Northern Aegean
Samothrace
Home of the Winged Victory and waterfalls cold enough to make you gasp.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
Jun – Sep
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Samothrace
Samothrace is one of the strangest and most compelling islands in Greece. It has the highest peak in the Aegean (Mount Fengari, 1,611m), waterfalls and natural swimming pools in its forested interior, and the ancient Sanctuary of the Great Gods — where the original Nike of Samothrace was discovered. It has almost no sandy beaches. It attracts a specific type of traveller: curious, independent, willing to hike.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
No proper sandy beaches. The natural pools are cold. Ferries only from Alexandroupolis, which is itself hard to reach.
Where it sits
Northern Aegean, Greece
Samothrace — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Samothrace? +
- The best months to visit Samothrace are June to September. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Samothrace from Athens? +
- Samothrace has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Samothrace good for couples? +
- Samothrace is more about scenery than swoon — better for active or family trips than honeymoons.
- Is Samothrace good for families with kids? +
- Samothrace is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Samothrace expensive? +
- Samothrace is one of the cheaper Greek islands — and it's one of the better-value picks in its tier.
- Do you need a car on Samothrace? +
- You'll want a rental car on Samothrace — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Samothrace? +
- No proper sandy beaches. The natural pools are cold. Ferries only from Alexandroupolis, which is itself hard to reach.