Kavala

In Ancient Greece people of Thassos island established Kavala as a colony in the mid-7th century BC to secure commercial control of the straits between Thassos and the mainland and to exploit the gold deposits at Mount Pangaion.

Kavala prospered due to its trade routes and the commercial harbor and gained independence from Thassos but for security reasons, maintained friendly relations with Athens, the major power in the region, as a member of the Athenian League.

In the 4th century BC, the city lost its independence and became the port of the neighboring Macedonian city of Philippi.

During occupation of the Roman Empire, the city prospered again as a major commercial station along the Via Egnatia, as well as the port of Philippi.

During the Byzantine period, Kavala became part of the “East Roman Empire”. Remains of the Byzantine fortifications can still be seen at many points on the old town (called Panagia), as well as the imposing Castle.

Kavala was prey to numerous assaults by Slavs, Franks, Venetians and Turks until in 1391 it was captured by the Ottoman Empire. Under Turkish occupation, the Castle and the walls of Kavala were repaired, and around 1550 the large aqueduct was constructed under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566). It consists of 60 arches of four different sizes and at its highest point stands 25 m high.

Kavala was the birthplace of the founder of the last Egyptian dynasty, called Mehmet Ali (1769). He lived in the city for many years and his home is now a museum and coffee house, standing at the top of the old town.

Mehmet Ali was a great benefactor to the city, erecting the poorhouse (Imaret) in 1817, which also functioned as a religious school and boarding school. A remarkable example of Islamic architecture, the building now belongs to the Egyptian state and is being converted into a luxury hotel.

After the Turkish-Greek war of 1922, some 25,000 Greek refugees settled in Kavala, increasing the population of the city significantly. At the same time the city was enjoying great economic prosperity as a major center for the processing of tobacco. Many of the tobacco storage and processing houses are still a part of the cityscape.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, the textile industry was of great importance. With the opening of Bulgaria after the fall of the Soviet Union the sewing industry shifted there. Since then, service and tourism have become the most important economic sectors.

Kavala has hot dry summers (mid-June to mid-September) and wet cool winters (November to April). Its not as hot as southern Greece in summer but colder in winter. The swimming season starts in early May and ends mid-October. From mid-June to late August there is hardly any rain and therefore is the best travel season (but also the hottest). For those who don't like the heat of the summer and do not mind occasional rainy days best traveling time is from mid-May to mid June and September to mid-October.

Kavala is a major port. It is possible to reach it by ferry from Lemnos, and several other north Aegean islands. With a bit of careful planning, or aimless wandering, it is possible to reach Kavala from almost any Greek island with a ferry via other islands. A modern marina for sailing or motorboats offers all services.

• 🌍 Kavala International Airport (KVA  ^IATA Alexander the Great Airport) (about 30 km from Kavala, near Chrysopolis village). Planes, mostly touristic charters, fly all from over Europe and there are daily flights from Athens. 

Except by taxis, the airport is hard to reach by public transport. Car rental at the airport is available. There is only one bus per day from the airport to Kavala city. The official flat rate taxi fare from Kavala airport to city is €35 (August 2020). Unregulated taxis at the airport are common and also the regular taxis show irregularities: taxi licence not on display, complete lack of information about the fare being applied (drivers claim they need to apply a double fare from airport to city). According to Kavala's police department, not having the fares displayed in the taxi is legal while only licence should be displayed. If you decide for taxi it is advisable to enquire about fare prior to entering in the car. The cheapest way is to take a taxi to the bus station (KTEL) in Chrysoupolis and from there by bus to Kavala.

Interurban coaches KTEL are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling. There is frequent bus service from Athens Kifisos Station to Kavala, as well as from Thessaloniki bus terminal "Macedonia" to Kavala.

The first bus from Kavala to Thessaloniki departs at 06:00 and the last one leaves at 20:40. There is one each hour (06:00, 07:00, 08:00, 09:00, etc.) The buses at 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00 are scheduled as "Express" so these buses won't stop on their way to Thessaloniki.

The fare for a ticket to Thessaloniki is €15 and it will take between 2 and 2½ hours until the bus arrives at Thessaloniki. The regular buses (non-Express) on the other hand might serve some villages in between which can extend the journey to 3 hours.

From Thessaloniki to Kavala there are also hourly buses from 08:00 until 22:00 (except 07:00 and 21:00).

