Samothraki. The mountain, the nature, the sea

Samothrace is located in the northern Aegean Sea and it is the northernmost island of Greece. It is accessible only by boat. A frequent ferry boat service either from the port of Alexandroupolis or from the port of Kavala takes you to the central port of Samothraki named Kamariotissa.

Samothraki has kept a traditional atmosphere and has protected its natural environment, as the island has not been affected by build-up projects and touristic and entertainment facilities.  As a result its most special characteristics are pure nature and picturesque lands.

The natural landscape of the island includes impressive waterfalls and running water, dense forests, imposing mountains and of course the crystal clear sea, rich in fish.

Another feature of the island is its ancient history that begins approximately 4000 years ago.  In ancient Greece Samothraki was popular due to the brilliant religious festival, called «Kavireia Mysteria», a ceremony directly connected to the mystical religion of «Great Gods». Kavireia Mysteria used to be just important as “Elefsinia Mysteria” and that is why a lot of visitors used to come to Samothraki from many places of Greece.

Activities:

Hiking - Trekking

Natural rivers and impressive waterfalls of the island is the best choice for those who love to walk in nature and those who are interested in easy to difficult walking paths near spectacular waterfalls.

The river “Fonias”(Killer):
A beautiful path through a forest of trees  which ends to a lovely waterfall and swimming basin.
A very special geological phenomenon that the visitor can see at the waterfalls of “Fonias” is the formation of little lagoons, called «Vathres» which look like small natural pools. You can enjoy swimming there and indulge a natural shower - massage from the cold crystal water that falls on your body. In other words, a great SPA, offered completely free from nature.
You can continue walking to the next waterfall and the next stage of “vathres”. You should be very careful and focused on your way. Also, don’t forget to wear shoes which protect your feet as the road is quite rocky. Special signs will guide you to the second waterfall. Although the route is quite difficult you will be both fascinated by the beautiful natural landscape and rejuvenated  by the cool bath that you may enjoy in “Vathres” waterfalls. For those more experienced and brave, the path continues to the third waterfall.

Therma:
The region is popular for the natural therapeutic water sources which are offered for spas. There you can walk the path through shady forest of trees which leads to the waterfall «Gria Vathra».

Swimming

The beaches of Samothraki  are calm and easily accessible by car or bike.  You will enjoy swimming in a quiet place without necessarily rent a deck chair and umbrella.
On the northern side of the island and on the road from the “Therma” to “Kamariotissa”, you will find beaches with natural shade from trees and large pebbles. At certain point you will find wooden benches for picnic. On the southern part of the island you can find sandy beaches.

If you love to explore the ground of the sea with a mask, you will be greatly impressed.
Thousands of feet down you'll discover beautiful rock colors, as well as unique seaweeds and algae. You will dive in close to small flocks of fishes which can be seen till the end of you eye sight. 

You may be visited by small herd of goats. They are harmless and very cute animals, so just ignore them. If you have some food with you in your bag, it is better to hide it, because some times they are getting inquisitive!

Archaeological visits - Museums:

Ancient City / “Paleopolis”
Located in the northern coastal road at a distance of 6.5 km from Kamariotissa. This is the most important archaeological site on the island. Visitors can walk in the area and discover the Temple of the Great Gods, ancient buildings, theater, the “dome of Arsinoes” and other buildings which indicate the importance of the place during ancient years.  There is also the famous fountain where the famous statue of “Nike of Samothrace” was situated.

Archaeological Museum
This is also located in Paleopolis. The visitor can walk through archaeological finds which came to light during archaeological excavations started by the American School of Archeology in 1938.

The museum presents a number of objects from ancient daily life, such as pots and tools. There are also jewelry, statues, metopes from buildings. You may also see a copy of the headless statue of “Nike of Samothrace”, as the original is kept in the Louvre museum in France.

The Towers of Gkatilouzi
During the Byzantine Ages, the Genoese “Gkatilouzi” fortified the Ancient City ”Paleopolis”, as there was the main port of the island. At the same time, they built towers, one of which is still preserved in ruins at Akrotiri, at the mouth of the river “Fonias”. Part of the fortress can also be seen at “Chora”, the capital of Samothraki.

Folklore Museum
It is at “Chora”, the capital of Samothraki. It is a restored two floor old mansion, which represents the traditional architecture of the houses on the island.

At folklore museum, there are kept objects and tools of professions of the past, such as agricultural tools. There is also saved a traditional loom and other accessories related with embroidery which was created by women. The visitor will see a number of old items of daily use of household, old furniture, traditional costumes, and old photographs of the island.

The villages:

“Chora” (The Country )

The most traditional village of the island. Built on Saos Mountain at about 300 meters height. It is ideal for a beautiful walk in the afternoon just before the sunrise. You can visit part of the fortress of «Gkatilouzi», the ancient church of «Virgin Mary» built on 1875, the Folklore Museum.
You may wonder around the village, to visit local shops with ceramics and local souvenirs. You may enjoy an evening coffee in the square with a nice view to the sea. You will also find very nice restaurants with delicious shops and little bar-cafes for a drink.
If you visit Chora in the morning, you should also visit the traditional bakery, where you can buy hand-made bread or other kind of bakery, all baked in a traditional stone oven.

Kamariotissa

This is the main port of the island. The name “Kamariotissa” comes from the church «Panayia Kamaras» (Mother of Kamaras) and the icon of “Mother of Kamara” that is kept there.  There are a lot of restaurants and cafes, shops for newspapers and magazines, banks, travel agencies and other stores which are difficult to be found elsewhere on the island.

Therma

It is a wonderful village full off trees and a lot of running waters. Here you can have therapeutic baths with water from natural sources (spa). You may also walk on the path which ends to the waterfalls of «Gria Vathra». At the square of the village, you will find restaurants and mini market stores for shopping.

Prophet Elias.

A very picturesque little village built on the hill of «Prophet Elias». The view from there is unique and if you are lucky enough due to the weather conditions  you may also see Mount Athos.
Prophet Elias is a popular place for testing «Katsiki Samothrakis», a local traditional recipe which includes stuffed goat with chopped liver, rice all cooked with local herbs.

For more information, visit also the official website of the Municipality of Samothrace http://www.samothraki.gr/

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