Samothraki Island Travel Guide

 
by chrisanthep
 
  •   Restaurants
    by chrisanthep
  •   Restaurants
    by chrisanthep
  • Fengari Mountain
      Fengari Mountain
    by nikki-the
  • Hora, the main village of Samothraki
      Hora, the main village of Samothraki
    by nikki-the
  • On the Fonias River Hike
      On the Fonias River Hike
    by nikki-the
 

Pro

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 Fantastic Island, not very Touristy, Loads to see and do, Mountains and Gorges to walk in / up, Fantastic History with Great Ancient sites to visit and above all Great People !!!! 


Con

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 there aren't any 


In a nutshell

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 ... a divine island ... 

 

Explore Samothraki Island

Things to Do  

Archeological Museum of Samothrace

Archeological Museum of Samothrace, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  It is situated at the Paleopolis archeological site of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.The Archeological Museum of Samothrace was designed by the architect Stuart M. Shaw, of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York, and built by the American School of Classical Studies... 

Panagia Krimniotissa

Panagia Krimniotissa, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  On a cliff, about 2 km north of Pahia Ammos beach, overlooking the southern coast of Samothrace.The tiny, white-washed chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa offers breathtaking views of the Aegean and the beaches of the south coast of Samothrace. It is a worthwhile stop on our way... 

Beach: Pachia Ammos

Beach: Pachia Ammos, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  Pachia Ammos, on the south shore about 15 km from Kamariotissa, is postcard, perfect nestled, between two arms of rock that extend into the sea, with dramatic cliffs rising above it. The beach offers 800 meters of sand and protected swimming, stretching from a well-developed... 

Beach: Kipos

Beach: Kipos, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  The second most popular beach is Kipos, a kilometers-long pebble beach that curves around the eastern tip of the island. Though it lacks Pachia Ammos's sand, it does offer very comfortable sunbathing, crystal-clear water for snorkeling and diving, and an even stronger dose... 

Paleopolis

Paleopolis, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  The ancient city, the ruins of which are called Palaeopoli ("old city"), was situated on the north coast. Considerable remains still exist of the ancient walls, which were built in massive Cyclopean style, as well as of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, where mysterious rites... 

Sanctuary of the Great Gods

Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  The island´s most famous site is the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. The most famous artefact of which is the 2.5-metre marble statue of Nike, now known as the Winged Victory of Samothrace, dating from about 190 BC. It was discovered in pieces on the island in 1863 by the... 

Sightseeing by Boat

Sightseeing by Boat, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  Your sightseeing should begin with a trip around the island.The boat "Samothraki" makes all-day trips that include a brief history and some remarkable views you can't see otherwise, as well as swimming stops at several beaches and a cookout (the boat is associated with the... 

Chora or Hora

Chora or Hora, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  The island's capital, Chora or Hora, is concealed in a natural amphitheater in the mountain six kilometers above Kamariotissa—the better to hide it from pirates during the medieval period. It's a small but charming town of narrow streets that twist their ways up and down... 

Therma

Therma, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  If you head out of town on the main road for about 14 km, you will come to Therma. Despite being a small cluster of hotels, rental apartments, and shops and restaurants catering to tourists, Therma is actually quite pretty due to the lush foliage that surrounds and runs... 

Restaurants  

For Glyka Koutaliou

For Glyka Koutaliou, Samothraki Island

 nikki-the Says:  There's a little cafe/sweets shop on the left side of the street in Hora just before you reach Stenaki Cafe. This place was closed during our previous visits but happened to be open when we went for our Easter trip this year (2005) so we stopped in to stock up on Glyka... 

To Stenaki: Lovely Little Cafe

To Stenaki: Lovely Little Cafe, Samothraki Island

 nikki-the Says:  To Stenaki is a cute little corner cafe run by a local couple with the most amazing Glyka Koutaliou (Greek spoon sweets...candied fruits) I've ever eaten. These are prepared by the owners from the fruit trees located behind the cafe.As for the rest of the extensive menu, I... 

Transportation  

Approaching Samothraki

Approaching Samothraki, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  You can go to Samothraki by boat from Kavala or Alexandroupoli (29 nautical miles) and also by boat from Rafina (port on the North of Athens). The chosen route was by train up to Alexandroupoli and then by boat. The trip, even though a bit tiresome, is very nice and pleasant... 

Renting a Car or a Motorbike

Renting a Car or a Motorbike, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  Motorbikes and cars are in short supply, so it's worth grabbing one immediately on disembarkation - or even reserving a bike in advance from Hanou Brothers (Tel 25510 41511) or a car from Niki Tours (Tel 25510 41465), which sells plane tickets as well. Also try Kyrkos car... 

Shopping  

Aggelonias Traditional Sweets of Samothraki: Glyka Koutaliou
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nikki-the 26 reviews

This is actually information about the brand and manufacturer of the spoon sweets which we purchased on our last trip to Samothraki. It's definitely a must buy and is available for purchase from a cafe in Hora, Samothraki (though I'm sure it's available from other places as well, that's where we got it).

What to buy: Any flavour but especially pumpkin ("dolma").

What to pay: Anywhere from $8-$25.

Written May 24, 2005

Address: 1st km Kamariotissa-Hora, Samothraki

Phone: +30 2551 041994

Related to:
 Budget Travel
 Food and Dining

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Local Customs  

Samothraki Dance Festival

Samothraki Dance Festival, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  The island of Samothraki celebrates world music as well as appreciating ecological issues. The eclectic programme of this summer bash includes whirling dervishes, workshops on sustainable living and performances by Ross Daly, Ziad Rajab, Mario Piravano, Peppe Barra and Omar... 

glitsa

glitsa, Samothraki Island

 magdaki Says:  As I have mentioned again, the island's local economy is based on animal breeding (sheep and goats). This "glitsa" (shepherd's crook) I am holding in the picture is used by the shepherds to pull their animals back to safety when they are "trapped" on some rock and can't... 

Warnings and Dangers  

snakes

snakes, Samothraki Island

 magdaki Says:  In Greece there is only one kind of being which can be life - threatening (except from people, of course). It is the viper (actually several types of viper), and it can be found in Samothraki. Normally you won't come across one, as they tend to disappear when they hear... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Trekking or Climbing
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Saos Mountain

If you are into trekking and climbing you could try climbing to the top of mount Saos (Fegari). It is a difficult climb to the top, even for the experienced and it is better if you ask around for the best path upwards. It is worth climbing during the August full-moon. Also you can try to find the waterfall that falls into the sea. It is a bit diffifult to find it if you don't know.

Written Jul 15, 2007

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Favorites  

Useful Phone Number of Samothraki

Useful Phone Number of Samothraki, Samothraki Island

 dimilag Says:  Municipality of Samothrace : +30 25510 41584Tourist Office of Municipality : +30 25510 41218Police Department in Hora : +30 25510 41203Hospital/Sanitary Station : +30 25510 41217Port-Office : +30 25510 41305 

My paradise

My paradise, Samothraki Island

 delster3 Says:  Every time i visit the island its like i am visiting the paradise. Also my all time favorite place in Horawhich is Lefkos Pyrgos What first? But most of all that i met my wife there. After that Eating "pisa kai poupoula" (nothing better for chocolate maniacs) and drinking... 

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Map of Samothraki Island