Discover Samothrace

The Capital of Samothrace

The Settlement of Hora is the capital of Samothrace located on the central part of the island. Declared as a preserved traditional settlement, the village spreads amphitheatrically between the mountain slopes of Saos. The lovely village has managed to maintain its traditional identity distinguished for its stone houses and its cobblestone squares. The Aetsenia Houses are examples of one of the most ancient forms of housing in the Mediterranean. Worth visiting sights include the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, the Folklore Museum and the traces of the Castle of Gateluzi.

The Nature of Samothrace

Samothrace is blessed with the finest of nature. The south side of the island is characterized from natural elements of the Aegean drowned from brushwood and olive trees while the north side of the island is blessed with verdant vegetation. The Forest of Martini is a dense forest with chestnut trees that resembles a jungle with broadleaf shrubs. Samothrace has abundant tress and flowing streams and waterfalls that end in the sea. Mount Saos is the third highest mountain of the Aegean that dominates the entire island. The landscapes of the northern and southern part of Samothrace showcase a striking difference of unique ecological value. The Lagoon of Agios Andreas and the Wetland of Vdelolimni serve as important areas for migratory bird species. However, the landmarks of Samothrace are the streams and waterfalls flowing from Mount Saos all the way to the sea. On their way to the Aegean, these streams form waterfalls and basins, the so called vathres. The Stream of Fonias is the longest stream of the island while the Waterfall of Klidosi is the highest waterfall of the island. Other natural beauty areas include the Waterfalls of Gria Vathra, Karia, Klidosi and Kremasto. The streams of Agistros, Arapis, Karagiannakis and Xeropotamos also offer beautiful waterfalls. Another important aspect of the nature of Samothrace is the Thermal Sulphur Springs of Therma located on the north side of the village of Therma. The European Network of Natura 2000 has declared a large area of the island as a protected area due to its high ecological value.

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is one of the most important archaeological monuments of the country located on the west side of the area of the ancient town of Paleopoli. The ancient town of Samothrace was built on the northern foothills of Agios Giorgis. Today, fragments of the walls and foundations of the houses are still visible. The major religious center of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods was used as the worship place of the mysteries in honour of the Great Gods. The Cabeirian Mysteries was a religious event of great importance in antiquity. The numerous buildings of the area witness the religious activity of the sanctuary. Indications of religious activity date to the 7^th century BC. However, the construction of the monument began in the 4^th century BC. Monuments include the Propylon of Ptolemeos, a monumental gateway dedicated to the Gods from the king of Egypt, the Sacred Circle, the votive monument of Philip Arrhidaeus and Alexander IV, the Anaktoron that was the place where the mysteries were held, the Arsinoeion, the hall of choral dancers called Temenos, the Hieron, the Stoa that accommodated the visitors of the temple and an exact replica of the Statue of Nike that commemorates the victory of Samothrace.

The Village of Prophet Elias

The Village of Prophet Elias is the most mountainous village located on the west side of the island. The settlement is built on the mountain slopes of Saos with panoramic views to the islands of Imvros and Limnos and Mount Athos. The village has a authentic character distinguished for its traditional architecture of Samothrace and its beautiful sunset views. Also, Prophet Elias is known for the delicious stuffed goat dish of Samothrace.

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is one of the most important archaeological monuments of the country located on the west side of the area of the ancient town of Paleopoli. The ancient town of Samothrace was built on the northern foothills of Agios Giorgis. Today, fragments of the walls and foundations of the houses are still visible. The major religious center of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods was used as the worship place of the mysteries in honour of the Great Gods. The Cabeirian Mysteries was a religious event of great importance in antiquity. It is worth mentioning that the identity of the gods worshipped on Samothrace, the renowned Cabeiroi, still remains unknown. The numerous buildings of the area witness the religious activity of the sanctuary. Indications of religious activity date to the 7^th century BC. However, the construction of the monument began in the 4^th century BC. Monuments include the Propylon of Ptolemeos, a monumental gateway dedicated to the Gods from the king of Egypt, the Sacred Circle, the votive monument of Philip Arrhidaeus and Alexander IV, the Anaktoron that was the place where the mysteries were held, the Arsinoeion, the hall of choral dancers called Temenos, the Hieron, the Stoa that accommodated the visitors of the temple and an exact replica of the Statue of Nike that commemorates the victory of Samothrace.

