Samothrace, Mountain island in North Aegean Sea, Greece
Samothrace is a Greek island in the northern Aegean with steep mountains rising above 5280 feet (1600 meters) and dense forests covering the slopes. Deep gorges cut through the terrain and lead down to small coves along the rocky coastline.
The island hosted a major sanctuary in ancient times that drew pilgrims from across the Mediterranean and conducted mystery rituals. Later conquests by Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans left visible marks on settlement patterns.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace, discovered in 1863, represents the most notable archaeological discovery from the island and currently resides in the Louvre Museum.
Ferries dock regularly at Kamariotissa and connect the island to mainland Greece through the ports of Kavala and Alexandroupoli. Hiking trails run through the mountain regions but require good fitness and sturdy footwear because of steep climbs.
Streams flow year-round through narrow valleys and form natural pools that remain cool despite the southern location. Vegetation ranges from sea level to the peaks and shows an unusually wide variety of species for an Aegean island.
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