Samothrace

The island of Samothraki lies about 50 km south of the city of Alexandroupolis in the far north-east of the Greek mainland near the border with Turkey. Neighbouring islands are Thassos, Limnos and Gökcenda (Turkey). Samothraki is about 180 square kilometres in size and had about 2,800 inhabitants in 2024. The island is partly forested and mountainous. Samothraki is therefore ideal for hiking, especially in spring. The highest mountain (Fengari, 1,600 m) with its magnificent view is a worthwhile destination for an albeit rather strenuous hike. There are some rare birds on Samothraki such as herons, pelicans and falcons. Above all, the island is known for its hot springs, natural pools and historical sites. The statue of Nike of Samothraki is very famous.

Image: Time Light – Fotolia.com

Tourism has only developed in recent years. Most hotels are in Kamariotissa (harbor) and Therma (Loutra) in the north. You can also rent rooms in the old main town of Chora (the most beautiful town on the island) in the interior.

There are two campsites in Therma in the north of the island. There is hardly any nightlife on the island, but there are some good and inexpensive tavernas.

Buses Samathraki: Buses go from the port in the main town of Kamariothissa to Chora. There are also several buses a day to the south of the island (to Alonia, Lakkoma and Profitis Ilias). The third bus line on the island of Samothraki, like all of them, goes from the port of Kamariothissa to the north to Therma (also to Palaiopoli and Kariotes). In summer (June to September) all 3 lines run several times a day, and a little less frequently in the winter timetable (October to May). In summer there are also buses to some beaches and campsites. So you don’t necessarily have to rent a car or bring a car with you on Samothraki.

Ferries Samathraki: You can reach the island of Samothraki by ferry from Alexadroupoli (about 5-6 times a week) and Kavala (1-2 times a day). There is no airport on Samothraki.

➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com

The sanctuary of the great gods (ancient place of worship) is worth seeing. The famous statue of Nike of Samothrace comes from there. The sculpture is in the Louvre in Paris (a copy is in the interesting museum in Palepoli next to the excavation site). The monastery of Alonia and some of the many small churches and chapels are also worth seeing.

Most ferries to Samothraki depart from Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece. In the season there is at least one ferry connection almost every day. Tickets cost a little less during the week (Mon-Thur) than at the weekend. One person pays around 10 euros during the week, and a ferry ticket costs around 15 euros at the weekend. Cars cost around 40 or 60 euros (as of around 2020, like everything on this website without guarantee).

Tip: Book hotels & holiday apartments cheaper at Booking.com: Click here

Map

The almost round island of Samothraki lies south of the larger city of Alexandroupolis on the mainland of Greece. Alexandroupolis on the Greek mainland is about 30 kilometers north of the island.

The Nike of Samothrace

The Nike of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace or Goddess of Victory of Samothrace) is one of the most famous sculptures of antiquity. It is considered a masterpiece of Hellenistic art and is now on display in the Louvre in Paris. Here are the most important facts about the statue:

Description

Depiction: The statue shows the Greek goddess of victory Nike standing on the bow of a ship. It symbolizes triumph, probably in connection with a naval victory.
Size: The sculpture is about 2.75 meters high (without base).
Material: It is made of Parian marble.
Details: The statue is known for its dynamic pose and the realistically depicted folds of the garment, which appears to be moved by the wind. The head and arms are missing, but this does not detract from the work – on the contrary, it reinforces the dramatic impression.

History

Origin: Around 190 BC, in the late Hellenistic era.
Location: The statue was discovered in 1863 on the Greek island of Samothrace (Samothraki) by a French archaeologist, Charles Champoiseau.
Installation: Originally, Nike stood in a sanctuary of the Great Gods of Samothrace, an important religious center of antiquity. Today, the archaeological excavation with museum is the most important sight on the island of Samothraki.

Meaning

The Nike of Samothrace is a symbol of victory, triumph and the artistic mastery of antiquity. Her pose and the design of her robe influenced many works of art and represent the dynamic and emotional expressiveness of Hellenism.