The Statue of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, else called as the Nike of Samothrace, is a white marble sculpture of the Greek Goddess Nike. The statue was discovered on the archaeological site of the Great Gods of Samothrace from the archaeologist Charles Champoiseau in 1863. According to historical evidence, the statue commemorated a great victory connected with a naval battle. The statue was created from an unknown artist in the 2^nd century BC. Since 1884, the statue is one of the main exhibits of the Museum of Louvre in Paris. H.W. Hanson has described the Nike of Samothrace as “…the greatest masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture…”

The Fortresses and the Towers of Samothrace are important monuments and examples of the late byzantine fortress architecture. When Samothrace was dominated from the dominance of the Genoese Family of Gateluzi, the ruler Palamidis Gateluzi fortified the entire island with the intention of protecting it from pirate invasions and Ottoman raids. Examples of these fortifications can be found in the settlement of Hora, the ancient town of Paleopoli and the cape of Fonias.

The Chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa is located in the area of Pahia Ammos. The chapel is built on a high cliff offering astonishing views to the Aegean. According to tradition, the icon of Virgin Mary was thrown in the sea from some Christians of Asia Minor in order to save it from the iconoclasts. However, some sailors found the icon floating in the sea and took it. Thereafter, the captain saw in his sleep Virgin Mary who asked him to go to Samothrace. Although the captain went to the island and the icon was placed in the church, every night the icon was gone and the inhabitants found in on the tall rock. Therefore, the inhabitants built the chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa on that spot.

The Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary is located in Hora. It is a remarkable example of monumental architecture. The church was built in 1857. Inside the church, one can admire a collection of old ecclesiastical icons and the relics of the five martyrs of Samothrace.

The Archaeological Museum of Samothrace is located in Paleopoli. The majority of the exhibits were found in the area of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. The most important exhibit is the exact replica of the statue of the Nike of Samothrace. The original statue is displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The Folklore Museum of Samothrace is housed in a traditional building of the 19^th century in Hora. The museum is dedicated to the folklore and rural history of the island. Exhibits include agricultural tools, local costumes, cotton bed sheets, thread tools and traditional artefacts.

Samothrace is blessed with the finest of nature. The south side of the island is characterized from natural elements of the Aegean drowned from brushwood and olive trees while the north side of the island is blessed with verdant vegetation. The Forest of Martini is a dense forest with chestnut trees that resembles a jungle with broadleaf shrubs. Samothrace has abundant tress and flowing streams and waterfalls that end in the sea. Mount Saos is the third highest mountain of the Aegean that dominates the entire island. The landscapes of the northern and southern part of Samothrace showcase a striking difference of unique ecological value. The Lagoon of Agios Andreas and the Wetland of Vdelolimni serve as important areas for migratory bird species. However, the landmarks of Samothrace are the streams and waterfalls flowing from Mount Saos all the way to the sea. On their way to the Aegean, these streams form waterfalls and basins, the so called vathres. The Stream of Fonias is the longest stream of the island while the Waterfall of Klidosi is the highest waterfall of the island. Other natural beauty areas include the Waterfalls of Gria Vathra, Karia, Klidosi and Kremasto. The streams of Agistros, Arapis, Karagiannakis and Xeropotamos also offer beautiful waterfalls. Another important aspect of the nature of Samothrace is the Thermal Sulphur Springs of Therma located on the north side of the village of Therma. The European Network of Natura 2000 has declared a large area of the island as a protected area due to its high ecological value.

Alonia is a mountainous settlement located on the west part of the island. The traditional houses with the flowery courtyards give a charming atmosphere in the settlement. The sunset from Alonia should not be missed, as the view of the astonishing colours is a great spectacle. The most important monument of Alonia is the monastery of Agios Athanasios with the miraculous ecclesiastical icon.

Hora is the capital of Samothrace located on the central part of the island. Declared as a preserved traditional settlement, the village spreads amphitheatrically between the mountain slopes of Saos. The lovely village has managed to maintain its traditional identity distinguished for its stone houses and its cobblestone squares. The Aetsenia Houses are examples of one of the most ancient forms of housing in the Mediterranean. Worth visiting sights include the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, the Folklore Museum and the traces of the Castle of Gateluzi.

Kamariotissa is the harbour of Samothrace located on the south side of the island. The harbour was named after the icon of Virgin Mary displayed in the church of Panagia Kamariotissa. The settlement is the starting point of the road network of the island that leads to the two sides of Samothrace. Kamariotissa is the most cosmopolitan settlement of the island during the summer.

