Greece has been, is and will remain an irresistible destination for Romanian tourists, due to its amazing diversity of landscapes, fascinating history and authentic culture. Holidays in Greece, where ancient history is intertwined with clear waters and refined gastronomy, arouse the desire to escape into the soul of anyone dreaming of relaxation and adventure. But for many of us, another advantage of this country is accessibility, being only a few hours away from Romania, and this approach adds an extra charm to travel to this destination.
The agglomeration of “Ibiza Greece” – Mykonos vs The authentic charm of the “emerald island” – Himsos Touris
Not all Greek islands are as “rapid” It is to be achieved and it does not offer the same tourist experience. A group of British experts conducted a detailed study in which it designated two diametrically opposite characters: Mykonos, one of the most overvalued destinations in Europe and Thassos, an island of rarely encountered natural beauty. Mykonos has been one of the busiest destinations in Greece for years, transformed into a magnet for tourists eager for luxury and endless fun. In contrast, at the opposite pole, Thassos, remains largely unaffected by mass tourism, offering an authentic and quiet getaway for those who want to disconnect from the daily tumult.
So, which of these two islands, so different, really offers the authentic charm of Greece? Which is the closest to Romania, but less affected by supraturism?
He still discovers what Thassos, one of the most beloved tourist destinations for Romanians, remains a dream place for lovers of an unaltered nature, but also what happens in Mykonos, the place where luxury and agglomeration go hand in hand.
Mykonos, Failed Paradise: How did Ibiza Greece come to the symbol of a movement out of control
It is impossible not to mention Mykonos as the most suffocated destination in Greece, especially given the risk that its magic and beauty will be compromised. According to an analysis by the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, the illegal constructions seem unstoppable on the island nicknamed “The players’ playground” or “The island of the millionaires”.
Mykonos is also known as “The island of the winds”due to the meltemics that frequently beat, “Ibiza Greece” For his exclusive night life, but also “Pearl of Cyclades”thanks to the spectacular landscapes with white houses and turquoise waters.
Away from the pedestrian alleys in Chora and the picturesque shore of “Little Venice”the new hotels rise at an accelerated pace, and the beach clubs appear at every corner. The exorbitant prices and mediocre services in some restaurants contribute to the increasing dissatisfaction of the visitors.
According to a report of Fraport, between January and May 2024, the number of international flights to Mykonos decreased by 7%, a sign that more and more tourists opt for less crowded destinations.
In fact, in a recent article dedicated “Greece 2025” we analyzed the transformations that marked the tourism map in this country, highlighting, among other things, the decline of islands like Mykonos.
Thassos – Emerald Island: Greek destination the least affected by tourism
Although the islands of northern Greece are generally cooler than those in the south, Thassos remains a less crowded destination, appreciated by those seeking authenticity. Experts consider it to be the least affected by the supraturism between the treasures of Greece.
Located near Kavala, a city about 128 km from Thessaloniki, the island is accessible with the ferry from the port of Keramoti, the crossing lasting about 30-40 minutes.
Thassos impresses with its beaches with fine sand and crystalline waters, but also through a fascinating history dating from antiquity. His vestiges include the ancient theater in Limenas and Greek-Roman Agora. The island is also famous for its gastronomy, the traditional taverns offering delicious preparations at affordable prices.
Due to the lush vegetation and turquoise waters, Thassos is still known as “Egei’s emerald”, “Emerald Island“ or “The green pearl of the Aegean”. It is also nicknamed and “Gold Island”being famous in antiquity for his gold mines.
How you get fast and easy in Thassos
Between Bucharest and Thassos, the average distance is about 650 km, depending on the route chosen. The road route between the two destinations is easily accessible and can be traveled in about 9-12 hours.
For a holiday in Thassos by personal car, the fastest way involves passing through the Makaza border point, in Bulgaria, which will bring you closer to Keramoti, the port of Greece where you can take a ferry to Thassos. This route, about 570 kilometers, can be traveled in about nine hours, taking into account the customs waiting time and on board the ferry. The costs for ferry are about 35 euros for the car and driver, and the cost of fuel is estimated at 197 lei.
If you prefer a longer, but more picturesque route, you can go through the Kulata border point, located south, and arrive in Kavala, Greece. From there, the ferry will take you directly to Thassos. This route measures about 775 kilometers and lasts about 12 hours, given the greater distance and the necessary stops. Even so, many tourists choose this route for spectacular landscapes and for the more relaxed atmosphere.
Regardless of the route chosen, do not forget to prepare your car properly for the road and have all the necessary documents for crossing the borders. Make sure you have a vignette for Bulgaria and that you have paid the bridge tax for the passage from Romania to Bulgaria. On the way, stop from time to time to enjoy the landscapes and discover small picturesque places that will make your journey even more enjoyable.
Thassos is waiting for you with dream landscapes, hidden beaches and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for an unforgettable getaway, far from the agitation of mass tourism. Plan your trip, find out how much a holiday in Thassos could cost you and let yourself be carried by the charm of the island!
And if you want to find out other information about the costs involved a holiday in Greece in 2025, you can learn from the experiences of other Romanians who have recently traveled and have shared useful tips and tips to save without compromising on comfort or experience.
The Greek islands, in particular, remain among the best destinations to visit, thus surpassing other areas of the country, regardless of the month, season or year.
