At the north-east end of the Aegean, one can find a small island with lots of secrets to unravel, called Samothraki (or Samothrace). It’s probably most known to non-Greeks for being the birthplace of the ‘Winged Victory’ statue, which now sits at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Samothraki is filled to the brim with natural, untouched landscapes, rural beauty, and dense forests. The only way to get to the island is by taking a boat from Alexandroupoli. Booking ferry tickets for this trip is easy via the Ferryscanner website. As soon as you arrive at Samothraki, you’ll see what the bustling port town of Kamariotissa has to offer. Although it is not the capital of the island, it is certainly one of the most visited locations as it offers a plethora of cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs to pass the time both day and night. You can also rent any mode of transport that is to your liking from one of the many rental places around. The Chora, which is the capital, should not be missed. As with many other Greek isles, the capital is hidden away in the mountain, which was done historically to protect the civilians from pirate raids. Samothraki is best suited for a relaxing vacation, based mostly on the natural beauty it has to offer. There are stunning waterfalls to visit like “The Fonias Stream” which is a beautiful place to go on foot. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit so you can take a dive!
It’s a great way to cool off and enjoy the waterfall up-close. Hiking is quite popular with tourists on Samothraki, just as eating goat is with the local cuisine. In addition to the lush forests, Samothraki has a variety of beaches. There’s even a road that encircles the island where you can stop almost anywhere to jump into the pristine blue water. After your drive, why not enjoy a nice meal at a traditional fish tavern (Psarotaverna) by the sea?
Culture is not lacking on this island. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods might sound like something out of Lovecraftian fantasy but in fact, it was a real temple where many well-known historical figures paid their respects, including Odysseus and Phillip of Macedon.
With tons of fun sightseeing locations and beautiful nature, Samothraki is a must-visit for travelers that come to Greece by road but still want to get the feel and taste of an island. While you’re here, you might even be able to catch some interesting events as Samothraki is popular with various cultural associations. Due to the inexpensive accommodations, many pick this island as the venue for retreats. Generally, the whole place is very camper-friendly. If you’re looking for a fun, adventurous vacation where you will be surrounded by natural beauty the entire time, book your tickets to Samothraki today!