The ferry just dropped you in Kamariotissa harbour! Great, it is now time to explore the island! Although the size of Samothraki is small, 17km long (11 miles) and 178 square meters (69 square miles), you will need some transportation modes to visit it.
With your own car
Driving a car is the easiest, more convenient and safer way to explore the island. It allows you to visit remote areas on Samothraki and to travel at your own pace. You can board your car onto the ferry, which makes it easy to travel from home with your own car.
Driving around Samothraki
On Samothraki, you have two main roads starting from Kamariotissa and many secondary ones, which connect all villages together:
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- One road heads to Kipos beach along the northern shore of the island to the east (27km long – 35min). It crosses the villages of Karyotes, Palaieopolis, Therma and Ano Meria.
- The other one heads for south and Pachia Ammos (17km long – 28min). It connects many villages such as Alonia, Makrilies, Xiropotamos, Profitis Ilias, Lakkoma and Dafnes.
- Two smaller roads departing from Palaiopolis and Kamariotissa connect to Chora, the capital of Samothraki (around 5km).
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The road conditions and signage are satisfactory. The island is not crowded and therefore, it is easy to drive around. Drive responsibly, respect the traffic rules, and adapt yourself to the road and weather conditions. While driving, you may encounter animals on your road (e.g. sheep, goats, dogs, cats, hedgehogs, snakes, ferrets etc.). So, drive with care!
There are no roads towards the south-eastern part of the island between Kipos and Pachia Ammos beaches. This part of Samothraki is practically uninhabited and not accessible by car. If you wish to explore it, the only way is hiking the mountain trails or by boat along the coast.
Gas station on Samothraki Island
As the island is quite small, you will drive short distances and therefore you might not even need to refill your tank. If you must, there is only one gas station on the island: Batzikostas Evangelos
The gas station of Evangelos Batzikostas is located 1km far from Kamariotissa port on the road from Kamariotissa to Chora. The station is usually open every day. If closed, easy to handle automatic vendor machines will be at your disposal.
Prices are higher than on the mainland so it might be more convenient to fill your tank in Alexandroupolis before stepping into the ferry. The gas station also offers a market and a self-service carwash. However, it does not offer any battery recharging facilities for electric vehicles.
Recharging your electrical car
You will find conventional 220-volt outlets for recharging electric vehicles within the Great Gods Travel Agency premises (located next to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods in Palaiopolis).
Samothraki car rental
If you arrive by plane in Greece and needs to rent a car to reach Samothraki, you have two options:
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- Rent a car at the airport, e.g. in Alexandroupolis. Our partner Hertz offers reliable car rental services within the premises of Alexandroupolis airport. You will benefit from a discounted price if you book online. We always recommend travelling responsibly, and renting a hybrid or electric car!
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- Rent a car on Samothraki Island. There are three car rental companies in Samothraki, all located at the Kamariotissa port. Once you choose the company and before signing the contract, check conspicuously the overall car condition including the tyres’ profile.
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Samothraki scooter rental
Visiting Samothraki with a scooter can be a wonderful way to explore the island’s natural beauty and enjoy the freedom of moving around at your own pace. If you want to rent a scooter in Kamariotissa, you have the choice among three different renting companies at the port. Carefully check the overall scooter condition, including brakes and tyre profiles.
Make sure you are equipped with the appropriate safety gear, including helmet. Respect the local speed limits and drive responsibly. Check the road, the weather and wind conditions before heading for Kipos or Pachia Ammos.
Samothraki taxis
There are no taxi “companies” but individual taxi drivers to serve you in Samothraki. The taxi station is located by the old lighthouse in Kamariotissa port. They can also pick you up from any other accessible places on the island. Book your taxi well in advance dialing one of the following mobile phone numbers:
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- Taxi Samothraki : +30 697 699 1270 or +30 697 288 3501 or +30 697 238 1762
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For transfers in Alexandroupolis, dial the taxi central phone number:
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- Taxi Alexandroupolis : +30 255 103 3500
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Samothraki local buses (KTEL)
Another way to travel across the island is to use local buses. Public transport is an excellent, cheap and responsible mobility option while driving a car or a scooter offers more freedom.
Local buses depart from Kamariotissa; you will encounter the station right next to the ferry terminal. They deserve the main villages of the island following three main routes:
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- Kamariotissa – Chora, the capital of the island / Estimated travel time: 10 minutes
- South west of the island: Kamariotissa – Alonia – Lakkoma – Profitis Ilias / Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
- Kamariotissa – Paleopoli – Kariotes – Therma – Ano Meria / Estimated travel time: 30 minutes
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Local buses run every day during the high season and from Monday to Friday during the rest of the year.
During the summer season, in July and August, you have a regular bus route to and from the beaches of Pachia Ammos and Kipos. For KTEL bus schedules check at Samothraki.gr.
Hitchhiking on Samothraki Island
Although hitchhiking sometimes requires patience, people love hitchhiking on Samothraki. Many cars on the island belong to local farmers. Therefore, you have great chances to experience Samothraki on a farmer’s car cart with goats, sheep, dogs etc.!
Always respect local customs and be prepared with a few essential words and phrases in Greek to enhance communication. Have an address (preferably in Greek), map or smartphone to show your desired destination.
Do not miss the chance for a unique and truly authentic experience!
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.
