Previously in Pack and Go: we have just finished our adventure in Thasos. We took the ferry to get back to the mainland, and there, we had a second encounter with Keramoti. We were there for the first time only to take the ferry and go to Thassos. This time, when we dropped by there, we decided to stay for a few days to explore the town! Most people reach Keramoti only to board the ferry, but is it worth a visit? Let’s find it out!
Where is Keramoti?
Keramoti is a small town located in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region of northern Greece. Get a map and search for it! Keramoti is positioned on a little sort of peninsula or promontory, near the Nestos River Delta, and is surrounded by lush landscapes, and a wide and long sandy beach bordered by pine groves. It serves as a gateway to the natural wonders of this region.
Its strategic location, sitting along the Thracian Sea directly opposite the island of Thassos, makes it an essential hub for ferries traveling to Thassos. However, it also offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds of Greece’s more famous destinations.
How to reach Keramoti?
Getting to Keramoti is straightforward, thanks to its proximity to major cities and transportation networks. The most viable option for you will depend on where you come from.
By Air
The nearest airport is Kavala International Airport "Megas Alexandros" (KVA), just 12 kilometers away. Flights connect to Athens and some European cities. From the airport, you can take a bus to Kavala City, where you can take a second bus to Keramoti. Other choices -more expensive and faster- are available: taxis, private transfers, or rental cars. It is up to you.
By Ferry
If you are coming from Thassos, ferries connect Keramoti to the island’s port in Limenas. The journey is short, lasting around 35 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.
By Public Transport
Local buses from Kavala and Xanthi connect to Keramoti, only ensure you check the available schedules.
By Car
This time, this was our choice. We are driving. Based on Google’s calculations:
From Kavala City, Keramoti is about 40 kilometers east of Kavala, accessible via Egnatia Odos/A2/E90. The ride should take approximately 40 minutes.
From Thessaloniki, it takes 200 kilometers, so around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
What is the origin of the name Keramoti?
Keramoti is derived from the Greek word "keramos," meaning clay or pottery. Historically, the region was known for its clay-rich soil, which was used in pottery and ceramics. This connection to natural resources hints at the village’s humble origins as a place of craft and industry.
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A Short History of Keramoti
Keramoti has a modest history compared to Greece’s ancient cities. Originally a fishing village of Greek immigrants from Asia Minor, it grew due to its location near the Nestos River Delta, a fertile area that supported agriculture and trade. Over time, the village became a small port, connecting mainland Greece with Thassos.
While Keramoti lacks grand historical monuments, it offers a glimpse into the evolution of a traditional Greek coastal village, untouched by the rapid tourism development seen in other areas.
Can you stay in Keramoti, or is it only a port?
Contrary to its reputation as only a ferry hub, Keramoti is a cool place to stay. The village offers from cozy family-run guesthouses to apartments and small hotels. Staying in Keramoti allows visitors to enjoy its tranquil beaches, authentic Greek cuisine, and natural surroundings without the rush of larger tourist destinations. Besides, you can easily visit Thasos, Kavala City, and other beautiful surroundings from here.
Our decision to stay in Keramoti was made beforehand, but exactly as we were getting off the ferry, a cute sunset greeted us and confirmed that decision! Sunsets in Greece are something you should enjoy at least once in your life!
What to do in Keramoti, Greece?
Being in a village, we knew that simplicity was key to understanding the available activities there. The first afternoon in Keramoti we easily found the apartment we rented and walked around the town to have a night view and enjoy local food and drinks. The next four days, our holiday routine added activities like the following.
Relax on pristine beaches
If you have followed our adventure in Greece, you already know that enjoying the Greek beaches has fascinated us! It has become our favorite activity. We have already visited many beaches and we still crave more!
Keramoti’s sandy and wide beach stretches for kilometers, offering calm, shallow waters ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families looking for relaxation in a quiet environment. The beach was not crowded during our visit (beginning of June), making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and unwinding. Beach bars provide sun loungers, umbrellas, and refreshments, blending relaxation with convenience.
Keramoti offers you cool options to balance between calm beach areas where you can only hear the sea waves (the more remote) and others where you can enjoy music, a conversation with locals or other tourists, and some drinks. Still, it is not a noisy or party destination. Fortunately for us!
Fishing and boating
Keramoti remains a fishing village at heart. You can join locals for fishing excursions or rent a small boat to explore nearby waters. Greeks are really friendly and talkative. If you want to get the best out of staying in Keramoti, forget shyness and talk with them. Locals have the best advice to make your holidays more fun and to indulge your belly and complete senses with the most delicious choices, like the fresh fish they catch.
Explore the Nestos River Delta
If you are a nature enthusiast, you can take guided tours of the Nestos River Delta, a protected wetland area rich in wildlife and rare birds. Kayaking, canoeing, and hiking are popular ways to explore this ecological haven.
Try local cuisine
As you expected, seafood is a highlight in Keramoti. Visit local tavernas to enjoy fresh fish, octopus, and mussels caught daily. Pair your meal with a glass of ouzo or local wine for an authentic experience. This can become fast a hard-to-quit pleasure!
