The island of Samothraki

The island of Samothraki, or Samothrace, is a picturesque Greek Island full of energy and mystery. It combines a rich cultural heritage, lavish nature, spectacular gorges, powerful rivers, ancient forests, hot thermal springs, awesome waterfalls, pebble beaches and with crystal-clear waters.

Welcome to Samothraki, the Island of the Great Gods, the Holy Island!

With an area of ​​just 178 km2, Samothraki is a high mountain mass (Saos or Feggari, 1,611m) that dominates the northern Aegean and Thracian seas. The island of Samothraki is a special place and a unique travel destination for various reasons:

Samothraki is famous for its stunning natural beauty and unspoiled landscape including mountains, waterfalls, natural water pools (vathres), pristine beaches, hot thermal springs, ancient forests, plane trees, varied natural vegetation, etc. It is an ideal destination for all nature lovers, for those seeking well-being and a peaceful getaway, in a few words a paradise on Earth.

Samothraki Island is rich in legends, archaeological and historical sites, such as the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. History enthusiasts will love exploring the ancient sites and the archaeological museum.

Samothraki Island is not only associated with the prehistorical and ancient mysteries of life and death, the worship of the Great Gods ; but also with the visit of Apostle Paul and the development of Christianity.

Adventure seekers will adore Samothraki’s natural diversity. Thanks to its diverse landscape, the island of Samothraki is a unique place for challenging, outdoor activities: trekking, hiking, canyoning, diving, yachting, biking, etc.

Samothraki offers a truly immersive, authentic Greek experience compared to some more touristy destinations. You can really immerse in the traditional Greek way of life. Throughout the year, the island hosts various festivals (panigyria), historical and other cultural events, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the local traditions, music, dances (ballos) and gastronomy.

Did you know that Samothrace remains one of the last islands of Greece with a very special identity, iconic nature and authentic inhabitants? The European network NATURA 2000 protects its unique biodiversity. Samothrace is candidate for becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Island.

The island of Samothraki is located in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, southeast of Thasos and northeast of Lemnos, two other Greek islands in the northern Aegean Sea. It belongs administratively to the Prefecture of Evros and therefore to the Greek Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace. The Thracian Sea in the north and the Aegean Sea in the south bath Samothrace.

Samothraki is located 24 nautical miles (44 kms) from the city of Alexandroupoli, a major city in northern Greece. A ferry connects daily the mainland, from the port of Alexandroupoli, with the island of Samothraki.

The most important telephone numbers for your stay in Samothraki are listed below:

• • • Police   |   25510 41203/41303
    • Fire Department   |   2551041129 or 119
    • Emergency |   112
    • Port Authority   |   2551041305
    • Health Center   |   2551041156
    • Municipality (central call center)   |   2551041204 or 2551350800
    • ZANTE FERRIES   |   2551098038 or 2551082289
    • KTEL Samothraki   |   2551041218
    • Taxi Samothraki   |   6976991270 or 6972883501 or 6972381762
    • Taxi Alexandroupoli   |   2551033500
    • Thermal Baths in Therma   |   2551098401
    • Folklore Museum in Chora   |   2551041227 or
    • Archaeological Site and Museum in Paleopolis   |   2551041474 or 2551098059

Nota Bene: For international calls kindly add 0030 prior to the phone number.

Throughout the centuries, Samothraki or Samothrace remained one of the most sacred places in the ancient world. It is considered to have been first inhabited by the Pelasgians (predecessors of the Thracians and Greeks). Samothraki Island has a rich and tormented history, best explained in the Archaeological Museum of Palaiopolis:

• • • It is believed to be the birthplace of Harmony (Armonia)
    • It is famous for the rites of the Great Gods and the Kavirian mysteries.
    • Philip, King of Macedonia, met here Olympias, the mother of Alexander the Great, while she served as a Priestess in the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.
    • During the Hellenistic and Roman times, Samothraki’s sacred reputation was spread in the entire then known world.
    • Apostle Paul chose Samothrace as his first stop on his European tour for preaching the new Christian religion.

During the Byzantine Empire, Samothrace was fortified and the remaining of this great fortification are still visible: the tower of Fonia, the Castle of Chora and the emblematic towers of Gattilusi (of the period of the Paleologos dynasty).

