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| Samothrace | ||
| region | East Macedonia and Thrace | |
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| Residents | 2.859 (2011) | |
| height | 1,611 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Samothrace is the northernmost of the North Aegean Islands. The island is famous worldwide for the discovery of the ancient sculpture Nike of Samothrace. Increasing importance is attached to sustainability in tourism and agriculture. It is especially popular with young people.
background
Samothraki is a small island of approx. 180 km², which basically only consists of the top of a mountain rising from the sea. The southeast coast, at Cape Kipos, is characterized by steep, inaccessible cliffs, while the rest of the coast consists mainly of flat pebble beaches. Samothraki has a special natural beauty, with steep mountains, rich flora and fauna, extensive forests, streams, waterfalls, small lakes. There are two main towns: Kamariotissa and Chora, which are where most of the facilities a small town normally has. The island is known as the site of the Nike of Samothrace, a famous sculpture of the Greek goddess of victory. Most of the tourists who come to Samothrace do not want mass tourism. Compared to many other Greek islands, it is very calm and effortless. It is surprising and gratifying that the older population speaks German throughout. From the 1960s onwards, Samothracians increasingly came to the Stuttgart area to work at Bosch, Daimler, etc. In recent years it has been particularly popular with Greek students who go camping there and want to experience the lifestyle of the hippie culture.
getting there
The daily Ferry connectionAlexandropoulis-Samothrace is the only way to get to the island. It lasts 2.5 hours High speed ferry has also been in operation since last year, which means you can now take day trips to the island (currently out of order). There is no direct one Flight connection. Alexandroupolis can be reached by long-distance bus from the airports of Thessaloniki or Kavala and via Athens also by plane.Sailing boats should expect very strong offshore winds from Mount Fengari when approaching the island from the west. There are 2 harbors (Kamariotissa and Therma) and some beautiful bays in the south for anchoring, e.g. Pachia Amos.
mobility
There are bus connections between the individual villages. In summer there are buses every two hours that connect important places such as the port with Chora, Therma and the campsites. Hitchhiking is relatively easy, especially for solo travelers. Especially between the campsite and Therma.
Nevertheless, it is recommended to rent a car (30 euros / day) or a motorcycle / scooter (15 euros / day) or mountain bike in order to get to the interesting places without spending a lot of time. There are 2 landlords in the immediate vicinity of the ferry pier. The only one The petrol station is on the road to Chora, about 2 km from the port. Refuel enough to get back to Kamariotissa safely! The scooters are very weakly motorized or heavily throttled and have great difficulties on mountain stretches. If you want to drive in pairs, be sure to point this out to the landlord so that you can get a suitable moped.
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Kamariotissa. The port town of Kamariotissa, where the ferries arrive, is on the west side of the island, surrounded by pastureland. Behind the high bare mountain Fengari (moon mountain 1611 m). Kamariotissa is quite green and there are some restaurants, kafenions, banks, a post office, supermarkets, bakery, pastry shop, greengrocer, pharmacy and a ticket office for the ferries. The bus station is located at the port. You can rent mopeds, mountain bikes and cars right at the harbor.
- 2 Chora. The main town of the island is Chora (Samothraki) and is about 5 km east of Karmiotissa. The small and densely packed houses are worth seeing. Chora is located at the foot of a hill and is almost invisible from the sea. It was built in a hidden place to protect itself from pirate attacks from the sea in the Middle Ages. The village with its winding, narrow streets and its Genoese fortress (which was originally Byzantine) is the most beautiful village on the island. From the large, central square with a few taverns, you have a beautiful view over the sea.
- 1 Palaiopoli. In the village of Palaiopoli below Chora there are fortresses, three towers from the 15th century have been preserved. The Genoese were the lords of Samothrace from 1355 (after a Venetian rule since 1204) until 1457 when the Turks conquered the island.
