Samothraki unknown Greek Island
In the ancient time and world Samothraki (Samothrace) was an island of spiritual pilgrimage, today “the Sanctuary of the Great Gods”, its one of Greece’s most mysterious archaeological sites.
The ruins of the sanctuary are extensive and include the votive chamber where the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” was found.
Made of marble sculpture is the site’s greatest archaeological treasure is now in Louvre Museum in Paris, (the picture below from Wikipedia’s page, interesting information to read).
How to get to Samothraki Island
There is no airport on Samothraki Island. The nearest airports are Kavala, Alexandroupoli and Thessaloniki.
The only way to get to Samothraki is by ferry from the Port of Alexandroupoli that takes you to the Island’s port of Kamariotissa. The ferry journey is about 2 hours long and runs daily, sometimes twice a day during the months of July and August. In the off season there are days with no ferry service at all.
I have always wanted to visit and see the North Aegean Islands, perhaps 2024 will hopefully be my year.
Samothraki a Northern Aegean Island
In the North-east part of Greece is where you will find the Aegean Island of Samothraki located.
Mountainous (Mount Saos also called Feggari is 1,614 meter high) heavy forested island, rivers and waterfalls, lush vegetation, Therma (Loutra) the Spa bath town and some pristine beaches. Samothraki is ideal for adventure activities.
Tour and travel arrangement by Samothraki Travel
Kamariotissa
is the larges town and Samothraki’s attractive port. Pebble stone beach on the outskirt of town.
Kamariotissa to sleep
Niki Beach Hotel beach side location or Aiolis rooms uptown.
Kamariotissa to eat
Restaurant Sta Kala Kathoumena facebook page, Fournelo Restaurant
Hora (Samothraki)
Walk around in the town on cobbled streets, colourful flower arrangements, village houses with terracotta roofs.
Hora (Samothraki) is the islands capital and its tucked away, out of sight at the foot between two cliffs and one is topped with the remains (ruins) of an old castle. Easy going nightlife here in Hora’s lanes and why not a visit to a roof top bar.
Hora places to eat
Cafe Ouzeri 1900 facebook page,
To Stenaki Greek traditional cuisine
Hora to sleep
Sevasties’s home 100 meters Folklore Museum. Free WiFi
Villages to visit
Loutra also named Therma
Loutra also named Therma. Located near the coast around 15km east of Kamariotissa is a popular village/area to stay, one of several attractions is the hot thermal springs, (mineral rich) with their great therapeutic value, that dominates the entrance of the settlement of Thermes, the official bath, a white building is located by the bus stop. In the village, you’ll find shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as organised camping sites.
There are also many nearby canyons that are popular with tourists, featuring rock pools and waterfalls, the most famous Paradeisos approximately 30 meters in height (ice cool swim in rock pools water).
Gria Vathra
The most famous and easy to access is Gria Vathra. You approach it from the village of Therma, following the path. You’ll encounter three pools, one after the other, with the first two being easily accessible. We recommend tours like Waterfalls hikes and/or hiking up the Fonias river both organised by Samothraki Travel.
(Vathres is a local name of the small pools that is filled by waters from the streams that run down from the mountain).
Visit the small mountain village of Profitis Ilias
to eat the islands’s speciality roast goat at the tavernas Paradisos or Vrahos.
Samothraki getting around
Local bus service available. The “bus station” is near the lighthouse at Kamariotissa. You can check the time table which is posted on the notice board near the lighthouse. Reduced service on weekends and in the off-peak season.
Rent a car and several scooter rentals. Here is one Kirkos car and scooter rentals
Few local taxis. Brachiolia Evdokia is one of the taxi services.
Explore the Sea tours with Samothraki travel.
Samothraki Beaches
Most beaches have pebbles and crystal clear waters, many are long and straight, some only with access by boat. Below five beaches suggested.
Pachia Ammos
sandy beach, easy access. Organised. Pachia Ammos is regarded as the best beach, could be busy in the high season.
Vatos Beach
A mix of sand and pebble stones. Access by boat. Not organised
Kamariotisa beach
Wide pebble stone beach, Easy access. Partly organised.
Therma Beach
A mix of sand and pebble stones. Easy access, close Therma village. Organised extra plus for the lively and popular Saoki Bar (facebook page)
Katarti Beach
Fine pebble stone beach. Access by boat. Not organised. Secluded.