Lakkoma is a mountainous settlement located on the south part of the island. The lovely settlement has managed to maintain its traditional character. Lakkoma spreads in one of the most fertile areas of Samothrace renowned for its olive oil. Pahia Ammos beach can be accessed through a dirt road starting from the village of Lakkoma. The windmills of Lakkoma are examples of the early industrial architecture of the island that survive in this area. Lakkoma is an ideal place for autumn, as it offers numerous mountaineering excursions.

Prophet Elias is the most mountainous village located on the west side of the island. The settlement is built on the mountain slopes of Saos with panoramic views to the islands of Imvros and Limnos and Mount Athos. The village has a authentic character distinguished for its traditional architecture of Samothrace and its beautiful sunset views. Also, Prophet Elias is known for the delicious stuffed goat dish of Samothrace.

Therma is a mountainous village located on the north side of the island. The name of the settlement derives from the thermal springs of the area known for their therapeutic properties since antiquity. Enthusiasts of hiking can follow the numerous trails that lead to the imposing waterfalls and abundant springs of Samothrace. The renowned waterfalls of Gria Vathra are located close to Therma under the beautiful chestnut forest of Martini.

Spot: Beach of Therma, North Samothrace

Spot: Harbour of Kamariotissa, West Samothrace

Spot: Chapel of Prophet Elias, West Samothrace

Spot: Church of Panagia Krimniotissa, South Samothrace

Spot: Village of Hora, West Samothrace

Bird Watching: The flora and fauna of Samothrace is quite remarkable. The island has the perfect environment for thousands native and migratory birds. In fact, Samothrace stands for numerous areas with high ecological value that serve as major stations and shelters of migratory birds. Particularly in the mountainous areas of Samothrace, one will have the opportunity to encounter numerous bird species including cormorants, falcons, hawks, herons, kestrels and sea shags. The lagoon of Agios Andreas and the wetland of Vdelolimni are some of the most important areas of bird watching.

Camping: The natural diversity of the island makes it an ideal destination for camping. The municipal campsite of Samothrace is located close to the village of Therma.

Hiking and Mountaineering: Samothrace is an ideal destination for hiking lovers. The natural diversity of the island encompasses numerous sceneries of exotic beauty with flowing streams and imposing waterfalls. (1) One of the most beautiful mountaineering routes leads leading to the highest peak of Mount Saos. Numerous trails start from different regions including Ano Meria, Hora and Therma. The journey usually lasts four hours. (2) The majestic landscape of outstanding natural beauty with towering waterfalls that leads to the stream of Fonias is one of the most intriguing hiking routes. (3) Another interesting route leads to the stream of Xeropotamos. (4) The route starting from the settlement of Ano Meria leads to the natural beauty setting of the area of Karya is also quite interesting. Discover more information from the Mountaineering Association of Samothrace.

Kayaking: The opportunity to practice kayak in Samothrace is definitely an unforgettable experience. The inaccessible beaches between spectacular cliffs, the hanging waterfalls falling into the sea, the geological formations in conjunction with the verdant vegetation create stunning landscapes.

Mountain Biking: The rich natural diversity of Samothrace is highly suitable for mountain and road biking. Exciting trails from rural roads to trekking trails are available in various parts of the island. The most appropriate location for mountain biking is the village of Therma. Fonias Canyon and Gria Vathra Waterfall are located nearby.

Thermal Springs: The village of Therma is known for its thermal sulphur springs and its therapeutic properties since antiquity. The springs are appropriate for diseases including arthritis, arthropathy, gynaecological diseases and dermal diseases. Temperature fluctuates between 30 to 100 degrees of Celsius.

Karkani is a sandy beach with blue waters located next to the beach of Pahia Ammos. The beach is hidden between rising cliffs, so bare in mind that access is difficult.

Kipos is a long golden sandy beach with blue waters located on the northwest side of the island. It is accessible by boat from Therma or Kamariotissa. If you want to access it through the hiking trails, keep in mind that some areas of the island are difficult.

Pahia Ammos is a long sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the southernmost side of the island. It is the most beautiful beach of Samothrace accessible through a dirt road from the village of Lakkoma. The chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa is located in the wider area.

Therma is a sandy and pebbled beach with blue waters located on the north side of the island. The surrounding vegetation creates beautiful sceneries.

