Platia (former free campsite)
Sightseeing
For decades Samothraki's best-known free camping spot, under the plane trees east of Therma. It was never licensed, and since 2025 camping there can be fined: camp at Varades instead.
- Sightseeing
Platia, east of Therma
Platia is a stretch of plane forest by the sea on the north coast, a couple of kilometres east of Therma on the road to Fonias. For decades it was the island's best-known free camping spot: tents under the trees, a canteen, and summers that drew campers from all over Greece and Europe. Many visitors still know it as "Camping Natural Living".
What has changed
Platia was never a licensed campsite. In 2025 its canteen was not leased again, which ended the informal camping there, and fines were issued. Wild camping is illegal everywhere in Greece, and in August 2026 the Municipality of Samothraki restated that free camping is not allowed anywhere on the island. Fines start at €300 per person.
Where to camp instead
Varades, the island's only licensed campsite, is close by on the same stretch of coast, 1 km from the Fonias trail. It is open from 15 May to 30 September, has hot showers, electricity and a café, and you don't need to book. You can still walk or swim at Platia by day.
