Getting from Syros to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to one of the most remote and wild islands in Greece, rising dramatically from the northeastern Aegean close to the Bulgarian and Turkish borders, on the opposite side of the country. It has 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 Syros to Samothrace. The only ferry connection to Samothrace departs from Alexandroupoli on the northeastern mainland. Getting there means taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, which runs up to 6 daily crossings in summer and takes around 2 hours on the fast boat, and then flying from Athens to Alexandroupoli, followed by the ferry across to Samothrace taking around 1 hour 45 minutes. Alternatively drive northeast via the E75 and Egnatia motorways to Alexandroupoli after arriving at Piraeus.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, flying from Athens to Alexandroupoli and then taking the ferry to Samothrace gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Alexandroupoli, then 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 and the journey there is half the experience. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and drive northeast via the Egnatia motorway to Alexandroupoli.