If you want luxury accommodations, big and imposing hotels, resorts, many stars, all-inclusive, private beaches and loud dance music, then Samothraki is not the right destination for your vacation. There are a bunch of other Greek islands, that cater to this type of tourism, where you will certainly find something you like.
In Samothraki, there are only a few hotels, the rest of the accommodation is in guesthouses, studios or apartments. There are also two campsites, one private and one free.
Hotels in Samothraki
Most of the hotels in Samothraki are on the north side of the island, where the population is most dense: Hotel Aeolos, Niki Beach (both with swimming pool) and Electra Suites in Kamariotissa, Samothraki Village (with swimming pool) near Paleopoli, Aigaion in Kayriotes, Orpheus in Therma, and Archondissa (with a lovely garden, by the sea), near Therma.
On the west side are Victory Hotels (with a different management for Block C, but with shared reception, breakfast room and pool), in an area with few houses, Yliessa and Samothraki Beach (also with pool) in Makrilies.
In Chora are the Axiokersa and Axieros hotels.
Guesthouses, studios and apartments in Samothraki
Most of the accommodations in Samothraki are guesthouses with a few studios or apartments sprinkled in. In Chora, several small houses are available for rent. Many are recently renovated but have kept some of the traditional style. Rooms are generally simple, with tiled floors, many have fridges and kitchenettes or access to a shared kitchen.
Camping in Samothraki
There are two campsites in Samothraki, both near Therma. The first is Platia. There's no tax, but also no amenities and it is currently operating without a permit. However, many nature lovers prefer it for its location in a wonderful plane tree forest and its proximity to the sea. A few kilometers further down the road, also by the sea, is the Varades organized campsite, smaller and managed by a social cooperative. For a few euros a day, you get a tent spot, access to electricity, toilets and showers with hot running water. There's a cafe and a tavern by the entrance.
According to the law, free camping (camping in the woods or on the beach) is not allowed in Greece.
Where to stay in Samothraki?
Accommodation in Chora
Chora, the capital, is the most charming village in Samothraki. Staying in the traditional stone houses (quite a few have become available for rent lately) can be a delightful experience. You have plenty of cafes and bars around (but only two or three taverns) and you can stroll on narrow and picturesque alleys. But if you want to wake up in the morning and have the sea a stone's throw away, then you will be disappointed. The sea is visible, of course, but only in glimpses, from the terraces of the cafes. Except for July and August, Chora is generally not very crowded.
Accommodation in Therma
The advantage of staying in the village of Therma, on the north side of the island, is the proximity to the most famous waterfalls and vathres of Samothraki. Nearby are the rivers Gria Vathra (or Platia) and Tsivdogiannis, and not far away, begins the trail up Fonias River. The route to Feggari, the highest peak of Mount Saos, also starts from Therma. In addition, a few hundred meters away, is Therma Beach. Therma's guesthouses are scattered among the trees and the lush vegetation. The cafe at the entrance to the village is the central meeting point for the free spirits, nonconformists and hippies of the island.
Accommodation in Kamariotissa
Kamariotissa is the most convenient option for accommodation: the ferry drops you here, and there are plenty of taverns, bars and cafes, three larger shops and you can rent scooters or cars. The town is also about halfway between two important beaches of Samothraki: the popular Pachia Ammos and the wild Kipos. The little nightlife on the island is concentrated here. On the other hand, Kamariotissa is neither the most beautiful nor the most representative place in Samothraki.
Accommodation in other places in Samothraki
The less touristy villages of Samothraki (Lakkoma, Alonia, Xiropotamos, etc) can get you closer to the locals and offer a more authentic slice of island life.
Those searching for tranquility can find whole properties to rent in areas with few houses around, close to nature.
