has shared a European spot that is a hidden gem.(Image: Balate Dorin via Getty Images)

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his top recommendation for a stunning European getaway that won't break the bank. Simon highlighted a lesser-known Greek island as his personal "choice" for a budget-friendly holiday.

The beautiful Greek island of Thassos, frequently dubbed the 'Emerald Island', is distinguished by its lush landscape, setting it apart from many of Greece's more arid islands. The moniker describes Thassos' dense pine woodland, olive groves and other greenery, with forests stretching almost all the way to the coast.

What's more, the islands beaches are surrounded by remarkably clear, shallow waters that shimmer in shades of turquoise and emerald, particularly under the Mediterranean sun.

On the island, there is a striking contrast of green and blue. Thassos is noticeably greener and more lush, creating a beautiful contrast between its forested hills and bright blue coastline.

Thassos history

Thassos has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks from Paros settled on the island, which later grew prosperous thanks to its marble, gold mines, olive oil, wine and thriving trade.

Traces of its ancient past can still be found around Thassos Town, including the remains of an ancient theatre, agora and sanctuary.

[Sea, bay and Greek boats in Limenas, Thassos island, Greece, Europe]

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Thassos is a beautiful Greek island known for its striking landscapes.(Image: Oleg_P via Getty Images)

Food

Thassos offers a classic Mediterranean style of cooking, combining fresh local produce with seafood and hearty dishes from the islands mountain villages.

The island is also known for its honey, locally produced olive oil, olives and wine.

Some of the traditional foods visitors can try include:

• Goat and lamb Mountain villages are known for cooking goat and lamb slow-cooked or roasted over a spit.
• Fresh seafood This includes sardines, anchovies, prawns, sea bream, mullet, squid and octopus. These are often simply grilled or fried and served with olive oil and lemon.
• Gouna One of Thassos more distinctive specialities, gouna is traditionally made with mackerel that is salted and dried before being grilled.
• Tatarka A seasonal vegetable dish made with fresh vegetables, herbs and leafy greens, traditionally enjoyed during spring and early summer.
• Stuffed courgette flowers Courgette flowers may be filled with ingredients such as cheese and egg before being fried.
• Local cheeses including feta, kasseri, myzithra and anthotyro.

Prices in Thassos

Food and drink in Thassos remain relatively affordable compared with some of Greeces more expensive islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini.

Although prices can be higher at beachfront restaurants and popular tourist spots.

Visitors can expect to pay around 12 to 25 (10.26 to 21.38) per person for a typical taverna meal, while a gyros, souvlaki or casual lunch can cost around 5 to 10 (4.28 to 8.55).

Meanwhile, fresh seafood tends to be more expensive, particularly at waterfront restaurants, while beers typically cost around 3 to 6 (2.57 to 5.13). Those looking for a cocktail at a beach bar can expect to pay roughly 8 to 12 (6.84 to 10.26), while local wine can offer good value compared with more premium bottles.

Speaking on ITV's This Morning about Thassos in 2024, Simon said: "Absolutely lovely. It's in the North. It's really different from all the other ones.

"It's got great features. It's got this wonderful mountain in the middle. You have to get a little ferry across to there from Kavala, but once you do, it's just absolute heaven.

"Loads going on. It's got proper Greek stuff, ancient remains and things like that. And of course all those lovely tavernas you just want to sit in."

[Thassos]

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Thassos has turquoise blue waters and lush greenery(Image: Getty)

Getting to Thassos

Simon warned holidaymakers that a ferry crossing to the island is unavoidable, as there are no direct flights operating from the UK.

That said, getting there from the UK is fairly straightforward. Travellers can fly to Kavala International Airport (KVA) on the northern Greek mainland, then head to Keramoti, where ferries run regularly to Thassos.

The crossing itself takes around 35 to 40 minutes.

Another option is to fly from the UK to Thessaloniki Airport, which offers a wider range of flights, then continue by road to the coast and take a ferry to Thassos.

While the journey is longer than travelling via Kavala, it can be a convenient alternative depending on flight availability and fares. During the summer months, some UK travel companies also offer package holidays and seasonal flights, making the island easier to reach.

Flight times

• London to Kavala: around 3 hours 25 minutes on a direct flight from Stansted.
• London to Thessaloniki: around 3 hours 1025 minutes on a direct flight, depending on the London airport.

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