Vatos is a pebbled beach with emerald waters located on the southernmost side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Samothrace and a favourite of lovers of nature. However, the beach is accessible only by boat from the harbour of Kamariotissa. There, you will witness the waterfall of Kremasto falling straight into the sea from a height of 180 meters.

Coffee Corners 

Ageliki: Pastries, Kamariotissa

Kafenes “Ta Therma”: Coffee, Therma

Lefkos Pirgos: Ice Cream and Pastries, Hora

Meltemi: Coffee, Hora

O Mavros: Coffee, Lakkoma

Salamanis: Pastries, Kamariotissa

Sholio: Coffee, Kamariotissa

Stenaki: Breakfast and Coffee, Hora

Gastronomic Delights

Asprovalta: Greek Cuisine, Kato Kariotes

Feggari: Greek Cuisine, Therma

Gefyri: Greek Cuisine, Therma

Gria Vathra: Greek Cuisine, Therma

Kafenio “Ta Therma”: Ouzo and Meze, Therma

Karydies: Greek Cuisine, Ano Meria

Klimataria: Greek Cuisine, Kamariotissa

Paradisos: Greek Cuisine, Prophet Elias

O Kipos tou Ouranou: Greek Cuisine, Therma

Sotiros: Greek Cuisine, Hora

Vraxos: Greek Cuisine, Profitis Elias

Cocktail Inspirations

Arsinoe Pool Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Palaiopoli

Lydia Cocktail Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Hora

Saoki Beach Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Therma

Sholio: Coffee, Kamariotissa

Stenaki: Breakfast and Coffee, Hora

The local products of the island include the cheeses of mizithra and kefalotiri, olive oils, sweet spoons, fine honey and the alcoholic drink of tsipouro.

The local specialties of the island include goat cooked traditionally stuffed with rice and herbs wrapped in grease proof paper, and roasted or cooked goat with fresh vegetables.

Every summer, the Kaviria Festival takes place in the island. The festival hosts a series of cultural and musical special events. The festival is usually held from July to August.

Every 17^th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Prophet Elias takes place in the village of Prophet Elias.

Every 15^th of August, the traditional celebration in honour of Virgin Mary takes place at the Church of Panagia Kamariotissa.

Every August, the Samothrace Dance Festival takes place in the island. It is usually held on the moonlight of August for a period of four days.

Every November, the Festival of Tsipouro takes place in Samothrace.

Mythology

The Kabirian Mysteries

Like the Eleusinian mysteries, the mysteries of the Great Gods of Samothrace were highly respected in the ancient world of the Mediterranean. Cabeiroi were mystic divinities occurring in various regions of the ancient world. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods was considered as one of the most important religious centres of the country, respected and protected until the end of the 4^th century AD. The character, identity and meaning of these divinities are still uncertain, as it has been traced to the majority of the languages of the East. In the case of Samothrace, the Cabeiroi were twin gods who presided over the orgiastic dances of the mysteries of Samothrace. The mysteries were performed in honour of the goddesses Demeter, Hecate and Persephone. The secret of the mysteries of Samothrace has been kept, as little historical evidence exist in the modern world. The mysteries of Samothrace did not publish the exact names of their gods; they rather inscribed them as Great Gods. During the classical years of the culture of Greece, the mysteries of Kabeiroi remained popular, although little was entrusted in writing.

History

Archaeological findings show that Samothrace was inhabited from the Pelasgians, the Carians and the Thracians since the Neolithic times. In 508 BC, Samothrace was conquered from the Persians followed by the Athenians. In the 5^th century BC, Samothrace became a member of the Delian League. Afterwards, the island became a part of the Macedonian Kingdom until the battle of Pydna, when Samothrace became independent. In 70 AD, Samothrace fell under the rule of the Roman and the Byzantine Empires. Samothrace entered into a period of decline during the Byzantine domination as the temple festivals were prohibited and the migration to the mountains led to the abandonment of the old city. Thereafter, the island passed into the domination of Venetians followed from the Ottoman Empire. Samothrace was reunited to the Greek State in 1913.

By Boat (43 Nautical Miles): Samothrace is accessible by boat from the harbour of Alexandroupoli in Northern Greece. Discover more information from The journey usually lasts two hours. Discover more information from the Official Website of Saos Ferries and the Official Website of the Port Authority of Alexandroupoli. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !