THE CABEIRI MYSTERIES

             The island of Samothraki became know to the Greek world, during the classical period, as well as to the Romans later, as a result of their worship of the Great Gods which included <<Mysteries>> equally important as those of Elausis. The origin of these Mysteries dates back to the pre-hellenic times. In 650 BC, when the island was colonized by the Greeks, elements of pre-hellenic and hellenic worship were incorporated. The basic characters in the ancientworship were the Thracian goddess Axiocerus or Axierus (Mother-Earth or Demeter to the Greeks) with her husband, Cadmilus or Casmilus (Hermes), as well as the Cabeiri, protectors of the sea-faters and traders. Other characters include the deities Hades and Persephone, under their pre-hellenic name of Axiocersus and Axiocersa .

                          TOURISM  

         The Archaeological Museum in Palaiopoli which containts finds from excavations on the island is worth a visit. So the Folklore Museum at Hora, which is a testament to the cultural heritage of the island. The church of Koimisi tis Theotokou is also located at Hora and contains icons dating to 1875. In 1978 the settlement of Hora was declared a listed area. Hotels are to be found in Kamariotissa, Therma and Palaiopoli, while rooms are let at Hora and Karyotes. There is a camping site a short distance from Therma. The beaches of Pachia Ammos and Kipos are highly recommended for swimmingand the island's mineral water springs are well known.
Some of the famous products of the island are the olives, olive oil, cottage cheese, honey and goat meat. Hora is well known for its walnut and apricot traditional preserves .

             Every day is a new experience for the visitor, as he discovers the countless beauties of the island, which include the "Old Vathras" in Therma, the waterfalls of Fonias ("the Killer"), the traditional settlemend of Chora, Gatilouzi's Fortress, the mystic environment of the Archaeological Site, the impressive beaches of Pachia Ammos and Kipos and the underwater lushness which remind the visitor of Cousto's documentaries ending up at the slope of mountain Saos, ideal for trecking with engraved routes.
This is Samothraki which invites you to visit and promises an unforgettable holiday .