Samothrace

A mystical, vertical wildland of thundering waterfalls and granite pools, dominated by the untamed energy of Mount Saos.

Intro

Samothrace is a dramatic and mystical island in the North Aegean dominated by the towering peaks of Mount Saos, the highest mountain in the Aegean islands. It is a place of wild and primordial beauty, famous for its vathres which are natural granite pools and waterfalls hidden within lush forests of oak and plane trees. Historically significant as the home of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods and the original site of the Winged Victory statue, Samothrace remains a destination for modern-day explorers drawn to its ancient mysteries, therapeutic thermal springs, and untamed natural landscapes.

Who It’s Best For

Samothrace is a magnetic destination for nature worshippers and adventure seekers who prefer raw, untamed landscapes over manicured resort towns. It is the ultimate choice for hikers and mountaineers who want to conquer the summit of Mount Saos or explore the island's unique "vathres"—crystalline natural pools fed by towering waterfalls. Because the island has a distinct alternative and bohemian energy, it draws a younger, free-spirited crowd and those looking for a digital detox in a place where the wild goats outnumber the tourists. While the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods provides a deep sense of mystery for history buffs, the island’s lack of an airport and large-scale development makes it best for independent travelers who find luxury in cold mountain springs, ancient plane forests, and the unpolished soul of the North Aegean.

Who It’s Best For: A Quick Breakdown

Traveler Type	Why They’ll Love Samothrace
Adventure Hikers	To scale Mount Saos (Feggari), the highest peak in the Aegean, or trek through the rugged Fonias Gorge.
Alternative Travelers	To immerse themselves in the island’s famous camping culture and hippie-inflected summer vibe.
Wild Swimmers	To skip the beach and dive into more than 100 "vathres"—natural stone pools and waterfalls.
History & Mystery Fans	To explore the ruins where the Winged Victory of Samothrace was found and learn about ancient initiation rites.
Wellness Purists	To experience the therapeutic municipal thermal baths at Therma and the island's famous "healing" energy.

Things to Know

The most critical logistical fact for Samothrace is that it is one of the few Greek islands that is almost entirely ferry dependent from a single point on the mainland. Most travelers arrive via the port of Alexandroupoli, and while there are daily crossings, the schedule can be unpredictable and is highly sensitive to the strong northern winds of the Thracian Sea. If you are flying into the region, the Alexandroupoli International Airport (AXD) is your best bet, as it is only a short taxi ride from the port. It is vital to book your ferry tickets well in advance during July and August, as the island is a favorite for northern Greeks and the vehicle decks fill up quickly.

Once you are on the island, you should be prepared for a unique transportation culture that relies heavily on hitchhiking and scooters. While there is a seasonal bus service that connects the port of Kamariotissa to the village of Therma and the capital, Chora, the frequency is low and the routes are limited. Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to reach the southern beaches like Pachia Ammos, but be aware that the island has only one main gas station near the port. For the famous vathres (natural pools), remember that the rocks are extremely slippery and proper water shoes are a safety essential. Lastly, a strict local rule of etiquette is to never use soap or sunscreen when swimming in the vathres, as these are pristine freshwater ecosystems that the islanders work hard to protect.

Things To Do

Climb to the Vathres of Gria Vathra to swim in a series of crystal-clear natural pools and waterfalls carved into the smooth granite rocks of Mount Saos.
Explore the Sanctuary of the Great Gods to walk through the ancient site where the Winged Victory of Samothrace was discovered and learn about the secretive Cabeiri mysteries.
Hike the Peak of Fengari to stand on the highest point in the Aegean, where legend says Poseidon sat to watch the progress of the Trojan War.
Wander the Medieval Chora to explore the narrow stone alleys of the island’s capital, which is built like an amphitheater on the mountain to stay hidden from pirates.
Swim at Pachia Ammos to enjoy the island’s only sandy beach, located on the southern coast and framed by dramatic, towering cliffs.

These activities reflect how Samothrace is experienced through its wild, vertical landscapes, its ancient mystical history, and its unique freshwater ecosystem.

Beaches or Nature

Samothrace is an island of raw, primordial power, dominated by the massive granite massif of Mount Saos, whose peak, Fengari, is the highest in the Aegean. The island is famous for its unique vathres, natural pools formed by waterfalls cascading down the mountain through dense forests of ancient plane trees and oaks. The most famous of these is Gria Vathra, where the landscape feels like a fairytale of moss-covered rocks and crystal-clear freshwater. Unlike the sandy shores of other islands, the beaches here, such as Kipos, are mostly composed of large, smooth grey pebbles and deep, emerald waters. On the southern coast lies Pachia Ammos, the island’s only sandy beach, framed by dramatic cliffs. Nature on Samothrace is experienced as a wild, water-rich sanctuary of rushing streams, hidden springs, and a jagged mountain peak that was once said to be the throne of Poseidon.

