Samothraki, the holy island, is known for its natural beauty. The island is a paradise, a mysterious place that radiates energy and bliss. A place for well-being and regeneration. For healing your body and mind! Although Samothraki is not famous for the beauty of its beaches, the island possesses wonderful blue-green coasts and is home to several pristine beaches with crystal clear waters!
The Thracian Sea in the north and the mythical Aegean Sea in the south bath Samothraki. Some beaches are more popular, other are wilder or hidden by imposing cliffs.
The northern beaches of the island are mainly pebbly, while the south-eastern beaches are sandy, such as the emblematic beaches of Pachia Ammos or Vatos. The water is always crystal clear and transparent.
Here are our top 5 beach suggestions:
Top 1: Vatos beach, the hidden gem of Samothraki
Vatos beach is an unrivaled sandy beach located at the mouth of the river Vatos in the south-east of Samothraki. This beautiful long sandy beach, with plane trees, pebbles, arches and clear blue water enchants all visitors.
There is fresh water available thanks to the nearby Vatos canyon and vathres. Where else would you swim in the sea and refresh yourself with the Vatos river water?
How to get to Vatos beach?
Vatos beach hides behind the mountains, far from any roads, which makes it quite difficult to reach. You have two options to access Vatos beach:
1 – By private boat: the easiest way to reach Vatos beach is to travel with a boat. Here are two providers we recommend for the boat tour:
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- H2O Dive & Fun: A private tour during which an experienced team will guide you safely to the best snorkelling spots in Samothraki, including Vatos beach.
- Samothraki Cruises: it offers daily cruises around Samothraki island and would visit, among others, Vatos.
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2 – Through a medium difficult – but in some places demanding – trail. The trail starts above Pachia Ammos and is about 1,5-2hours long. It cuts through the abrupt cliffs of Mount Saos and you should definitely not be afraid of heights, as you will need to climb along the cliff on some portions.
You will find some ropes to help at the hardest parts but some might be missing. This trail is demanding (especially after severe weather conditions), only experienced hikers should try it.
The location of this beach, far from everything, the iconic landscape, the clarity of the colors and the sandy beach will seduce you. Those who love freedom and nature will adore it, this is why you will meet several modern Robinson Crusoe spending several weeks or months on this beach, by camping, enjoying the silence and relaxing.
Top 2: Pachia Ammos beach, the most famous Samothraki beach
The most emblematic
No doubt, Pachia Ammos is the most emblematic beach of Samothraki. A long and sandy beach surrounded by oleanders and wild oak trees with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is approximately 800 meters long, sheltered between two cliffs in a picturesque scenery. On one side, you will enjoy the top of Mount Saos, Fegari (1611 meters high). Turn around to the horizon and see the island of Imvros in Turkey. The sand is mixed with a few small pebbles.
Pachia Ammos beach is the most popular beach of the island as it is the only sandy beach easily accessible by car. The drive from Kamariotissa is about 30 minutes long (17 kilometres). It is a nice drive as you go across Samothraki’s authentic villages and agricultural area with vast orchards of olive trees. You will probably encounter goats or sheep herds crossing the route.
A more touristic vibe
Next to Therma Beach, Pachia Ammos is the beach with a more touristic vibe. In the summer season, it offers beach bars with sun umbrellas, sunbeds and changing cabins. You can rent here kayaks, paddles or pedal boats. If you would rather throw your towel on the sand, you are most welcome to do so. The beach centre is dedicated to those who prefer the solitude of their own sun shield.
From Pachia Ammos, you can enjoy a boat trip to Vatos beach or to the Kremastos waterfall. You will not find any accommodation close by.
Parking: There is no official parking area but you can easily leave your car by the beach, as there is plenty of space. Be aware of the goats! Never leave your car below the trees as goats might climb on top of it trying to reach the leaves above.
Top 3: Kipos Beach “the gardens”, the volcanic beach
A stunning landscape
The terrific, super long beach of Kipos is located in the eastern part of the Island. Kipos beach is at the end of the main road crossing the island following the northern coast. It is easily (but with care) accessible, approximately 35 minutes’ drive far from Kamariotissa. Even though Pachia Ammos and Kipos are on the same island, they have almost nothing in common.
