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Guide to Samotracia
SAMOTRACIA · ITINERARY

Samothraki (Evros, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece) in 7 days – Complete Itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · Archaeology, history, landscapes, villages

The following 7 days follow, in the same order, the 15 stops of the guide: day 1: From the port to the sanctuary and the old town; day 2: Historic Chora and the waters of Therma; day 3: Gorges and waterfalls around Therma; day 4: From the sand of Pachia Ammos to the pebbles of Kipos; day 5: Wild cove and sea views; day 6: From the slopes of Profitis Ilias to the summit of Fengari; day 7: Gorges, mountain landscapes and the western coast.

Stops
3 · 3 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
10.0 km · 135 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 5.8 km · 70 min
  2. 4.3 km · 65 min

Day 1 – From the port to the sanctuary and the old town

09:00–19:00 Moderate, with short transfers

Discover the island’s main arrival point, its ancient sanctuary, and the traditional character of Chora.

09:00

Kamariotissa

Spend about an hour at the port and in the town center, taking in the waterfront and the atmosphere of Samothrace’s main settlement. If you haven’t arranged transport yet, check here for car rental availability or agree on a taxi: service and waiting times can vary. A breakfast or coffee may typically cost €3–8.

If you’re arriving by ferry the same day, check the official schedules and adjust the plan according to your arrival time.

10:30

Sanctuary of the Great Gods

From Kamariotissa, it takes about 15–20 minutes by car to reach the site, allowing extra time for traffic and parking; plan around two hours to visit the archaeological complex. Explore the terraces and monumental remains, imagining the sanctuary’s religious role and noticing how the forest frames the area. Allow roughly €5–10 for admission, if required: fees, accessibility, and opening hours should be checked on the official website before your visit.

Bring water and comfortable shoes: part of the route is on uneven ground.

14:00

Chora (Old Town)

From the sanctuary, it takes about 15–20 minutes by car to reach Chora; plan a lunch break either along the way or on arrival, with an approximate budget of €12–25 per person. In the afternoon, stroll unhurriedly through the steep lanes, traditional houses, and viewpoints over the island landscape. There is no specific cost for the walking visit, while drinks or a snack may add about €3–8.

The center is hilly: factor in time for the climbs and bring water with you, especially on hot days.

Day 2 – Historic Chora and the waters of Therma

10:00–21:00 Moderate, with car transfer

Discover a symbol of Samothraki’s past and end the day amid mountain scenery and the springs of Therma.

10:00

Gateluzzi Tower

Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the tower and the alleys of Chora, viewing the fortified structure from the outside and appreciating the relationship between the village and the hilly landscape. The visit is mainly architectural and scenic: check the official website or local tourist information to see whether interior access or tickets are available. To reach the stop, plan to park on the edge of the center and walk a short distance; approximate cost for the exterior visit: €0–5, excluding any admission fees.

The streets in the center can be steep and paved: wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

14:00

Therma and Thermal Springs

After a lunch break in Chora, drive or take a taxi to Therma: the trip takes roughly 20–30 minutes, while public transport availability and timings should be checked locally. Set aside about 3 hours to stroll through the village and learn about bathing options at the springs; choose only accessible, marked areas, following on-site guidance. For any entry to a thermal facility, expect an indicative cost of €5–15, plus transport, and check the official website for fares, access conditions, and up-to-date information before you set off.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and shoes suitable for wet surfaces; don’t assume every spring is equipped or accessible.

Day 3 – Gorges and waterfalls around Therma

08:30–17:30 Active, with breaks

Reach the First Leap of the Fonias on foot, then visit the natural pools of Gria Vathra without rushing the more demanding stretches.

08:30

Fonias Waterfalls (First Leap)

From Therma, drive to the gorge access area, allowing about 10–20 minutes on the road plus extra time to find parking and pick up the trail. Allow roughly 2–3 hours in total for the round trip, stops, and return: the path follows the stream and may include loose stones, crossings, and slippery sections; actual time depends on water levels and the group’s pace. Take a break to admire the waterfall and the wooded surroundings, without approaching exposed edges. For access to the trail, consider an indicative cost of €0; check the official website for any notices, restrictions, or updated information before you go.

Bring trekking shoes with good grip, water, and a waterproof bag; avoid the route in case of heavy rain or flooding.

13:00

Gria Vathra

After returning, take a lunch break in the Therma area and continue by car to the access point for Gria Vathra, with an estimated transfer of 10–15 minutes. Allow about 1.5–2.5 hours to walk at an easy pace to the most accessible pools, stop along the stream, and return to the starting point; the upper sections can be steep and may require experience. The place is suitable for a nature stop, but do not assume it is safe for swimming: assess the water flow, depth, and temperature on site. Consider an estimated cost of 0 € for the trail, plus fuel and lunch; check the official website for any access updates.

For lunch, budget approximately 12–25 € per person; take your trash with you and do not use soaps or detergents in the pools.

Day 4 – From the sand of Pachia Ammos to the pebbles of Kipos

10:00–19:30 Relaxed, with car transfers

Discover two different beaches on the island’s southern and eastern coast, leaving room for swimming, relaxation, and breaks.

10:00

Pachia Ammos Beach

Drive to the beach and spend the morning swimming and relaxing on the sand, with the island’s mountain landscape behind you. Allow about 3 hours and bring water, sunscreen, and everything you need for your stay: shade and facilities may vary. Access to the beach may be free, while any equipment or purchases may cost an estimated €0–15 per person; check on site.

If you are leaving from Kamariotissa, allow approximately 20–30 minutes by car and check road conditions before setting off.

