Samothrace
Discover Samothrace
Samothraki (population: 2,859 in 2011) is a small island that is the conical tip of a mountain rising out of the sea in the North Aegean Islands of Greece. The island was a sanctuary from the Bronze Age to Roman times. There are two main towns; Kamariotissa and Chora. Between them, they provide most of the facilities one small town would normally have. Among young domestic visitors, the island is an especially famous camping spot, with a youthful vibe with people staying and partying together on the pebble beaches. The island is surprisingly lush and green for an Aegean Island, due to the rainfall caused by the central mount 'fengari'. The goat population (estimated at approx 100,000) outnumbers the inhabitants by 33 goats to every person.
What to Experience in Samothrace
Famous Beaches
Taste of Samothrace...
Almost anywhere, the food is delicious with a hint of the hot peppers used in northeastern Greece. Goat meat is especially good in Samothraki and is offered in many restaurants. A variety of small restaurants are available in all locations. The choice is greatest in Kamariotissa, Chora and Therma. Most of the accommodations are listed in the well-known Internet booking portals with prices and ratings. Because of the departure times of the ferries, it may be advantageous to stay in Kamariotissa. In addition, there are the most restaurants to go out in the evening. Also popular is the place Therma, because of its beautiful location. The area around Therma is also a popular meeting place of young people camping in the woods or campgrounds and indulging in a kind of later hippie culture. You can get rooms in one of the many small pensions but only few larger hotel complexes are on the island. The biggest ones are:
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsSamothrace has no air service. Zante Ferries sail once or twice a day from Alexandroupolis, taking just under two hours. An adult foot passenger is €9 each way and cars are carried. There is no ferry from Kavala or other nearby islands. Ferries land at 40.47425.4711 Kamariotissa ferry terminal in town centre. Sailing boats can also dock in the harbour here. There are buses connecting the different locations but it is advisable to rent a car or motorbike in Kamariotissa because its very time consuming to reach most places by public transport. In the summer buses runs every second hour connecting important locations such as the port with Chora, Therma, and the camping grounds. The island is usually referred to as a hitchhiker-friendly place. For solo travellers especially it is relatively easy to hitchhike. Especially between the camping ground and Therma. However, it is not advisable to count on hitching a ride longer than that. There are many more beautiful beaches to explore....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are buses connecting the different locations but it is advisable to rent a car or motorbike in Kamariotissa because its very time consuming to reach most places by public transport. In the summer buses runs every second hour connecting important locations such as the port with Chora, Therma, and the camping grounds. The island is usually referred to as a hitchhiker-friendly place. For solo travellers especially it is relatively easy to hitchhike. Especially between the camping ground and Therma. However, it is not advisable to count on hitching a ride longer than that. There are many more beautiful beaches to explore. Since most of them are coarse gravel beaches, you should take umbrellas and beach loungers, or camping chairs. Lying down on a pebble beach with only a towel is uncomfortable. There are several ATM in Kamariotisa.
Where to Stay
Most of the accommodations are listed in the well-known Internet booking portals with prices and ratings. Because of the departure times of the ferries, it may be advantageous to stay in Kamariotissa. In addition, there are the most restaurants to go out in the evening. Also popular is the place Therma, because of its beautiful location. The area around Therma is also a popular meeting place of young people camping in the woods or campgrounds and indulging in a kind of later hippie culture. You can get rooms in one of the many small pensions but only few larger hotel complexes are on the island. The biggest ones are:
Money & Budget
There are several ATM in Kamariotisa. As of July 2025, most of the places accept credit cards, but it is always good to have cash, either for those places which don't accept or for small tips after eating. Almost anywhere, the food is delicious with a hint of the hot peppers used in northeastern Greece. Goat meat is especially good in Samothraki and is offered in many restaurants. A variety of small restaurants are available in all locations. The choice is greatest in Kamariotissa, Chora and Therma. Most of the accommodations are listed in the well-known Internet booking portals with prices and ratings. Because of the departure times of the ferries, it may be advantageous to stay in Kamariotissa. In addition, there are the most restaurants to go out in the evening.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Samothrace
Nike of Samothrace - Louvre
a black and white photo of people in a church
Photographed on October 10, 2018.
Winged victory of samothrace statue with onlookers
Nike of Samothrace - Louvre
a black and white photo of people in a church
Photographed on October 10, 2018.
Winged victory of samothrace statue with onlookers
Nike of Samothrace - Louvre
a black and white photo of people in a church
Photographed on October 10, 2018.
Winged victory of samothrace statue with onlookers
Nike of Samothrace - Louvre