Hiking on Samothraki
Samothraki is a mountain in the sea: Mount Saos rises to 1,611 m straight from the shore, and its rivers have cut gorges full of waterfalls down every side. The walks most people do are short, along the Fonias and Gria Vathra rivers near Therma. The climb to the summit, Fengari, is a long, steep day for experienced hikers. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; in summer, start early.
Easy walks
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Along the Fonias river from the bridge east of Therma: 15 to 30 minutes on a marked path to the first waterfall, then a steeper, rockier climb for those who want more.
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A shaded path above Therma: about 15 minutes to the first pool, 20 to 30 more to the higher ones.
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Shaded paths along the stream near Xiropotamos village, past old water mills: an easy walk on the quieter south-west side.
Climbing Mount Saos
The summit climb starts in Therma, by the municipal baths, and follows the marked E6 path through the oak forest and up the ridge: about 8 km and five to six hours to the top, ten hours or more there and back. It is steep, with little shade once you leave the forest, and in winter there can be snow and ice. Go only if you are used to mountain trails, start at first light, take plenty of water, and think about a guide.
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The island’s highest point, 1,611 m, with the whole island and the sea around it below you on a clear day.
With a guide
Island businesses that run walking tours, treks and outdoor days, from the Fonias gorge to longer routes on the mountain.
Good to know
What's the best hike on Samothraki?
For most visitors, the walk up the Fonias gorge: a marked path from the road east of Therma reaches the first waterfall and its pool in 15 to 30 minutes, easy enough for families; further up, the path gets steep and rocky. Gria Vathra, above Therma, is closer still, about 15 minutes to the first pool. The big one is Mount Saos (Fengari, 1,611 m): the marked trail from Therma takes about five to six hours to the summit and ten or more there and back. It is steep and only for experienced hikers, best with a guide. More in hiking on Samothraki.
How difficult are the hiking trails and what's the fitness requirement?
Most of the walks people come for are short and easy at the start: the first waterfall of Fonias and the first pool of Gria Vathra are 15 to 30 minutes from the road. Going further up the gorges means steep, rocky paths, wet stones and some scrambling, so wear shoes with grip. Mount Saos is the serious one: about five to six hours up from Therma on a steep, marked path and ten or more there and back, with little shade once you leave the forest. Go only if you are used to mountain trails, start at first light, take plenty of water and avoid the heat of midsummer days. The gorges change after rain: stay out of them in bad weather, and go with a guide for anything beyond the first pools.
