Limenas Beaches

Overview

Limenas, the capital of Thassos, is an excellent base for a beach holiday, combining the convenience of a vibrant town with easy access to some of the island's most beautiful coastlines. The town has its own pleasant, sandy beach perfect for a quick swim, while its status as the island's main port provides outstanding transport links to explore further afield. Visitors will discover a fantastic variety of shores nearby, from wide sandy bays to unique pebbly coves, ensuring a perfect spot for every type of beachgoer.

Among the island's most celebrated beaches are several highlights just a short journey from Limenas. For a truly unique experience, visit Saliara Beach, famously known as Marble Beach, where small white pebbles give the sea a spectacular turquoise hue. Nearby, the expansive and popular Golden Beach offers a classic day out on its golden sands, while La Scala Beach provides a more cosmopolitan vibe with its stylish beach club and lively atmosphere. For those seeking tranquility, the beautiful, secluded cove of Arsanas Beach offers a peaceful escape from the crowds.

The coastline around Limenas is predominantly sandy, making it ideal for families and those who love soft shores. Just a few kilometers from town lies the stunning, privately managed Makryammos Beach, a sandy paradise set within a lush green resort. While these are some of the top picks, they represent only a fraction of what's available. For more inspiration, be sure to explore our complete guide to discover the many other beaches waiting for you around this enchanting Greek island.

Top Beaches

Limanaki Beach (Limenas)

The most convenient beach for visitors staying in the capital of Limenas, perfect for a quick dip without any travel. Located just a short walk from the town center and its old port, this organized sandy shore offers a classic Greek island experience right on the city's doorstep. The water is famously clear, calm, and shallow, making it an inviting spot for a relaxing swim. While it is a relatively narrow and popular beach, its soft sand and picturesque setting provide a serene escape. The lively backdrop of the town's cafes and taverns adds to its charming and accessible atmosphere. It's the ideal place to effortlessly enjoy the sea without venturing far from the heart of the capital.

FAQ

Is Limenas a good base for a beach holiday in Thassos?

Yes, Limenas is an excellent base for a beach holiday. The town itself has its own sandy beach, often called Limanaki, which is convenient for a quick swim. Additionally, some of the island's most famous beaches like Makryammos, La Scala, and Marble Beach are just a short drive or bus ride away. Its position as the island's capital and main port means you have the best transport links to explore beaches all around Thassos.

Makriamos Beach

La Scala Beach

Limenas Beach

Can you swim in the sea in Limenas town itself?

Yes, you can. Limenas has a city beach located near the old port, away from the main ferry terminal, ensuring the water is clean. It's a sandy beach with a gradual entry into the water, making it suitable for families. The beach is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas available from the local beach bars.

Limenas Beach

What is the best time of year to visit Limenas for a beach holiday?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Limenas is from June to September when the weather is consistently warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is perfect for swimming. July and August are the peak months with the most vibrant atmosphere but also the largest crowds. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and warm seas, consider visiting in June or September.

How do I get to the beaches from Limenas if I don't have a car?

You can easily reach many beaches from Limenas without a car. Several popular beaches like La Scala and Makryammos are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. The island's bus service has its main hub in Limenas, with routes covering the entire coastal road, making it easy to get to beaches like Golden Beach or Pachis. Additionally, there are boat trips and water taxis available from the port.

La Scala Beach

Makriamos Beach

Golden Beach

Can I find beachfront accommodation in Limenas?

Yes, there are several beachfront accommodation options in Limenas. You can find hotels and apartments located directly on or just a few steps from the town's beaches, particularly along the stretch near Agios Vasileios beach and the city beach. These offer the convenience of being close to both the sea and the town's amenities. It's important to check the location carefully, as some properties are close to the sea (the port) but a walk from the actual swimming beach.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Which is better for a family with young children: Limenas or Golden Beach?

Both are great options, but they offer different experiences. Golden Beach is famous for its very long, sandy shore with exceptionally shallow and calm waters, making it arguably one of the best and safest beaches for small children. Limenas offers more amenities as a town, including parks and an amusement park, and has a decent, sandy city beach with gradual depth. While Golden Beach might be better purely for the beach experience, Limenas provides more variety in activities and is a better base for exploring the whole island.

Golden Beach

Limenas Beach

Are the beaches near Limenas sandy or pebbly?

The majority of beaches near Limenas are sandy. The main town beach is sandy, as are nearby popular spots like Makryammos, La Scala, and Pachis. The famous Marble Beach (Saliara) is unique as it's covered in small, smooth white marble pebbles, which give the water a stunning turquoise color. So, while sand is the norm, you can also experience a unique pebble beach.

Are there beaches with natural shade near Limenas?

Yes, one of the special features of the beaches on the north side of Thassos, near Limenas, is the natural shade provided by pine trees. Beaches like Pachis, Glyfoneri, and Nisteri are well-known for having trees that reach close to the water's edge, offering a welcome escape from the sun. This is a characteristic feature of the area's coastline.

Glifoneri Beach

People Also Ask

What's the vibe of the beach bars near Limenas? Are they for partying or relaxing?

You can find a mix of both. Some beach bars, like La Scala, are known for their lively atmosphere with music, cocktails, and a younger crowd, making them great for a fun day out. Others, like those on Pachis or Glyfoneri beach, offer a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Limenas itself has a vibrant nightlife, but the nearby beaches cater to different tastes, from chill-out to party.

La Scala Beach

Paralia Pachi

Glifoneri Beach

Are there any hidden gem beaches near Limenas that locals recommend?

While most beaches near Limenas are well-known, locals might point you towards smaller coves like Glyfoneri or Papalimani. Glyfoneri is a small, charming bay with fine sand and lots of natural shade, creating a very cozy atmosphere. Tarsanas beach, in front of a hotel of the same name, is another less-crowded sandy spot. These offer a more tranquil alternative to the larger, more organized beaches.

Glifoneri Beach

Tarsanas Beach

Is it expensive to rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the beaches near Limenas?

On most organized beaches near Limenas, the common practice is that you can use the sunbeds and umbrellas for free with the purchase of a drink or snack from the beach bar that manages them. This is typical for beaches like the Limenas city beach, La Scala, and Pachis. However, at the privately managed Makryammos Beach, there is an entrance fee to the resort complex which includes the beach.

La Scala Beach

Paralia Pachi

Makriamos Beach

Are there water sports available at the beaches near Limenas?

Yes, you can find water sports facilities at some of the larger, more organized beaches near Limenas. Golden Beach, which is about a 20-minute drive, is particularly well-known for its wide range of water sports, including windsurfing and jet-skiing. Some of the closer beaches may offer options like paddleboards or pedalos.

Golden Beach