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In the north-eastern corner of the Aegean Sea lies Samothrace (Samothraki), the last Greek island one encounters before setting foot in Turkey. It is an island deeply Greek in history and myth, but with a peculiar landscape, far from the image one normally associates with a Greek island.
What makes it so interesting for lovers of history and ancient art? Samothrace was the scene of mysterious initiation rites attended by great personalities of ancient times and for centuries the ‘home’ of the statue of Nike, an emblem of classicism that inspired one of the world’s best-known corporate logos.
And what, however, makes it so distinctive? More than an island, it is a mountain rising out of the sea. The territory of Samothrace is almost entirely occupied by Mount Phengari, which is an impressive 1611 metres high: a very high altitude compared to those reached on all the other Greek islands.
Numerous watercourses cross the island from the top of the mountain towards the sea, which allows lush vegetation to grow. Typical Mediterranean trees, such as olive and fig trees, give way to moss-covered plane trees.
For years a destination for independent and alternative tourism, Samothrace has granted itself more amenities and services but still remains an island unknown to mass tourism. It is the ideal destination for those who want to combine sea and mountains, nature and culture in a single holiday. 100% Greece, but already looking towards Turkey.
The best time to visit Samothrace is summer, the season when you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains. It is not a very touristy island, so even in August prices are affordable; however, the hotel offer is lower than on other islands so if you are travelling in high season, it is best to book in advance.
Samothrace also has a lot to offer in the temperate seasons, such as spring and autumn, which are perfect for forest walks. Accommodation prices are lower during these periods, but connections by sea are less frequent.
Samothrace is a very peculiar island. Its attractions are magical and mysterious, at times enigmatic and at others evocative. Whether important historical artefacts or lush landscapes, the things to see in Samothrace always leave a mark on visitors’ hearts.
Samothrace’s top attraction, for which the island is internationally famous, is the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, an ancient Panhellenic sanctuary where mysterious initiation rites were celebrated. Its importance in ancient times was no less than that of other famous sanctuaries, e.g. that of Delphi, and famous personalities such as the historian Herodotus and the Spartan warrior Lysander were initiated there.
Even today, it is still an enigmatic place and the mysteries surrounding its meaning and the rituals that were performed within it remain largely unexplained, but perhaps this is precisely why a visit to the Sanctuary of Samothrace is so fascinating.
What makes this archaeological site even more unique is the spectacular natural setting in which it is set: a picturesque gorge covered with lush vegetation.
Samothrace’s other big attraction is often… a disappointment! It’s not the island’s fault though: many tourists come here to see the famous statue of the goddess Nike thinking they will find the original, which is instead on permanent display at the Louvre museum in Paris.
Carved in Rhodes in the 2nd century, the marble sculpture depicting the winged goddess impersonating victory (in sports and war) was brought to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods in ancient times and remained on the island until it was transferred to the Louvre.
You will have to be content with admiring a copy at the local archaeological museum, where you can also see reconstructions of the buildings of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods and some original artefacts (sculptures, vases and votive gifts).
Samothrace is perhaps the only Greek island that can also boast a wealth of water inland. A large number of rivers and streams flow down from the mountain slopes to the sea, having to negotiate a series of more or less high jumps along their way.
Perhaps unique in the whole of Greece, waterfalls and natural pools are not rare in Samothrace. Just take one of the mountain paths and a short walk and you will come across these natural wonders, hidden by rich vegetation reminiscent of a fantasy book setting.
It is possible to bathe in some of these waterfalls, but remember that the water is much colder than that of the sea.
The most famous waterfalls are those to the east of the town of Therma, also known as the Fonia waterfalls (named after the river): they can be reached by walking along a path that starts at a car park near the gorge of the same name. Getting to the first waterfall is very easy, after which the path becomes more challenging and dangerous. The good news is that the first one is also the most beautiful.
If you are looking for an island with plenty of beaches to choose from, Samothrace is not for you. Conversely, if you like remote and wild beaches, it is the perfect island for your holiday.
The beaches of Samothrace are isolated, often difficult to reach, and retain their natural charm. Swimming in the blue sea that bathes the bays and sandy shores of the island, you can admire the magnificent view of Mount Fengari.
For those who want nature and comfort, the best choice is Pachia Ammos, an enchanting mixed beach of sand and pebbles nestled between two rocky promontories. It is 800 metres long and has a small picnic area and a small restaurant. From here, continuing eastwards, you will encounter a series of three smaller beaches, which are more difficult to reach and therefore generally not very crowded.
Another beach not to be missed in Samothrace is Kipos, a kilometre-long pebble beach at the foot of a steep hill. Surrounded by nature, it is a corner of Greece that will make you feel like you are at the edge of the world, but in reality you are not far from the coast of Turkey and on clear days you will be able to see the island of Imvros.
One cannot fail to mention Vatos: it is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in Samothrace but it is not suitable for everyone. It can only be reached by boat or by walking along a rather steep rocky path.
During the summer, it is possible to take part in a tour of the island by boat with stops for swimming at the most beautiful beaches.
Hotels and B&Bs on Samothrace are concentrated in the northern and western parts of the island. They are mostly mid-range or budget guesthouses, flats and hotels, but it is possible to find some more elegant accommodation, such as residences or charming rural houses.
The main tourist resort on Samothrace, with the best choice of accommodation and the largest number of services, is the town of Therma, also called Loutrá: the majority of tourists stay here. It is located about 14 km from Kamariotissa and does not directly overlook the sea, but is slightly inland.
Surrounded by greenery, it is characterised by a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. In the evenings it is quite lively, but don’t expect transgression and worldliness: the nightlife consists of clubs, taverns and lively hippy markets.
While not the most charming place on Samothrace, Kamariótissa, the island’s main port, is nevertheless an interesting town with its own identity and a good choice of bars and restaurants to enjoy a cold beer or a tasty fish dinner.
Due to its central location, it is also an ideal starting point for exploring the island. From here, you can easily rent a car or take the bus that travels around the island, stopping at the main locations.
If you’re looking for charm and charm, the best place to sleep in Samothrace is Hora, the island’s delightful capital. It is a picturesque cascade of red roofs and flowering bougainvillea stretching out towards the sea, nestled between two cliffs that act as natural defensive walls.
The disadvantage of choosing the Hora as a base to stay is the smaller choice of accommodation and greater difficulty in getting around.
Getting to Samothrace is not easy because the island has no airport. You can only get there by boat by taking a ferry from Alexandroupoli, a town along the north-eastern coast of mainland Greece. In the summer season there are at least two ships a day and the crossing takes about two hours.
There are several ways to get to Alexandroupoli:
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