Imagine for a moment that you are soaking in the warm rays of the Greek sun in your own private swimming pool overlooking the sea. It feels nourishing and healing- as all your aches and pains just fade away. Welcome to Meli Suites in Skala Potamia, a little piece of paradise!
We visited the Meli Suites Isle before and loved every single bit of our stay. Having chatted with the staff it sounded like we shouldn’t leave the island without taking a look at the Meli Suites, the original hotel of the Meli Suites hotel collection.
Meli Suites is mainly comprised of stylish suites embracing a mixture of Scandinavian and Aegean architecture with private swimming pools and sea views. Inside the suites, the luxury brief is taken seriously with eye-popping decor and details that recall the famous, white-washed Cycladic islands.
Lavish interiors aside, Meli Suites is located in Skala Potamias centre, right next to the busy seafront with a number of bars and restaurants, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring the village on foot. It didn’t take much to persuade my husband that we had to extend our stay on the island. Thankfully, the idea was equally appealing to him, too.
We stayed at the Superior Suite and our time here can only be described as indelible!
With a private balcony that featured our very own swimming pool, big, comfy sunbeds and spectacular sea views, we didn’t see any need to leave the hotel and travel further afield. In the morning, we would indulge in our homemade breakfast by the main swimming pool, then sunbathe on our private balcony and would only leave to take a quick dip in the sea before lunch. At night, we would drop into one of the seafront bars and enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the sea.
But enough with the words, let the pictures speak for themselves!
If you are thinking of visiting the verdant green island of Thassos, then Skala Potamia is a good place to start. From here you can embark on daily trips to the nearby villages of Panagia and Limenaria, and explore beaches like the Giola Lagoon with its crystal emerald waters. Beyond this, Meli Suites is the most luxurious and stylish hotel in the area so book your stay in one of their luxurious suites and let the positive vibes of this unique hotel work wonders for your mind and body.
If you are after a chic yet private, honeymoon-style sanctuary in Thassos, Meli Suites Isle, the latest hotel of the Meli Suites collection in Skala Potamia, offers an elegant, relaxing and stylish stay for loved-up couples.
The striking architecture of Meli Suites Isle is the first thing you notice when walking through the stone-built entry. Picture scattered olive trees, beige sandstone walls, rattan hanging chairs and outdoor raffia roofing all intertwined with one big swimming pool – the focal point of the entire space.
But it’s not just a swimming pool! Just as ‘meli‘ (honey) is the ingredient that makes any Greek breakfast special, respectively, this swimming pool is the ‘meli‘ that makes this place so distinctive- as it effortlessly connects the rooms – with each suite having its own access to the water.
The concept is not only unique but it also contributes to the harmony of Meli Suite’s design.
“It takes an architectural genius to build a place like this,” is what another guest said while we enjoyed our breakfast by the pool one morning.
Then, you get to know that the owner, Stelios Nikoloudis, who is a London-based civil engineer with a keen eye for textures and materials.
The isle in the middle of the swimming pool with its growing olive tree, the brilliant marriage between all the textures and natural materials – plus the painstaking attention to detail is what makes Meli Suites so special.
With three rooms and eight suites all individually styled and named after their unique features – we stayed in the Arch Room, where every morning felt like we were waking up in paradise. Featuring views of the serene pool, the swim-up private deck allows guests direct access to the water right by the bedroom suite.
Having breakfast by the pool was another unique experience, with owner, Yianna being the epitome of Greek hospitality. Not only does she serve a homemade breakfast, she also makes recommendations for places to visit on the island, and shares local secrets, including how to find the most gorgeous beaches.
We tried the floating breakfast on our last day in the hotel and it was the ultimate luxury! Presented on a large tray complete with homemade Greek pastries, freshly squeezed juices, and eggs- it was the best start to our day and something to remember.
