Getting from Zakynthos to Samothrace

If you are heading to Samothrace from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands 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.

Getting there by air

Samothrace has no airport. The nearest airport is Alexandroupoli. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos 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.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Samothrace. The only ferry connection to Samothrace departs from Alexandroupoli on the northeastern mainland. Getting there by road means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and driving northeast via Patras, Athens and the Egnatia motorway to Alexandroupoli, which takes around 8 to 9 hours from Kyllini, and then taking the ferry across to Samothrace. The total journey takes the better part of two days.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos to Athens and then fly to Alexandroupoli, then take the ferry across to Samothrace. It is the fastest and most practical approach. 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.