Chora
The old capital in the hills, about ten minutes' drive inland.
Samothraki · Kamariotissa & the west · Καμαριώτισσα
Kamariotissa, the port of Samothraki
Kamariotissa is the port of Samothraki and its biggest village, on the low western end of the island, with Mount Saos rising behind it. The ferry from Alexandroupoli comes in here, and along the waterfront are the cafes, fish tavernas, bakeries, car hire offices and the bus stop for the whole island. It is a working town rather than a pretty one, but it has the island's best fish, a long pebble beach, and a walk out past a lagoon to the lighthouse at the western tip.
The port where everyone arrives, with fish on the grill and the mountain behind
The story of Kamariotissa
For centuries there was little here but a landing place. The islanders lived up in Chora, out of sight of pirates, and only came down to the shore for the boats. As the sea became safe and the ferries began to run, the port grew, and today Kamariotissa is where most of the island's shops, offices and services are, and where most people eat their first and last meal on Samothraki.
Beyond the fishing harbour, the land runs out west into Akrotiri, also called Agios Andreas: a long tongue of grey gravel with the sea on three sides and a lighthouse at the end. Behind it lies a small lagoon full of migrating birds in spring and autumn, and a little chapel on the site of an ancient harbour. From the point you get a view back to Mount Saos that you do not get anywhere else on the island.
Where to stay
Where you'll wake up in Kamariotissa
€€€€
Seaside hotel
Niki Beach Hotel
Kamariotissa · Kamariotissa & the west
A hotel a stone's throw from the water in Kamariotissa, with sea-view rooms and junior suites, a pool looking out over the Thracian Sea and a Greek breakfast. Adults-friendly: children over 16 only. Handy for the ferry.
Where to eat
Tables we love in Kamariotissa
Fish taverna
To Limanaki
Kamariotissa · Kamariotissa & the west
The Charanas brothers' fish taverna next to the harbour of Kamariotissa. The fish comes from the family's own boats, so what goes on the grill depends on the night's catch.
Fish taverna & grill
I Synantisi
Kamariotissa · Kamariotissa & the west
A fish taverna and grill on the seafront a few steps from the ferry, with fish and seafood from the island's waters, grilled meat and home-made mezedes. A good last meal while you wait for the evening boat.
Taverna
Sta Kala Kathoumena
Kamariotissa · Kamariotissa & the west
A cosy taverna a street back from the waterfront of Kamariotissa, loved for its home cooking: Greek and Mediterranean dishes, generous portions and a relaxed table for families and friends.
Within an easy drive
Around Kamariotissa
Paleopoli
The Sanctuary of the Great Gods and its museum, about 6 km east along the coast.
Makrylies
A sheltered pebble beach on the south-west coast, about a quarter of an hour's drive south.
Good to know
Before you go to Kamariotissa
Getting there
The ferry from Alexandroupoli docks in the middle of the waterfront. Buses for Chora, Paleopoli, Therma and the south-west villages leave from the harbour, and the island's few taxis wait by the port when a boat comes in.
When to go
Kamariotissa is open all year, unlike much of the island. In summer it is busy around ferry times and quiet in between. Walk out to the lighthouse in the late afternoon, when the light on the mountain is best.
More of Samothraki
Villages you'll want to see next
Chora & the hills
Chora
The old capital, hidden in a fold of the mountain below its Genoese castle
Therma & the forest
Therma
Hot springs, plane trees and running water at the foot of the mountain
Paleopoli & the north coast
Paleopoli
The ancient city and the sanctuary of the Mysteries, between the mountain and the sea
Fall for more of Samothraki
Every stay we recommend across Samothraki, from village guesthouses to rooms on the sea.
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