Camping Varades - The Only Organized Campsite in Samothraki

Camping Varades is the only organized campsite in Samothraki. Located on the northern coast of the island right by the sea, you'll find it 16 km from Kamariotissa and 3 km from the port of Therma, just before Hotel Archondissa. If you aren't traveling to Samothraki by car, it's helpful to know that local buses stop right in front of the campground (be sure to check the bus schedule).

The trailhead for the Fonias River valley is just 1.8 km away, while the famous waterfalls and rock pools (vathres) of Therma are about 4 km from the site.

The campsite was opened in 2018 by Tasos, Vasilis, and Tomas - three island locals who formed a cooperative social enterprise to manage it. In Greece, a cooperative social enterprise is a type of organization that blends entrepreneurship with social and community goals.

As for the name, Varades is actually the name of this specific area. In the local dialect, varadi (singular) or varades (plural) refers to the beehives that bees build inside hollow tree trunks.

Operating Season

Camping Varades is open every year from May 15th to September 30th and offers around 100 camp pitches.

In May, the campground mostly hosts motorhomes, but starting in June, tents quickly become the majority.

The site begins to get crowded in the second half of July, reaching peak capacity around mid-August (check out the article on Samothraki weather and the best time to visit for more details).

Camping Varades is open from May to September.

Camping Prices

For the 2026 season, the rates for Camping Varades are as follows:

Overnight stay:

Adults: €5/ night
Students: €2.50/ night
Children under 12: €2.50/ night

Pitch fees (tents & campervans):

Small tent pitch (1 person): €4.00/ night
Small tent pitch (2 people): €5.50/ night
Medium tent pitch (3 people): €7.40/ night
Large tent pitch (minimum 4 people): €9.00/ night
Campervan pitch: €7.40 / night

Tent rentals:

Small tent rental (up to 2 people): €5.50/ night
Medium tent rental (3 people): €7.40/ night

Parking fees:

Motorcycle: €1.50/ day
Car: €3.50/ day
Minibus (under 16 seats): €6.00/ day
Bus (over 16 seats): €7.00/ day

Electricity:

Full electricity connection: €4.80/ day
Light electricity (for charging phones and laptops only): €0.70/ day

Other services & amenities:

Washing machine: €6.00 / use
Dryer: €4.00 / use
Ironing facilities: €4.00 / use
Bicycle rental: €9.50 / day

Please note: Camping Varades operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so no reservations are needed.

Camping Varades accommodates tents, as well as caravans and motorhomes.

You can also rent bicycles at the campsite.

Amenities & Facilities

Camping Varades is situated right on the beachfront, nestled in a beautifully shaded area under the trees. You'll find plenty of mulberry trees scattered throughout the grounds - so if you visit around mid-June, you can pick and eat fresh mulberries straight from the branches!

Camping Varades is located right on the seafront.

Around June, you can eat mulberries straight from the tree.

The campground features three separate gates (one near the entrance, one in the middle, and one toward the far end) that open directly onto the beach. The beach is unorganized and pebbly (check out the guide to Samothraki beaches for more details).

You have direct access to the beach from the campsite.

The beach is pebbly, just like the entire northern side of the island.

Sunset on the shore right by Camping Varades

Right at the entrance, there is a small building housing the reception desk, which is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. After midnight, the campsite gates are locked, and vehicle access is restricted. However, if you return late, there is plenty of parking space available just outside the campground. If you need to hit the road before 8:00 AM - for instance, on days when the Samothraki-Alexandroupoli ferry departs early at 7:00 AM - simply let the reception staff know the day before. Someone will be there in the morning to unlock the gate for you.

Also next to the entrance, there is a café serving coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages (be sure to try the local Fonias beer while you're here). Starting around June, they also serve breakfast options like fresh pastries, omelets, salads, and traditional Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts.

There is a café at the entrance of the campsite.

For breakfast, you can order omelets and salads.

Pastries are also available during the morning.

Greek yogurt with praousti jam (the island's signature fruit)

In recent years, a taverna has also opened inside Camping Varades. It opens in early June and is a good spot to sample traditional Samothraki dishes.

The campsite provides hot water, electricity, and access to a shared refrigerator and freezer.

There are two main utility buildings equipped with multiple toilets (mostly squat toilets) and showers, which are cleaned daily. You will, however, need to bring your own soap and toilet paper.

The restrooms are located on the roadside of the campsite.

Free Wi-Fi is available on-site, but I'd recommend not relying on it too heavily - spotty internet connectivity is a common theme across many parts of Samothraki.

Don't expect a luxury glamping resort. Camping Varades is simple, clean, and beautifully shaded, offering a relaxed atmosphere and friendly owners. It's easy to see why so many travelers return here year after year, choosing Varades over the island's hotels and guesthouses or the free, wild camping area at Platia (which doesn't offer any amenities).

How to Contact Camping Varades

You can reach the team at Camping Varades through the following phone numbers:

+30 255 109 8424 (during reception operating hours)
+30 697 274 1170 (for urgent matters outside operating hours)

If you prefer to write to them, you can send an email to campingvarades3@gmail.com. You can also connect with them on social media via Instagram or Facebook.