General information about the island of Samotracia
Strengths:
Points of interest.
Average:
Sea and beaches, excursions, prices, crowding, nightlife, fairly suitable for families with children.
Weaknesses:
Connections.
- Capital: Samotracia (Chora)
- Population: 2800
- Area: 178 km²
- Port: Kamariotissa
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: yes
Samothrace or Samothraki (from Greek Σαμοθράκη) is a Greek island located in the northern Aegean Sea, very close to the Turkish coast. It can be reached by sea from Alexandrupoli (29 nautical miles) or from Kavala or even from the island of Limnos.
It has an elliptical shape, a surface area of 178 km², and about 2800 inhabitants.
The island has a cool climate and is mountainous with high, dark, and sharp cliffs. At its highest point, it reaches 1600 m above sea level (Mount Phengari, the highest among the Aegean islands). Due to this high peak, the island can be seen from far away and takes on a very beautiful appearance when viewed from the sea. Samothrace is rich in vegetation and watercourses, which often form beautiful waterfalls and ponds, with a landscape that softens only in the area of the Kamariotissa dock. The sea has clean, crystal-clear waters and is among the most fish-rich in Greece.
The airport serving Samothrace is not located on the island but on the mainland near Alexandroupoli.
The capital is Samothrace (or Chora), about three kilometers from the maritime dock. The island is not touristy and offers few entertainments and services.
The island's inhabitants are farmers, breeders, fishermen, and also engage a bit in tourism.
The island does not have real ports but a simple dock in Kamariotissa. The road network is mainly present in the western part of the island where the various villages are all connected by bus. There are car and scooter rentals as well as taxi services on the island.