Small black volcanic pebbles form Kipos Beach. The landscape is stunning with a contrast between the dark pebbles, the deep blue water, and the cliffs rising out of the water at the end of the beach. From the beach, you can admire the heroic silhouette of Imvros, a Turkish island. You may want to turn off your mobile data as it might connect to a Turkish network with expensive roaming charges.
The perfect moonrise
The beach is ideal for admiring the moonrise, especially at full moon. At the end of the day, direct sunlight disappears quicker than on any other beaches on Samothraki as Mount Saos is in the way. On the opposite, it is the first place to admire the majestic summer full moon on the island.
The beach offers excellent conditions for scuba diving or snorkelling in the cliff area. If you swim past it, you will encounter small beaches and caverns otherwise inaccessible. The beach is also a great place for kiting, as it is windier. While swimming, paddling etc. stay always close to the shore!
Parking: It is very easy to park as the road ends with the parking area.
Top 4: Therma Beach, the Hot Springs of Samothraki
The trendy beach
Therma Beach is a particularly trendy beach frequented by young people in the northern part of Samothraki Island. It is easily accessible by car or by the bus (KTEL), about 15 minutes’ drive from Kamariotissa and 700 meters far from Therma village, home of the famous vathres of Samothraki.
Therma Beach consists of the small port facing Alexandroupolis, a small sandy beach on the left in front of some tavernas, and a large pebble beach on the right with two beach bars. The landscape is quite special with a wonderful view towards the wild and especially green forest in the right and the heights of Saos Mountain in the background. The port is a starting point if you wish to do a boat trip around the island.
Enjoy the beach bar and amenities
Therma Beach is covered by rocks and gravels, do not forget your aqua shoes! The clear blue water deepens quickly compared to Pachia Ammos or Kipos beaches. The underwater of the smaller beach to the left is quite interesting for snorkelling lovers.
In the summer months, Therma Beach offers amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, changing cabins, toilets and showers. Saoki Beach Bar was the first beach bar that opened on the island and remains the most famous beach bar in Samothraki.
During the evening, you can have your trendy drink listening to various live music concerts. This is a beloved place on the island. You can also find food trucks for a quick snack and you will find some tavernas in Therma village. Therma village also offers accommodation with hotels, rentals and camping sites.
Top 5: Paleopoli Beach, the historical beach
Paleopoli is the ancient city of Samothraki situated in the north-western part of the island, about 10 minutes’ drive from Kamariotissa. You will have noticed from the ferry, while arriving to Samothraki, the ruins of the iconic Gattilusi towers. Just in front of these medieval towers, you will spot the ancient port of Samothraki.
To the right and to the left of the old pier there is a long pebble beach. This beach is not the most convenient of the island (do not forget your aqua shoes) but because of the long pier, you are definitely sheltered from the winds for an unforgettable swimming recreation admiring the unrivalled view of the Ancient Paleopolis and part of the majestic Saos mountain.
Do not forget to take some water from the spring of Paleopolis, thanks to the source just before the old pier. This water comes directly from the Great Gods springs within the ancient site of Paleopolis. Locals claim it to be the best drinking water on the island (at least!). You will be enchanted!
The area is a protected wildlife sanctuary. It is very popular for fishing and you can spot many fishermen on the shore. Accommodation and restaurants are available close to the beach.
A top 5 but not only…
Of course, there are numerous other beaches to enjoy in Samothraki. Some of them wild, some of them of romantic beauty. No worries: you will get to know them little by little. They will gradually and mysteriously call you to approach them when time comes. After all, you will return to the Holy Island of Samothraki quite soon!
The EU Program NATURA 2000 protects Samothraki. Please respect the nature, the cultural heritage of Samothraki and the local population. Kindly leave the beaches clean of waste and consult our Responsible Traveler Code for further information.
Our private tours
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.