By Uwe Thomas Heller – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Kipos Beach
A long, pristine pebble beach with crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Kremasto Nero (Hanging Waterfall)
A waterfall falling into the sea – a spectacular sight that can be reached by boat or by hiking.

Panagia Krimniotissa
This small chapel sits high on a rock and offers one of the best panoramic views of the island and the sea.

Saos Massif and Fengari Peak
The highest mountain range on the island offers challenging hiking routes and breathtaking views. According to mythology, the god Poseidon watched the Trojan War from here.

Birds on Samothraki Island: A Birdwatching Paradise

Samothraki is an important habitat for a variety of bird species. The island’s pristine nature, the mix of mountains, forests, rivers and coastal areas, makes it a haven for migratory birds and native species.

Common bird species

1.Birds of prey
Common buzzard (Buteo buteo): Common in the mountains and valleys of the island.
Snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus): An impressive species that hunts mainly in open areas.
Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus): Nests on the steep cliffs and hunts smaller birds in the air.

2.Water birds
Herons: Various species, including the grey heron, use the island’s estuaries and wetlands.
Gulls and terns: Particularly along the coast and near the beaches of Pachia Ammos and Kipos.

3.Forest birds
Blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius): A rare bird known for its bright blue colour.
Nuthatches (Sitta europaea) and woodpeckers: Common in the forested areas around Mount Saos.
Owls: The barn owl and long-eared owl are nocturnal hunters that hide in the forests.

4.Songbirds
Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos): Known for its melodious song, especially in spring.
Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes): Common in bushy and forested areas.

5.Migratory birds
Samothraki is an important stopover for migratory birds migrating between Europe and Africa. In spring and autumn, many species can be seen, such as swallows, cuckoos and cranes.

Best places for birdwatching

Saos Massif: Ideal for birds of prey and forest birds.
Rivers and natural pools (Vathres): Good locations for songbirds and small insectivores.
Coastal areas: Gulls, terns and herons can be seen here.
Therma and surroundings: The green forests and thermal areas attract many species of birds.

Tips for birdwatchers

Bring binoculars and a camera to observe the shy animals from a safe distance.
Visit the island in spring or autumn when there are many migratory birds.

Respect nature: do not disturb the animals and do not enter protected areas.

Samothraki offers an ideal setting for bird watching thanks to its variety of habitats. Nature lovers and ornithologists in particular will find an unspoilt paradise here.

Other animals on Samothraki

Samothraki is known for its unspoiled nature and is home to a fascinating variety of animal species. The island’s isolated location and the mix of mountains, forests, rivers and coasts offer unique habitats.

Land animals

1.Wild goats (Samothraki goats)
The wild goats are a symbol of the island. They live in the mountainous regions and are often seen in large herds.

Their adaptability and ability to climb steep terrain are impressive.

2.Reptiles
Lizards: Various species, including the large green lizard, are often seen basking in the sun.
Snakes: Non-venomous species such as the whip snake and the Aesculapian snake are part of the fauna.

3.Amphibians
Frogs and toads: Particularly found in the vathres (natural pools) and river areas on Samothraki.
Fire salamanders: They are found in moist, shady forest areas.

4.Small mammals
Hedgehogs: Common in the forests and also near settlements.
Hares and wild rabbits: Live in the open grasslands and forest clearings.

Aquatic animals

1.Fish
The waters around Samothraki are rich in fish species, including sea bream, red mullet and octopus.
The island’s rivers are home to small freshwater fish that have adapted to the vathres.

2.Sea turtles
Large loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) can occasionally be spotted in the waters around Samothraki.

3.Dolphins and seals
Dolphins are often seen in the coastal waters, especially during boat trips.
Mediterranean monk seals, an endangered species, can be spotted in the area if you are lucky.

Insects and butterflies

Bees and butterflies: The island is known for its honey production, which is supported by the variety of flowering plants. Butterflies such as the swallowtail butterfly are common here.
Dragonflies: Common in the wet areas around the natural pools.

