Pachia Ammos, the most popular beach in Samothraki

Out of all the beaches of Samothraki, Pachia Ammos is definitely the most famous. It's very popular among the visitors of the island because it's the only sandy beach accessible by car and one of the few that has some semblance of amenities.

The sand is a little coarse, though it's not always advertised as such. Even the name Pachia Ammos translates to "thick sand". It's a rough sand, light in color, mixed with some pebbles.

Pachia Ammos is in the south, at the end of the road that starts from Kamariotissa and crosses the west of the island. For almost 17 kilometers (about 25-30 minutes by car), you'll traverse Samothraki's agricultural area, vast orchards of olive trees and a couple of sleepy villages. Quite often you'll have to give way to goats or sheep herds crossing the street (more about the roads of Samothraki in the article Getting around the island).

The road is paved and suitable for all types of cars, but it's far from perfect. There are places where the inclination is a little too high, it's full of sharp bends and in the valleys through where the water flows in the rainy season there might be potholes.

Pachia Ammos is sheltered in a picturesque cove, nestled between two cliffs, it's quite wide and stretches for approximately 800 meters. On the horizon, you can see the island of Gokceada (Imvros) and if you turn around you can see the rocky ridges of Mount Saos. Make sure that your phone doesn't connect to the Turkish cell networks because roaming charges can be very high.

Like most of Samothraki, Pachia Ammos and the area surounding it are part of the "Natura 2000" network. The landscape is arid, with few trees, lots and shrubs and bushes and spots of bright pink from the oleander flowers. Sometime in the beginning of the 20th century, the whole area was forested, but unfortunately, irresponsible grazing prevents new trees from taking root. There are only a few remaining downy oaks on the beach (Quercus pubescens).

The river Ammos splits the beach in two and flows into the sea, but it's not visible unless it rains for multiple days. In the past, the beach was called Paralia tou Ammou ("The Sandy Beach"). Only relatively recently it got its modern name of Pachia Ammos.

The climate is milder in this part of the island (check out the article about the weather in Samothraki). There are times when it rains in the north while it's sunny over Pachia Ammos. Usually, the water is also warmer than in the north.

There's no organized parking, but there is plenty of space to leave your car by the beach. Watch out for the goats! If you pick a spot underneath a tree, the animals may climb on your vehicle for easier access to the leaves above. No vegetation is safe from the goats of Samothraki!

On Pachia Ammos there's a more touristy vibe than in other places on the island. In season the beach is organized - with umbrellas, sunbeds and a few changing huts. There's also plenty of space remaining for those who prefer to throw a towel on the sand and chill in silence. To the right, the Kapelas brothers (Giannis and Nikolas) run two taverns and two beach bars. A few kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent. In low-season they might offer them as a bonus for paying customers.

Generally, there aren't big waves and the water doesn't get deep very quickly. Pachia Ammos is one of the few places where you can venture into the water without aqua shoes. There are some stones here and there, but nothing major.

If you're into snorkeling, the most interesting spots are to the side, by the rocks, but there are better places for this activity in Samothraki.

Places to visit near Pachia Ammos

The paved road ends in Pachia Ammos. From here, you can explore the south of the island further, only by hiking or by boat.

For boat rides, you can ask Nikolas. He offers trips to Vatos beach, to the Kremastos waterfall and the geological formations of Tis Grias ta Pania.

If you're planning to venture on foot in search of the remote beaches hidden in the coves to the east, wear proper hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and have plenty of water.

On your way back from Pachia Ammos you can take a right on a dirt road and visit Panagia Krimniotissa, a lovely little church that sits on top of a cliff 300m above sea level.

Taverns by Pachia Ammos

If you spend your whole day in Pachia Ammos you might as well have lunch at one ot the two taverns on the beach.

On your way back to civilization the closest tavernas are the one by the church Panagia Krimniotissa (reopened in 2023), the goat taverns in the village of Profitis Ilias (O Vrachos and Paradeisos are the most well-known) and the tavernas in Lakkoma (To Akrogiali and Stavroula).

Accomodation near Pachia Ammos

Don't think of Pachia Ammos as a place where you'll spend every day of your holiday. It's far away from most points of interest on the island and there are few restaurants close by.

If you really, really want to stay here, you can book one of Giannis' five studios on the beach (phone +30 698 014 8010, +30 255 109 5139, +30 255 109 5119).

The next closest accommodation is in Dafnes at Filoxenia Rooms.