Samothraki (also known in English as Samothrace) is a small island in the northeastern part of Greece. It is not your typical Greek island, with sandy beaches and lots of tourists, but is more like an alternative tourism destination. It has a wild natural beauty, an impressive mountain, luxuriant vegetation and lots of rivers. Read on to find out what are the things you shouldn’t miss on a holiday in Samothraki.
1. Visit the Sanctuary of the Great Gods
Samothraki has a long history. In the ancient times it was famous worldwide for the initiation rites which took place here. Start your holiday by visiting the archeological site in Paleopoli and learn about the home of the world famous Winged Victory of Samothrace (currently displayed in Louvre).
2. Enjoy the “vathres”
The rivers which spring from the Saos Mountain form many waterfalls and stone carved natural pools, which are called “vathres”. These pools are the best places to cool yourself during summer. Walk through the old plane forests and take a dip into the vathres. Don’t forget your hiking boots and your aquashoes!
3. Spend a lazy day at the beach
Pachia Ammos is the most popular beach of Samothrace. It is a wide sandy beach, with clear transparent waters, umbrellas and sunbeds. There are a beach bar and a taverna nearby.
4. Visit the Panagia Krimniotissa chapel
Panagia Krimniotissa is a small white chapel, built on top of a rock. To get there you should take the 2 km dirt road which starts nearby Pachia Ammos Beach. The view from above is breathtaking.
5. Discover the black beach of Kipos
Kipos Beach is in the eastern end of the island. It is a long wild gravel beach at the foot of the mountain.
6. Spend an afternoon in Chora
Built like an amphitheater on a mountain slope, Chora is the capital of the island and its more charming village. Wander the cobbled streets, visit the medieval citadel, enjoy a coffee or a drink at one of the coffee shops with a panoramic view.
7. Enjoy the local food
Samothraki’s most famous food is the cooked goat, called “katsiki”. The tavernas from the mountain village of Profitis Ilias are a must try. You should also pay a visit to taverna Karydies from the village of Ano Meria.
The best fish taverna is called Akrogiali and you will find it in the village of Lakkoma.
Samothraki has its local beer, called Fonias Pale Ale, and there is also a winery, called Melmar.
8. Sunset hunting
There are plenty of places on the island that offer a spectacular view of the sunset. Whether you want to watch if from a beach, from the mountain or from a cool taverna, Samothrace has got you covered.
9. Climb to the “Moon”
The highest peak of the mountain is called Feggari, which translates to “Moon”. It is about 1600m high and you will need good physical form and about 10-11 hours to climb it. Sounds a bit too much, but the view is to die for.
10. Find the hidden beaches
In the south of the island there are some very beautiful beaches. Take a boat or go for a trek and discover their secrets.