To Athens there is a bus twice a day: 08:45 and 20:30. From Athens to Kavala it's the same: Two buses each day at 08:45 and 20:30.

The timetable for buses to Ioannina is 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00.

If you are in a hurry and cannot wait for scheduled plane or coach services it could be worthwhile getting a taxi from Thessaloniki, especially if there are 4 travellers when the split price can approximate a bus fare each. Make sure you agree the price before you get in the cab.

There is an efficient public transport system with lines going around the city (ticket price about €1.50). Detailed info in the regional bus terminal (called "Astiko KTEL") in "Filikas Etarias" Street near the harbour.

Taxis in Kavala, as elsewhere in Greece, are comparably cheap. You should not pay more than €5 if you hail a cab (orange or white colour) on the road to take you anywhere in the city. Note that taxi meters have two rates - rate 1 applies from 05:00 till midnight, and rate 2, the double rate, from midnight to 05:00. Taxi fare fraud is not widespread but it still happens, so make sure the rate is correct. If you feel you have been overcharged, ask for a receipt (they are obliged to give one) and take the plate number, then phone the tourist police to report the driver on 171. Expect to pay €1 or €2 extra if you take a taxi from the bus station, the train station or the port, and a surcharge if you call for a taxi service on demand.

There is a free bus from the main square (11) to the old town which looks like a tourist train. The station is in front of the National Bank. Schedules are written on the "train cars" (08:00-14:00), except Sundays and holidays.

