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SAMOTHRAKI – SAMOTHRACE - ΣΑΜΟΘΡΑΚΗ
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Samothraki – Samothrace - Σαμοθρακη

The island of Samothraki or Samothrace is situated in the northern Aegean sea facing mainland Alexandroupoli approximately 40 kms away. It is in the nomos or department of Evros. It is mainly a mountainous granite island covered with forestland and with hot springs near the north coast. The island is approximately 178 sq. km with just under 2,800 inhabitants and its highest peak is Mount Fengari (1611 metres). There is a section of the island's coastline that is not accessible by road from Pahia Ammos to Kipos. Anyone wishing to view this section of the coastline make take advantage of the many excursions to that area.

Its essential nature reflects Edmund Burke's and 18th century concepts of the sublime – it rises from the sea huge, dramatic, imposing, overwhelming, wild. A natural observation point for Poseidon to watch the battle of Troy and a fitting location for the Sanctuary of the Great Gods located near Paleopolis and to which pilgrims flocked in antiquity. However, due to the lack of natural resources and its infertile land it was of little political importance. It is also known for the mysteries of Cabires, a rite the content of which remains unknown to this day. Samothraki, the wild, mysterious, strange, occult, a spiritual stronghold of ancient Greek!

The island of Samothraki joined the Delian League c.425 BC (1) and came under Macedonian rule in 340BC. The Romans captured the last Macedonia King on Samothraki and then made the island a fee state. In Mediaeval times it fell under the control of the Franks and later of the Genoese who held it till the year 1457. In 1457 it fell to the Turks but became part of Greece once more after World War I.

1) The Delian League was a confederation of city-states of the Aegean that voluntarily submitted to the leadersip of Athens. It was constituted after the Greek victory over Persian forces. The Delian League was named after the island of Delos and one of its objectives was to protect Greek citizens in Asia Minor and curb the power of Persia.

 

The capital of Samothraki, Hora, sometimes also written Chora (both transliterations of the Greek Χωρα ), has interesting remains of a castle.

 

Tourism:
Visitors to the island are mainly German or Scandinavian, understandably therefore it is something of an advantage to know German.

The port of arrival Kamariotissa seems to be the focal point for the little night life entertainment there. It is also the focal point for island transport. The cultural focal point is further north mainly due to the archaeological remains at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods near Paleopolis.

Kamariotissa is useful as a base to visit the island as accommodation is concentrated mainly here.

Hora attractions:
Folklore Museum entrance free

Paleopolis Attractions:
Sanctuary of the Great Gods.
Archaeological Museum

Beaches:
mostly pebble beaches

How to get there:
Ferries to Samothraki leave from Alexandroupolos and, in high season, also from Kavala. From Alexandroupolos the time for the crossing is approximately 2 hours and from Kavala 4 hours.

Ferries from Samothraki to other islands:
Ferries leave twice a week in high season to Limnos (ΛΗΜΝΟΣ / Λημνος ) and Lesbos (ΛΕΣΒΟΣ / Λεσβος ).

 

Useful contacts:
The telephone code number for Samothraki is 25510

Port of arrival Kamariotissa:
Port 25510 41305
Police 25510 41203
Port Police 25510 41305

Car Rental:
X Rentals 25510 42272
Kyrkos Rent a Car: 25510 41620 / 25510 69728 / 25510 39231 check on the net different dates

Motorcycles:
Rent a Motor Bike 25510 41057
Hanou Brothers 25510 41511

Travel agency:
Niki Tours 25510 41465 from here you can reserve a car, purchase ferry / plane tickets

Accommodation on Samothraki Bed and Breakfast Hotels Guest Houses

Transport on the island:
Buses:
Buses leave from Kamariotissa to Hora, Paleopolis, Loutra (Therma) and Lakoma and Profitis Ilias 4 daily.

 

 

Thassos Tourism Thassos Tourist Attractions

Accommodation in Greece and Greek islands Samothraki - Samothrace Bed and Breakfast Hotels Guest Houses Rooms to Rent (Domatia) Thassos Bed and Breakfast Hotels Guest Houses Rooms to Rent (Domatia)

 

 

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