Samothrace’s pristine natural beauty is complemented by breathtaking waterfalls, secluded beaches and lush forests. The island also boasts a rich cultural heritage with its ancient ruins and traditional villages.
The islands numerous waterfalls create natural ponds or lagoons called vathres. The best known are those of Gria and Fonia, located near the village of Therma.
O Vrachos
For those looking for a restaurant with an amazing view and good food, then you should check out O Vrachos. It is located right on the beach, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy a nice meal with a spectacular view of the sea and mountains. The food is also very good here, and the service is very friendly.
The restaurant is very large and has a lot of seating, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you want to get a table. The food here is traditional Greek cuisine, so you should try some of the local specialties, such as octopus in wine sauce (polpa), goat meat (katsikaki on a spit) or cheese spread (tyrosalata).
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Samothrace, you should visit the Archeological Museum of Samothrace, which has a variety of artifacts from the prehistoric period, including pottery, tools and weapons. It’s also worth visiting the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, which is a shrine dedicated to the gods Dionysus and Hera.
Another great place to visit is the village of Profitis Ilias, which has many small taverns where you can enjoy delicious meals and drinks. The taverns are family-owned, so you can be sure that the food is going to be excellent. The prices are also very reasonable.
The best time to visit Samothrace is in the summer, when the weather is warm and the beaches are open. However, the island is also beautiful in spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Samothrace, I recommend booking a room at Achilleas Hotel. This hotel is located on the beach in Vrachos, and it offers a bar, a cafe, and self-catered apartments with a furnished balcony. The apartments are a short walk from the beach and offer beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. The hotel is also close to shops and restaurants, so you can easily find something to do during your trip. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean.
The Cocktail Bar Lydia
The eastern edge of H Street NE got even livelier with the January opening of Lydia on H, Malawian chef Victor Chizinga’s lively destination for spicy jerk chicken and juicy rum cake. The two-level space formerly held Halftime Sports Bar. Chizinga’s recipes honor his late mother, while memories of vacations to the Caribbean — specifically Jamaica – inspire a menu filled with riffs on rum punch and fragrant Afro-Caribbean fare parading out from an open kitchen.
The cocktail list includes a “Warm Heart of Africa,” made with Equiano rum blend, coconut, grenadine, mango and guava juices, and the “Jamaica Jive.” The bar also offers regular mixology classes. The upstairs speakeasy will exclusively serve Black-owned spirits, with lockers for members to store their own bottles for a six-month fee.
The cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to enjoy a nice evening in Samothrace! The service is great and the music is good as well. I hope to go back soon! I’ve been to many other places on the island, and this one is by far the best! I will definitely return and bring friends. Thanks! I’ll give you a call when I am in the area. -Sharon
O Fonias
The most authentic experience on Samothrace is to dine in a family taverna. Here you’ll find food prepared just like your Greek grandmother would do it, using fresh local ingredients. The menu is usually hastily scribbled on a notebook or blackboard and the prices are much lower than those you’d expect to pay on other Greek islands. In most cases the owner is also the manager, cook and waiter. So sit down and enjoy!
The Fonias River is one of the most famous rivers on Samothrace. It flows down from the steep peaks of Mount Saos and ends in the Thracian Sea just east of Therma. Its waterfalls and vathres (natural stone carved pools) are quite popular during the summer. They attract many tourists who are happy to dip in their icy waters while surrounded by lush green forests.
Aside from the pristine natural beauty, the island is home to a rich culture. There are a number of ancient ruins and traditional villages that are worth visiting. You can also admire the world renowned Winged Victory of Samothrace, a 2nd century B.C. Hellenistic marble sculpture of the goddess of victory.
In terms of accommodation, there are several great hotels in Samothrace that offer excellent value for money. Electra Suites and Kymata are two of the best choices. These hotels have received high marks from guests and are ideal for those looking for a comfortable stay in the heart of Samothrace.
Goat meat is a traditional meal on Samothrace and if you visit the island and don’t try it, you’re missing out on one of its most unique flavors. The O Vrachos restaurant located in Profitis Ilias is the place to go for this dish. This restaurant has been around for many years and understands how to prepare this delicious cuisine.
The best way to get to Samothrace is by ferry from Alexandroupolis. The trip takes about 2-3 hours and is available throughout the year. Samothrace is a magical island that has a lot to offer. From spectacular green pebble beaches to amazing waterfalls and mountains, this mystical place is sure to please you.
Therma
Samothrace looms over the northern Aegean coastline like a dragon casting a protective spell. It’s one of Greece’s most rugged islands, with its peak (known as Saos or Fengari) rising to 1,611 meters above sea level. Despite its small size, it’s packed with pristine beaches and historic sites.
The hamlet of Therma is home to some of the best restaurants in Samothrace, such as O BPAXOS, which serves good Greek and Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices. The restaurant has received many great reviews from Google users and is also well-known for its tasty lamb dishes.
If you want to take a break from the hot weather, head to the Gria Vathra waterfalls and swimming pools just 2 kilometers away from Therma village. This natural wonder is formed by at least 10 waterfalls that create a series of beautiful ponds and lagoons, all set in a gorgeous lush green forest. Swimming in the chilly waters is refreshing and relaxing, especially when you’re surrounded by such a scenic natural setting.
Besides swimming, hiking and savoring local food, Samothrace is also known for its untamed nature and its raw, unrefined beauty. The island is a paradise for hikers, with several trails that pass through forests and past scenic gorges. The most famous trail is the one that leads to the summit of the Fengari mountain, which offers spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the rest of the island.
For history buffs, Samothrace’s Arsinoeion temple is a must-visit. This shrine was dedicated to the goddess Nike, who’s depicted with her wings spread wide at the center of a colossal statue. The temple dates back to the second century BCE and is considered one of the most famous ancient art works in the world.
Those who love food can indulge in some of the best local products at the Samothrace Food Museum, which is located in a traditional house and is laid out like a typical village home. Here, you’ll see religious icons, photographs and household items from the old days. You can even purchase a special Samothrace souvenir: a traditional raki still, which looks like an enormous turkey baster with a long metal nozzle attached to it.