Flora of Samothraki

Samothraki is characterized by a remarkable variety of plant species, favored by the mild climate, varied landscape and unspoiled nature of the island. From subtropical influence on the coasts to alpine plants in the mountainous areas, the island offers a unique botanical diversity.

Vegetation zones on Samothraki

1.Coastal vegetation

Coastal plants: In the shallow coastal areas, typical Mediterranean plants such as siliceous sea buckthorn (Paliurus spina-christi), samphire (Crithmum maritimum) and sage (Salvia officinalis) are found. These plants are adapted to the salty conditions and dryness of the coastal climate.
Coastal shrubs: Shrubs such as rockrose (Cistus spp.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) are also commonly found along the coast.

2.Forests and mixed forests

Pine forests: The black pine (Pinus nigra) is widespread and forms large stands in the mountainous part of the island.
Oaks and chestnuts: In the lower part of the island, oak species such as the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) are also common.
Larches: Greek larches (Larix) and cedars also grow, particularly in the higher elevations, giving the forest a distinctive appearance.

3.Alpine flora and mountain plants Samothraki

In the Saos massif and at higher elevations, many plants grow that are typical of mountainous countries, such as cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.), edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) and various gentian species (Gentiana spp.).
High mountain herbs: In the higher regions, wild lavender species and thyme (Thymus spp.) can also be found, which have adapted to the cooler temperatures and dry soil.

4.Special plant species

Orchids: Samothraki is home to a number of orchid species, particularly in the humid mountain areas and forests. Species such as the bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) can be found here.
Medicinal plants: Many plants with traditional medicinal properties grow on the island, such as sage, thyme and chamomile.

Samothrace ( Geman version)

Soula Naxos

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Comments about Samothraki from readers of this website

1. Reader Nenad writes:

There is a mistake in your description of Samothraki. The highest mountain in Samothraki is called Fengari (moon) and not Marmara and is 1611m high

Note: The mistake has been corrected in the text above

2. An older travel report by R. Schüle from Mauerbach near Vienna:

The journey

In 1990 we drove by car through Hungary and the transit route through Yugoslavia to Alexandroupolis. The most important stops are Baja, where we spent the night and attended a Yugoslavian folklore evening, Belgrade, Nis, Thessaloniki and Kavala. On the morning of the second day in Baja I had a strange experience in a small general store. I see a young girl paying for her modest purchases (bread, milk, vegetables) with a packet of money still wrapped in a banderol. In Yugoslavia, money is no longer worth anything; we pay 700,000 dinars in highway tolls on the way there, and more than a million two weeks later on the way back.

On the third day of the trip, we reach the Greek port city of Alexandroupolis at 4 p.m., from which it is only 100 km to the Turkish border. This is already noticeable on the route, with minarets and Muslims becoming noticeably more numerous.

After we have secured the ship tickets for ourselves and the car, there is still plenty of time for a small meal in a restaurant with a shady garden. We had not treated ourselves to lunch until then for fear of missing the ferry.

The 50 km crossing takes just under 3 hours and is calm and beautiful. The ship sails towards the evening sun, which is setting over the mountains of Samothraki. The 1,600-meter-high peak of Marmara, the highest and most striking peak on the island, stands out like a volcano from the island’s 13-kilometer-long contours. Its outlines can only be seen in the haze, but it dominates the area from all sides.

Hotel in Paleopolis

After landing in Kamariotissa, the island’s largest port, we quickly find accommodation in the only (***) hotel in the nearby town of Paleopolis, right on the beach. It is aptly named “NIKE” after the angelic figure that was discovered here during an excavation a hundred years ago. The original is now in the Louvre in Paris; we admired it there just six months ago.

From our terrace we can watch the sea and hear its waves, which are often higher than usual due to the wind. But who can be surprised when you know that we have landed on the “Island of the Winds”. Apart from us, there are perhaps 5 other guests staying in the house, which would certainly accommodate 50 people. Tourists are a rarity on this island, as we will often find out.