• 🌍 Harbour. The central point for recreational, commercial, business and tourist activity. It serves the fishing fleet, tourism, ferry boats from and to Thassos, Limnos, Mitilini and water sports at its Marina. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Agios Nikolas church. with Apostle Paul Mosaic (Kontouriotou Str), it's a “must-see place”. Around the church there is an old, somewhat run-down neighborhood with many great cafeterias, Ouzo drinking places (Ouzerias), restaurants and small shops. Especially in the summer evenings it is very attractive place to have a beer. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Medieval Aqueduct. Well-preserved, it was cleaned and repaired few years ago. It looks like new now and is one of the city's landmarks. It is probably of Roman origin but the present structure dates to the 16th century during Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent's repair and improvement of the Byzantine fortifications. It reaches up to 25 m high, 280 m long and contains 60 arches. Interesting to see are also some old houses that were built into this monument. If you go 100 m up the street on the side of the new town (Hellenikis Dimokratias Str.) and turn right into the 1st street (Konstantinidou Str) after 50 m (in front of the school) you find the start of the Aqueduct. You can even climb on it a few meters to take nice photos of the Aqueduct plus Old Town. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Castle. On a hill above the town. Its biggest part was built in the 15th century. To get there it will take a 15–20 minutes walk from the harbour. A wonderful sea view and also a great view over the city. A simple romantic cafeteria invites you to linger. €2.5. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Halil Bey Complex. The mosque of Halil Bey dated at the beginning of the 20th century, an older minaret on the side probably of the 16th century, and a medrese. The mosque is built over the foundation of an early Christian basilica. Under the modern glass floor a big part of the nave of the old church with the Byzantine floor can be seen.
  At the beginning of 16th century the Byzantine church was converted to a mosque. It became the center of one of the oldest Muslim neighborhoods of Kavala, that of Halil Bey. From the Early Ottoman period survived the base of the minaret, which was attached to the southern wall of the Late Byzantine chapel. To the north of the mosque a medrese (Koranic seminary) was erected. The early Ottoman mosque was replaced at the beginning of the 20th century by a new one with the correct orientation towards Mecca. Its rich interior decoration is in the Ottoman-Rococo style. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Mohamed Ali House. Mohamed Ali was born in 1769 in Kavala and lived there until he was 30 years old. He was the founder of the dynasty which ruled Egypt until 1952 and a major figure in the Eastern Mediterranean history in the first half of the 19th century. His house was built in 1780-90 and contains a museum today. The building has a surface area of 330 m², and was the largest house in the town at that time and is considered as one of the most splendid extant examples of eighteen-century Ottoman architecture in Greece. Apart from the house there is also a large garden that operates as a bar-restaurant. Next to Mohamed Ali’s house there is a bronze equestrian statue of him. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Panagia Church (at the end of the old town). From its remarkable forecourt you have a good view to the island of Thasos. Opposite the church is a pub with a beautiful terrace from where you have a wonderful view of the harbour. It's worth resting there with a cold beverage from the somewhat strenuous tour of the hilly old town. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Lighthouse (A few meters away from Panagia Church). The small lighthouse and its lookout point with a wonderful view over the sea. From there, a path leads down to rocks in the sea which is a romantic spot to relax. From there, the path splits and leads to the port or around the headland fortification wall back to the parking lot below the Mohamed Ali statue. This "Wall trail” is highly recommended. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Imaret. Built between 1817–21 by Mehmet Ali (founder of the last Egyptian dynasty) and is a classic example of Islamic architecture and has survived almost intact. It operated as Muslim seminary, later became refuge for Greeks driven out of Asia Minor after the Greek-Turkish war (1919-22). In 1967 the monument was sealed. In 2001 it was restored and converted into a luxurious and elegant hotel, which maintains something of the ambiance of its era. Although well worth seeing from inside, it is unfortunately a bit difficult to get in, if you are not a guest of the hotel. Guided tours are offered Tu-Su from 10:00 to 15:00 by appointment at the hotel entrance or by phone at 0030 2510 620151. Entrance fee: €5. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Ferry terminal. The port below the old town is starting point of all ferries going to the islands (Thasos, Lemnos, Lesbos, Rhodes, etc.) Next to it is a large parking lot, which is ideal for travellers as a starting site for a city tour that come by their own car to Kavala. Here are also some good restaurants and bars that are both lunchtime and evening always well attended. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Main Square (Platia Elefterias). On the right side (seen from the sea) is the old St. Nikolas quarter with its pubs, restaurants, little shops giving an impression how the town was many years ago. To the left of the Square is a modern shopping district. In front of the "National Bank" is the station of a train-like bus going to the old town. A good alternative if you are not so strong on foot to climb the hill to the old town. Next to the bank is the Tourist Information Center that offers friendly help and free maps. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Shopping district. Partially a pedestrian area with narrow streets, shops of all kinds and many street cafeterias. Also in the evening you find pubs and restaurants there. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Municipal Tobacco Warehouse. It was built around the first decade of the 20th century as a tobacco warehouse by the Turkish tobacco merchant. Its a stylish building, a combination of Ottoman architecture with neoclassical elements. Belonging to Kavala’s City Council it was refurbished and it hosts various events and exhibitions, e.g. the Maritime Museum of Kavala. Free. (updated Feb 2018)
• 🌍 Promenade. Picturesque fishing and sailing boats, restaurants, pubs, coffee houses. On Saturday morning, there is an interesting fruit & clothing market (Bazaar). Sit in one of the many cafeterias along the promenade in summer to enjoy the view over the harbor and old town. Especially in the night, it's a good place to drink a cold beer and watch people walking along. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 City Hall (Dimarchio) (on Kipos Iroon Park). One of Kavala's landmarks. It was built by a Hungarian tobacco-trader and it is a miniature of a Hungarian castle. It houses the municipality of Kavala since 1937. The little park in front is a nice place to rest at the cafeteria under the big trees. In close proximity is the Tobacco Museum (Philippou Odos Str). (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Archaeological Museum. It has several interesting finds from the area around Kavala, as well as from other ancient settlements. It's worth seeing although it has nothing spectacular to offer. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Sfagio. A nice scenic small fishing harbour at the east end of Kavala with good restaurants and bars direct at the sea front. A perfect place for having dinner. (updated Sep 2015)
• 🌍 Via Egnatia. The Via Egnatia is the ancient Roman road which ran across the Balkans between the port of Durrës (Albania) and Istanbul connecting the Adriatic Sea and the Bosporus. This first “highway” across the Balkans was built around 146 BC. Kavala was an important station along its route. A few hundred meters of the ancient road are well preserved. Unfortunately the place is not signposted and needs a bit searching. Going out of Kavala center (on 7is Merarchia Str.) there is a parking area and view point 750 m after the Hotel Egnatia on the left street side. From there a path leads 150 m downhill to the Egnatia. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Agios Silas Monastery. The Monastery of Agios Silas is dedicated to the Apostle Silas who accompanied Saint Paul on his journey to Philippi. A small church was built here in 1937, at the location where, according to Christian tradition, Paul and his companions Silas, Timothy and Luke rested on their way to Philippi. Although it's not a “must-see location” its quite photogenic and you have a nice view over Kavala. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 White Cross. High over Kavala a big white cross can be seen from everywhere in the town. Its a very nice place to go and you have a fantastic view over Kavala and the coast line, the Pangaion Mountain and the Delta of the river Nestos. Although you can reach the point only on mud roads and its not signposted its definitively worth to go there, especially in late afternoon, when the sun is not burning hot anymore. Coming from Kavala center turn right opposite of Ag. Silas Monastery (at a bus station shortly before the motorway access towards Xanthi) and follow the paved road uphill 1½ km until you reach a little church and a hut with parking and grill place (turn left shortly before the paved road ends, signposted as FOK). From here you can make a nice 2½-km walk to the cross. Its also possible to go by car but the path is not paved and needs careful driving if you don't have a 4WD car. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Turret. The photogenic tower ruin is located in a forest above the city. The visit is worth more because of the very beautiful view than the tower itself. The tower was the terminus of a 1.5-km-long wall from 1308, which served to control the road from Macedonia to Thrace and as a water pipe to supply the city. This wall began on the north side of the city wall at the castle and led to the opposite hills and was interrupted only by the aqueduct. (updated Dec 2018)
• 🌍 Chapell St. Panteleimon. A 10-minute walk will take you from the northern bypass of Kavala to the romantic chapel. The fantastic view is worth the climb. On foot from the center, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get to the Panteleimon Church. Behind the church there is a small and steep path that takes about 30 minutes to reach the White Cross on the top of the mountain. You should take water with you and avoid the midday heat for this somewhat strenuous walk. (updated Oct 2019)

