Top 10 things to do in Samothraki

Our Top 10 things to do in Samothraki?

Samothraki, the holy island, is an unspoiled Greek island, known for its natural beauty, overwhelming energy, spirituality, and its historical sites. The island offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers, hikers, sea & sun lovers but also for cultural heritage enthusiasts. Visiting Samothraki is a unique and enriching experience for life and well being.

Here are our Top 10 things to do in Samothraki during your stay:

Firstly, Samothraki is famous for its scenic waterfalls, particularly the Fonias and Gria Vathra waterfalls. Hiking trails lead to these natural wonders, offering a chance to enjoy the island’s lush landscapes and to swim in the local vathres.

To clarify, Vathres are a set of natural stone-carved deep water pools, a true trademark of Samothraki Island. The vathres are formed naturally next to the uncountable river waterfalls of Samothraki. The word “vathres” derives probably from the Greek word “valhi” which means deep. Vathres became a brand name and a synonym of Samothraki. One of the top things to must see in Samothraki!

Importantly, Fonias river is the most prominent river on Samothraki and of the notable natural attractions on the island. The sources of the Fonias River are high, within the Saos Mountain. The Fonias Gorge is located in the northern part of the island. The Fonias Gorge is very popular with hikers who enjoy its waterfalls and its “vathres”. It is relatively easily accessible after 45 minutes of walk.

With a height of approximately 20 meters, Fonias waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. You may enjoy swimming and chilling out in the vathra formed by the majestic Fonias waterfall. Try the shoulder massage under the waterfall; it is great fun for free!

For the more adventurous ones, George Andreou, one of the most experienced Greek instructors, organizes canyoning courses. You will find more info about this unique canyoning experience and adventure!

The Fonias Gorge and its waterfalls hiking is another top thing to do in Samothraki!

In addition, Gria Vathra is a set of crystal-clear natural pools and smaller waterfalls located in the northern part of Samothraki, next to the village of Therma. The name “Gria Vathra” translates to “Old Pool” in English. They are easy to access after 15 minutes of walk.

On a hot summer day, cool off by dipping into the cool, refreshing, purifying waters of Gria Vathra. The iconic landscape and the dense vegetation create an atmosphere of heavenly serenity.

Secondly, the Sanctuary of the Great Gods is one of the most important historical site in Greece. The Sanctuary was one of the most important religious centres in the ancient Greek and Roman world. It gained prominence for its mysterious rites and rituals, called the Mysteries of Samothrace. Today, little is known of the process celebrated in the Sanctuary. All the initiates (“Mystes”) had to keep the rituals secret. And they did so!

Evidences show that they seeked for divine protection in this world and afterlife. They were persuaded that following the purification process, they would become better and enlighten persons.

It is worthwhile mentioning, that unlike other religious ceremonies, the Mysteries of Samothrace were open to everyone: men and women, free men, and slaves, poor and rich, aristocrats and simple sailors. They all looked for divine blessing!

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is located in Palaiopolis, in an iconic valley of the Saos Mountain. It still radiates an overwhelming energy. Explore the old city of Palaieopolis, the cyclopian fortification walls and the enlarged, splendidly renovated Archaeological Museum of Samothraki.

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods and the Archeological Museum of Samothraki are another must see during you stay on the Holy Island!

At the entrance Museum, you will encounter the exact replica of the Nike (Victory) of Samothrace, offered by the Museum of Louvre in Paris to Samothraki.

No doubt, following your visit to Palaiopolis, you will “become both, more pious and just”; eventually, a better person than when you entered the Sanctuary!

Thirdly, Samothraki is home to beautiful and wild beaches with crystal clear, pristine waters. Samothraki’s beaches consist mainly of thick pebbles, except for Pachia Ammos (“Thick sand”). Most of them are easy to access by car, other only by boat tours.

Spend a day at the beach relaxing, take a refreshing swim, snorkel around the caves and cliffs. Furthermore, you may rent a paddle or kayak or simply enjoy the refreshments or snacks at the beach bars (at Therma, Makrylies and Pachia Ammos). Depending on what you are looking for, you will spot immediately your preferred beach on the island. Often you will find this beach simply in front of your place of stay or close to it!

