EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

All ferries and hydrofoils dock at the dull village of KAMARIÓTISSA , where you're unlikely to want to spend much time. That said it could be your most convenient base, since some of Samothráki's best hotels lie along or just behind the tree-lined seafront and various rooms for rent, many them more than acceptable, can be found in the maze of streets behind; owners often meet incoming vessels. As on most islands with a short season, accommodation can be pricey for what you get, and bargaining is not always productive, especially in midsummer. Along the shore, some way east of your point of arrival, is the recently refurbished Kyma (tel 05510/41 263; ¬34-42); be aware that rooms overlooking the pebbly beach can get noise from the string of barákia which constitutes Samothráki's main nightlife, and avoid the hotel restaurant - the taverna (see below) is much better. Calmer, but somewhat pricier, is the Niki Beach (tel 05510/41 561; ¬43-58) beyond the far north end of the quay. Above, occupying a bluff and visible from out to sea, is the slightly impersonal Aeolos (tel 05510/41 595, fax 41 810; ¬59-72); with a large pool and quiet, spacious rooms, it's the island's most comfortable accommodation and offers good half-board deals out of season. Bars and cafés on the harbourfront serve snacks and breakfasts, but the only commendable taverna is the Limanaki , at the southern end, beyond the docks: excellent Limniot wine from the barrel is perfect with the fish and seafood on offer, which you can virtually watch being unloaded by local fishermen as you order.

Motorbikes and cars are in short supply, so it's worth grabbing one immediately on disembarkation - or even reserving a bike in advance from Hanou Brothers (tel 05510/41 511) or a car from Niki Tours (tel 05510/41 465), which sells plane tickets as well; also try Kyrkos car rental (tel 097/4371122). For information about and tickets for ferries and hydrofoils , a converted container opposite the docks acts as offices. A fairly reliable timetable for island buses is also posted here; these travel up to eight times daily in season (but only twice weekly in deepest winter) along the north coast to Loutrá (Thermá) via Paleópoli (near the site of the Sanctuary) or Karyótes, or directly inland seven times daily to the largest village, Hóra. As with lodging, rented transport is more expensive than on most islands, but if you've the means go for a car as Samothracian roads are often dangerously windswept for bikes. Note that there is currently only one fuel pump on the entire island, 1km above the port, en route to Hóra. Kamariótissa also has a bank with a cash dispenser, but no post office.