Getting from Elafonisos to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Elafonisos you are making your way from a small island off the southern Peloponnese coast 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

Elafonisos has no ferry connection to the wider Greek ferry network. The only ferry from Elafonisos is the short 10 minute crossing to Pounta on the southern Peloponnese, which runs every 30 minutes in summer. 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 there means taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying to Alexandroupoli, followed by the ferry across to Samothrace.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Elafonisos has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens, around 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Pounta. Taking the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, driving north to Athens and flying from Athens to Alexandroupoli, followed by the ferry to Samothrace taking around 1 hour 45 minutes, gives a total journey time of around 8 to 9 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Elafonisos to Pounta, drive north to Athens and fly from Athens to Alexandroupoli, then take the ferry across to Samothrace. Having a car is essential for the Pounta to Athens leg as the KTEL bus connection is slow and infrequent. 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.