Skala Rahoni Holidays

Skala Rahoni, on Thassos’ northwest corner, is a sleepy village surrounded by fragrant pine forests and ancient olive groves. For people looking to leave civilisation behind, there’s just a main square, a sprinkling of traditional stone villas, and a stone church tucked behind the fishermen’s harbour.

Seconds from the village centre is Skala Rahoni Beach, a golden crescent of wide, uncrowded sands where sunloungers share the space with fishermen’s caiques. It’s safe to paddle in the shallow Aegean Sea here so it’s popular with families, and there are little shacks along the edge of the sand serving up sandwiches. Head to the harbour at the far end of the beach and you’ll find jet-skis and paragliding up for grabs, too.

In the quiet village streets, you can escape the afternoon heat at a handful of tavernas and bars. And, if you’re a fan of scenic walks, there’s an hour-long route past the old church to the original village of Rahoni, a place known throughout the Aegean for its olive oil and honey. Go by mountain bike and you can continue into the rugged mountains, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the island.

Skala Rahoni is an ideal base for exploring Thassos. Picture-postcard Skala Prinos, with its quayside restaurants, is a 30-minute walk away. If you hop on the bus, in about the same time you’re in the capital, Thassos Town, home to an old harbour and hilltop Roman ruins that overlook the sea.