Samothrace Island in Greece - the land of goats and wild landscapes

Why visit Samothrace?

Samothrace is one of the Greek islands that has managed to keep its wild appearance, despite the fact that more and more tourists have found out about its existence and keep coming back here, attracted by its charm and fabulous landscapes.

The island is quite isolated, as the only way to get here is by taking the ferry from the town of  Alexandroupolis to Kamariotissa port on the island. I suggest you book your place on the ferry in advance, especially if you are coming by car. Here you'll find some info about the ferry's schedule and fees: https://www.ferries.gr/saos-ferries/

Samothraki island, twice as small as the more well-known near-by island of Thassos, is even more beautiful at the beginning of September, because you will not encounter any lines, you won't wait for a table at the restaurant nor will you see crowds on the beaches.

Also, Samothraki island is known for the thousands of goats, mostly wild, which you'll meet everywhere: through the forests, on the road, on the rocks or on the beaches. 

The island's landscape is dominated by Saos Mountain, with its Fengari peak having a height of  1611 m. The oak, plane and chestnut forests, as well as the olive plantations are everywhere on the island. However, while approaching the sea, the abundant vegetation leaves room to the pebble beaches, with a savage look, unaltered by tourism.

So, if you are looking for a non-commercial and authentic holiday destination, you could chose Samothrace, especially if you love Greece, but you are not keen on over-crowded beaches, noisy restaurants and continuous agitation. 

Kamariotissa village

After two and a half hours of traveling by ferry, you'll reach Kamariotissa port – the largest village on the island - where you'll find many restaurants and souvenirs shops. From Kamariotissa you may rent cars or scooters in order to visit the island, you may buy your ticket back for the ferry or you may buy gas for your car, as here is the only gas station on the island. 

Kamariotissa bends along the water, so you may enjoy some beautiful sunsets from the restaurants in the port. 

For breakfast, you could try So Sweet patisserie, where you'll find many Greek sweets, as well as wonderful Greek coffee.

Chora (Hora) village

The capital of Samothrace is not at the sea, as you would expect, but at about 5 kilometers from Kamariotissa. Chora (Hora) is a picturesque village, at the bottom of Saos Mountain, with white streets and houses that have kept unaltered their traditional Greek appearance. 

The village is guarded by the ruins of the formed Genovese castle. From here you will admire some wonderful landscapes over the island and the sea.

Some coffee shops and taverns await in Chora for you to enjoy a traditional Greek coffee or a tasty Greek salad. Among them, Trapeza Cafe is a must. 

Kipos Beach

At the eastern edge of the island you'll find Kipos Beach, expanding along a small gulf at the base of some sharp rocks. Without being a sandy beach and without having any amenities, Kipos Beach kept a savage charm that will make nature and nudism lovers fall in love with it.

At few kilometers from Kipos Beach you'll find  Karydies Tavern, the most appreciated restaurant in Samothrace This restaurant is specialized in preparing Katsikaki, a famous dish made of goat meat. Do order before some tasty Greek appetizers, you won't regret it.

Pachia Amnos Beach

In the southern part of the island you'll discover Pachia Amnos beach, which is a sandy beach, with beach chairs, umbrellas, a beach bar and two taverns. As a result, many tourists prefer it, attracted by the beauty of the area and the clear, clean water. 

Once you get here, do no hesitate to explore the areas close to the beach. Here is where you'll find some of the most beautiful landscapes in Samothrace. 

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods

Near the small village of Paleopolis you'll reach the Sanctuary of the Great Gods - an archaeological site where, in ancient times, religious practices occurred.

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is mostly famous as being where the place where Nike of Samothrace statue has been discovered in  1863. The statues has been held at Louvre Museum in Paris since 1883 and you may still admire it there.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_Victory_of_Samothrace

Fonias Canyon

If you feel fit and have proper sports equipment, there are many hikes you can go towards the island's waterfalls. Have a bath in the small lakes at the base of the waterfalls, in the so-called “vathres”. Fonias Canyon is the most well-known hike trail, so do not be surprised to meet other hikers also heading to the waterfalls.

Profitis Ilas village

This small village in the heart of the island offers wonderful views over the sea. Visit the church and admire the traditional houses along the road. Here you'll find some nice taverns, known for serving great goat meat dishes.