There are plenty of spaces to stay in Skala Potamias but Meli Suites Isle is most certainly our favourite. Not only will you fall in love with the impeccable design and architecture – but you will also be blown away by their warm hospitality. Book your stay at the Deluxe Suite with a bathtub now and you can thank me later.
If you want to avoid the crowds and the more popular islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes) and are looking to experience authentic, peaceful, and captivating Greek islands, we have put together a list of the Top 5 Lesser-Known Greek Isles you should add to the list for your next summer visit to Greece.
Alonissos
Located on the western side of the Aegean, on the edge of the Sporades, you’ll find one of the least developed Greek islands. Alonissos will entice you with its lush, green landscape, traditional architecture, stunning beaches, and a gorgeous little harbour that is pretty both day and night. This is the perfect destination for those looking for a laid-back getaway; offering rest and relaxation. Here you will find a wonderful Marine Park, featuring the Caretta caretta sea turtles and Monachus seals, and you can also hike around and discover lovely pine forests, dense vegetation, cedar trees, and wild herbs of all kinds.
Paxos
Boasting spectacular azure waters and charming architecture, Paxos is one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. Located on the Ionian, it boasts some of the most stunning and exotic beaches in the world; as well as a wonderful natural landscape with lush vegetation. Combining a cosmopolitan feel with natural beauty, Paxoi is a Greek island that has been described by many visitors as a “paradise on earth”. Stroll around the main port Gaios, which features a lovely harbour, and the main town offers a wonderful range of shops, taverns, cafes, and charming villas.
Anafi
This mainly undiscovered island is a small and authentic destination located on the southeast side of the Cyclades. Untouched by mass tourism, Anafi is known for its raw, natural beauty. Boasting a “sparkling” main town, crystal clear waters, charming alleyways, historical churches, unique architecture, and interesting archaeological sites; visitors are able to unwind and soak in a Cycladic feel without the crowds. Although there aren’t many beaches, there are a few lovely ones to choose from including Agios Nikolaos, Katsouni, Klisidi, Roukounas, Flamourou, and Prasies.
Samothrace
Located in the Northern Aegean, this mountainous island boasts waterfalls, wild natural beauty, ancient history, and mysterious traditions. Great for those that love a bit of adventure, here you can challenge yourself with the mountain trails of Mount Saos or Fengari (the highest peak in the Aegean), take part in rafting, trekking, crossing gorges, as well as diving into magical waterfalls. There are also plenty of beaches including Therma, Karkani, Pachia Ammos- and make sure you take the boat across to Vatos- it’s well worth the effort.
Thassos
If you are looking for a stunning island filled with charming villages, traditional local cuisine, adventurous activities, and breathtaking beaches surrounded by lush greenery- look no further than Thassos. This emerald green island escape is located in the Northern Aegean and offers visitors a wonderful range of boutique hotels, authentic local delicacies, great hiking trails, and rich culture and history. With a unique landscape that can’t be found anywhere else on the Aegean, Thassos is an ideal Greek island experience.
If you are looking for a stunning island filled with charming villages, traditional local cuisine, adventurous activities, and breathtaking beaches surrounded by lush greenery- look no further than Thassos.
This emerald green island escape is located in the Northern Aegean and offers visitors a wonderful range of boutique hotels, authentic local delicacies, great hiking trails, and rich culture and history. With a unique landscape that can’t be found anywhere else on the Aegean, Thassos is an ideal Greek island experience.
Here are the Top 10 Things to do in Thassos
1. Discover Local Culture & History
There is so much history to explore on Thassos, a place that boasts loads of silver, gold, and marble material. To get a feel of the island’s past, firstly, make your way to the Archaeological Museum, then visit The Kalogeriko, a two-story building that belongs to Mount Athos’ Vatopedi Monastery and has now become a museum. Also head over to the Acropolis in Limenas, which is home to a 5th Century BC theatre overlooking the sea. Finally, visit the ancient Marble Quarry to find out more about the island’s famous stone.
