Greece

How to get from Alexandroupoli to Samothrace

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and practical tips.

⏱
FASTEST
1h 45min
💶
From
9€
📍
Distance
53 km
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⚡ Quick answer

Checked offer from Alexandroupoli to Samothrace: Ferry, about 1h 45min, from €9. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 4, 2026): Fast Ferries, Cyclades Fast Ferries; main departure point: Alexandroupoli Port.

Distance: 53 km. Data updated on .

One option to get from Alexandroupoli to Samothrace

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

Ferry
1h 45min
9 €
View
🚌 Departure from Alexandroupoli
📍The ferry departs from the port of Alexandroupoli, on the waterfront of the town in Thrace, northern Greece. The port has a ticket office and waiting areas nearby, and cafés close by. Arrive early in high season to handle ticketing and boarding calmly.
🚇The port is close to the town centre and easy to reach on foot from most central hotels. Taxis are readily available and are the simplest option if you have heavy luggage. Local buses also serve the area, but a taxi is more practical with bags.
⏰Sailings run on selected days and times that change with the season, with more departures in summer. Check the timetable for your exact date and book ahead in July and August.
💸 Transport from 9€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 1h 45min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Companies selling this route on 12Go

Offers listed on 12Go on November 4, 2026 for a departure on November 25, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.

CompanyModeDeparts fromFromOffers
Fast Ferries Ferry Alexandroupoli Port €9 1
Cyclades Fast Ferries Ferry Alexandroupoli Port €20 1
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Practical tips

💡
Book early for summer

In July and August, the boats to Samothrace fill up with locals, campers and vehicles. Reserve your seat as soon as your dates are fixed, especially if you travel with a bag-heavy group or want to bring a bicycle.

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Not Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio

This crossing does not leave from the Athens ports. It starts in Alexandroupoli, in Thrace, far to the north. If you are coming from Athens, plan the mainland leg first by train, coach or flight.

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Check the day before

Timetables change with the season and the number of sailings varies by day of the week. Confirm your departure day and time the day before you travel, and keep your ticket accessible on your phone.

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Allow a buffer for the wind

The north Aegean can be windy, and sailings may be delayed or cancelled. Avoid booking a tight onward flight or train on the same day as your return, and keep a spare night if your schedule is fixed.

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Arrive at the port in good time

Reach the port well before departure, especially in high season when queues for tickets and boarding build up. Having your booking confirmation ready makes boarding quick and keeps the start of your island stay stress-free.

The journey experience

Wondering how to get from Alexandroupoli to Samothrace? The answer is refreshingly simple: it is a ferry trip. This is a short sea hop from the mainland of northern Greece to one of the wildest and greenest islands of the north Aegean, so there is no need to weigh up coaches, trains or flights for the crossing itself. The table on this page shows the current duration and price range, so you can plan with up-to-date figures.

The ferry is a conventional passenger and vehicle boat, with indoor seating, an open deck for the views and a small snack bar on board. It is a relaxed, no-frills way to travel, and the island comes slowly into view as you cross. Services on this route are run by the operators that serve the northern Aegean, and the schedule is built around the needs of locals, so the timetable is not as dense as on the busy Cyclades routes.

Your main task is to check the departure days and times for your exact travel date, because the timetable changes with the season and some days have fewer sailings. Book ahead in July and August, when Greek families and campers fill the boats. Leave a safety margin around onward connections, since strong winds can disrupt sailings. Book online to get an instant confirmation and travel with your ticket ready on your phone.

Frequently asked questions — Alexandroupoli → Samothrace

Why visit Samothrace?

  • ✓ Hike to the Gigantes natural rock pools on the Fonias River, with cascading waterfalls and emerald basins
  • ✓ Climb Mount Saos (Fengari, 1,611 m), the highest peak in the Aegean islands, with views toward Mount Athos
  • ✓ Explore the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a major Hellenistic site where the Winged Victory of Samothrace was found
  • ✓ Soak in the sulphur hot springs of Therma, in the island's wooded northern hills
  • ✓ Wander the hilltop village of Chora and the Genoese Gateway fortress of Kamariotissa's surroundings, away from mass tourism
🌙
Recommended stay
2 to 4 nights — time to hike the rock pools, visit the sanctuary and reach the summit.

When to visit Samothrace?

MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE

June to September — warm, dry weather ideal for swimming and hiking; July–August can be windy and busy.

Jan 😞
Feb 😞
Mar 😞
Apr 😐
May 😐
Jun 😊
Jul 😊
Aug 😊
Sep 😊
Oct 😐
Nov 😞
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In Samothrace — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Samothrace
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Samothrace?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

MUST-SEE
🏛️
Sanctuary of the Great Gods
Samothrace's main archaeological site, where the Nike of Samothrace was found. Explore the Anaktoron, Hieron and theatre among pine-covered slopes. Open daily, usually 8:30-15:30 in low season; entry about 6€. Visit the small museum first, and come early to avoid the midday heat.
💧
Gria Vathra Waterfall Pools
A chain of emerald natural pools and cascades fed by mountain streams, reached by a 20-30 minute walk from the Fonias river trailhead. The water is icy even in August. Wear shoes with good grip for the slippery rocks, bring a swimsuit and a towel, and go in the morning for fewer crowds.
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Climb Mount Fengari
At 1,611 m, Fengari is the highest peak in the Aegean islands, said to be where Poseidon watched the Trojan War. Allow 6-8 hours return from Therma or Profitis Ilias trails. Start at dawn, carry at least 2 litres of water, and check the weather, as clouds can set in quickly.
♨️
Therma Hot Springs Soak
The village of Therma, in a shaded valley, has sulphurous thermal springs used since antiquity. Public baths run on a seasonal schedule, with a soak costing roughly 3-5€. Go late afternoon after a hike, then eat at a taverna under the plane trees. Bring a towel and check opening hours locally.
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Chora and Genoese Fortress
Perched above the island, Chora has stone houses, narrow lanes and ruins of a Gattilusi fortress with sweeping views to the sea. Walk up in the late afternoon for the light, then wander the alleys for cafés and small shops. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paving is steep and uneven.
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Local Taverna Feast in Kamariotissa
The island's port is the best place to try fresh grilled fish, local goat dishes and Samothraki's tangy cheeses. Choose a waterfront taverna near the harbour and ask what was caught that day. Expect a full meal for about 15-25€ per person, and try the local goat cheese with honey.
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Pachia Ammos Beach Day
On the south coast, this long sandy beach is one of the island's rare sandy stretches, with clear water and a relaxed feel. Take a rental car or scooter from Kamariotissa, around 30-50€ per day, and bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Weekday mornings are quietest.
🌅
Sunset at Kipos Beach
Kipos, on the quieter southeastern coast, is a pebble beach with a scattering of natural rock pools and almost no development. Bring your own food and water, and arrive an hour before sunset for a calm swim and golden light. A scooter or car is needed, as public transport is limited.

How long to visit Samothrace?

2 to 4 days

Samothrace deserves 3 to 4 days. With 2 days you can see the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, the museum and the Chora, but you will miss the hikes. With 4 days add the Gria Vathra waterfalls (natural pools), a hike toward Mount Fengari and the hot springs of Therma. Book ferry tickets from Alexandroupoli in advance in summer and rent a car or scooter on arrival, as buses are rare.

Related searches

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