AIKIDO SUMMER SEMINAR IN NATURE / THERME – SAMOTHRAKI – GREECE 05 – 15. JULY 2018
AIKIDO, AIKIKEN, AIKIJO leads by Vrzić Jelena 6. DAN AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO
ABOUT – SAMOTHRAKI ISLAND
Samothraki is miniscule island, length 17 km, a permanent population of the whole island has about 3,000. The coast is largely inaccessible, and the highest peak Fengari at over 1.600 m, a disproportionate amount for such a small island.
But the nature of Samothraki, is a fascinating and surprisingly lush vegetation of an Aegean island. At Samothraki there are several waterfalls and pools that create rivers Fonias, which during summer is very pleasant for swimming.
Some of the pools are located at higher altitudes, and it takes a hike to reach them there, but you’ll be rewarded with fabulous natural pools which you have to yourselves.
Cash is still the elemental form of payment at Samothraki, for cards and traveler’s checks are accepted only in a few places. In addition, banks are often difficult to raise money from foreign accounts, so make sure you have enough cash.
ORIENTATION
Kamariotisa is the main port and largest town on the island, which has the most taverns and able to accommodate. Kamariotisa is located on the west coast of Samotraki, and here come all the ferries and boats from the mainland.
Hora is the capital of the island – located in the interior, 5 km from Kamariotise. This is the prettiest village in Samothrakie, with narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses, surrounded by pine trees. Above the village are the ruins of the fortress with spectacular view of the sea and the harbor Kamariotisa.
Therma (Lutra) is a key tourist attraction, a spa with hot springs (35-39 ˚ C) on the north bank of Samotraki, 14 km from Kamariotisa. Tourists do not pass this place in July and August, and is particularly attractive because near the thermal springs are the only two camps on the island.
Oros Fengari is the highest peak on the island (over 1.600m), which is not easily overcome, and nearly impossible without comfortable shoes for hajking. The best walking and hiking trails to Fengari start from the Therme (Lutra).
BEACHES
The best beaches are located on the southern island, and they are sandy, while the northern coast has a miniature bays which are indented.
Pahia Amos is best known and the main beaches on the island. It is about 800 meters, covered with coarse sand and the beach there is a tavern that is open during the summer season. In fair weather, with the beach you can see Turkish island Gokceada (Imvros).
Vatos is a beach that is adjacent to, and is popular among nudists.
In the vicinity of this two beaches there are many coves with mixed sand and gravel, while the northern beaches are mostly gravel.
ACCOMMODATION
Domatio (rooms for rent) and apartment owners are the main form of accommodation on Samothraki, because until recently there were no hotels. Niki Beach Hotel is a comfortable 2 star hotel with forty rooms. Situated on the outskirts Kamariotisa, about 200 meters from the harbor and city center, near the beach. All rooms have air conditioning, refrigerator, satellite TV, and balconies overlooking the sea.
Mariva Hotel bungalows are near the Therme (Lutra) on the north coast, 14 km from Kamariotise. The houses are covered with lush vegetation, the resort is quiet and peaceful, and for those who wish communication with other people, there is a bar with terrace within the complex. To Therme takes about 5 minutes walk, beach is 1 km away, and to the river Fonias, its waterfalls and natural swimming pools ther is 4 km.
Archondissa Hotel is located 3 km from Therme and 17 km from Kamariotisa, built in classical Greek island style, with whitewashed walls and blue salon. Within the hotel there are facilities for mini golf and a volleyball court.
Camping is a favorite among tourists to Samothraki, and the two organized camps are situated around Therme.
transportation on the island
There are regular bus services from the main bus station in Kamariotisa to other places on the island, and buses starts on around every 2 to 3 hours. Ticket prices are, depending on destination, ranging from 1 € to 4 €.
There are no night buses- morning strat around 7h, and last route are around 23h. The schedule varies, so it is advisable to inform on-site.
GETTING THERE
To Samotraki there are regular ferry boats lines from nearby towns Alexandrupoli and Kavala on mainland coast of Greece. Kavala is closer to the tourists from Serbia, but the ferries from Alexandrupoli are more frequent and reliable, so it is recommended that option.
Training schedule will be announced on the spot, and during these 10 days few days are planned for vacation.
How to get there:
- by bus from Belgrade to Kvale, then from Kavala to Kamariotisa with ferry boat, and then with local bus to the Therme
- by car (Belgrade to Kavala distance is 770km)
- by plane via Athens or Thessaloniki to Alexandropoli
Accommodation:
- Camp
- Apartments/Rooms
- Hotels
Please sign up for a seminar on time, because of the number of accommodation bookings. MORE INFO & RESERVATION t +(381) 061 33 00 143