The waterfalls and vathres of Samothraki

While for many places in Greece, the main draw is the beaches, in Samothraki, the vathres and waterfalls are what many people come for. The vathres, a trademark of the island, are natural pools dug in rock over millennia by the many rivers that spring all over Mount Saos and flow towards the sea.

Of the approximately 60 rivers in Samothraki, 13 have their springs at 1000-1100 m. At about 700 m, the smaller branches join, forming spectacular gorges (among the most beautiful in Greece), only accessible by canyoning. Waterfalls and clear, emerald-colored vathres string along the rivers.

Hiking to the waterfalls and vathres is one of the must-try activities in Samothraki. Those lower down the rivers are easily reachable, regardless of physical condition, in a relaxed 20-30 minute walk. Blue dragonflies will accompany you on your way, posing for the camera. To reach the top vathres you will need some experience in hiking and mountaineering and the proper equipment. In season, the lower vathres are very crowded. The higher you climb, the fewer people there are, and the vathres become increasingly beautiful and less accessible.

There are over 100 vathres on the island, but the best known and most popular are the ones in the north, on the courses of the rivers Fonias, Platia (better known as Gria Vathra), Tsivdogiannis (known by tourists as Paradeisos) and Kardelis (tourists call it Grigorakis or Christos), near the village of Therma.

Also on the northern side, you may encounter smaller vathres on the rivers Kipos and Aggistros (near Kipos Beach) and Arapis, in Karyotes.

On the south side, which is less accessible, the Xiropotamos, Karagiannakis, Vatos (which ends at Vatos Beach), Kousiandas, Kremastos and Gyali rivers form impressive wild canyons with many gorges and waterfalls.

When hiking to the vathres, it's advisable to have hiking shoes, a headcover and sunglasses. Do not use sunscreen or soap! Not even organic products. The rivers are one of the island's treasures and it would be a shame to pollute them.

Most trails are not marked. Don't venture out if you don't know the way or if you don't have a guide - it's very easy to get lost and end up in tricky situations.