Samothrace (Samothraki) in the north east Aegean is famed for its wild mountain, Saos, that dominates the island and attracts travelers who prefer alternative types of tourism beyond the standard Greek island beach vibes (which if you wish, you can also indulge in here). So if you like a more extreme experience then Samothrace is the place for you. The imposing Mount Saos is the highest mountain in the Aegean and its gorges, forests and waterfalls make for great exploring and action. Its peak, called Fegari (Moon), is at an impressive and panoramic height of 1.611 metres (5,285ft) and according to Homer, is where Poseidon watched the Achaeans, led by King Agamemnon, besiege Troy.
Climbing Saos: The difficult 8km climb up the mountain takes about 6 hours, it’s often steep and can be dangerous, so unless you’re very experienced, you’ll need a guide. There are though easier climbs and hikes on and around the mountain. The northern slopes of the Mount Saos are covered with oak trees, and streams surge into dozens of rock pools. The peaks, by contrast, rise barren, jagged and steep.
Canyoning down Waterfalls: There are more than 10 canyoning routes in Samothrace, where you can combine hiking, swimming, and rappelling down waterfalls and natural slides.
Diving: The underwater seascape of Samothrace is constantly changing. Sharp underwater cliffs, caves, imposing rocks and reefs await diving enthusiasts. You can also try fishing, mountain biking, paragliding, rock climbing, rappelling, and hiking. Before any activity of this kind, you should always consult official sources (National Meteorological Service, Coast Guard, Tourist Police) for the weather conditions, and if you have no previous experienceor have any doubts about your ability, please seek out experts, for as giving as Samothrace can it can also be unforgiving. (https://hellascanyon.com, https://baseoutdooractivities.com, www.facebook.com/samothrakidiving, https://divefun.ro)
Cruises: If you like boat trips, you can go on a day cruise around the island. On these excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Kremasto Nero in the south of Samothrace, the impressive 180-metre waterfall which spills into the sea. In addition, you’ll admire the strange geomorphology of the coast’s rocks, which the locals call Tis Grias ta Pania and you’ll swim at the enchanting beaches of Vatos and Giali, which can only be accessed from the sea (www.facebook.com/samothrakicruises, www.discovery-travel.gr)
Archaeological site: Visit the archaeological site of Paleopolis, a sacred sanctuary where initiations into a mysterious cult on par of that with Eleusis took place and rituals where held., Part of it’s legendary status is that it is where Alexander the Great was conceived. Architectural representations of the buildings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum, while there’s also a replica of the world-famous statue of the Nike of Samothrace (the original is currently housed in the Lovre) outside the museum. In addition, you can see the medieval Gateluzzi towers, which form part of the fortification network built by the Genoese Gateluzzi family during the late Byzantine period. Three buildings survive, one of which bears an inscription with the family coat of arms.
Religious monuments: As mentioned above, Samothrace is the first European territory visited by Paul the Apostle in 49 A.D. on his way to Macedonia. You can visit the monument, called “Stasidi”, that is located in the island’s north. In the simple semi-circular building made of wood and stone, you can admire four large mosaics depicting the passage of Paul the Apostle in Samothrace. In addition, you can visit the island’s churches and chapels, such as the chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa, which seems to hover on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the northern Aegean Sea and Imbros island, or the Christou monastery, which dates to the 14th century and is one of the most important Christian monuments of Samothrace.
Folklore Museum: A visit to the Folklore Museum of Samothrace will show you the traditional way of life of the islanders. It is housed in an old 19th century mansion, and its exhibits include traditional objects of daily use, such as agricultural tools, tools for processing thread and looms. You can also see a detailed reproduction of a traditional house, complete with furnishings and decoration. There is rich photographic material, and an array of local costumes.
Read also:
Samothrace: A complete guide to the most enigmatic Greek island
A pristine natural spa destination in Greece
Samothrace: Swimming in Greece’s most magical natural pools
