
Samothraki
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All About Samothraki
Samothraki (also known as Samothrace) is an island in the northern Aegean Sea belonging to the Evros regional unit of Thrace and is known for its rugged landscapes and natural beauty. Mount Saos is its crowning glory, being the highest mountain in the Aegean, and it is from here that Poseidon is said to have sat watching the Trojan War. Taking a ferry to Samothraki is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
The island is also steeped in other mythological stories and is the homeland of the famous statue of Winged Nike, which is now housed in the Louvre in Paris. Discover the beauty of Samothraki in its wonderful beaches, refreshing streams, and enchanting waterfalls, while stepping back into its archaeological past at the site of ancient Palaiopolis – the Sanctuary of the Gods.
The island isn’t very big, with an area of 178 square kilometers, and its population is made up of around 2,800 permanent residents, but its position close to northern mainland Greece makes it a popular destination during summer. Visitors come here to unwind, walk in nature, rediscover the slow rhythm of traditional island life, and explore an island famous for its ancient Kaviria Mysteries.
Whether you prefer to bask in the hot springs, jump in the cool waterfalls, or sit on pristine beaches, Samothraki is an idyllic destination holding many surprises up its sleeve.
Routes and Ferries to Samothraki
If you wish to sail to Samothraki, book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and catch one of the ferries leaving from Limnos. For instance, Zante Ferries runs connections during the summer and the trip takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes. In addition, you can book your ferry tickets to Samothraki from Alexandroupoli and enjoy an almost 2-hour journey.
If you are arriving from Athens via Athens International Airport, you can take a connecting flight to the Alexandroupoli Airport Dimokritos and catch a ferry from the port. Alternatively, fly to Limnos International Airport Hephaestus from Athens International Airport in 55 minutes, and upon arrival, make your way to the port. You can easily book your ferry tickets to Samothraki with Ferryscanner and sail from either destination.
Ports of Samothraki
Samothraki has one main port, known as Kamariotissa. The ferries arriving from other destinations give the port vibrant energy, and it is here that you will find most visitor amenities on the island, such as shops, car rentals, grocery stores, ATMs, and hotels. The port is 7 minutes away from Chora, the island’s capital, and 15 minutes to Therma by car.
Capital & Villages
Most of the island settlements are concentrated in the west and many of them are extremely small. In fact, some have no more than ten residents. The main population is based in Kamariotissa, from where you can have access to most of the island via road.
To the east of the island, you will find Potamia, Palaiopoli, Kariotes, and Therma, while to the southwest you will discover Hora, Alonia, Xiropotamos, Makrilies, Lakkoma, Dafnes, and Profitis Ilias. Many islanders still make their living by fishing, stock breeding, and agriculture, although the rise of tourism in recent years has brought a welcome dose of prosperity to these simple island folk.
Kamariotissa
The main port of Samothraki is a small harbor town with a lovely promenade for walking and admiring the views. You will find many cafes, restaurants, and clubs, as well as souvenir shops.
You can’t miss the Church of Kamariotissa in the town, famous for its miraculous icon and after your visit, walk along to the lagoon-like wetlands of Agios Andreas next to the cape, which is dominated by surreal wind turbines.
Chora
Chora is the island’s capital and sits amphitheatrical-style on the mountain, just 6 km above Kamariotissa. Built to protect the islanders from oncoming attacks by pirates, it is a really charming village with narrow cobbled alleyways and the famous Aetsenia Houses – some of the most primitive forms of housing in the Mediterranean.
Visit the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Folklore Museum, and the ruins of the Genovese castle of Gatelouza, while enjoying magnificent sea views.
Therma
This is a seaside village located about 14km from the port surrounded by verdant scenery. It takes its name from the thermal springs nearby, said to have therapeutic properties, and you can visit them on foot or by bike through the well-marked mountain trails.
You can hike to the wonderful sulfur springs and waterfalls of Samothraki, reaching the renowned Gria Vathra that flows amongst the dense chestnut forest.
Makrilies & Xiropotamos
Makrilies is a small settlement between Kamariotissa and Lakkoma which is said to be named after the distinctive olives found in the area. It sits next to the mountain hamlet of Xiropotamos, which is built along the stream of the same name.
Here, you will find rich olive groves and fruit orchards, as well as plenty of mountain springs, making it a lovely place to rest.
Lakkoma
Lakkoma is a small rural village with traditional houses, just 7km southeast of Kamariotissa, and sits amidst the oil-producing area of Samothraki. You will discover three old oil mills on your visit there, which are a nod to the island’s once-thriving olive oil-making industry.
Built between two slopes, the village is also a shelter for small fishing boats and is very popular with mountain climbers who make it their base for discovering the island’s mountainside.
Best Beaches
The beaches of Samothraki are crystal clear and most have white pebbles or sand. The area belongs to the Natura 2000 project and its waters are home to dolphins and the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, that find temporary refuge on the steep southeastern steep shores.
Pachia Ammos Beach
Said to be the best beach on the island, Pachia Ammos (meaning ‘thick sand’), can be found to the south about 15 km from Kamariotissa. It’s a sandy beach that offers turquoise waters and in high season you will find there is a tavern, a beach bar, and rentals of sunbeds and umbrellas.
The local fishing boats can take you from here to one of the secluded bays next to the beach if you seek total privacy.
Vatos Beach
You can reach this beach by following the track from Pachia Ammos beach, although it will take you from 1 to 2 hours to reach it. A beautiful bay, it is very popular with nudists due to its secluded location.
While there, you will see the waterfalls of Kremasto falling directly into the sea, from a height of 180 meters.
Therma Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches on the north side of the island, with a range of amenities for visitors, such as a beach bar, sunbeds, and umbrellas. Apart from its stunning scenery, you can actually enjoy a mineral-rich spa visit while here in the town’s modern bathhouse.
There are also some open-air pools and hot tubs, where you can immerse yourself in 48ºC waters and leave feeling totally restored.
Kipos Beach
Another popular beach on the east side of Samothraki, this small pebbled beach is often frequented by nudists. On the way there, you will find a number of other smaller beaches, most of which are extremely secluded.
The black pebbles are a result of volcanic activity, giving the landscape quite a lunar effect. You won’t find any shade there so go prepared with an umbrella or tent.
Transportation Around Samothraki
Samothraki has a decent road network, although many of the best beaches are only accessible on foot or by boat. The local buses connect the main destinations but they can be time-consuming, so why not rent a car or motorbike instead?
Taxis are also available, and the island is known for being very hitchhiker-friendly. It is safe and popular for solo travelers to hitchhike, especially those visitors going to and from Therma and the camping ground. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Samothraki.
Map of Samothraki
Contact
Port Authority of Samothraki: +302551041305
Municipality of Samothraki: +302551350800
Police of Samothraki: +302551041203
Samothraki Health Center: +302551350700
Tourist Police of Samothraki: +302551037411
Veterinarian: +302551041496
Tourist Police of Samothraki: +302551041129
Pharmacy: +302551041770
Taxi Service: +306972381762
Samothraki Bus Service: +302551026479
Tourist Office of Samothraki: +302551041584

