Getting from Astypalaia to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Astypalaia you are making your way from a butterfly-shaped island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese 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 Astypalaia 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 Astypalaia means taking the ferry to Piraeus and then flying to Alexandroupoli, or flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Alexandroupoli.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Astypalaia has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Astypalaia to Athens and then Athens to Alexandroupoli, followed by the ferry to Samothrace taking around 1 hour 45 minutes, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Astypalaia to Athens and then fly to Alexandroupoli and take the ferry across to Samothrace. Check the ferry schedule before booking your flights 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.