The island of the great gods
A veil of mystery surrounds the island of Samothrace or the island of Aeolos, as it was called in the ancient times, since according to mythology the Kaveri, hideous creatures generally called "Great Gods" lived here. These were the children or grandchildren of Hephaestus and Kavero. According to Herodotus, who was initiated into the Kaverian Mysteries, the Kaveri were gods of the Pelasgians, who were the ancestors of the Greek nation. The Kaverian worship was associated with that of Mother Nature and its fertility, whereas the representation of the Kaverian vases depicting Kaveri reclining in a wine-drinking position, like Dionysus, testifies to its interrelation with the Dionysian cult.
Perhaps the most characteristic myth concerning the Kaveri is that of the Argonauts, who passed through Samothrace in their attempt to reach Troy. They experienced a great storm during the voyage, so Orpheus, the only one of the Argonauts who had taken part in the rituals of Samothrace, prayed to the Great Gods, and immediately the winds ceased, while two stars appeared above the heads of the Dioscuri, in response from the Gods.
There is also reference to the island in Homer's Iliad, where the Sea God Poseidon watches the Trojan War from the highest peak of wooded Samothrace. Finally, it is said that the parents of Alexander the Great, Philip II and Olympias, met for the first time in the Kaverian Mysteries, and that it was here that the great warrior was conceived.
Perhaps the most characteristic myth concerning the Kaveri is that of the Argonauts, who passed through Samothrace in their attempt to reach Troy. They experienced a great storm during the voyage, so Orpheus, the only one of the Argonauts who had taken part in the rituals of Samothrace, prayed to the Great Gods, and immediately the winds ceased, while two stars appeared above the heads of the Dioscuri, in response from the Gods.
There is also reference to the island in Homer's Iliad, where the Sea God Poseidon watches the Trojan War from the highest peak of wooded Samothrace. Finally, it is said that the parents of Alexander the Great, Philip II and Olympias, met for the first time in the Kaverian Mysteries, and that it was here that the great warrior was conceived.
The island of Samothrace
Although the island of Samothrace covers an area of only 178 square kilometers, its mountainous mass stands out impressively. The highest peak of the mountain has an altitude of 1,611 meters. The name of the mountain is "Saos" and the locals call it "Moon". After all, the island's name means "Thracian Moon", from the ancient Greek “saos” meaning “moon”.
Samothrace combines the wild unspoiled nature with the plane forests extending as far as the sea, with the small pools that form along the streams on the mountain slopes, the famous "vathres", the waterfalls and the crystal clear beaches. Its rich tradition, the archaeological site, the famous thermal springs since ancient times, the traditional settlements and the local flavors, create a special feeling that remains deeply etched in the visitors’s memory.
Samothrace combines the wild unspoiled nature with the plane forests extending as far as the sea, with the small pools that form along the streams on the mountain slopes, the famous "vathres", the waterfalls and the crystal clear beaches. Its rich tradition, the archaeological site, the famous thermal springs since ancient times, the traditional settlements and the local flavors, create a special feeling that remains deeply etched in the visitors’s memory.
How to get to Samothrace
You can get to Samothrace by regular ferries which depart from the harbour of Alexandrupolis.
Must-see attractions
• Chora, the capital of Samothrace. It is a traditional settlement with an amphitheatrical layout, which fascinates with the architecture of its houses and its cobbled streets.
• The archaeological site of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods next to Paleopolis.
The history of Samothrace begins in antiquity. In 1863, the famous statue of Victory of Samothrace was also found in the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, where the Kaverian mysteries were celebrated. The 2.75 meter high statue is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
• the Archaeological Museum of Samothrace
• the Folklore Museum of Samothrace
• the Gatelouzo Tower
• the Tower of Fonias
• the Panagia Krimniotissa chapel
• the Virgin Dormition Church (1875)
• Paul’s the Apostole Stasidi
Paul the Apostole, at the beginning of his tour in Europe, spent the first night in Samothrace, around 49 or 51 AD. On the north of the island, where it is estimated that he spent the night, a monument was built decorated with four large mosaics – representations of the Apostle’s passage from the island.
• The archaeological site of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods next to Paleopolis.
The history of Samothrace begins in antiquity. In 1863, the famous statue of Victory of Samothrace was also found in the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, where the Kaverian mysteries were celebrated. The 2.75 meter high statue is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
• the Archaeological Museum of Samothrace
• the Folklore Museum of Samothrace
• the Gatelouzo Tower
• the Tower of Fonias
• the Panagia Krimniotissa chapel
• the Virgin Dormition Church (1875)
• Paul’s the Apostole Stasidi
Paul the Apostole, at the beginning of his tour in Europe, spent the first night in Samothrace, around 49 or 51 AD. On the north of the island, where it is estimated that he spent the night, a monument was built decorated with four large mosaics – representations of the Apostle’s passage from the island.
Natural pools in Samothrace
The impressive natural pools of Samothrace (more than a hundred) are scattered on the island. They are ideal for relaxation. You can become part of the nature. Some of the most famous natural pools are Gria Vathra and Fonias.
Beaches on Samothrace
Although the beaches of Samothrace are not as well known as its natural pools, they do not lack in natural beauty. Several end in waterfalls or torrents and all have crystal clear waters.
Some of the most beautiful beaches are:
• Vatos: one of the most impressive beaches of the island. It is surrounded by high rocks and is extensive, with fine white sand, emerald waters and trees. It is only accessible by boat.
• Pachia Ammos: the busiest beach on Samothrace. The golden sand, turquoise waters and dense vegetation remind of exotic places. The beach has sun umbrellas, sun beds, a restaurant and is accessible by road.
• Kipi: endless beach, with dark grey pebbles, blue waters and a wonderful sunset.
• Tower of Fonias: the characteristic of the beach are the ruins of a medieval tower. It has grey pebbles and clear blue waters, while the waters of Fonias, the most famous stream of Samothrace, flows there.
• Therma: the homonymous settlement’s beach. It is organized and has pebbles and crystal clear cool waters.
• Glass: named after its clear, crystalline waters. It has white pebbles and is accessible by boat.
• The old woman's sails
• Mast
Some of the most beautiful beaches are:
• Vatos: one of the most impressive beaches of the island. It is surrounded by high rocks and is extensive, with fine white sand, emerald waters and trees. It is only accessible by boat.
• Pachia Ammos: the busiest beach on Samothrace. The golden sand, turquoise waters and dense vegetation remind of exotic places. The beach has sun umbrellas, sun beds, a restaurant and is accessible by road.
• Kipi: endless beach, with dark grey pebbles, blue waters and a wonderful sunset.
• Tower of Fonias: the characteristic of the beach are the ruins of a medieval tower. It has grey pebbles and clear blue waters, while the waters of Fonias, the most famous stream of Samothrace, flows there.
• Therma: the homonymous settlement’s beach. It is organized and has pebbles and crystal clear cool waters.
• Glass: named after its clear, crystalline waters. It has white pebbles and is accessible by boat.
• The old woman's sails
• Mast
Activities on Samothrace
Samothrace is the ideal destination for adventure lovers and offers nature walks. Some of the activities worth trying on Samothrace are:
• hiking- canyoning down waterfalls
• mountain biking
•climbing
• diving
• boat cruise around the island
• thermal baths in Therma
• hiking- canyoning down waterfalls
• mountain biking
•climbing
• diving
• boat cruise around the island
• thermal baths in Therma
