Vatos Beach Samothraki

Vatos beach

Vatos is one of the wildest beaches on Samothraki: a long stretch of sand and white pebbles a few coves east of Pachia Ammos, where the Vatos river reaches the sea through a small canyon. Plane trees and oleanders follow the river down to the shore, so there is some shade, and the water is clear. No road comes near it: you arrive by boat or on a difficult path.

By boat

In summer, small boats take people from Pachia Ammos to Vatos, and some boat trips round the south coast stop here and at the Kremastos waterfall. Out of season there may be no boat, so ask on the island before you plan the day. Boat trips and charters are on our beaches of Samothraki page.

On foot

A path marked with red dots starts above Pachia Ammos and crosses the cliffs of Mount Saos to Vatos in 1.5 to 2 hours. It is short but dangerous: parts of it are a climb along the cliff edge, with fixed ropes in places that are sometimes missing. Only go if you are an experienced hiker with no fear of heights, never alone, and never in rain or strong wind. There is often no phone signal.

What to bring

• All the water and food you need: there is nothing at the beach.
• Shoes for the rocks, and a hat: the only shade is along the river.
• A bag for your rubbish: take back everything you bring.

Can I camp at Vatos?

No. Wild camping is not allowed anywhere in Greece, Vatos included, and fines start at €300 per person. The island’s licensed campsite is Varades, near Therma. More in free camping on Samothraki.

Nearby

• Pachia Ammos, the island’s long sandy beach, where the path and the boats start.
• Katarti, a pebble cove under the cliffs on the same coast.
• Kremastos, further east, the waterfall that drops off the cliffs into the sea.
• Panagia Krimniotissa, the chapel on the rock above Pachia Ammos.