Samothrace
From CruisersWiki
Samothrace
Background
Samothrace (Σαμοθράκη) or Samothraki is small island of 180 km2 and about 2900 inhabitants is located in the NE corner of Greece. It is a remote and rugged, wind-swept, island with it highest peak, Mt. Fengari at 1676 m (5500 ft) which is covered with snow for about 9 months of the year. Here sat the God of the sea Poseidon to watch the Trojan War.
Samothraki is best known today for the famous statue of Victory, alas not here but at the Louvre Museum. In the antiquity, however, Samothraki was one of the best known and most visited islands, because of it was the center of the cult of the Great Gods of the Underworld, people flocked here to be initiated to the cult's mysteries.
Owing to its strategic position, at the entrance of the Dardanelles, the island was heavily populated since Neolithic times. Indeed, the name of straits was from the native of Samothraki, Dardanos, the legendary founder of Troy. The early inhabitants of the island were from Thrace, most likely Pelasgians. Samothraki was colonized on the 8th century BC by Aeolians from Lesvos who mingled with the early natives. They were worshiping Athena and the Great Gods. The early Thracian language survived, in the religious rituals to the 1st century BC. By the 5th century BC, Samothraki had reached the height of its importance and had joined the Delian League. The sanctuary had become the religious center of the North Aegean, attracting pilgrims for all the Greek world. Important visitors from the mythical Argonauts, to Herodotus, Philip II the Macedon (Alexander's father), and the Ptolemies; all came here to be initiated to the cult.
Hellenistic and Roman rulers, also used Samothraki as a naval base but by the Roman times the island started a decline caused by pirate attacks and earthquakes. St. Paul visited the island but failed to convert its inhabitants to Christianity. They held on to their belief in the Great Gods and kept their sanctuary running until the 4th century AD when the Byzantines outlawed paganism and destroyed many statues. Most of the island was depopulated. The few remaining inhabitants retreated up the mountain to Chora to avoid the frequent raids of the pirates. The Byzantines were succeeded by the Genoese, Gatttilusis who built the castle of Chora. They in turn, were followed by the Ottomans who forced the island inhabitants to re-settle in Istanbul. From that point on the island went into obscurity until 1821 when its few inhabitants joined the Greek War of Independence, but the island continued under Ottoman domination. Samothraki joined Greece in 1912.
Charts
BA 1068 Srimonikos kólpos to Edremit körfezi
Imray-Tetra G2 Aegean Sea (North)
NIMA 54360 Thessaloniki to Canakkale Bogazi Dardanelles
NIMA 54363 Akra Akrathos to Dardanelles
Greek 32 Thrakiko Sea
Greek 321 Thassos, Alexandroupolis
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12, Tel. +30 5510 41 305
- Olympia Radio - VHF channel 82
Warning: When approaching Samothrace from the W the appearance of distances near Cape Akrotiri can be deceiving. Approaching the island from the W expect very strong katabatic winds from Mt. Fengari.
Ports and Popular Stops
Samothrace does not have any natural harbors or anchorages. There are only two artificial harbors: Kamariotissa and Loutra.
Kamariotissa
Kamariotissa (Καμαριώτισσα) [40° 28.5' N 25° 28.1' E] is the main harbor for the island. It provides good all around shelter but a strong SW wind brings in an uncomfortable swell.
It is best to go side-to the mole and drop an anchor to keep the boat some distance from the concrete. The ferry boats and large trawlers can make some uncomfortable wakes.
Loutra
Loutra (Λουτρά) or Thérma (Θέρμα) [40° 30.1' N 25° 36.1' E] is a new second artificial harbor that opened in 2002. It is reported to have depths better than 3 m and it looks as if it provides good or better protection from the meltemi than Kamariotissa. It certainly is a quiet place. The small village of Thérma is about 1 km inland and has several shops and restaurants which operate only in the summer. You can come side-to.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
None.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Also see each Port/Stop
Marine Stores & Facilities
See each Port/Stop
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
- Samothrace (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.