2. Stroll Through the Mountainous Villages
Set along lush mountain greenery are villages that offer a taste of traditional island life. Whether on the coast or inland you’ll discover beautiful little villages all over the island, such as Agios Georgios, Alyki, Theologos, Kallirahi, Kastro, Kazaviti, Koinyra, Limenaria, Maries, and Panagia. Here you’ll find charming cobblestoned alleys, stone mansions, and fantastic sea views.
3. Explore the Capital, Limenas
The capital Limenas is the most popular spot on the island, where you will find a range of hotels, eateries, cafes, and shops. This is Thassos’ link to the mainland and its capital since antiquity. Be sure to see the ancient agora; the sanctuaries of Herakles, Dionysos, Artemis, and Poseidon. Then walk through the central market and the small harbour by the beach. At night, sit at one of the many restaurants or bars and enjoy the views.
4. Be Adventurous
The island is ideal for anyone wanting to be adventurous- with a range of options for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding in Skala, and diving in Panagia Island shipwreck. Discover the scenic roads from the beaches to the lakes, and footpaths around the villages. Try trails like Maries to Prinos, Panagia- Potamia-Ypsario, Kallirahi-Prinos, or Xrisi Ammoudia-Limenas, that can be enjoyed on foot or by mountain bike. For outdoor sports, Thassos is also ideal with scuba diving at Pefkari, water skiing at Chrysi Ammoudia, windsurfing at Paradise beach and boat rides to the most remote beaches.
5. Dive into Giola Lagoon
Giola Lagoon known as “Aphrodite’s Tear” in Thassos is one of the world’s most beautiful natural swimming pools – separated from the sea by a narrow strip of rocks, it looks like a pool of crystal clear water, carved into a coral reef that rises above it. This beautiful natural rock pool on the south coast of Thassos has now become one of the most popular spots on the island because of the experience of swimming in it and the mesmerizing contrast of its water with the wild and rocky landscape surrounding it.
6. Swim in the Most Emerald Green Sea
One of the main drawcards to Thassos is the breathtaking beaches. There are so many gorgeous coves and bays to choose from- some are easy to reach, while others require some effort but they are definitely worth the effort. Make sure you add to your list the following: Paradise, Glifoneri, Makriammos, Chrysi Akti, Arsanas, Chrysi Ammoudia, Agios Antonios, Alykes, Trypiti, Skala Potamia, Paralia Limena, Pefkari, Skala Raxiou, Saliara, and Marble beach.
7. Explore the Cave of Drakotripa
If you have time visit the renowned cave Drakotripa in Panagia. Only 7 km’s from the main town, Dragon Cave (Dracotrypa Cave) literally means dragon hole. The cave is full of impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was named after a stalactite that had the shape of a dragon.
8. Take Part in the Summer Festival
If you are lucky to be here during the annual summer Kavala-Thassos Festival, make sure you go! Guests are able to experience local music, dance, food, and traditions at a stone theatre. If you have a chance to watch the representation of the ‘Thassos wedding’, you’ll witness the revival of ancient Dionysian traditions through local wedding customs.
9. Eat Your Way Around Town
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to wining and dining in Thassos and for some authentic local dishes, we recommend you head to Limanaki, Agorastos, Tavern Mouses, and Leonidas. For some of the best seafood head to Symi Restaurant. For taverns by the sea check out Beautiful Alice at Aliki Beach and Skidia Tavern is also right on the water. For delicious local desserts try Pastry; and Panetteria is also great for its wide range of sweets. For after-dinner drinks make your way to Karnagio, Street Cafe, Marley Beach Lounge, Oasis, or Natura.
10. Taste Local Cuisine
Thassos cuisine is mostly known for its seafood; including its mouthwatering sardines, anchovies, prawns, squid, octopus; as well as fish including sea bream and red mullet. As it’s a mountainous island, the meat is also very good, with taverns serving a variety of goat and lamb dishes. Thassos is also famous for its olive oil and has its own distinct wrinkled olive, the Thassian Throuba Olive, which produces a great extra-virgin olive oil with low acidity. The sweets of Thassos have a special flavour originating from their secret ingredient, Thassian honey. The most well-known among these is the walnut sweet, made of local walnuts that are picked early in the spring. Other sweets are made from fig, pumpkin, orange, rose, and quince.
