A 35-meter-high waterfall and an exhibition that follows the route taken by ancient visitors to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods: Samothraki brings together nature and culture, offering different ways to shape your stay. There are also hikes to distinctive locations, museums and religious festivals celebrated every year.
Water landscapes and hiking
Hiking is one of the organized outdoor activities on Samothraki. One hike leads to Panagia Krimniotissa, a church perched on a rock. The route combines an outdoor activity with a clearly identified cultural destination; no information on the hike’s duration or difficulty is provided here.
The vathres are another characteristic natural feature of the island: natural pools in the rock, formed by springs and numerous small waterfalls flowing down from the mountain. The island’s highest waterfall, Klidosi, is on the Fonias stream. It is 35 meters high. The two sites offer different kinds of water landscape: rock pools on the one hand, and a named, tall waterfall on the other.
Therma is characterized by springs, rushing rivers, waterfalls, small pools and woodland vegetation. Psarotherma in Therma is recognized as a superheated natural therapeutic resource; its intended use is balneotherapy. This recognition does not mean that treatments are currently available. If you plan to make use of it, check availability in advance.
Pachia Ammos, a large sandy beach, lies at the southernmost point of Samothraki. It is accessed via an unpaved road starting from Lakkoma. When planning your trip, remember to allow for this road as part of the journey to the beach.
Two designated protected areas have long, distinctive names: “Samothraki: Oros Fengari kai Paraktia Zoni” is designated as Special Protection Area GR1110012; “Fengari Samothrakis, Anatolikes Aktes, Vrachonissida Zourafa kai Thalassia Zoni” as Special Area of Conservation GR1110004.
Archaeology around the sanctuary
The Archaeological Museum of Samothraki has a permanent exhibition in five rooms. The finds come from archaeological sites on the island and 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 museum thus offers a thematic introduction to a site that can also be visited as an archaeological site.
At the Sanctuary of the Great Gods in Paleopoli, initiation into the second degree of the Samothracian Mysteries took place. The statue of Nike was discovered there in 1863. The admission ticket to the Archaeological Museum of Samothraki also includes a visit to the sanctuary’s archaeological site. Check this arrangement before your visit.
Three Gattilusi towers stand near the archaeological site of Paleopoli. One is 20 meters high, almost completely intact and bears a relief inscription with the Gattilusi coat of arms. To visit the antiquities of Paliapoli, start the walk at a small parking lot in front of the Ayia Paraskevi chapel.
Chora, folklore and festival days
The Folklore Museum of Samothrace is housed in Chora in a traditional 19th-century building. Its exhibits include shepherding and farming equipment, tools for processing yarn and a traditional loom. The collection complements the archaeological focus with insights into everyday objects used in crafts and rural life.
Traditional religious festivals are celebrated on Samothraki every year. The annual Panagia Kamariotissa festival includes a procession, a reenactment of the discovery of the icon, a traditional feast and sardines. If a festival is a key part of your travel plans, check the specific event dates in advance.
Getting there and finding accommodation
Samothraki can be reached by the C/P/F “Adamantios Korais” ferry from the port of Alexandroupolis. Check the service and timetable before departure. When looking for a hotel on Samothraki, you can start by choosing the focus of your trip: archaeological sites and museums, hiking and water landscapes, or a stay during a religious festival.
Discover more destinations: Therma, Paleopoli, Dadia, Lefkimmi Tychero, Alexandroupolis, Loutros, Antheia, Didimoticho.
For the broader travel overview: Evros.
