Samothrace · Sight

Chora and the Gattilusi Towers

Chora climbs a sheltered slope below medieval Gattilusi fortifications, with tiled roofs, tight stone lanes, a folklore museum and evening tavernas.

Our take

Walk Samothrace's inland capital from shaded lanes to the castle ruins without confusing a living village for a heritage set

Chora sits inland rather than at the ferry port, protected by the folds of Mount Saos. Stone houses, tiled roofs and narrow lanes rise toward the remains of a fifteenth-century Gattilusi stronghold. Around the central church and square, the village remains an administrative and social centre, while the folklore collection documents household and pastoral life that still informs local food and craft.

Park outside the tightest lanes and continue on foot; cobbles, slopes and irregular steps make supportive shoes more useful than sandals. Castle remains include exposed edges and unstable-looking masonry, so follow closures and keep children close. Chora works well in late afternoon when the heat softens, but residents still need vehicle and doorway access. Ask before photographing people, keep noise down in residential lanes and confirm the folklore museum's staffed hours locally.

Good to know

Traditional settlement, Gattilusi castle, Folklore, Evening walk, and Steep lanes

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