Samothraki is not your typical Greek island with endless gently sloping sandy beaches. In fact, if that's what you're after in your summer vacation you might as well look for another destination. There's only one sandy beach accessible by car. There are plenty of rocky beaches though and even some sandy beaches that are a (difficult) hike away.
Tip: Bring aquashoes! Without proper footwear it will be hard to enjoy the water. Also sea urchins are a thing so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Pachia Ammos Beach
Pachia Ammos is certainly the best know in Samothraki and probably one of the most touristy places on the island. The reason lies in the fact that it's the only sandy beach reachable by car.
Pachia Ammos is located in the south, at the end of a winding 17 km road (aprox. 25 minutes) that starts from Kamariotissa.
In high season the beach is organized - there are sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing huts, bars, kayaks and boat trips to the south-eastern part of the island.
Kipos Beach
Kipos is another beach found at the end of a road, this time it's the north coast road that ends in the west of the island. It's 28 km away from Kamariotissa (35 minutes drive).
Kipos is the biggest beach in Samothraki and has a certain wild beauty about it. High mountains overlook its dark coloured rocks and pebbles that sharply contrast the intense blue of the sea.
The northern beaches
Therma Beach
Therma Beach is right near the village's small harbor on the northern side of the island, 15 km away from Kamariotissa.
It's a rocky beach, but in season it has sunbeds, showers, changing huts and is home to the most famous bar in Samothraki: Saoki Beach Bar.
Limnidi Beach
Also on the northern shore, but closer to Kamariotissa there's a wider stretch of rocky beach (Limnidi) where in season there are sunbeds and a beach bar.
Kymata Beach
Kymata Beach is actually the beach of the homonymous guest house (Ktima Kymata), also on the northern coast in proximity to Paleopoli. The guest house and its accompanying taverna are open typically from June. The beach is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, kayaks and a playground. It's a rocky beach but in the sunbed area the owners have laid a small stretch of sand.
Other beaches in the north
From Kamariotissa to Kipos, with the exception of a few areas, almost all of the shore is in fact a narrow rocky beach, so you can actually stop anywhere near Kamariotissa, Paleopoli, Fonias, Agia Paraskevi and make your own private beach.
The beaches in the south-west
In the south-west of the island one can find the rocky beaches of Makrylies, Platania and Makrygialos. The part of Platania beach that is in front of the Samothraki Beach Apartments & Suites Hotel is organized in season.
The southern beaches
The most beautiful sandy beaches in Samothraki are hidden in the south of the island in coves nestled between steep mountain slopes. You can explore them if you dare to venture on perilous hikes on unmarked paths or if you find a boat to take you there. Going further east after After Pachia Ammos there are a couple of sandy coves, followed by the beaches of Katarti, Vatos and Gyali.
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