Samothraki · Getting there
Samothraki sits alone in the north-east of the Aegean, off the coast of Thrace, and it is not on the main ferry lines from Piraeus. Almost everyone comes the same way: to the port town of Alexandroupoli on the mainland, then across on the island's ferry to Kamariotissa. It takes a little planning, and that is a large part of why the island has stayed so wild.
By plane
The nearest airport is at Alexandroupoli, with flights from Athens. From abroad, you can also fly to Thessaloniki or, in summer, Kavala and drive along the coast. Check that the ferry times match your flight before you book, and on a late arrival plan a night in Alexandroupoli.
On the coast just east of Alexandroupoli
Domestic flights from Athens all year, about an hour, with a few more in summer. Occasional seasonal routes from elsewhere.
Into town: A short taxi ride to the ferry port in the centre of Alexandroupoli.
South-east of Thessaloniki
Flights from all over Europe, all year. The usual way in from abroad if there is no handy connection to Alexandroupoli.
Into town: About three and a half to four hours by car or long-distance bus along the Egnatia motorway to Alexandroupoli.
Chrysoupoli, east of Kavala
Mostly summer flights and charters from European cities, and some domestic flights.
Into town: About two hours by car to Alexandroupoli.
By ferry
The crossing from Alexandroupoli is the island's lifeline, run mainly by the island's own ferries. Cars and campervans go on board too, and in July and August the car places sell out first.
Alexandroupoli Kamariotissa, Samothraki
Times change with the season and strong winds can cancel winter sailings, so check the timetable for your dates. If you are bringing a car in high summer, book as soon as you know your dates.
Island hopping
Kamariotissa Lemnos
Links to Lemnos and the other North Aegean islands change from year to year. Check the season's timetable before you plan around them.
Kamariotissa Kavala
Not every year. When there is no direct boat, go back through Alexandroupoli.
Kamariotissa or Pachia Ammos The south coast, Kremasto and Vatos
Small boats run day trips along the roadless south coast to the waterfall of Kremasto and the beach of Vatos. They only sail when the sea is calm.
When you land
Kamariotissa is the hub
The ferry, the buses, the island's few taxis and the car and scooter hire offices are all on the waterfront at Kamariotissa. Chora is about 5 km up the hill, Paleopoli about 6 km along the north coast and Therma about a quarter of an hour's drive.
Hire wheels, and book them
Buses run from Kamariotissa to Chora, Paleopoli, Therma and the south-west villages, more often in summer, but a car or scooter lets you reach the waterfalls, Pachia Ammos and Kipos in one day. There are not many to hire, so in July and August book before you come, or bring your own car on the ferry.
No free camping
For decades people camped wild under the plane trees east of Therma. That is over: since 2025 free camping is fined everywhere on the island. Camp at the municipal site at Varades, which is open from mid-May to the end of September.
Pack for the mountain
Even in August the evenings under the trees at Therma are cool, and the water in the rock pools is cold. Bring a light jacket, shoes with grip for the river paths, and a torch: the villages are dark at night and the stars are bright.
Times and frequencies are typical for the summer season and change every year. Check the current timetable before you book.
Rooms with a view, picked for how they feel, not for star ratings.
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