14:30

Kipos Beach

After your morning swim, take a lunch break with a packed meal or at a place along the way, then drive east for about 45–60 minutes, depending on road conditions and traffic. At Kipos you will find a wilder setting and a pebble beach: bring water shoes and pay attention to the seabed and waves before entering the water. You can stay until late afternoon; budget €0–15 per person for any drinks or facilities, in addition to lunch costs, and check locally for availability and rates.

For the return to Kamariotissa, allow approximately 35–50 minutes; avoid relying on unverified services or connections and bring water and cash with you.

Day 5 – Wild cove and sea views

09:00–19:00 Moderate, with a boat excursion and short walks

Reach the secluded Vatos beach by sea and end the day with a scenic stop at Panagia Krimniotissa.

09:30

Vatos Beach (by boat)

Reach the boarding point agreed with the operator, often in the Kamariotissa area or at another port specified for the trip: allow about 45–60 minutes of road transfer if you are leaving from Chora and check the route in advance. The boat trip and stop at Vatos may take 3–5 hours in total, depending on the itinerary and sea conditions; bring water, sunscreen, and shoes suitable for pebbles. On the beach, spend your time swimming and admiring the rocky coastline, without moving away from the meeting point; a boat trip can cost approximately 40–80 EUR per person.

Confirm in advance the departure, duration, any equipment included, and the possibility of disembarkation: the excursion may be changed or cancelled in the event of rough seas. For lunch, bring provisions, as it is not wise to rely on beach services.

15:30

Church of Panagia Krimniotissa

After returning to the port, reach the church by car or taxi following local directions for the Pachia Ammos area; allow about 30–45 minutes of driving, with times varying depending on the arrival port and the road. Leave the vehicle where permitted and walk the final stretch at a relaxed pace, taking care on the uneven ground: from the spot above the coast, you can see the sea and the island’s mountainous profile. Set aside 45–60 minutes for the visit and a break with water or a snack bought before the climb; allow around 15–35 EUR for a taxi, if used, and check the official website or local sources for any updated information on access and visiting.

The stop depends on the boat’s return time: arrange a transfer in advance or keep a rental car available. Respect the religious nature of the place and wear appropriate clothing.

Day 6 – From the slopes of Profitis Ilias to the summit of Fengari

04:30–18:00 Very demanding, hiking

To reach the summit of Fengari, only if your preparation and conditions allow it, and return before nightfall.

04:30

Profitis Ilias

Make a short stop in the village and use it for a final check of water, supplies, and gear before setting off: at this time, do not count on any open shops or services. To reach the starting area of the route to Fengari, allow about 30–40 minutes by car to Therma, checking road conditions and local directions beforehand. The stop does not involve an entrance fee; budget approximately 5–10 € per person for breakfast or supplies to eat later.

If you do not have a car or an agreed transfer, arrange transport in advance: do not rely on unverified connections for the return trip.

05:15

Hike on Mount Saos (Fengari)

From Therma, find the locally marked starting point and tackle the ascent with a headlamp, hiking shoes, and at least 2–3 liters of water per person; the round trip to the summit can take about 8–10 hours, depending on the route and conditions. The terrain is steep and rocky: judge your pace, the clouds, and the wind carefully, and turn back if you do not have enough daylight or energy. No known entrance ticket is required for the route, but expect to spend about 10–20 € per person on water, snacks, and provisions; check locally for any updates on access and trails.

The summit is not an objective to pursue at any cost: if you are not an experienced hiker, choose a shorter stretch and agree in advance on a strict return time.

Day 7 – Gorges, mountain scenery, and the west coast

08:00–20:00 Active in the morning, relaxed in the afternoon

Explore the river landscape of Fonias and end the day with a swim stop in Lakkomma.

08:00

Fonias River Gorge

Drive to the Fonias area and spend about 3–4 hours on an out-and-back walk along the watercourse, choosing the section that matches your fitness level and the trail conditions. Take in the shaded vegetation, pools, and small cascades accessible without forcing your way through: wet rocks, crossings, and slopes can make the route slippery. Bring water and a snack; allow roughly €5–15 per person for supplies and drinks, while any local access or parking fees should be checked on site.

Trekking shoes with good grip are preferable to sandals; avoid exposed sections or crossings if the water level is high.

13:00

Lakkomma Beach

After returning from the trail, take a lunch break and drive to the western coast: the transfer takes about 50–60 minutes, depending on your starting point and road conditions. Allow 3–4 hours to swim and relax, checking sea conditions and bringing water, sunscreen, and everything you need, since available facilities may vary. For lunch, budget roughly €15–30 per person, while a stop for drinks or snacks can cost around €5–12; check the official website or local sources for any information on access and services.

The coast can be windy: take sea conditions into account before entering the water and plan to return while there is still enough daylight.

Estimated budget

Local transport for the day (car rental, fuel, or taxi; variable depending on availability and sharing)35–100 € per person
Admission to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, if applicable5–10 € per person
Breakfast, lunch, and drinks18–41 € per person
Personal expenses and small extras0–15 € per person

Indicative amounts for a typical day, to be checked before departure. The local currency is the euro (€). The amounts are rough estimates and may vary depending on the season, rates, and choices of transport and dining; they do not include any ferries, overnight stays, or travel expenses to the island. Check prices, tickets, and operational information on the official websites before departure.

Practical tips

  • Check ferry connections in advance and don’t plan the itinerary around unconfirmed connections.
  • Arrange a car or taxi in advance: don’t assume that rides or public transport will be available at your preferred time.
  • Check the official website of the archaeological site for any tickets, opening hours, access conditions, and updates before visiting.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and shoes suitable for the sanctuary paths and the uphill streets of Chora.
  • Arrange the transfer to Therma in advance: service frequency and availability can vary and should be checked locally.
  • Wear shoes with good grip, useful both in the alleys of Chora and near the springs.