- 2 Sanctuary of the great gods. The main attractions of Samothrace are on the north side of the island. Much of the sanctuary of the Great Gods, at Paleopoli, has fallen into disrepair over time, but the location in a wooded gorge is spectacular. This is where archaeologists found the famous statue of Nike. As the "Nike of Samothrace" she is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. There is a reproduction in the local history museum. The statue, whose head is missing, is made of white marble from the island of Paros and looks like an "angel" standing at the bow of a ship. It represents the Greek goddess of victory Nike and dates from the 2nd century BC. The sanctuary of the great gods dates back to the pre-Greek period (Bronze Age), survived earthquakes and pirate attacks, was rebuilt several times and only abandoned after the Romans introduced Christianity as the official religion. One can see remains from all eras, including the Hellenistic and Roman. There are also remains of a Byzantine fortress built with the ancient stones of the sanctuary. The round building that once stood here, the Arsinoeion, was built in 285 on behalf of Queen Arsinoe of Thrace. It was the largest round building ever built in ancient Greece and was a place where sacrifices took place. The so-called Hieron is the most striking ruin on the site because of the columns that were rebuilt in 1956. The Cult of the great gods or Kabiren existed in ancient Greece as one of several Mystery cults besides the worship of the Olympic deities. Mystery cults are cults or a religion whose religious teachings and rites are kept secret from outsiders. Admission to such a cult community usually took place through special initiation rites. Because the mystery cults have largely kept their secrets, their myths and rites can hardly be reconstructed and so there are only many speculations based on ancient writings and archaeological finds. The sanctuary of the great gods, or Kabiren, served exclusively chthonic deities. In Greek mythology, these are all the gods who represent the underworld and who bring death, as well as those who give life and fertility and thus belong to the earth. The main deity of the great gods can be regarded as the great mother or Cybele, who was identified or merged with female earth deities such as Rhea, Gaia and Demeter in various places in Greece. To this day, many details of the cult have remained secret. Presumably one hoped for happiness in life or salvation in a world after death. Most of the inaugurations took place at a main festival in summer, but were also possible all year round. It is noteworthy that not only free Greek men, but also women, children, non-Greeks and slaves were admitted to the ritual acts. The inauguration ceremonies took place at night with various altar offerings and ritual dances. As far as is known, the initiates were not allowed to speak about this initiation and the corresponding knowledge of the mysteries of the Great Gods. Open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 3 Therma. The spa town of Therma is another attraction of Samothrace. Hot springs invite you to take a sulfur bath with a sea view, but also commercially with massages etc. 3 Outdoor pools "for free" (most romantic at night under a starry sky). Take the path to the right in front of the bathhouse about 300m to get to the larger pool. To the smaller, more romantic one, after approx. 100m, a small path branches off to the right downhill. The pool is a bit hidden, so ask about it. To the left of the bathhouse is a small one geyserthat you should definitely see. The village of Therma is the best place for hiking tours. The small village has a few shops, restaurants and accommodation. There are also two campsites east of the village. Nearby is a pebble beach with clear water and a small harbor, from where you can go on excursions by boat in the high season (highly recommended). The place was already a thermal bath during Roman times. Therma is also one of the starting points for climbing the Mount Fengariwhich consists mainly of granite. The way to the top and back takes about six hours. A longer but easier path to the top leads from the village of Profitis Ilias in the south of the island.
- 5 Waterfalls - Kria Vathra. About 2 km from Therma are the natural pool of water and water falls of the Platia stream Kria Vathra and the tsumar 4 Mikres Vathres. Although it is not difficult to get there, it is better to wear sports shoes than sandals. Both pools are not deep enough for swimming, just for refreshment. The beautiful landscape and vegetation make the way there worthwhile. If you follow the path from Kria Vathra further up, you will reach 5 more pools. The first is an easy 10-minute walk. The next 4 pools are also easily accessible, the last one more difficult. It takes about 1 hour from the parking lot to the 6th pool.
- 7 Waterfalls - Fonias. To the east of Therma are the cold ones Pools and water falls of the river Fonias. You can walk from the parking lot after the bridge in about 45 minutes (5 km) along the Fonia's gorge, to the first and most beautiful pool with a 12m waterfall (the way is signposted). There are 2 other beautiful pools and waterfalls uphill, surrounded by wonderful scenery. The 2nd pool is approx. 1 hour, the 3rd pool approx. 2 hours from the parking lot. The passages, especially to the third pool, are very difficult and are only partially marked by red dots on stones or trees. So caution and good shoes are required. Accidents happen again and again, especially on the way to the third pool. Since there is no mobile phone reception there, in the event of an accident you have to rely on someone else to get help. Therefore, you should never go the way alone! It is not without reason that the stream is called Mörderbach. However, you are rewarded by an almost untouched natural landscape and you can refresh yourself from the strenuous hike in natural water basins fed by waterfalls. Bathing here is an ice cold and somewhat eerie pleasure (Nudism suitable). There are local guides for people who want to see all of the pools without the risk of getting lost. Near the mouth of the Fonia River, stands the Genoese 6 Fonia's tower from the 15th century right on the sea and is well worth a visit.
