The term "vathres" is specific for Samothraki Island. It means a small lake created at the feet of a waterfall, which is formed after the water has run through a canyon. I swam in the chill water of the vathres of Fonias and this way, I could better see the waterfall hidden behind some rocks.

Art lovers may know the Nike of Samothrace, a winged victory statue displayed in the Louvre that, despite being headless, is one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world. This famous statue was discovered in 1863 on the namesake Greek island.

Being a lover of art and history myself, I knew the island—spelled alternately as Samothrace and Samothraki—would be a dreamscape for me. I wasn’t wrong.