Sotiris Taverna, Main Street
This is the kind of classic taverna that hasn’t changed in 30 years. It’s not just visitors who love this sun-drenched beachside spot – it draws in the locals, too, which is always a good sign. They all come for dishes like prawn souvlaki, Greek salad and baked sea bass. You might not need to order dessert, though – the complimentary ouzo comes with free ice-cream as well.Holidays in Golden Beach aren’t about flexing your credit card, so it won’t take long to get round the resort’s minimarkets and gift shops. Thassos Town can take over on the souvenir front, though. It’s a great place for picking up linen, leather and jewellery as well as mementos made from its famous white marble. And the locally-made honey and olive oil make great foodie presents.
Read MoreGolden Beach has a select line-up of traditional, family-run Greek tavernas, and most of them come with a waterfront setting. Not surprisingly, you’ll find net-fresh seafood like swordfish and octopus on the menus. And there are plenty of local classics, too. Two must-eat dishes are kleftiko – melt-in-the-mouth, slow-roasted lamb – and stifado, a delicious beef and onion casserole.
Read MoreTen minutes’ drive takes you to the village of Potamia, in the foothills of the island’s highest mountain. Quaint is an understatement – it’s all wooden-roofed houses and time-stands-still cafés. From here, there are 2 hiking paths. One leads to the beach, while the other goes to the top of the mountain through dense pine woods. If you’re up for the second, you’ll need water and walking boots.
Read MoreThis al fresco bar, situated right on the beach, certainly makes the most of its location. During the day, you can seek shade under the huge umbrella while you sip a cold beer, then at night there’s a seat overlooking the sea with your name on it. There’s evening entertainment laid on, and the Greek dancing nights and Seventies disco both pull in quite a crowd.
Read MoreEvenings in Golden Beach are relaxed and romantic. Picture a beachside taverna with a smattering of outdoor tables, lights dimmed, and a local musician strumming a guitar. It’s the sort of place where you can linger over a bottle of wine before strolling home along the sands. If you do need a bigger choice of bars, a 5-minute cab ride will take you to neighbouring Skala Potamia.
Read MoreYou’d expect a prime beach like this one to lay on the activities, and it doesn’t disappoint. Jet-skis, banana boats and kayaks are all lined up for business, while more serious watersports fans can try parasailing or windsurfing. The clear turquoise waters make for top-class snorkelling, too – the centres on the beach will rent you the kit.
Read MoreThis upscale celebration of theatre and poetry definitely sits at the high-culture end of the festival spectrum. It’s one of Greece’s biggest festivals, and is famous throughout the country for classical music and performances of Greek plays. The events take place in unusual and atmospheric venues, like castles and ancient theatres.
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