Activities in Samothraki

Mount Saos occupies the major part of the island of Samothraki. Its wild nature dominates and brands the island, transforming it into a paradise for hikers, trekkers and nature lovers. Countless trails for beginners and experienced hikers exist on the island. The most popular trails are the easy ones such as the Fonias gorge trail, Gria Vathra or Paradeisos trail in Therma. Many other trails with various difficulties exist, not always well signed.

Which is our tip? The ascent of the legendary peak of Mount Saos (Fengari) with an overnight stay in the mountain, preferably during a full moon night. This -medium difficult – trail of around 8 kilometres uphill, takes around 6 hours to climb. It is highly recommended to use local mountain guides.

The Saos Mount trails belong to the E6 hiking trail, the longest trail in Europe, which commences in Finland and ends in Samothraki. The EU scheme Natura 2000 protects the area.

Here are some cycling options on the island:

• • • Explore the coast roads of Samothraki for stunning views of the Thracian and Aegean Sea admiring the surrounding landscapes. Those routes following the shoreline are mostly paved. They both end in superb beaches (Pahia Ammos & Kipos) for you to dive and refresh.
    • Discover the inland traditional villages and Greek way of life cycling on the roads connecting them. These routes will be more relaxed compared to the busier coastal areas.
    • If you are up for a challenge, cycle in Mount Saos preferably only on the dirt roads. You will enjoy breath-taking views, a rewarding experience for the more experienced cyclists.
    • You may also like to explore the inner coast road from Kamariotissa-Agios Andreas to Makrylies.

If you did not travel with your bike, Camping Varades offers bike rentals.

Canyoning in Samothraki is a thrilling activity and experience as the island offers natural slides, crystal clear waters and amazing waterfalls. Canyoning is a great activity that, if you like extreme sports full of adrenaline, you should not miss it while visiting Samothraki.

The gorge of Fonias is the most popular canyon of the island and one of the most beautiful canyoning routes in Greece. Suited to everyone from 14 years old, this low difficulty route begins gently with a beautiful and mild hike by the river and in the plane tree forest. After a steeper 30 minutes route, you will reach the inside of the gorge of Fionas.

Enjoy this magical canyon, which is perfect for beginners. The route offers special pleasure with water games and unique natural beauty. The total duration is approximately of 6 hours.

Some other canyoning routes exist on the island such as Gria Vathra Canyon, Kremastos Canyon or Karagiannaki Canyon.

Cruising, kayaking or kiting at Samothraki is a delightful activity and experience, which is a great addition to the other sport activities on the island. It allows exploring the island’s coastline and enjoying hard-to-reach places that offer an amazing landscape.

Inaccessible coves and beaches hidden between impressive cliffs, hanging waterfalls falling into the sea or the Grias Pania geological formations combined with the azure blue are marvellous. In the crystal-clear water, hundreds of tiny or bigger fishes, sometimes also dolphins are indeed a great company.

If you would rather enjoy a boat tour, you may contact Samothraki Cruises. They offer daily cruises around the island from the Port of Therma or Kamriotissa.

If you are a kayak or paddle enthusiasts, you will definitely love exploring Samothraki. The beach bars at Pachia Ammos & Makrylies offer paddle and kayaks for free, if you make use of the beach bar services.

Snorkeling and diving is a wonderful experience and attraction in Samothraki. The island offers crystal clear and deep sea waters as well as a very diverse underwater life.

Lasting about 3 hours, H20 Dive & Fun takes you to the best diving and snorkelling spots on the island: Kremastos waterfall, Vatos beach, Tis Grias ta panias, Katarti, Gyali, Agelada and all the remote cliffs between Kipos beach and Pachia Ammos beach.

Those local coves, beaches and cliffy areas offer great opportunities to explore underwater ecosystems. Keep an eye out for colourful fishes, sea urchins, and other underwater creatures. The experienced instructors will teach you about the species living here and all the secrets of Samothraki’s underwater.

Discover the secrets of the North Aegean Sea with a scuba diving experience. Samothraki Island offers plenty of diving spots such as colourful reefs, underwater caves, walls, and shipwrecks.

Scuba diving tours are accessible without any prior experience; you just need to be in a reasonable physical health. If you are not a certified diver, H20 Dive & Fun offers initiation trips for first timers. Enjoy your first scuba diving experience with ideal conditions and experienced guides.

They also offer 5 days courses to get your first scuba diving license. This allows you to dive down to 18 meters anywhere in the World.

If you already are a certified diver, H20 Dive & Fun offer guided tours to some of the best diving sites in Samothraki, at depths of 10 to 40 meters, depending on your level of certification.

Whatever your scuba diving experience and level, you will love to explore Samothraki’s beautiful underwater landscapes and diverse marine life.

Vatos beach is the most picturesque and emblematic beach on Samothraki Island. It is worth visiting but its inaccessibility makes it less crowded. It is only accessible by boat or through a very difficult trail.

Some people come to Vatos beach every year, camping for weeks, enjoying silence and relaxation.

Bring all the necessary equipment, including food, and enjoy the absolute dream survivor vacation at Vatos beach. Spend the night on the island, far from civilization, sleep under the stars and enjoy its inequivalent atmosphere. An experience you will not forget!

Yoga retreats teach you on how to align your body together with ancient breathing techniques and meditation. It helps you to centre your mind and body in the present. Yoga therefore has a regenerative effect on you.

Yoga instructors on Samothraki offers 3 to 5 days mind and body restore yoga retreats mixed with hiking, adventure and a taste of the local life. Get active and creative at the same time!  Reconnect with your innate strength, wisdom and kindness while exploring the uniquely beautiful and raw nature of Samothraki.

Yoga retreats usually include yoga asana, meditation, breathing techniques, excursions to natural or archaeological jewels, free time, accommodation and breakfast.

Contact us for more information on yoga retreats or wellness programs.

Since ancient times, Samothraki was a great retreat for self-improvement and becoming enlighten. The Mysteries of Great Gods and their processes helped people to become better persons. This is why Samothraki is a preferred place for small gatherings about self-knowledge, self-improvement, philosophy and corporate strategy and incentive meetings.

Contact us for more information and advice on your private or corporate gatherings in Samothraki. We would be delighted to assist you in organising successfully all your MICE events.

Samothraki offers a slow-down life style. Therefore, you will not encounter a vibrant nightlife and numerous glittering nightclubs. The island is known for its serene atmosphere and for people focusing more on well-being and self-accomplishment.

However during the summer evenings, the villages of Therma and Hora become nightlife hot spots.

In Therma, local bars, cafes and taverns are open until late in the night or rather, early in the morning. They offer music entertainment to their audience. Make sure to grab some local drinks and food and enjoy the live music and full of life atmosphere.

In Hora, the nights are more calm and romantic. After having walked through the small medieval roads of Hora, enjoy your glass of wine or liquor in the many posh bars and restaurants of the capital of Samothraki.