Getting from Astakos to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to one of the most remote and wild islands in Greece, rising dramatically from the northeastern Aegean close to the Bulgarian and Turkish borders, with Mount Fengari at its centre and the Sanctuary of the Great Gods where the Winged Victory of Samothrace was discovered in 1863.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astakos to Samothrace. The only ferry connection to Samothrace departs from Alexandroupoli on the northeastern mainland, with daily trips in summer taking around 1 hour 45 minutes. Getting to Alexandroupoli from Astakos means driving northeast via Ioannina and the Egnatia motorway, which takes around 5.5 to 6 hours and avoids Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos to Athens and flying to Alexandroupoli, followed by the ferry to Samothrace, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. The direct drive northeast via Ioannina and the Egnatia motorway to Alexandroupoli is equally practical and avoids Athens entirely.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos northeast via Ioannina and the Egnatia motorway to Alexandroupoli and take the ferry across to Samothrace. It avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct road approach. Check the ferry schedule before arriving and build your Alexandroupoli arrival around the afternoon departure. Samothrace rewards at least three or four nights. Bring good walking shoes and come prepared as facilities on the island are limited.