There are those islands that are famous and cosmopolitan. And there are also those little treasures in Greece that stand out for the simplicity and at the same time the alternative experience they offer you if you happen to be there as a traveller. And one of them is Samothraki.
The island of Aeolus, according to the Greek mythology, emerges from the Thracian Sea, crowned from the highest mountain volume of the Aegean Sea, the majestic Mount Saos.
The “Island of the Great Gods” in Greece
Samothraki is famous for its archaeological treasures. It is not accidentally called “Island of the Great Gods”. The sanctuary of the Great Gods, on the island, is dedicated to the worship and conducting of the mysterious worships of the Great Gods, the Kaveiroi.
One of the most important monuments of the archaeological site in Samothraki that stands out is the Propyl of Ptolemy B’, a tribute of the Egyptian king to the Great Gods, the Holy Circle, a circular space for standing spectators, the square memorial of Philip of Aridaia and Alexander IV and the Palace, where the initiation to the first degree of mysterious cult took place. Of course, we cannot omit the Monument of Niki (Victory), where the statue of Niki of Samothraki was placed, on the bow of a ship.
According to Homer, the god Poseidon watched the progress of the Trojan War from Mount Saos. The sacred mountain of antiquity with its wild peaks, pebbled beaches, running waters, unique antiquities and a Chora (capital) that is like a gemstone, compose the charm that this mystic island offers. Samothraki is an island that stands out in Greece. It is synonymous to history and natural beauty.
Blue waters, riverside forests and impressive waterfalls
It is said that Samothraki is for those who want to have an alternative vacation. And such a view is reasonably supported. You won’t see the typical Island of the Cyclades Complex, here for example. Arriving on the Island of the Great Gods you will encounter a verdant environment, surrounded by ponds and running water. On the north side of the island and at a high altitude the forests with plane trees, oaks, chestnut trees and cedar trees dominate the landscape. Thyme, oregano and all kinds of aromatic and medicinal plants accompany you on your tour of the island.
The riverside forests are cooled off by hundreds of streams with crystal clear waters, which spring from Mount Saos and flow rushing towards the sea. The image is filled in with a great number of springs running through the mountain. They form waterfalls as well as natural stone pools. These are the famous “vathres”. The impressive streams and waterfalls are, after all, the trademark of the island. One of the most beautiful streams in Greece is considered the stream of Fonias (Murderer), with its 35 meter-high waterfall.
And of course, the shores of the island are of no less beauty. How can one not be fascinated by the lacy, mainly pebbled beaches of Samothraki? Some of them accessible by road and others only by sea. The vast beach of Kipon (Gardens) with its characteristic grey and black crocs and its shiny pebbles stands out. To the south, there is also the only sandy beach of the island, Pachia Ammos. In addition to this feature, it also stands out for the magnificent view offered by the chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa, built on the edge of a rock.
Lovers of exploration find in this corner in Greece their own personal paradise. From canyon crossings and mountain biking to paragliding and rafting, canoe kayaking and diving. These are just some of the experiences that visitors to this island seek.
Extra tip
If you haven’t been convinced by all we have described this far, in order for you to explore this island up close by staying in one of the dozens of accommodations it has, then you need to know one more thing. The generous nature “has gifted” Samothraki with a huge geothermal landscape. The hot sulphuric thermal springs with their great therapeutic value, dominate the entrance of the settlement of Thermes. The hydrotherapy center, that operates in the area, gives health and well-being to thousands of Greeks and foreigners, who are on the island for the summer.
External photography source: Ggia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Samothraki, also called the 'Island of the Great Gods,' is known for its archaeological treasures, including the Sanctuary of the Great Gods dedicated to the Kaveiroi. The island is famous for its alternative vacation experience, stunning natural beauty, impressive waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and the iconic Monument of Nike (Victory). It's also known for its verdant landscapes, therapeutic hot springs, and being the legendary home of Mount Saos from Greek mythology.
Samothraki is located in the Thracian Sea in the Aegean region of Greece. The island is crowned by Mount Saos, the highest mountain in the Aegean Sea, and is situated in northern Greece near Thrace.
The main attractions include the Sanctuary of the Great Gods with its archaeological monuments (Propylon of Ptolemy II, Holy Circle, Palace), the Monument of Nike, Mount Saos, the Fonias waterfall with its 35-meter drop, natural stone pools called 'vathres,' pebbled beaches like Kipon, and the sandy beach of Pachia Ammos. The island also offers adventure activities such as canyon crossing, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, and diving.
Samothraki offers diverse activities for adventure seekers including canyon crossings, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, canoe kayaking, and diving. Nature lovers can explore the riverside forests, visit waterfalls and natural pools, hike Mount Saos, and relax on pebbled and sandy beaches. The island is ideal for those seeking alternative vacation experiences away from typical crowded tourist destinations.
Samothraki features unique beaches different from typical Greek islands. Most beaches are lacy and mainly pebbled, such as the vast beach of Kipon with characteristic grey and black pebbles and shiny stones. The island's only sandy beach is Pachia Ammos, which offers magnificent views of the chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa built on a cliff. Some beaches are accessible by road while others can only be reached by sea.
Yes, Samothraki has geothermal features including hot sulphuric thermal springs. These therapeutic hot springs are a natural gift of the island's geology and offer visitors healing and relaxation benefits, adding another dimension to the island's wellness and tourism appeal.
