Those who have visited the (very) Northern Greece probably know that for some strange reason, the atmosphere and the pace is different there. And do not refer to climatic variations and lower temperatures.
The way it is built cities, the "heavy" but friendly feelings of the inhabitants, flora-all form a completely different scenario that residents of southern or ordinary visitor in the Cyclades can not imagine if she lived.
The same is true of Samothrace, although the island, reserving the visitor a special feeling that "lies in the north."
The green strip of land was, literally seems to have just secede from the mainland coast, makes you forget that part is surrounded by sea, indeed something which helps the relatively small distance from the port of Alexandroupolis (about one hour with dolphin and about two and something ferry).
In his opinion grafontos with Santorini for very different reasons, Samothrace is the best showcase natural beauty of Greece: chionismena Sea and mountains, waterfalls, rivers and trees wrapped in theorata kisso.
The natural beauty of Samothrace makes them forget the most important religious center that was in antiquity. Until the 4 th century AD, the island was the main place of worship Kaveiron. The ancient deities latrefontan through mystiriakon ceremonies taking place in the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. The remains of the Temple and the ancient city is what remains to be reminiscent of the ceremonies myisis, covered by legends and traditions.
By giving up the ancient city, the history of the island transports visitors to the 15 th century, when its sovereignty was the Genoese. Proof that the termination of the wall, rise Towers of Gatelouzi defence vigles that face the sea.
Not far, Therma is and the archeological museum, which is worth a visit ... absence. If and to see the original, should travel to the Louvre, the museum is a faithful copy of the famous statue of Nike. Moreover, the same building is not lagging behind the exhibits, including a project architect Stuart M. Shaw Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The "possible" point of Samothrace is not the sea, but the beaches ... freshwater. The high altitude conditions of the Moon which dominates the centre of the island and is visible from anywhere, guaranteed annual snowfall (we said: Voras is!) And thus the ormitiko conditions of many rivers.
Though small and larger rivers are ideal for walks in two parts of the island landscape is truly magical. In the small village of Therma, about 8 km from Kamariotissa and a short distance from the beach you'll find hidden in the forest specials "vathres".
These successive elevation ponds potamisiou water generated by the descent of the water of the river.
Akoloutheis upside the small stream that prospernontas trees on the koufales can accommodate three families. Even walking on a carpet of green leaves of each species of plants known and less identifiable, while the sounds of the forest cover throisma steps you.
After 10 minutes, meets the first pedestals, the best introduction to what will follow. Walking, or rather imiskarfalonontas, pop pedestals from one to another and you will discover how different can be beautiful these natural kolympithres. Several of them have sufficient depth for a dive and as you will see few visitors are not those who celebrate the cold and crystal clear waters. How many are vathres? It is not clear.
We arrived until 11, but we heard that really good start of 16! Appetite to have to climb ...
Moving beach for about 4 to 5 kilometres, meet the stream of Fonia. Do not you frightened the name-although it has its raison d'être. Aniforizontas the stream and after 45 minutes walk alongside the banks (it is advisable not to wear sagionares) reaches one of the pillars Fonia-a huge basin diameter of about 30 measures in one of the hosts edge panypsilo homonym cataract.
Do not hesitate to voutixete in the deep waters of the great vathras, but be careful not to reach the point where the waterfall pond leads to: create a strong whirlpool that is extremely dangerous and which has contributed to the naming of the region.
Perhaps it is worth making a little more effort and to ascend higher in the next pedestals from which "begins" Spectacular cataract. There you'll find a alithinotato ... effigy beach with fine sand which leads politely bathers in the water.
For the fanatics of the sea, we recommend the Gardens and Pahia Ammo located at both ends of the island.
On walks, you can include, apart from the Archaeological Museum, the towers of Gatelouzi, the Castle in Country and Lady Krimniotissa, martyrakai as its name promises ... view.
Food
The island of Samothrace although famous mainly for katsikaki and lamb, both free-range. The fresh fish offered in many fagadika of the island may in general be considered expensive. That's why our proposals and delicious little include the main seaside menu.
After you pass the country, next to the church, Sotera is perhaps the nostimoteri ... ladokolla you've ever tried. Inside, you will find the aforementioned lamb and next thrakiotiko of good wine. A similar proposal has been presented to the village of Prophet Elias with many taverns, but it would be good to go until 9 - 9.30, and after finishing everything. Calculate approximately 12-13 per person.
Those interested to prevent cross distances, Καμαριώτισσα will find over the square, Klimataria (around 15 euros per person).
Those interested in metamesonyktio clubbing, will be disappointed on Samothrace. Here things are calm and ... loosely. At this rate is the fun in Agnanti, sympathestato bar in the country where you can enjoy views of the Aegean and the right to listen to music selections.
In another climate, but can point a crowd and new acquaintances, the Cafe at the entrance of Thermon promises the thick shade of platanion to accompany ouzo your mesimerianes hours and krasokatanyxi with snacks in the evening. Each night more and some company will launch the bouzouki for a rempetiko be left surprised (?) Of how many voices are willing to accompany.
Accommodation
The accommodation on Samothrace refrain from the characterization of luxury. However, no one can describe the decent. In any case the travel proposal of Samothrace is not the style "baino hotel-town and did not exit for 10 days." Just the opposite.
Near the village of Thermon and "smothered" in green are the bungalows Mariva. The rooms are well equipped with a refrigerator, air conditioning and all relevant and even in high season the price does not exceed 80 per night. (tel. 0030 25510 98230 and 98258).
Similar is the price for the Castle, near the archaeological site of Paleopoli, with the pool and the possibilities for tours in the vicinity (tel. 25510 89400).
Near the waterfall of Fonia, built more on the Aegean logic is complex "Arhondissa beach hotel studios". Prices at the time of the August move around f 80 to 90 per night. (Tel 6974552836, 6973233044)
What is the biggest disadvantage of Samothrace? For those who do not live in Northern Greece that seems very far away. You are right-is. I "sign" but that is worth it.
