Sailing cruise Thassos: Swim Giola and Aliki from Potos

Sail past Giola's rock formations and anchor at Aliki's sunken marble quarry

A full-day sailing cruise along Thassos's southeastern coast departs from Potos at 10am aboard a Hanse 385 with skipper and co-skipper. You swim at Salonikios cape for breakfast, pass the protected island of Panagi where seabirds nest, sail by Giola's natural rock pool, stop at Archangelos Monastery's old port for an appetizer, then anchor at Aliki to swim in water mixed with fresh spring and explore Roman theatre ruins and Byzantine church remains. Lunch is prepared on board. An optional afternoon swim follows at St. Anna or Rosogremos beach before the 6pm return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day sailing cruise around Thassos

• Start sailing from Potos or Limenaria
• Swim and have breakfast at Salonikios cape
• Pass by Panagi island and spot seabirds and dolphins
• Sail along eastern coast towards Giola natural pool
• Visit Archangelos Monastery old port and swim
• Anchor at Aliki for swimming and lunch
• Optional fishing at Aliki
• Continue sailing north towards Paradise beach
• Stop for afternoon swim and dessert at Saint Anna or Rosogremos beach
• Return to Potos or Limenaria

The experience

Thassos's southeastern coast unfolds over seven hours from the moment you leave Potos at 10am. The boat is a Hanse 385 with an experienced skipper and co-skipper who handle the sailing while you swim, sunbathe or relax on deck. Your first stop is Salonikios cape, where breakfast waits after your first swim. On the way there the route passes Panagi, a protected marine ecosystem where seagulls and cormorants nest on the cliffs: dolphins sometimes appear in these waters, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Giola arrives next: a natural rock pool formed in the stone, visible from the boat before you reach Archangelos Monastery and its secluded beach, once the monastery's old port. An appetizer is prepared while you swim in turquoise water. The anchor then drops at Aliki, where Phoenician merchants once quarried Thassian marble millennia ago. The sunken quarry still sits underwater, and seawater mixes with fresh spring water where you swim. On shore stand a Roman theatre from 197 BC and Byzantine church ruins built atop Roman temples. Lunch (either an appetizer and main course with Greek salad, or traditional mezze with ouzo) is prepared by the crew while you have free time. Fishing equipment is available if you want to try your hand at it. An optional final stop at St. Anna or Rosogremos beach includes an afternoon swim and dessert before the 6pm return to Potos.

The route and swimming stops shift with weather, wind and sea traffic, so the itinerary is not fixed. All fuel, taxes, coffee, wine, juice and soft drinks are included. The skipper and co-skipper are both on board for the full day. Children from age 3 are welcome. You'll need to provide full names, passport details and dates of birth for all passengers at least one day before departure.

What’s included

• Experienced skipper and co-skipper.
• Hanse 385 sailing boat.
• breakfast at Salonikios cape.
• appetizer at Archangelos Monastery.
• lunch on board (appetizer and main course with Greek salad, or traditional mezze with ouzo).
• afternoon dessert.
• all fuel and taxes.
• coffee, wine, juice and soft drinks throughout the day.
• fishing equipment at Aliki if you wish to try fishing.

Before you book

Lasts 7h, from € 115 per person, with a live guide in English and French, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jul 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Cretan Holidays

Is this one for you?You board a shared boat with other passengers and the skipper handles all sailing while you swim, relax and eat: ideal if you want a full day on the water without managing the boat yourself, and if you prefer the company and cost of a group cruise over a private charter.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Giola and why is it worth swimming there?

Giola is a natural rock pool formation carved into the stone along Thassos's eastern coast. You swim in enclosed turquoise water surrounded by rock walls, a formation that does not occur on typical beaches.

Can I fish during the cruise?

Yes. At Aliki, fishing equipment is provided free if you want to try fishing during the free time there while lunch is being prepared.

What's included in the lunch on board?

You choose between an appetizer and main course served with Greek salad, or traditional mezze accompanied by ouzo. The crew prepares it while you swim, and it is included in the price.

Will we definitely see dolphins?

Dolphins sometimes appear in the waters near Panagi, the protected island you pass on the way to Salonikios cape, but sightings are not guaranteed. Seabirds nesting on the cliffs are a more reliable sight.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The route and swimming stops may change depending on weather, wind and sea traffic. The skipper adjusts the itinerary to keep the day safe and enjoyable, so the exact stops are not fixed in advance.