Simon Calder's 1 Greek island he'd choose for a holiday - not Corfu, Crete or Santorini

Travel expert Simon Calder surprised viewers when he revealed his top pick for a budget-friendly holiday destination in Greece. Speaking on ITV alongside Alison and Dermot last year, Mr Calder named a stunning Greek island as his personal choice for a bargain getaway-one that many might not expect.

And a lush and tranquil island known for its pine-covered mountains, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages is his top choice. Often called the "Emerald Isle" of Greece, Thassos offers a peaceful escape ideal for families, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike. Its coastline offers a mix of wide sandy stretches like Golden Beach and secluded spots such as Tripiti and Paradise Beach, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Mr Calder told ITV: "Absolutely lovely. It's in the north. It's really different from all the other ones.

"It's got great features. It's got this wonderful mountain in the middle. You have to get a little ferry across to there from Kavala, but once you do, it's just absolute heaven.

"Loads going on. It's got proper Greek stuff, ancient remains and things like that. And of course all those lovely tavernas you just want to sit in. So that would probably be my choice out of the top 10."

The island also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with ancient ruins at Alyki, a historic theater in Limenas, and traditional Ottoman-style homes in villages like Theologos.

Travellers on TripAdvisor have a similar view for Thassos as they shared their experiences. Calling it "The Emerald Island", one of the users wrote: "It's been a wonderful experience. The inhabitants are very nice, open-minded and friendly, the majority of them (whoring in gift shops, taverns & restaurants) have good knowledge of English language. The beaches are nice and clean. I've been to Makryamos, Aliki and Golden Beach. The last is the most beautiful of them (4 km of fine gold sand, clean beach and clean waters). Worth visiting!"

Another one called it a "hidden gem" and wrote: "A hidden gem in the Aegean. Beautiful beaches, great food and dramatic scenery. Pine forests almost into the sea."

The island's Golden Beach has received a rating of 4.3 on the travel forum with many calling it an "amazing beach". One of the travellers wrote: "Probably the best beach on the entire island! There are plenty of free zones and a nice variety of beach bars. The sand is soft and clean, with no risk of sea urchins - just perfect for relaxing and swimming."

Another user wrote: "Being a Greek I have to say this beach is among the top beaches in the country. Very broad, full of sand, great waters. Ideal for families. All amenities are there, easy to reach, plenty of parking, resaturants, supermarket in 5 min walking distance. Great views to the mountains on your back."