Discover Samothrace: Nature, Culture and Island History

The themes of a trip to Samothrace range from springs, waterfalls and hikes to an important ancient sanctuary. There is also a large sandy beach at the island’s southernmost point and traditional festivals. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first consider which of these sides of Samothrace you want to focus on during your stay.

Nature among springs, waterfalls and beaches

Therma is characterised by springs, rivers, waterfalls, small pools and woodland vegetation. The Vathres are also a natural water attraction: these natural pools in the rock are formed by springs and numerous small waterfalls flowing down from the mountain. For travellers particularly interested in landscapes like these, Therma is a useful place name to guide your search. Psarotherma in Therma is recognised as a superheated natural therapeutic resource and is intended for use in balneotherapy.

Klidosi, the island’s highest waterfall at 35 metres, lies on the Fonias stream. Another aspect of the landscape can be seen along the coast: Pachia Ammos is a large sandy beach at the southernmost point of Samothrace. An unpaved road leads there from Lakkoma.

Two areas have designated protected-area status: “Samothraki: Oros Fengari kai Paraktia Zoni” is designated as Special Protection Area GR1110012. “Fengari Samothrakis, Anatolikes Aktes, Vrachonissida Zourafa kai Thalassia Zoni” is designated as Special Area of Conservation GR1110004.

Archaeology and island history

The Archaeological Museum of Samothrace presents finds from the island’s archaeological sites in a permanent exhibition across five rooms. The finds date from the Middle Neolithic period to modern times. The main theme is the Sanctuary of the Great Gods: the exhibition follows the route of the ancient visitor to the sanctuary and their experience before and during initiation. The sanctuary at Paleopoli was the site of initiation into the second level of the Samothracian Mysteries. The statue of Nike was also found there in 1863. The museum admission ticket also includes a visit to the archaeological site of the sanctuary.

Three Gattilusi towers stand near the archaeological site at Paleopoli. One is nearly intact and stands 20 metres tall; a relief inscription bears the Gattilusi coat of arms. In Chora, the Folklore Museum of Samothrace offers insight into traditional tools and equipment. Housed in a traditional 19th-century building, it displays, among other things, shepherding and farming equipment, tools for processing yarn, and a traditional loom. Archaeology, architectural history and everyday objects thus offer different points of interest for a culture-focused stay.

Hiking and local traditions

Hiking is one of the organised outdoor activities on Samothrace. One hike leads to Panagia Krimniotissa, a church perched on a rock. Visitors interested in the antiquities of Paliapoli can follow a walking route that begins in a small car park in front of the Ayia Paraskevi chapel. These starting points and destinations offer different reasons to explore the island on foot.

Traditional religious festivals are celebrated on Samothrace every year. The annual Panagia Kamariotissa festival includes a procession, a re-enactment of the discovery of the icon, a traditional feast and sardines. Local produce also contributes to the island’s diversity: according to Papanikolaou, the Papanikolaou dairy in Xiropotamos produces seven types of cheese, including feta, graviera, anthotyro and melichloro.

Choosing the right accommodation location

When looking for a holiday apartment, the interests of your travel group can help you decide: Do you want to focus on nature, with its pools and waterfalls; are you mainly interested in archaeological history; or are beaches and traditional festivals among your priorities? The place names mentioned can help you narrow your search by theme, without combining different destinations into a single route. To get to Samothrace, take the ferry C/P/F “Adamantios Korais” from the port of Alexandroupolis. This lets you take into account both your journey and the experiences that matter most to you on the island when planning your holiday.

Discover more places

More places: Therma, Lefkimmi Tychero, Kissos, Orestiás, Soufli, Dadia, Kamariotissa, Antheia.

For the broader travel overview: Evros.