• 🌍 Waterfall Palea Kavala. To reach the waterfall and the hiking trail at Palea Kavala you have to drive from Kavala towards Drama, turn right after Amigdalonas towards Zigos. After the village Neo Zigos a street turns right to Palea Kavala. Approximately 300 m after the crossing, turn right into a dirt road (signposted) and follow the path past a sheep farm to a marble quarry. From there, a scenic hiking trail leads up the hill in the shady romantic mountain valley with tall trees to Palea Kavala. Even in summer it is pleasantly cool. After about 30 minutes you will come to a waterfall. In early summer, it is a nice place to rest and take a dip in the cold water. In high summer, the watercourse can dry out. After another 30 minutes walk along a stream you reach the village of Palea Kavala. It is an ideal place to relax after a walk in one of the restaurants. To get back to the starting point, either go back the same way, or along the road that runs parallel to the trail. (updated Mar 2018)

• 🌍 Philippi. Approximately 15 km away from Kavala in direction of Drama is the ancient site of Philippi, a world heritage site and a very important place in the spread of Christianity. It was founded around 360 BC and is known from the biblical letters of the apostle Paul, who did missionary work in Philippi and performed the baptism of Lydia, the first Christian baptism in Europe. The ruins of a well-preserved ancient theatre present a delightful setting with stunning views over the plain of Drama and the massif of Pangeon. Furthermore, the Old Market, the prison of the apostle Paul and the ruins of a church from the early Christian period are worth seeing. In the summer, performances and music concerts take place in the theatre. Also worthwhile is a visit to the museum and the climb to the castle above Philippi. The adult admission fee is €6 (August 2020). From the KTEL Bus Station, take a bus bound for Drama (Δράμα) and get off in the centre of Krinides (Κρηνίδες) from where it is a short walk to the site, about 1/2 hr, €1.6 (August 2020). (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Lydia. Approximately 1 km away from Philippi, on the outskirts of Lydia is a particularly interesting church and a cruciform baptismal font in a stream, where adult baptisms are performed. Many Greeks have their children baptized in the chapel because of the special importance of the place for Christianity. In the brook, which runs alongside the chapel, the apostle Paul was said to have performed the first baptism on European soil, the rich Jewish merchant Lydia. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Lasponera. A few kilometres away from Lydia is Lasponera, a healing mud bath, which helps fight joint and back pain. The mud bath is open until 17:00. The entrance fee is €6 for half an hour. You only need a towel as you bath naked in the mud, men and women separated. Even if one is in good health, a visit is absolutely worthwhile! Since it is an open air facility, the mud baths is only open from June to October. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Kefalari. From Lydia about 10 km towards Drama is Apo Kefalari. The village is located at the foot of a mountain and is known for its trout-specialized romantic cafes and restaurants lining a stream. Even on hot summer evenings, it is relatively cool here. Worth a detour from there to a lookout, which is located above the restaurants on the mountain and from which one has an impressive view of Philippi and the plain of Drama. Since the way is not signposted, one asks in the place best. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Piges. From Kato Kefalaria you can reach Piges within 2 km. Here is a tourist restaurant on a small lake and is also highly recommended to visit. (updated Mar 2018)