Pachia Ammos, Kipos, Therma, Akrotiri, Makrylies, etc…

Discover the top 5 beaches on the island.

Enjoy the therapeutic effects of the thermal natural springs at the Therma village. The mineral-rich natural hot waters (average temperature between 38 and 40 degrees) combined with the amazing views and the overwhelming landscape provide all its visitors with a unique well-being experience. The hot natural springs in Therma are well known for their therapeutic properties since ancient times.

Therma is a small village about 20 minutes far from Kamariotissa, nestled next to the ancient forest of Martini, among huge oaks, plane trees (platanus) and chestnuts.

You will find few hotels, rentals (rooms-to-let), shops and restaurants. After your thermal treatment, head to the close by, very popular “Kafeneion” in Therma for refreshments.

In the late evening, Therma is full of life. Bars and taverns stay open until the next morning, offering, for those who like it, live music and entertainment.

Therma is also the starting point to hike up the majestic Saos mountain.

Hora (also called Samothraki or Samothrace) is the capital and the administrative centre of the island. It is nestled in a small, well-protected valley of Mount Saos for fear of the pirates.

Hora is a picturesque town built on an altitude of 300 meters above sea level and today. Less than 700 inhabitants live in the small capital of Samothraki. Cultural heritage laws protect this traditional Greek village. The narrow streets, lively squares, its bioclimatic architecture, souvenir and jewellery shops amaze the visitors of Hora.

The village has a relaxing atmosphere and is full of hidden gems. Restaurants, posh wine & liquor bars attract many visitors to enjoy their evenings to the maximum.

You will fall in love with Hora!

During the day, explore the medieval castle, known as the “Kastro (Castle) of Samothraki” or “Gattilusi Castle”. Located on a hill overlooking Hora and the Thracian sea, this is a historical site of a major historical significance for Samothraki. The recently restored walls provide a glimpse into the island’s imperial, Byzantine past.

The Gattilusi castle offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the island, Thrace and the Thracian Sea. A visit to the Folklore Museum in Hora is a must to learn about people’s life in Samothraki until very recently!

Hora is home to one of the oldest traditional bakeries of Greece with wood-fired oven. The descendants of the Antoniou family, now the 4th generation, operate this bakery founded in 1853.

Taste the unrivalled bread, pies and the unleavened rusks (hard, dry biscuits), called in Greek “eptazyma paximadia”. If you make it early in the morning to the Antoniou bakery (on the main road to the Castle), you will get the products oven fresh!

This visit will capture your senses and will become one of the most lingering memories from Samothaki!

Hora offers also enchanting sunsets! Enjoy the romantic moments at the “Kastro Café” next to the medieval Castle or on the roof of the Café-Ouzeri “Aetsa” with local meze, ouzo, and the bread of the Antoniou bakery!

The church of Panagia Kremniotissa (Virgin Mary of the Cliffs) is located south of the island, on the way to Pachia Ammos beach. It was built in 1887, on top of an older construction on an altitude of 311m above sea level. It was renovated in 1999 following damages caused by a fire.

The church is a pilgrimage site and holds great religious significance for Samothraki.

According to old, local traditions, we celebrate Virgin Mary here with all solemnity on August 17^th, i.e. on the third day of Virgin Mary’s Assumption. Many legends surround the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. We assume that prehistoric and Thracian tribes inhabited the whole cliffy area, long before the Greeks arrived to Samothraki.

During the summer, Panagia Kremniotissa is relatively easy to access by car thanks to a dirt road. At the end of the road, the Taverna Panagia Kremniotissa welcomes you for a break and refreshments before stepping up the 50 stone steps to reach the church settled in a beautiful garden.

The Church is locked? Ask for the keys in the Taverna. You may also try the traditionally cooked dishes (e.g. gorgovrasto), local beer (Fonias) or tsipouro (sort of a strong traditional Greek liquor like Grappa). For any additional information regarding the access or reservation, call: (+30) 6971602637 or 6980484279.

