Getting from Volos to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Volos you are making your way from a city on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the Pelion peninsula 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 Volos 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 there means driving from Volos northeast via the E75 motorway and Egnatia motorway to Alexandroupoli, which takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, and then taking the ferry across to Samothrace. This avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct approach from Volos.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos with limited connections from Athens. Driving from Volos northeast to Alexandroupoli and taking the ferry to Samothrace gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours and avoids Athens entirely. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Volos northeast via the E75 and Egnatia motorways to Alexandroupoli, then take the ferry across to Samothrace. At around 6 to 7 hours total it avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct approach. Check the ferry schedule before traveling and build your Alexandroupoli arrival around the afternoon departure. Samothrace rewards at least three or four nights and the drive northeast from Volos through Macedonia is a good one.