We realized that we have slowed down considerably our eating pace hahaha Being in Greece there is nothing like a hurry meal experience. Once you get a cool spot in a taverna, your eyes and thoughts can get lost in the views of the sea. You won’t realize the time passing until your nose gets hit with the luscious aromas of the meals arriving at your table. Bite by bite, sip by sip will come together in a harmonious symphony you won't want to end! And later on, a glass of ouzo and a coffee will follow perhaps, at the time a beautiful sunset announces you again the time you have been there. Guys, we absolutely recommend you come to Greece and try Greek cuisine!
Day trips to Thassos
The ferry ride to Thassos makes for an excellent day trip or a whole week visiting the beautiful island. It really depends on the time you have. Thassos offers modest ancient ruins, vibrant villages, stunning beaches, and more. You can read about our adventure there! It was hard to leave Thasos! However, that led us to Keramoti and we are not exactly suffering here haha Keramoti is offering us an extra cool chapter for this trip. This town has everything you need to have a relaxing holiday.
Taking the ferry to go and get back from Thasos is easy because you are already at the port (Keramoti).
What to visit in Keramoti?
Keramoti might not have monumental landmarks, but it boasts natural and cultural attractions.
Keramoti Beach
The village’s main attraction, this beach is perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful seaside experience. As we said before, Keramoti’s sandy and wide beach stretches for kilometers. That ensures you will find your perfect spot.
Here we share a fun fact. Many tourists told us they loved Greek beaches because of their nice sand, thrilling colors, and shallow waters. Some young couples mentioned that shallow and calm waters are perfect not to risk their young something kids' safety. Others agreed but added that the absence of strong currents and waves is also good for adults like them who don’t know how to swim! We laughed a bit because why not? Hahaha But it is true, many adults never get such a skill.
Guys, we strongly recommend you learn how to swim! It can save your life and make you enjoy your holidays at sea much more. Only wetting your feet or walking in the sand is very pleasurable, but diving a little deeper is another great pleasure you should experience. There are many beaches, rivers, and awesome waterfalls you could enjoy to hell if you can swim. And remember, it is life-saving!
Nestos River Delta
A UNESCO-recognized site, the delta is home to over 300 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. The scenic trails and observation points are ideal for eco-tourism.
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Nearby historical sites
While Keramoti doesn’t have ancient ruins, you can visit the Agios Nikolaos Church, a small but charming spot that reflects the village’s traditional character and religious heritage. If you search for bigger landmarks, nearby Kavala offers the Kamares Aqueduct, the Castle of Kavala, and the Archaeological Museum of Kavala. You easily can go by public transportation for a day trip Keramoti-Kavala-Keramoti. You can explore Kavala City through our experience there and see all that the city offers you.
Thassos Island is another good choice for you. Just a short ferry ride away you will find mostly beautiful nature and beaches such as Marble Beach and Paradise Beach. Ancient sites are modest, not the most spectacular in Greece, but they are easy to access. You can access the most complete guide of Thasos attractions in this article.
Is Keramoti worth a visit, or should you skip it?
We say “yes”, Keramoti is worth a visit. However, whether Keramoti is worth visiting depends on your travel preferences.
If you are looking for bustling nightlife, massive ancient ruins, or a cosmopolitan vibe, Keramoti may feel too quiet and not your choice. For travelers pressed for time and not planning to visit Thassos, it might not be a priority.
If you have the time and enjoy simplicity, such as quiet beaches, authentic Greek culture, and eco-tourism, Keramoti is a perfect fit. Its proximity to the Nestos River Delta and Thassos makes it an ideal base for exploring northern Greece.
For families or those seeking a peaceful retreat, Keramoti offers relaxation without the crowds.
Keramoti: The Beach Town You’re Not Visiting—And It’s Better Than Santorini!
- Undoubtedly, Santorini is a worldwide famous destination, renowned for its dramatic caldera views, iconic blue-domed churches, exclusive clubs, international cuisine options, vibrant nightlife for party-goers, and of course, very luxurious accommodations. However, it comes at the price of being a crowded and expensive destination, where the Greek essence has been diluted to satisfy the massively diverse tourists' expectations.
- In contrast, Keramoti is a quaint fishing village that remains off the radar for most international tourists. It is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Greek experience, far from the crowds and commercialized ambiance. If authenticity, natural beauty, and tranquility are factors you consider to pick a destination, Keramoti is a good choice.
- Unlike Santorini, Keramoti offers a genuine taste of local Greek life. You can easily enjoy freshly caught seafood at family-run tavernas and chat with friendly locals. It was very hard to find local food last time we were in Santorini. Pizza, pasta, and burgers were everywhere and prices for such foreign meals were really crazy.
- Santorini receives thousands, even millions of visitors every year and that obviously has an impact. Keramoti is a small town that still has more pristine, uncrowded beaches and lush surroundings.
- The town's relaxed vibe is perfect for those wanting a peaceful escape. It is also an opportunity to have conversations with locals. The pace in Santorini is fast and Greeks working there are too busy to chat.
- While prices in Santorini have gone to the roof in every aspect, Keramoti offers fair prices for accommodations, meals, and entertaining activities.
So, Keramoti is the beach town you’re not visiting only because it is not on the popular Greek destinations list. However, if you value simplicity, serenity, and authenticity, you should visit Keramoti and confirm that it is better than Santorini!
So, what is next? We are already heading back home. We have one more stop in Greece. Stay tuned and explore it with us! If you have a chance, just Pack and Go right now! We would love to follow your traveling adventures!
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