The beach promenade of Paleopolis is deserted early in the morning, people get up rather late here and start work around 10 a.m. Then the few shops that supply the locals open. In the evening, however, the place comes to life, and the Greeks crowd the small promenade to stroll. The open taverns are also a welcome opportunity for the young military personnel stationed on the island to experience something. The girls know this too, so a considerable parade is formed.

We find a nice tavern with good food and a beautiful panoramic view of the action, the owner of which has been in Germany for a long time and can communicate well with us.

In the capital

The capital of Samothraki, called “Chora”, is located inland and nestles close to the mountains. Its rows of houses are covered with red tiled roofs and can only be reached via small alleys that are connected by countless stairs. Because of the narrowness and steepness, cars only dare to enter the few drivable mountain roads to deliver goods or in emergencies, so the place is a large pedestrian zone. Picturesque views around every corner inspire me to paint a few watercolors.

On a steep rock, the capital is overlooked by the remains of a medieval castle, which was probably once the home of the rulers of the small island kingdom. Today, due to its favorable location, a military transmitter station is housed there. From the ruins, you can see large parts of the island.

In the narrow streets, time has stood still for some craftsmen. Just as the baker here makes his dough rings with sesame and his white bread in the old stone oven, the generations before him also baked.

The temperatures climb back above 30 degrees at midday, so a short break in the shade is good. We find him under a large, sprawling olive tree, which forms the center of a viewing area and is lined with stone benches.

Back at the foot of the town we are pleased to find a small restaurant with typical Greek food, kept warm and to look at and choose from. We eat stuffed peppers with sauce and vegetables and also an excellent salad.

To the sandy bay of Malathria

The next day we visit the bay of Malathria. It is only about 10 km as the crow flies, but we experience a 40 km drive over hill and dale. In countless small curves and serpentines, the road is only one lane, so that the evasive maneuvers with the few other vehicles, especially some tractors, are a driving test again and again.

The last 10 kilometers don’t really deserve to be called a “road”, but are more like a deer crossing. Dusty, we finally reach the real end of the road, which is at a beautiful sandy bay. Now, in July and thus in the middle of the tourist season, we don’t meet any vacationers here either, just three locals who have come to swim.

We have foresightedly brought our food with us, so we can enjoy the beautiful beach until the early evening hours. In the afternoon we meet 3 vacationers, even some from Austria. It is one of Bettina’s teachers, who is camping nearby with her husband and small son.

On the way back we take special time to enjoy the landscape.

The fertile slopes and waves that stretch from the mountains to the coast have already been harvested. The mountain massif that towers above everything is an island mountain range without roads that can only be explored as a hiker and mountaineer and is the subject of many mystical stories among the locals.

Evening atmosphere in the mountain village of Profitis Ilias. The festival of Saint Profit

The landlady of our regular bar in Paleopolis draws our attention to a festival in a mountain village that we curiously visit. Like Chora, it is located inland on a steep slope and is accessed by a narrow road

The narrow asphalt road winds up the mountain in tight curves. After a few kilometers we reach the mountain village of Profitias Ilias. A festival is to be held here this evening in honor of the village’s patron saint, who also gave the property its name. It is six o’clock in the evening and for now only the preparations have begun. We easily find a parking space and park our car in the village’s small market square. There are four taverns in total grouped around this square. And all the restaurants are already busy preparing. The waiter in a white jacket, otherwise probably a local farmer, is busily running back and forth, tending to the huge grills that are set up everywhere. Four goats are turning on the spit at the same time. Only when we take a closer look do we notice that several goats are already wrapped up and kept warm above the grills. In these four taverns alone, around fifty goats are being prepared for the festival.