11. Stay in Style
Thassos has a wide range of accommodation to choose from- from family-owned apartments and villas to five-star hotels and resorts. We recommend you check out Meli Suites, Alea Hotel, Thassos Hotel, Ilio Mare Resort, Thassos Grand Resort, Orama, Villa Teresa, and Aeolis Enavlion Hotel.
12. Visit Nearby Kavala
If you are wanting a day trip away from the island, the beautiful city of Kavala is only 35km from Keramoti port and has a wonderful history and local culture. You can get there by ferry in about an hour and 15 minutes.
Getting there
It takes one hour to fly to Kavala international airport from Athens. From there, you can reach the island by ferry from the port of Keramoti—just 15 minutes from the airport to the island capital of Limenas. Otherwise take a ferry from Kavala to Thassos, as mentioned above it takes a bit over an hour.
Giola Lagoon known as “Aphrodite’s Tear” in Thassos is one of the world’s most beautiful natural swimming pools – separated from the sea by a narrow strip of rocks, it looks like a pool of crystal clear water, carved into a coral reef that rises above it.
According to Greek mythology, Giola was created by Zeus as a lagoon for his wife Aphrodite to bathe in. This beautiful natural rock pool on the south coast of Thassos has now become one of the most popular spots on the island because of the experience of swimming in it and the mesmerizing contrast of its water with the wild and rocky landscape surrounding it.
With water warmer than the sea beside it and the colours constantly shifting from shades of blue and green, visitors come here for the perfect Instagram shot. Laying on the rocks or diving into the water, it’s just as wonderful to sit back and take in the view across to the uninhabited island of Astiriotiko opposite the lagoon.
Carved into the southeast coast of Thassos, several kilometers from the village of Astris, Giola is approximately 20 metres long and over 15 metres wide. It’s enclosed by rock terraces that rise up to eight meters high, creating great platforms from which visitors can jump and dive into the crystal-clear water, which is refreshed by waves from the sea.
This stunning natural pool is where thousands of local and international visitors gather each year to swim and to take images as the location is popular amongst photographers who want the perfect shot of someone jumping from the rocks into the pool.
Located near the village of Astris, it may not be the easiest place to get to as there is a dirt road you must take and an off-road vehicle is highly recommended. This seaside gem is quite a trek, but for those willing to make the journey, you will definitely be rewarded with an incredible natural pool to soak in the gorgeous views of the sea. The scenery along the 10-15 minute walk is part of the wonderful experience. Keep in mind there is a bus service available to Giola during the summer months.
Even though many think it’s a beach, it is in fact a natural seа lagοon and the Aegean Sea rinses its shores and fills the pool with water. But since the pool is separated from the sea with a rock wall, the water in the lagoon is much warmer, making it much more pleasant to swim in.
If you decidе tо visit Giοla for а swim, remember that you will need to leave your bеaсh tοwels on the rоcks and thеre is nο sаnd, shade, sunbeds or umbrellas at Giola, so make sure to pack your hat, sunscreen, and water. A tavern recently opened up nearby, where you are able to eat lunch or dinner, otherwise, pack snacks with you as there are no other shops nearby.
Getting there
The way to this little slice of heaven is a tad tricky and in order to arrive at Giola, drive from Poto to Astris. After the hotel Aeria you will find a sign directing you to Sirens. Turn left and follow the dirt road. After a while, you will get to a beach. From there you leave your vehicle at the car park and you need to walk. There are many signs with arrows showing the direction. As mentioned above, it is recommended that you hire a high four-engined or an off-road vehicle, and the distance from the main road is about 2k
