Hotel Archondissa is one of the few hotels in Samothraki. It is located on the northern shore of the island, in a green and very quiet area, 16 km from Kamariotissa (about a 20-minute drive), as you head towards Kipos Beach. The name Archondissa translates to "Lady" (or, generally, a noblewoman).
Why choose Hotel Archondissa? For its seaside location, for the tranquility, for the greenery of the garden and the colors of the hydrangeas blooming around June-July, for the sounds of nature in the evening or early morning, and, last but not least, for the wonderful people who run it.
Rooms
Archondissa Beach Hotel has 5 double studios, 5 triple studios, and 5 apartments. The apartments have a bedroom and a living room, some being suitable for 4 people and others for 5.
The rooms, which are very spacious, are named after characteristic features of Samothraki island, such as Kipos (the beach at the far end of the island), Kaviros and Arsinoe (about which you can learn more by visiting the Sanctuary of the Great Gods), Feggari (the highest peak of Mount Saos), or Pyrgos (the tower of the fortress in Chora).
The rooms are all different from one another. They are located on the ground floor and the first floor, and the large terraces open up either towards the garden or the sea. The price of the rooms varies depending on the view (direct or lateral sea view, garden view, or mountain view) - the ones with a sea view are certainly worth the higher price.
Archondissa is an apart-hotel, so in every room, besides air conditioning and a refrigerator (where you will find a bottle of cold water upon arrival), there is also a kitchenette equipped with a hob and crockery for those who want to make a coffee or prepare a meal (although it would be a shame not to try the tavernas in Samothraki).
Breakfast
Hotel Archondissa does not offer breakfast. You can prepare it yourself in your room, or you can go to the taverna at Camping Varades (a few minutes' walk), where you will find omelets, sandwiches, salads, fresh pastries, and Greek yogurt with honey. In about 20 minutes (on foot), you can also reach Taverna I Gefyra Tou Fonia (opposite the parking lot where the trail into the Fonias river valley begins), famous for its omelet with cheese, vegetables, sausage, and... french fries.
Another nearby option is the village of Therma, where you can try bougatsa pie and desserts at Falekas or have breakfast at Taverna Feggari.
The Garden
The beautiful and vast garden is one of the main assets of Hotel Archondissa. It is a well-maintained green space that stretches between the hotel and the beach. To the right, it is lined by some tall trees, in whose shade there is a barbecue and two or three tables. In one corner, a wooden gazebo invites you to relax. To the left, there is a net for volleyball or badminton games.
Towards the end of June, when the hydrangeas bloom, the middle pathway leading to the blue gate that opens onto the sea can barely be seen due to the large blue, pink, or purple flowers.
The Beach
The beach is stony and pebbly, like most beaches in Samothraki, especially those on the northern side. The entry into the water is gentle, but a pair of aqua shoes will be very useful. There is a makeshift shower on the shore, and the hotel provides sun loungers.
The sunsets (and sunrises) seen from this stretch of beach (and not only) are wonderful.
The People
Archondissa is a family business that started in 2005. At that time, the land where the hotel now stands was empty. Everything was built from scratch by Alekos, a former ship captain who sailed the seas of the world until he "found his port" - in Ianna, as he beautifully recounts himself. Over time, the hotel passed into the ownership of their daughter, Polina.
Always smiling and always ready to help, the people here also contribute to the overall feeling of "home" that this place gives you. It's no wonder the hotel is full most of the time and has tourists who return every year.
The Surroundings
Walking about 2 kilometers to the east, you will find the beginning of the trail into the Fonias river valley. Further on, where the road ends, is the wild beach of Kipos (about a 15-minute drive from the hotel).
In the opposite direction, 3-4 km away, is Therma Beach, with Saoki Beach Bar and its bohemian and relaxed atmosphere. Trails to some of the most popular vathres (natural pools) and waterfalls in Samothraki and to the peak of Feggari start from the village of Therma.
Also nearby are the ruins of the Monastery of Christ and the vathres on the Kardelis river valley.
10 km away from Archondissa, you can visit the Sanctuary of the Great Gods (the most important tourist attraction in Samothraki) and the Archaeological Museum of Palaiopoli. Chora, the island's capital, is about a 20-minute drive.
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