The pristine natural beauty of Samothrace makes it an ideal vacation destination for nature lovers. You can enjoy natural pools, hiking, traditional festivals, and sleep under the stars.
It is also the birthplace of the Hellenistic masterpiece, the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It is an awe inspiring symbol of Greece’s power and glory.
1. Samothraki Mineral Springs
Located in Therma, Samothrace, this hidden gem is a perfect place to unwind and relax. The natural thermal pools have been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times, and they are believed to have beneficial effects on rheumatic conditions, chronic rheumatic diseases, peripheral angiopathies, and gynecological disorders.
Therma is also home to a range of hiking trails, including the one that leads to Fonias Falls. The waterfall is a must-see attraction, and it’s worth taking the time to walk to the top for stunning views of the island. Another popular trail is the one that leads to the ruins of Samothrace Castle. This historic site is well worth a visit, and it’s a great place to explore the history of this beautiful island.
Guests who stay at the Eroessa – Samothraki Beach Apartments and Suites Hotel will enjoy a convenient location close to the beach as well as many other attractions. The hotel features a swimming pool and separate children’s pool overlooking the Thracian Sea, as well as comfortable rooms with refrigerators. Guests can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs come equipped with satellite programming for your entertainment.
While Samothrace doesn’t have the most famous beaches in Greece, it does boast some secluded shorelines that offer plenty of space for sunbathing and water sports. Vatos Beach is a popular spot that rivals Pachia Ammos for sand and scenery, and can be reached by tour boat or several hours of walking from the village. Alternatively, you can head to the northern part of the island for quieter beaches that are often overlooked by tourists.
The best hotels in Samothrace offer a variety of amenities to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or something more luxurious, there are a variety of hotels and motels in Samothrace to suit your needs. You can use filters to find the right hotel for you, and many of them are rated highly on TripAdvisor.
2. Varades Municipal Camping
Whether you’re planning to spend your whole trip exploring Samothrace or simply stopping by for one or two days, there are accommodations nearby that will suit your needs. You can find luxury hotel choices near the town of Therma, ranging from 4 star and 5 star to suites and villas, or choose to stay in a comfortable vacation rental like a cottage or house. There are also some good budget hotels available for those looking to save on lodging costs.
Many of the best hotels are located close to Samothraki Mineral Springs, Varades Municipal Camping, and Fonias Falls. Those wanting to see the sights of Samothrace will want to consider staying at a centrally located hotel, such as the Xiropotamos Natural Pools Apartment. There are some smaller hostels and bed & breakfasts that offer more economical accommodation options, such as the Traditional Houses Atzanou.
There are some nice restaurants and cafes located around Samothrace, including the Niki Beach and the Olimpiaki Restaurant. There are also plenty of places to get some fast food, such as the Pizza Hut and Subway. If you’re traveling with kids, you may want to check out the family friendly options that are available.
When you’re in town for business, you can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi at most of the hotels and resorts. It’s a great way to keep in touch with colleagues and clients while on the road.
You’ll find plenty of car rental companies in Samothrace, including top brands like Budget and Enterprise. Choosing a rental car will allow you to travel to other destinations on your own schedule, and it’s an affordable way to get around. You can even bundle your car and hotel reservations into a single package to save money on your next getaway.
With the help of Hotwire, you can easily find a cheap hotel or resort that will give you everything you need for your trip. You can use the search filters to sort by price range, amenities, and more. And don’t forget to look at the latest hotel deals in Samothrace before booking your reservation!
3. Fonias Falls
Fonias Falls is the most impressive of Samothrace’s many waterfalls. This gorge, nicknamed “the killer” because of its massive floods, is wide and open with lush vegetation and a number of natural pools called vathres. The quickest hike to the first of these, Gria vathra, is just 30 minutes and follows the creek through a tree-shaded and boulder-strewn path. More committed hikers can continue to the second, more treacherous waterfall at Karya. The route here involves a difficult trek along steep slopes and requires sturdy shoes, ropes, and an experienced guide.
Away from the tourist spots of Samothrace, there are a handful of beautiful villages where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. The most popular and authentic village to stay in on the island is Chora, which boasts one of the best views on the island from its medieval castle ruins and traditional houses. The town also hosts a folklore museum and is where several hiking trails to Fengari (Moon Peak) begin. While there are few restaurants in Chora, there is a microbrewery that makes a great pale ale called Fonias.
Guests staying at hotels on Samothrace will find a range of accommodation options to choose from. From hostels that provide a budget option to luxury boutique hotels, there are plenty of lodging choices available for every traveler’s taste and budget. Regardless of which hotel you choose to stay at, most will have a number of amenities such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk service.
If you want to experience Samothrace like a local, then you should consider staying in a homestay or an apartment. These will give you a true feel of the local culture and let you get a glimpse of what life is like on this peaceful island. For those looking for a more luxurious hotel option, there are a number of 5 star hotels located near landmarks such as Folklore Museum, Varades Municipal Camping, and Fonias Falls. You can easily book any of these upscale accommodations with the help of Fantasy Travel, which is an expert in helping travelers put together a trip to Samothrace.
4. Samothraki Beach
If you want to stay close to a beautiful beach, Therma is an excellent option. Guests rave about the hotel’s cleanliness, breakfast and the pool and its location steps away from a sandy beach and gorgeous mountain views. You could even walk to the Fonias waterfalls from here!
Samothrace is a mystical island and this is evident as soon as you set foot on it. The beaches have a raw beauty that can only be described as otherworldly. There is something untamed about them, the water might be emerald green or deep blue, and they are surrounded by mountains, wild forests and ancient sites that are filled with energy and power.
This energy is especially present in the south of Samothrace where the beaches are protected by the abrupt cliffs of the mountain. They are hard to access, but if you’re willing to hike on the trails (they can be dangerous) or take a boat trip during the season you will find amazing beaches like Pachia Ammos, Kipos and Limnidi. Then there’s the inaccessible Katarti and the hidden Vatos.
You can also visit the ruins of the ancient Kavirian ritual temple and the church of Panagia Krimniotissa. The island’s countless natural ponds and rivers are a treat as well. The Fonias waterfalls are particularly magical. They are a sight to behold, a natural wonder that you will remember forever.
The scenery of the island feels like it comes straight from a fairytale. It’s a paradise of planes, myrtles and chestnut trees, with waterfalls and rare birds. The cicadas sing, and it’s easy to imagine that nymphs or goat-like gods will appear out of the greenery at any moment.
Samothraki has a diverse accommodation scene, from traditional houses in the village of Atzanou to hotels near the beach or the mountain. You can stay in a family-run hotel in Therma that has been featured in numerous travel guides or the more modern Niki Beach Hotel in Kamariotissa, which has received great reviews for its clean rooms and attentive service. Other options include the recently renovated Samothraki Beach Boutique Hotel, located in a perfect spot right on the beach and offering a wonderful view of the sea.