- 4 Apo Merida. Scattered settlement in a beautiful landscape with plane trees and oak forests. A tavern, 1 km above Ano Merida, invites you to linger with a good panoramic view of the landscape.
- 5 Lakoma. and Profit Iliad: simple, beautifully situated mountain villages with good taverns, where you can enjoy particularly good goat meat dishes with a view of the south coast.
- 8 Panagia Krimniotisa. Above the Pachia Amos beach is the "must see" chapel Panagia Krimniotisa which you should definitely visit because of the wonderful view. A meal in the romantic restaurant below the chapel is also highly recommended.
beaches
In addition to the most famous beaches listed below, there are many more to discover, some of which are also managed with loungers. As most of the beaches in Samothrace Coarse gravel beaches you should either go to the managed beaches or take camping chairs with you. Just lying on the pebble beach with a towel is uncomfortable.
activities
- Swimming in the waterfalls and pools of the Phonias River. Beware of the rain warning! There are several pools upstream, difficult, with climbing sections.
- Visit the hot springs / baths in Loutra / Therma.
- swim in the sea. There are two excellent beaches, at the very south (Pachia Ammos) and at the southeast end of the island (Kipos Beach) volcanic rock.
- Stay in the “sanctuary of the great gods” and the ancient city.
- hikes along the coast and to the summit.
shop
The best shopping is in Kamariotissa. Banks, a post office and a supermarket all close to the port, a ticket office for the ferries and a pharmacy. In the streets behind the promenade there is a bakery and a greengrocer (near the church). The only one Gas station is on the way from Kamariotissa to Chora. Island honey is a delicacy. In Therma there are also smaller shops where you can get the essentials, at least during the season.
eat
Goat meat is particularly good in Samothrace and is offered in many restaurants. A large number of small restaurants are available in all locations. The choice is greatest in Kamariotissa, Chora and Therma.
nightlife
Samothrace is a quiet island and there is no real night life. Only in Kamariotissa and Chora is there a hint of nightlife in the restaurants and kafeneios. In high season, when a lot of young people visit the island, Therma becomes the center of the nightlife, especially the Saoki Beach Bar next to the small harbor and the square in Therma where many people gather to hang out and play music.
accommodation
Most of the accommodations are listed in the well-known internet booking portals with prices and ratings. Due to the departure times of the ferries, it can be advantageous to stay in Kamariotissa directly. There are also most of the restaurants here for going out in the evening. Thermia is also popular because of its beautiful location. The area around Thermia is also a popular meeting place for young people who camp in the woods or campsites and indulge in a kind of late hippo culture. There are 2 campsites, both run by the municipality. Near Therma is the largest camping site, which is free and has public washrooms and showers, as well as a small café. Camping outside of designated areas, such as near the river, is common, but illegal. The local police carry out raids every now and then.
In Samothrace you can find many small pensions but hardly any larger hotel complexes. The biggest are:
health
There is no modern hospital on the island, but there is a permanently manned infirmary in Hora and Kamariotissa (only open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). In emergencies, patients are brought to Alexandropolis by helicopter or speedboat.
Practical advice
Vehicle rentals is only available in Kamariotissa directly across from the ferry terminal. The vehicles are rented with an almost empty tank. You drive to the next petrol station 2 km away and return the vehicle later, empty. This is the only petrol station on the island !!! The cars and mopeds are only insured against liability. Therefore, take a close look at the vehicle beforehand to see if there is any damage. Then record this in writing in the rental agreement, at least for the cars. The mopeds are usually handed in without a contract.
The is located in the small park by the water Bus station, from where buses leave for the capital Chora, to Paleopoli (sanctuary of the great gods) and Thermi / Loutra in the north and Profitis Ilias in the south of Samothrace.
trips
Because of the distance from the mainland, excursions from Samothraki are hardly possible without much effort. There are no ferry connections to neighboring islands. Connections to the neighboring Turkish island Imbros (Gokceada) are also missing.
literature
- "Travels through Thassos, Samothrace and Northern Greece" by Margret Leinen
- "Thassos & Samothraki" by Gunther and Antje Schwab
Web links
- http://samothraki.com (official website in German)
- http://samothraki.gr - Official website of Samothrace
- https://www.zentrumfuercitizenscience.at/de/p/ciscisusaki (University of Klagenfurt, Institute for Social Ecology)
- Information for sailing boats: [1], [2]