Areas to Explore

Kamariotissa is the island's main port and liveliest hub, where the ferry arrives and the waterfront is lined with shops, car rentals, and cafes that serve as the primary gateway to the island.
Chora is the traditional capital hidden high in a natural amphitheater on the mountain, featuring stone houses, a medieval castle ruin, and narrow winding alleys designed to protect residents from pirates.
Therma (Loutra) is a lush, forested village known for its therapeutic hot springs and as the starting point for the island's famous "vathres" (natural pools) and hiking trails.
Paleopoli is the historic heart of the island where the Sanctuary of the Great Gods is located, offering a serene atmosphere where ancient ruins meet the foothills of Mount Saos.
Profitis Ilias is a charming mountain village in the southern part of the island, famous for its traditional tavernas that serve the island's signature roasted goat and provide sweeping views of the Aegean.

These areas reflect how Samothrace is divided between its functional port, its secretive mountain capital, and its wild, water-rich interior where nature takes center stage.

Local Cuisine

Samothrace is famous for a culinary tradition that is surprisingly dominated by the land rather than the sea, specifically its spit-roasted goat. The island’s free-roaming goats, which graze on wild herbs and drink sea water, have a distinct, savory flavor that makes this the must-try dish in mountain villages like Profitis Ilias. Another local favorite is proustiano, a traditional dish of meat cooked with plums, and haslamas, a syrupy, spice-infused dessert made with flour and olive oil. Because of its abundant fresh water, you will also find a variety of spoon sweets made from forest fruits and walnuts. Dining on Samothrace is a rustic and primal experience, often enjoyed under the shade of massive plane trees next to rushing streams, where the focus is on hearty, mountain-style portions and local wine.

History

Samothrace is shrouded in the mystery of the Great Gods, whose secretive religious rites made the island one of the most important spiritual centers of the ancient world. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods hosted the "Kabeirian Mysteries," which, unlike the Eleusinian Mysteries, were open to both slaves and kings, including Alexander the Great’s parents, who reportedly first met here. The island’s most famous contribution to global art is the Winged Victory of Samothrace (the Nike), a 2nd-century BCE marble masterpiece discovered here in 1863 and now housed in the Louvre. In the late Byzantine era, the island fell under the control of the Genoese Gateluzzi family, who built the imposing towers that still guard the coastline. Today, the island’s history feels alive in its wild, untamed landscape, where the ruins of the sanctuary sit at the base of the towering Mount Saos, the same peak from which Homer claimed Poseidon watched the Trojan War.

Best Time to Visit

Samothrace is a land of dramatic nature and ancient mystery that is best visited from June through early September. This is the only time of year when the island’s famous vathres (natural granite pools and waterfalls) are warm enough for swimming. The ascent of Mount Saos is also safest and most enjoyable during these clear summer months. The island has a unique, "alternative" vibe that peaks in August, when travelers from across Europe gather to camp under the plane trees and explore the Sanctuary of the Great Gods in the golden evening light.

From October through May, Samothrace becomes a wild and formidable place. Known as the "Island of Aeolus" (the god of the winds), it experiences some of the most powerful gales in the Aegean during the winter. Most of the tourism infrastructure in the seaside village of Therma closes completely, and life retreats to the inland capital, Chora, which is tucked into a natural amphitheater for protection. While the hot springs remain open year-round and offer a steamy sanctuary against the cold, the trails to the waterfalls can become slippery and dangerous. Spring (April and May) is a beautiful but short window when the island is incredibly green and the waterfalls are at their most thunderous, though the sea remains too cold for most swimmers.

Editors' Insider Tips

Samothrace is an island of raw, untamed energy, and our most important tip is to bring a sturdy pair of hiking sandals or water shoes with a good grip. You will spend a lot of time "vathra hopping", scrambling over smooth, wet granite rocks to reach the higher pools. The lower vathres of the Tsivtogianni and Fonias rivers get crowded; if you are physically fit, hike past the first two waterfalls to find your own private swimming hole higher up the mountain.

When it comes to food, Samothrace is famous for one thing: wild goat (katsiki). While most Greek islands focus on fish, here the specialty is slow-roasted goat on a spit. Head to the mountain village of Profitis Ilias in the evening; the entire village smells of roasting herbs, and the tavernas there offer the most authentic culinary experience on the island. For a mystical sunset, skip the beach and head to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods just before closing; the way the light hits the ancient stone altars where the "Kabeirian Mysteries" were once performed is unforgettable. Lastly, be aware that the northern winds can be fierce, if you are camping or staying in Therma, ensure your gear is secure, as the gusts coming off Mount Saos are legendary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get to Samothrace?

