"Samothraki" Samothraki Island by nikki-the

Samothraki is definitely not an island for those who want luxurious, full service accommodations in an "exotic" environment but it is the place to go for those who want a stunning (and ever-changing) natural landscape for an active and perhaps even adventurous holiday. There are waterfalls of Gria Vathra (among others) and those of Fonia. The abundant freshwater and the foliage it supports is likely to take your breath away (or, for all of us city-dwellers, give it back to us!). The starkly impressive Kypo with its resident population of goats, its view of Turkey (I think) and enticingly clean (though rocky) sea has been the home-ground of the yearly (but now forbidden by the local authorities) three day rave party on the island. On the other end of the island is a large sandy beach with a crystal clear sea cove at the end of a sometimes hair-raising drive through the hills of Samothraki.

Hora, the main village of Samothraki

The food is often homegrown (the taverna staff have been seen to go behind the tavern to pick the vegetables for your salad) and prepared fresh (FRESH FRESH) for your enjoyment. The majority is typically Greek--"tis oras"...grilled or prepared fresh, instead of time-consuming "mayierefta"...casserole-type dishes.

On the Fonias River Hike

The island itself is easily accessible for all ages as is evidenced by the Loutra (hot springs) in Therma which service many elderly folk. This is not to say that the island is covered in aged and infirm folks, either, as the more youthful, nature-loving visitors can attest. On our last visit, as you can see in the photo, we brought along our (then) six month old son, who, by the way, loved the hike up the Fonias river.

The best way to get there is to take the train from Thessaloniki (through some truly beautiful landscape) to Alexandroupoli (about 5-6 hours). The ferry boat leaves from Alexandroupoli to Samothraki on a daily basis (approximately 2 1/2 hour trip). Alternatively, one can take the bus (KTEL) from Thessaloniki to Kavala (about 2 1/2 hours) and then catch the boat to Samothraki (about 4 1/2 hour trip)...but the ferries usually run only 1-3 times a week from Kavala (and not at all in the wintertime). Either way, it doesn't cost much (about 35 Euros total for round trip tickets on the train and the ferryboat via Alexandroupoli) and probably less for the route through Kavala).

• Pros:Wonderful natural environment, great food, down-to-earth inhabitants
• Cons:Out of the way
• In a nutshell:A must see for anyone (with time on their hands) coming to northern Greece