Panagia Kremniotissa is situated on a high plateau of Mount Saos, providing stunning panoramic views of the island. Enjoy the wonderful view, the towering cliffs, the wild nature that unfolds in front of you and the vastness of the northern Aegean Sea. It is worth noting, that the Aegean Sea starts exactly here, just in front of you!

Samothraki, like many Greek islands, has a vast culinary tradition with a variety of simple local dishes that display the diversity in flavours and products of the region. Visit tavernas and restaurants in villages like Kamariotissa, Therma,  Hora, Profitis Ilias etc… Sample the island’s culinary delights, including fresh seafood, local cheeses, traditional Greek dishes, the local beer Fonias or homemade liquors!

In Samothraki, you will encounter many family owned tavernas cooking simple, yet delicious typical Greek dishes made from local ingredients according to old receipts.

Besides lavish nature, waterfalls, ancient forests, beaches and the Sanctuary of Great Gods, local gastronomy and products will capture all your senses.

Discover the typical local dishes and local products in Samothraki on our gastronomy and restaurants page.

Samothraki remains quite a wild island, dominated by the majestic Mount Saos. The southeastern part of the island is inhabited and not accessible by car. Therefore, the pristine beaches of Vatos or Gyali, are only accessible by (highly demanding) hiking or by boat.

For boat tours, there are the following options available:

• Half day group boat tour including short trekking and swimming or
• Private boat tours including snorkelling, diving, and other activities as you agree with the boat owners.

The boat tours usually start from the ports of Kamariotissa and/or Therma. The private boat tours depart mainly from Makrylies or Pahia Ammos.

No matter which boat tour you choose, you will experience breath-taking, iconic landscapes and pristine beaches such as:

• The stunning Kremastos waterfall, the most spectacular and one of the tallest in the world, pouring fresh water into the Aegean Sea.
• Vatos beach
• Gyali beach
• The canyons of Gyali, Vatos and Kremastos
• Tis Grias ta Pania, a particular geological formation that you can only from the sea
• Swimming at hidden and rocky coves or sandy beaches surrounded by wonderful turquoise waters, unique moments of well-being and in full harmony with nature.

Samothracians are known for their hospitality, religiosity, and particular sense of humour. They are generally open-minded and gentle. Take a chance to interact with the local community. Learn from first-hand about their customs, traditions and feasts. Begin your authentic Samothraki exploration with a Greek coffee at “Aleka’s Kafeneion” in Chora.

If your visit coincides with one of the local religious festivities, be part of it!

Attending a local event in Samothraki will be a rich and rewarding experience filled with positive energy. One of our Top Travel Tips for 2025!

Local festivities highlight the rich cultural heritage of Samothraki. You will have the opportunity to witness traditional music, dance (balos), dresses and customs. Thus a true immersion into Samothraki’s unique cultural identity.

The Folkore Museum in Chora (currently under restoration) offers great insights from Samothraki’s daily life and cultural heritage.

Festivities of Samothraki are community driven events where locals come together to meet and celebrate shared traditions. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Understand the deep connections between the people, their faith, their history and cultural heritage. Take actively part in their collective joy expressed through music, dance, and hospitality!

Throughout the year, there are many national or religious feasts solemnly celebrated in Samothraki. Grasp the chance to live like the locals, visit several authentic villages. Sense their cultural heritage and of course, support local businesses by purchasing products and services.

Focusing on the summer festivities, the most known ones are the following:

• • • Agia Marina on July 17^th in Alonia
    • Profitis Ilias on July 20^th in Profitis Ilias, the homonymous, highest village in Samothraki.
    • Agia Paraskevi on July 26^th in Ano Meria
    • Sotiros (Τransfiguration of the Saviour) on August 6^th in Chora
    • Panagia (Assumption of Virgin Mary) on August 15^th in Chora.
    • Panagia Kremniotissa (Assumption of Virgin Mary) on August 17^th in Panagia Kremniotissa

Enjoy authentic Greek life!

Great Gods Travel Agency, your expert travel agency in Samothraki offers private tours to the discover the island. Check them out and do not hesitate to contact us.