Hi
We've stayed on all of these Islands and love them all for different reasons. If you're looking for good sandy beaches then it would have to be Skala Potamia or Golden beach on Thassos - these are lovely low key resorts with beautiful golden sand and a very warm sea. Also masses of archaeological sites on Thassos so lots to see.
Samos only has 2 sandy beaches both called Psilli Ammos and both at opposite ends of the Island! There is a sand and shingle beach at Kambos but when we were last there it wasn't even a proper resort I think it's pretty big now though! Samos itself is a stunningly beautiful Island with some gorgeous pebble beaches and an archaeological site around every corner!
We stayed at Nidri on Lefkas which has a long and quite narrow sand and shingle beach - very pretty setting but not a great beach! And Nidri itself although it has fantastic views of the bay is just a long strip with a main rd running through it. There are some good sandy beaches on the Island but you'll have to drive to them - Porto Katsiki was lovely but down what felt like hundreds of steps!! Aghios Nikitias is also meant to be lovely but we didn't quite get there so can't comment. Also if you don't mind driving you can drive up to Parga on the mainland which is an amazingly pretty place with the superb Valtos beach next door. And you will also find lots of seemingly endless sandy beaches on the drive up there.
If I had to choose one of these 3 Islands for next years holiday then I would go with Thassos.
Hope this helps

Thanks Duffi very imformative, a lady at work as ben to Thassos 8 time and she loves it. It put me off a bit having to go over on a ferry but i guess that is part of the fun.

I agree with Duffi. We have been to all three as well and Thassos comes out top. I think that the archaeology in Thassos is probably the best. Look aout for the twinkly marble, which is the main industry on the island.
Samos wins on wine and Ouzo, of course. If you like sweet white wines, which I don't, then Samos Nectar is probably the world's number one. Eat your heart out, Chateau Yquem. Don't forget their amethystos and vin doux. Samos is convenient for day trips to Kusadassi and Ephesus. Unmissable and wonderful.
I have a very soft spot for Lefkas, especially Nidri. The inhabitants carefully keep the narrow channel between them and the mainland clear so that they can claim the tax breaks for islands. Cynical? Moi? Never. It is the sailing capital of the Ionian and very convenient for boat trips to Skorpios (theoretically forbidden), Meganissi and the others. Wonderful with a split holiday to Parga and they have excellent food.
Oh God, I don't know. I'm more than happy with any of them. On reflection, If Symi sank below the waves then I would go to Thassos every time.
Don't worry about the ferry to Thassos. It's only 6 miles from Keramoti and a really nice trip. So good, in fact, that we often catch it back again for a day or two in Kavala, which is really worth a visit even though my wife hates boats. The island is nearly circular and the bus service is excellent for round the island trips.

It has to be Thassos for me too !!

Very much less commercialised too from Samos, although saying that Samos was good but Thassos had the edge for us.

The ferry ride is not bad at all too and they go every hour.

So how long does the actual transfer take from the airport until you land on Thassos? I don't want to waste any more of my precious 7 days travelling than I have to!
Sue

The ferry ride is one hour from what I can remember but it is lovely and you should treat it as part of your holiday !!

I can not remmeber how long to the ferry but know it was not long at all.

Enjoy

The coach journey from the airport to keramoti (ferry port) takes about 15-20 mins (10 mins by taxi)
The ferry journey takes about 35-40 minutes from Keramoti to Thassos Town (Limenas)

So if the timings are right you can be on the island in about an hour from leaving Kavala airport.

Thassos is a great place, and it's the best Greek island that I have been to so far.

I have been to the Samos several times, each time other location, so feel free to ask. There are plenty excursion to do, for example to small islands like Akri, Lipsi, Patmos, Agathonisi, Fourni etc. Even if you stay just in Samos for two weeks I am sure you wont be bored. If you hire a car or a bike its easy to explore the island.

..but I think you already got your answer

Hi iallen,
Did you decide to book for Thassos then? We will be going at the end of July for our first visit. I was also looking at Samos and Lefkas.
I only mention this because you have replied to a posting of mine on the Fuerteventura forum. It would seem we are both going there in March!

Well I hope you enjoy both your holidays. I hope we do as well!
Yiamass, Jean

i have been to many greek islands and lefkas is one of my absolutel favourits. the island is stunning - the east of the island has a very convultued coastline with many little islets and is just beautiful. it does have one big resort - nidri, which is a bit hideous, but apart from that, tourism on the island is contained in small resorts.

lefkas town is fantastic - it's the only island i go and stay in the main town. it has great squares where everyone sits out in the evening, their kids all playing in the centre of the square. it has some of the best food i have tasted on any greek island. consistantly high quality. the local lamb is out of this world - the meat is infused all the way through with the herbs eaten by the animals on the hillside. lefkas also has good wine production. greek wine generally does not make it into any good european reviews, but the wine of lefkas rivals french and italian. very good.

in terms of beaches, lefkas has 2 of the top 10 beaches of europe, as voted by the guardian a couple of years ago - porto katsiki and egremnoi. both on the west coast, both backed by these hue limestone cliffs. incredible. there are numerous other amazing beaches down this coast.

agios nikitas is the nicest resort to stay, on the west coast. it is an old village but now with some accommodation. very pretty and just next to kathisma beach, another beautiful spot.

hope this helps!