Samothrace - Information
Samothrace is an island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, while its northern coast is on the ThracianSea. It belongs to the region of Evros,Thrace, and has an oval shape. Geography Samothrace is 24 nautical miles (about two hours by ferry) away from Alexandroupolis and is surrounded by the islands of Lemnos, Imbros and Thasos. The island has an area of 178 square kilometers and a population of 2,840 inhabitants, according to the census of 2011. It is a mountainous island, with Saos being its largest mountain that dominates the landscape and its highest peak is Fegari, reaching 1611 meters. Settlements The port of the island is Kamariotissa, on the northwestern coast. It is also one of the most important settlements of Samothrace, along with Chora, Therma and Alonia. Overall the island has more than ten scarcely populated settlements, which are gathered in the more sheltered northern part of the island and form a single municipality. Beaches The coastline of Samothrace is 59 km, of which 35 km are beaches, mostly rocky. Most of them are not accessible by road, and their waters are turquoise, with one of the richest sea bed of the Mediterranean: the marine and underwater life hosted here include rare species and ecosystems. Nature The verdant environment of Samothrace makes the island unique: wild, dense vegetation, and an abundance of springs. The species of flora and fauna are countless, and do not be surprised if you come across goats in the middle of nowhere - a large number of them live in the wild in the mountains of the island. Forests with plane trees, pines, cedars and other trees, cover most of the island and reach all the way to the sea. The plenty brooks and streams that originate in Saos, on their way to the sea often form waterfalls, as well as "vathres ". They are small ponds amidst the rocks, which resemble natural pools and are sure to entice you to dive into their icy, crystal clear waters. History Apart from its natural beauty, Samothrace has a rich history and is of archaeological interest. The world famous statue "Nike of Samothrace" was discovered on the island in 1863 and today is one of the most important exhibits in the museum of Louvre, Paris. The "Cabeiri Mysteries" that took place in ancient times in the Sanctuary of the Great Gods of Samothrace, were one of the occult rites of the ancient Greeks.
