Far to the east of Greece, Thasos and Samothrace rise from the Thracian Sea like two preserved refuges, suffused with a scent of the end of the world. Here, wooded mountains, peaceful villages, and beaches with translucent waters create a setting where life moves to the rhythm of the seasons. One enchants with its forests, golden coves, and discreet atmosphere, while the other enchants with its gorges, natural pools — the Vathres — and the mysterious aura of its santuary of the Great Gods. A taste of authentic islands, to be discovered without rushing, like a well-kept secret.
Thasos and Samothrace, two discreet islands nestled in the far northeast of Greece, offer a beautiful escape between pine-scented mountains, translucent coves, and preserved traditions. The first, nicknamed the green island, unfolds forests, stone villages, and sublime beaches; the second, guardian of the santuary of the Great Gods, marries ancient mysteries, natural pools, and the solitude of the end of the world. From Golden Beach to Pachia Ammos, from Mount Hypsarion to Saos/Fengari, embark on a journey as sweet as it is authentic, punctuated by delightful eateries, local festivals, and ferries that lead directly to happy simplicity.
Far to the east of Greece, off the Macedonia and Thrace coasts, two nearby islands rise from the Thracian Sea like echoes of ancient times. Thasos, linked to the Thracian Sporades, and Samothrace, famous for the Winged Victory of Samothrace displayed in the Louvre, share an aura of discretion that captivates travelers in search of authenticity. Forgotten by loud trends, they live to the rhythm of the seasons, small village festivals, and a sovereign nature, with that scent of “elsewhere” that makes the heart beat a little more slowly.
People come here to breathe, walk, swim, and taste Greece without unnecessary decibels: miniature ports, cobblestone alleys under the plane trees, beaches lined with clear water, ancient ruins nestled between two promontories, and summer panigyri blending music, dances, and family recipes. And if the urge to explore Greece by sea grabs you, let yourself be inspired by this idea of a cruise through Hellenic wonders.
Thasos, the “green” island with emerald reflections
Just 8 kilometers from the mainland, Thasos stretches over nearly 400 km² of wooded terrain dominated by Mount Hypsarion (1,208 m). Here, the light glides over the pines and olive groves, the air is cooler than elsewhere in summer, and the sea presents a palette of blues that invites you to dive in at any hour. Even in high season, the island remains “off the radar”: travelers are there, but never the crowd.
Timeless: villages, ports, and tranquil life
The port of Liménaria gently buzzes with the comings and goings of boats connecting the island to the mainland. In the capital, Liménas, the narrow cobbled streets wind between the ancient theater, the temple of Artemis, and medieval ruins. The white houses, colorful shutters, bougainvilleas in bloom: the postcard comes to life. Higher up, Panagia watches over the bay from its shaded squares and Byzantine church; in Theologos, the former trading center, the stone houses tell a story of timeless craftsmanship.
Nature and traditions: from white marble to olive festivals
On the beach side, Aliki combines a turquoise cove and the ruins of ancient quarries; Golden Beach unfurls its long ribbon of sand under the pines; to the north, the marble beach of Saliara sparkles like a jewel. The interior is crisscrossed by trails that wind through pines, olive trees, and citrus orchards, with refreshing springs near Kallirachi. When summer arrives, Liménas comes alive: Thasos Festival in July-August, outdoor cinema festival, Olive Festival, sardine festival, traditional wedding festival, or honey festival punctuate an agenda where the religious panigyri bring everyone together, from the dancing grandpa to the laughing kid.
Food lovers, you will also travel through the taste buds: inspirations to be gathered in this gourmet guide to flavors while traveling. And if you mix Greek islands with French getaways, take a look at the sweet habits of the Île de Ré, another way of life facing the Atlantic.
Chosen addresses in Thasos
Dionysos Hotel, perched on the hill above Golden Beach (near Panagia): superb terraces, privileged natural setting; expect around 200 to 300 € per night for this chic getaway. For lunch or dinner, head to Utopia restaurant – winebar in Panagia: creative traditional cuisine, breathtaking sea view, a well-curated local wine list. Reservation recommended: +30 698 799 5090. And if you like to find clever high-end accommodations, take inspiration from these tips to stay in luxury at sweet prices.
Getting to and around Thasos
Ferries connect the island to the mainland several times a day. Count about 35 to 40 minutes from Kavala, and about 25 minutes from Keramoti. Once there, local buses, taxis, scooters, or rental cars allow you to roam between coasts and mountains.
Samothrace, the secret island of the Great Gods
The last Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea, Samothrace opens like a fortress of nature to those who take their time. Two hours from Alexandroupoli by sea, its 178 km² outline resembles a throne: legend has it that Zeus sat there to behold the Trojan War. Here, one breathes silence, walks, dives into stone pools, and strolls through the alleys in the shade of the plane trees. A piece of the world that fits in the palm.
In all simplicity: ports, plane trees and historic cafés
The ferry lands at Kamariotissa, a small port lined with tavernas, souvenir shops, and an ideal promenade at sunset. The capital, Chora, nestles at the foot of Mount Saos and looks out to the mainland sheltered from the winds. Its cobbled streets twist between row houses, artisan workshops, discreet cafés, and shops proudly displaying immutable recipes “since 1853.” On the heights, the ruins of a Genoese castle watch over the village and the Aegean Sea.
A natural treasure blessed by the gods
The santuary of the Great Gods, a major religious site of the ancient world, gives the island its enigmatic aura. One strolls among ruins that seem to emerge from the dawn of time, amidst mysterious rituals, forgotten beliefs, and primal deities — including the mother goddess. By the shores, nature reigns: to the south, Pachia Ammos spreads its sand of microscopic pebbles; to the east, Kipos combines pebbles and gray sand for an almost lunar setting; Vatos, in its pristine state, is accessible only by sea, a paradise for lovers of solitude – including naturists.
The slopes of Saos (known as Fengari) are etched with gorges and watered by crystalline streams. The waterfalls sculpt natural basins, the famous Vathres, where one immerses as in an altitude bathtub. Hiking here is to pass from warm stone to cool undergrowth, from salt on the skin to the drizzle of torrents in a single day.
Chosen addresses in Samothrace
On the road to the santuary of the Great Gods, Myesis Boutique apartments offers a family ambiance, equipped kitchen, and terrace with sea view. Count about 79 € to 98 € per night. For a shaded lunch, head to Tavern 1900 in Chora: refined family cuisine, overlooking the medieval castle and the Aegean Sea. And if you travel in the peak summer season, often a sought-after period, here are some tips to navigate the tensions of high season in Europe.
Getting to and around Samothrace
Ferries connect Alexandroupoli to Samothrace in about 2 hours. On the island, a vehicle greatly facilitates access to coves and hiking departures, although buses and taxis are available. To complete the exploration, some isolated beaches – like Vatos – are ideally reached by water taxi.
