The underrated but beautiful Greek island full of perfect beaches

If you're looking for a Greek island that hasn't been overtaken by tourists, Samothrace might be exactly what you're after.

Set in the northern Aegean Sea, Samothrace (also known as Samothraki) is one of more overlooked islands. It's not flashy. There are no all-inclusive resorts or airport runways. But what it does offer is something rarer-untouched scenery, cold waterfalls, mountain hikes, and a coastline that still feels wild.

The island's most striking feature is Mount Saos, which climbs to 1,611 metres and dominates the view from almost every angle. According to Greek mythology, this is where Poseidon watched the Trojan War unfold. Today, it's popular with walkers, campers and anyone keen to get off the grid. Trails weave through the forests, past ancient streams and up to natural pools fed by waterfalls. Kleidosi and Kremasto are the most famous, and swimming beneath them has become a must for anyone visiting.

Although Samothrace is often seen as a mountain island, its coastline has plenty to offer too. The beaches are quieter than those found elsewhere in Greece, and often more scenic. Pachia Ammos is the main one, and the only beach on the island with soft sand-perfect for sunbathing or swimming with a cold drink from the nearby taverna. Kipos Beach, covered in smooth grey-blue pebbles, has a more remote feel. And if you're feeling adventurous, a walk or boat ride around to the south of the island reveals more hidden beaches like Vatos, which is often nearly empty even in the height of summer.

Samothrace also has something for history buffs. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods, tucked into the hills above the coast, was once a major religious site in ancient Greece. It's best known today as the place where the iconic Winged Victory of Samothrace was found in 1863-a marble statue of Nike now proudly displayed in the Louvre. There's a plaster cast in the island's archaeological museum, along with other discoveries from the sanctuary and surrounding area.

The main port, Kamariotissa, is where most visitors arrive by ferry from Alexandroupolis. It has everything you'd need: supermarkets, a few small banks, bakeries and tavernas offering fresh fish and simple local dishes. It's also where you'll see traditional wooden fishing boats bobbing in the water, a reminder that the island still relies on the sea for much of its livelihood.

A short drive inland takes you to Therma, a village known for its natural hot springs and casual nightlife. It's a popular base for campers and younger travellers, and in summer it hosts a few small-scale music festivals that give the island a different energy-though outside of those weeks, things remain peaceful and low-key. One reviewer on TripAdvisor summed it up simply: "Still there, didn't want to leave. Great place to visit and experience the alternate tourism. Best diving place on the island."

Samothrace isn't trying to be the next big thing. That's part of its charm. There are no big developments or cruise ships, and much of the island still feels like it did decades ago. What it offers instead is nature, quiet, history, and the kind of scenery that's getting harder to find.

For those willing to skip the usual island circuit, Samothrace is one of Greece's best-kept secrets-and one that's well worth discovering before the crowds catch on.