We walk along the small main road and after just a few meters we come to another tavern, where they are also roasting about ten goats. For now, however, we follow the growing stream of villagers who are heading towards a destination on the slope, which we initially identify as a cemetery. The destination is not the cemetery itself, but a smaller chapel at the back. All the villagers apparently want to visit their saint before the festival really gets going. The chapel is set back on a slope, in a picturesque location. From here you have a fantastic view of the more than 1500 meter high mountain rising behind the village, which presses up against the village with its slopes. We stay here for over an hour to enjoy the view and really take in the beautiful surroundings. Then we slowly stroll back into the village and take a seat on the terrace of the first tavern, where only two tables are occupied apart from us. Of course we intend to try the apparent speciality of the festival, namely goat roasted on a spit. When we order, we are asked some questions that are unusual for us. In broken German, we are actually asked whether we want to eat one or two kilograms each. There are no portions that evening, that gradually becomes clear to us. We finally manage to increase the order to at least one kilogram, and since we as foreigners enjoy a kind of fool’s license, they are finally prepared to bring this “small amount” to our table. The restaurant fills up more and more and soon all the tables are occupied. Now we can really see that the eating by the kilo is getting serious. A lot of meat is served in large pots and consumed by the mountain dwellers with relish and smacking their lips. As the sun goes down, music starts playing in two places opposite where we are sitting. I can only repeat here that I would not have bought a cassette of this. Although the music creates a typically Greek atmosphere, it is not the music that defines the festival in Profitias Ilias. The main reason and focus of the festival, which takes place every year on July 20th in this mountain village, is undoubtedly the eating of a herd of goats. Who knows whether the village saint has been involved throughout his life in making a profit for the innkeepers at least once a year? In any case, at least some of the villagers are making a profit from the festival in the truest sense of their village name. And the residents themselves could compete in the Goat Olympics at any time.

The Temple of NIKE

In 1863, the French consul Carl Sampoizeau found the famous “Nike” here, a figure with angel wings standing on a pedestal overlooking the former “Sanctuary of the Great Gods”.

The sanctuary of the ancient Greeks was built half a millennium before our era and was later repeatedly expanded and redesigned. It stretches about 500 meters from the coast on the slope of a hill, in the background the 1,600 meter high mountain massif, which was already mentioned by Homer, who also gave the island of the wind its name.

The four columns of the temple-like complex known as the “Hieron”, in which the second degree ordinations were received, now form the center of the excavations that have been carried out by American scientists since 1939. From pictures and characters, combined with the buildings found, it is believed that selected people received two levels of ordination in this ancient sanctuary. This was the passing on of knowledge from the scholars of that time. Since there were no boundaries between science and religion, it was also the passing on and initiation into the principles of faith.

In the small museum attached to it, in addition to various objects found, a Corinthian column and the columns of an outbuilding with a frieze showing dancers have been reconstructed. As already mentioned, the most famous find, the “Nike”, which dates from around 190 BC, is in the Louvre in Paris.

The area is completely freely accessible, so we use it as a park and relaxation room. You sit on the remains of old Greek columns and look out to sea through the still standing column lattice. The landscape is also impressive due to its many flowers and bushes, but above all due to its location on the massive mountain slope.

We follow up the first visit with another and experience the magic of the place again a few days later

A walk along the Fonias

The mountains mean that the island, which is only 13 x 10 kilometers in size, has several rivers and streams. One of the most famous rivers on the island is the Fonias, which also has a whole chain of waterfalls. We walk upstream in the cool shade along its banks, which are covered with huge eucalyptus trees. We don’t see any fish in the crystal-clear water, but we do see freshwater crabs and mussels.

After a good hour we reach the first waterfall. It pours into a pool that is perhaps 100 m2 in size and lined with rocks. The beauty of nature surpasses the most kitschy collage.

The waiter in our hotel tells me that evening that a young man wanted to explore this pool, dived and disappeared. Many days later he was washed up on the beach by the sea. So there must be underground connections to the sea. This story, whether true or not, reflects the mood on this island to some extent. The small space in the sea, which is only a small part of the island open to life due to the massive mountains, two thirds of which are more or less unexplored, and in any case uninhabited, the wind and the loneliness, all of this gives the inhabitants great respect for nature. On many a winter evening, one might tell one or another story about people and the forces of nature.

The village of Alonia

Just a few kilometers from Kamariotisa, where we live, is the small village of Alonia. The hilltop on which it is located transports us to a seemingly unreal landscape. It is strewn with boulders before it breaks off immediately and reveals a fertile, green valley.