• 🌍 Cave of Maras. 25 km northwest of Drama at the village Aggitis is the stalactite cave of Maras. Because of an underground river course in the cave, there are stalactites only, but no stalagmites. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Cave of Alistrati. 30 km from Drama towards Seres, near the village of Alistrati, is one of the most beautiful limestone caves of Northern Greece, the cave of Alistrati. If you want to save yourself the long drive from Kavala, you can reach the cave also on foot through the Aggitis Canyon, near the village of Nea Mpafra. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Aggitis Canyon. Another attraction in the area is the little-known Aggitis Canyon near the village of Nea Mpafra. Approx. 800 m after the village direction Drama there are grain silos on the left side of the road. After the silos, turn left and in 3 km you reach a large parking lot on the edge of the Canyon. The junction is not signposted. It is recommended to check the route in e.g. OpenStreetMap before going. The parking lot is the starting point of walkways along the Canyon and to the opposite side leading to the Cave of Alistrati. At the cave there is the only coffee shop with cold drinks and ice cream around. In summer its quite hot in the canyon! (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Pangaion Hills. The Pangaion Hills are the highest mountain range near Kavala (ca. 2000 m), with picturesque mountain villages, a large number of very nice monasteries in impressive landscape and vegetation (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 Rhodope Mountains National Park. North of Kavala, along the border with Bulgaria. Best to reach it is through the villages of Paranesti (60 km from Kavala) or via Sidironero (80 km). The Rhodope Mountains are a vast, sparsely populated mountain area with fantastic landscapes, lakes, waterfalls and a remarkable flora and fauna. The best information about this area that only few tourists visit, are available mainly in Greek. (www.fdor.gr/index.php, partetavouna.blogspot.gr). The Nature Guide to the Eastern Rhodopes is recommended for this area. (updated Mar 2018)

• 🌍 Nestos Delta. The Nestos river nature reserve lies some 30 km east of Kavala. The basin of the Nestos river is divided into the ravine of Nestos at Toxotes and the Nestos Delta at Chrysoupolis. Both are areas of high bird stocks and unique natural beauty. The Nestos River Delta is one of the most important breeding grounds for rare bird species and a stopover for migratory birds. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Nestos Gorge. The nature in the Gorge of Nestos at Toxotes (40 km east of Kavala) is of particular beauty. It is one of the "must-see" attractions at Kavala. Breaking through the limestone mountains the river meanders and shaped a landscape of unique beauty. Along the ravine a trail of about 10 km in length leads along high cliffs with beautiful views of the river. In the summer its worth a dip in the freezing waters of the Nestos river. A large sandy beach invites you to linger. By Galani, a small town between Toxots and the parking lot, a winding road takes you to the top of a mountain with wonderful views of the Nestos River Gorge. The road is signposted as "Scenic road". The trip is highly recommended. (updated Mar 2018)
• 🌍 Nea Irakliza. The small touristy town has a beautiful promenade and marina with many restaurants and bars and is the destination of many people from Kavala in the summer (updated Jul 2018)

• 🌍 Nea Peramos. the small touristic wine-growing village has a beautiful promenade a with many restaurants and bars. The nearby famous beaches make it the main tourist spot near Kavala. From the Byzantine castle you have a wonderful view of Peramos, the coast and the Pangaion Hills. The castle was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Oisymi. Anaktoropolis was the Byzantine successor settlement of the ancient city of Oisyme. The oldest fortification walls were built between the 6th and 9th centuries. Between the 12th and 13th centuries, the walls were repaired. Alektryopolis seems to have gained special importance in the 14th century. In this century, the name was changed in Eleftheroupolis (not to be confused with today's city of the same name) . Between 1383 and 1387, the Ottomans conquered and destroyed the settlement. (updated Jul 2018)

• 🌍 Nefeli. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Philoxenia. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Acropolis. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Europa, ☏ +30 251 024 1227. (updated Jan 2018)

• 🌍 Oceanis. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Lucy. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Egnatia. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Esperia. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Galaxy. (updated Jan 2018)

• 🌍 Imaret. (updated Jan 2018)