Samothrace was one of the leaders in the liberation struggle against the Ottomans (August 1821). The revolution was quickly put down by the Sultan followed by Turkish atrocities, massacre of civilians and slavery (September 1st, 1821). As a consequence, the island was deserted for years. Finally, the Greek navy liberated Samothrace on October 19th, 1912 after World War I and the gradual dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.

Allegedly, Samothraki hosts today 999 byzantine and post byzantine monasteries and churches. A conspicuous proof of the wholehearted religiosity of the inhabitants throughout the centuries.

Today in Samothraki live around 3,000 people (2021 census) with a low population density (15 people / km2). Except for public administration, the main source of income are agriculture, fishing, livestock and small-scale tourism.

Samothrace is, of course, the Island of the famous Nike of Samothrace, also known as the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

This worldwide famous Hellenistic sculpture, one of the most emblematic and celebrated sculptures from Ancient Greece is exhibited today at the Louvre Museum in Paris and receives more than 10 million visitors annually.

The Nike of Samothrace is considered a symbol of ephemeral glory and a masterpiece of the human spirit and art craft.

Charles Champoiseau discovered the statue in 1863 within the boundaries of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods in Palaiopolis. Champoiseau was a French amateur archaeologist who then served as a Vice-Consul of France to the Ottoman Empire.

Events, local festivities and religious feasts play a central role in the local life of Samothraki. The major religious feasts (panygiria) of Samothrace are:

• • • Agios Athanasios also in the Monastery (Metochi) of Iviron on January 18^th
    • Agios Georgios in April: The celebration day of St George may vary depending on the celebration of the Greek Orthodox Eastern.
    • Profitis Ilias on July 20^th: A Christian festivity related to the ancient feast for the life spending sun. Profitiss Ilias is the name also of the highest village on Samothraki.
    • Agia Paraskevi on July 26^th: Agia Paraskevi is celebrated in the homonymous picturesque church in Ano Meria, with local dances (ballos) and traditional local shepherd’s food (gorgovrasto).
    • Sotiros on August 6^th: The transfiguration of the Saviour is greatly celebrated in Samothraki.
    • Panagia on August 15^th: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the largest festivity next to the Orthodox Eastern.
    • Panagia Kremniotissa on August 17th : the Virgin Mary of the Cliffs (Panagia Kremniotissa) is solemny celebrated on this day on the most iconic and legendary homonymous site of Samothraki.
    • The Olokaftoma or Halasmos (Holocaust) in Samothraki performed by the Turks, September 1st, 1821.
    • Saints Five New Martyrs of Samothrace celebrated every first Sunday after the Orthodox Easter

You will enjoy your holidays on Samothraki the most, if you refrain from doing the following simple things:

1. 1. 1. Do not reach the Island of the Great Gods without being well prepared, both mentally and physically. Samothrace fascinates all its visitors when they fairly know what they are looking for on the Island of Great Gods.
      2. Do not park your car unsupervised under the shade of trees e.g. near the beaches. It is highly likely that the goats will use it as a springboard to reach the tree branches for their daily meal. Except for lingering memories, they will leave on your vehicle, deep marks of their hooves.
      3. Do never climb the Saos Mountain alone, but always in company (preferably with an experienced and certified mountain guide). Be properly geared with trekking shoes, the necessary personal protective equipment (including hat, sunscreen cream, snacks, medicines, etc.). Always carry enough drinkable water and a charged mobile phone in case of emergency
      4. During severe weather conditions, stay in well-protected areas. Comply with the instructions given by the local authorities via alerts on your mobile phone. Avoid crossing flooded rivers, neither on foot nor by your vehicle!
      5. Do not drive having consumed alcohol or other substances.
      6. Do not swim alone in deep sea waters. Always stay close to the land shore.
      7. Avoid using sunscreen and other creams before swimming in freshwater pools (vathres).
      8. Do not litter the pristine nature with waste, cigarette butts, papers or plastic.
      9. Don’t uproot plants or herbs and generally do not interfere with the local fauna and flora.
      10. Do not waste natural resources: water, energy (e.g. for unnecessary lighting, or air-conditioning) or food.
      11. If you cannot avoid producing waste, do recycle it using the blue waste tons of the Municipality of Samothraki.

Enjoy to the maximum your stay in Samothraki!

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.