Samothrace (Samothraki) is a mountainous island in the northern Aegean, off the coast of Thrace, to which it belongs administratively. It is dominated by Mount Fengari (1,611 m), from whose summit, according to the Iliad, Poseidon watched the Trojan War.
In antiquity the island was famous for the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, where mysteries were celebrated, attracting initiates, sailors, kings and ordinary people from all over the Greek world until Roman times. Here in 1863 the Winged Victory of Samothrace was found, the statue of Nike that now greets visitors at the top of a staircase in the Louvre in Paris; a copy is displayed in the site museum.
Nature
Samothrace is green, with plane and oak woods and dozens of streams. The most famous is the Fonias, which tumbles down in a series of waterfalls and natural pools (vathres) where you can swim in cold, clear water; the paths need proper shoes. The village of Therma has hot springs. The main beaches are sandy Pachia Ammos in the south and pebbly Kipos in the east; many visitors camp.
What to see
| Place | Why |
|---|---|
| Sanctuary of the Great Gods | Ruins of temples and altars at Paleopoli, with the museum |
| Chora | The amphitheatre-shaped main town with a Genoese castle |
| Fonias waterfalls | Trail among waterfalls and freshwater pools |
| Mount Fengari | Demanding climb from Therma, with views as far as Turkey |
Getting there
The ferry leaves from Alexandroupoli and takes about 2 hours; summer sailings are more frequent and it is wise to book with a car. There is no airport: the nearest is at Alexandroupoli.