Samothrace is located in the northern Aegean and is primarily reached through the city of Alexandroupoli on the Greek mainland.

By Ferry: The main ferry link is from Alexandroupoli to the port of Kamariotissa. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Frequency: During the summer high season, there are usually two departures daily. In the low season, this often drops to one daily trip, and schedules can be affected by the strong northern winds.
Other Connections: Seasonal ferry links sometimes exist with the islands of Lemnos or Kavala, but these are less frequent and should be checked closer to your travel date.

2. Is Samothrace a typical Greek island?

No, Samothrace is famous for being the "Anti-Cyclades." It is rugged, wild, and dominated by the massive Mount Saos.

Landscape: Instead of white-and-blue houses and dry hills, you will find ancient forests, waterfalls, and running rivers.
Atmosphere: It has a mystical, "hippie" vibe and is a favorite for hikers, campers, and nature lovers rather than those looking for luxury resorts or organized beach clubs.

3. Do I need to rent a car?

A car is highly recommended if you want to explore the island beyond the port.

Public Transport: There is a local bus that connects the port (Kamariotissa) to the main village (Chora), the thermal springs (Therma), and the beach of Pachia Ammos. However, the schedule is limited.
Hitchhiking: Interestingly, Samothrace is one of the few places in Greece where hitchhiking is a very common and culturally accepted way for travelers to get around, especially between the campsites and the waterfalls.
Driving: The roads are generally good but can be narrow and winding as they climb the mountain slopes.

4. What are the "Vathres"?

The "Vathres" are the island's most famous natural feature. They are natural emerald pools formed by waterfalls along the island's many rivers.

Swimming: Most visitors spend their days hiking up the riverbeds to swim in these icy, crystal-clear mountain pools rather than at the sea.
Gria Vathra: The most accessible set of pools, located near the village of Therma.
Fonias: The "Killer" river. A more demanding hike leads to the spectacular 20-meter Kleidosi waterfall. Be cautious, as the river can be dangerous during or after rain.

5. Which are the best beaches on Samothrace?

While the rivers are the main draw, Samothrace has some stunning, wild beaches.

Pachia Ammos: The only sandy beach on the island reachable by car. It is located in the south and offers a dramatic view of the cliffs.
Kipos: A unique beach with dark gray pebbles and deep blue water on the eastern tip of the island. It is perfect for watching the sunrise.
Vatos: Widely considered the most beautiful beach, it is a sandy cove with emerald water. It is almost exclusively reachable by boat or via a very difficult, multi-hour trek through a canyon.

6. Can you drink the tap water?

Yes, the tap water on Samothrace is excellent.

Quality: The island is rich in natural springs. In villages like Chora and Therma, the water comes directly from the mountain and is cold, fresh, and perfectly safe to drink.
Thermal Springs: In the village of Therma, there are also therapeutic hot sulfur springs used for centuries for their healing properties.

7. What is the Sanctuary of the Great Gods?

This is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, located in Palaiopolis.

The Mystery Cult: In antiquity, it was the site of the Cabeirian Mysteries, a secretive religious cult open to both slaves and kings.
The Winged Victory: This is the original home of the "Nike of Samothrace," the famous marble statue now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The Site: Even without the statue, the ruins are incredibly atmospheric, set in a lush ravine between the mountain and the sea.

8. What is Mount Saos (Fengari)?

Mount Saos is the highest mountain in the Aegean islands, reaching 1,611 meters.

The Legend: According to Homer, this is where Poseidon sat to watch the Trojan War.
The Name: The peak is called "Fengari" (Moon) because it is so high it is said to hide the moon.
The Hike: Climbing to the top is a serious undertaking that takes about 6 to 8 hours. It should only be attempted by experienced hikers with proper gear, as the weather can change instantly.

9. What should I eat?

The culinary star of Samothrace is not seafood, but mountain goat.

Katsiki (Goat): The island is famous for its free-roaming goats that eat wild herbs and even drink seawater. The traditional way to eat it is slow-roasted on a spit.
Praouti: A local sweet made from quince.
Therma Honey: Rich, dark honey made from the island's diverse forest flora.

10. How many days should I stay?

3 Days: Enough to see the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, visit Chora, and swim in the first few Vathres.
5 to 7 Days: Highly recommended. This allows you to truly sync with the island's slow pace, do the longer hikes to Fonias or Vatos, and visit the thermal springs.