Kavala

Introduction

You will find Kavala situated in northern Greece, where it serves as the principal seaport of eastern Macedonia and functions as the capital of the Kavala regional unit.

Before you go

Prepare for a climate characterized by hot dry summers and wet cool winters. While the summer months offer minimal rainfall, they bring significant heat; if you prefer milder temperatures, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons in May or September. You can explore the city with confidence day and night, as it is considered safe for all travelers. Should you encounter persistent street dealers at cafe tables, a simple "ochi" or ignoring them will ensure they move on.

• Explore the old town, known as Panagia, to see remnants of Byzantine fortifications and the imposing Castle.
• Visit the museum and coffee house at the top of the old town, which served as the home of Mehmet Ali.
• View the large aqueduct featuring numerous arches constructed during the Ottoman period.
• Observe the historical tobacco storage and processing houses that remain part of the cityscape.

Getting there

You can reach Kavala by sea as it serves as a major port with a modern marina for sailing and motorboats. Ferries connect the city to Lemnos and various other north Aegean islands; with careful planning, you can navigate from almost any Greek island via ferry connections.

For those arriving by air, Kavala International Airport is located near the village of Chrysopolis. While car rentals are available at the airport, public transport options are limited. You may choose to take a taxi to the bus station in Chrysoupolis to catch a bus into the city, or travel directly by taxi if you confirm the fare before entering the vehicle. Alternatively, regional coaches offer frequent service from both Athens and Thessaloniki, providing a convenient way to travel through the region.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using an efficient public transport system with various bus lines. For detailed information regarding these routes, visit the regional bus terminal located on Filikas Etarias Street near the harbour.

Taxis are available throughout the city and are identifiable by their orange or white colors. Be aware that meters operate on two different rates depending on the time of day, with a higher rate applying late at night. You may encounter a small additional fee if you hail a taxi from the bus station, train station, or port, or if you request a taxi service on demand. For a unique way to reach the old town, you can take a free bus from the main square that resembles a tourist train; schedules for this service are posted on the vehicles.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and proximity to the coast. For those seeking a central location, several hotels sit near the harbor; while one offers a restaurant with views over the old town, another is noted for its historic character. Other options in the city center are situated just behind the park on a major road. If you prefer a beach holiday combined with sightseeing, a hotel located directly on the coast provides a seaside experience, though it sits a short walk from the heart of the city.

Depending on your needs, you might consider different types of stays:

• For an upscale experience in the old town, the Imaret is highly recommended.
• If you have a car and prefer a location above the city with a wellness area, the Egnatia offers magnificent views.
• For those seeking a typical seaside resort atmosphere, you can head to holiday suburbs like Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, or Nea Peramos.
• Camping options are available at Batis on the west end of Kavala and Camping Alexandros in Nea Karvali.

Food & drink

You can find various dining options throughout the city, though many taverns and restaurants typically open later in the evening. While tsipouradika and fast food establishments remain open all day, you may find more consistent quality in specific areas such as the street leading to Muhammad Ali's house or the old district near Agios Nikolas Church. For a different atmosphere, head to the Sfagia fishing harbour at the east end of Kavala, where several restaurants sit directly on the seafront. If you are looking for authentic Greek specialties that have not been adapted for tourists, venture toward the mountain villages to find rustic dining.

The waterfront and port areas offer numerous bars and cafes with views of the town and harbor. You can find a variety of spots in these locations:

• Cafes and bars located at the scenic Sfagia fishing harbour or along the promenade
• Establishments within the old town, including those with balconies overlooking the water
• A cafe situated inside the castle of Kavala
• A garden cafe near the Mehmet Ali Museum
• Summer bars in nearby tourist villages like Palio, Irakliza, and Nea Peramos

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city by wandering through the old town, where you can find a mosaic depicting the landing of the Apostle Paul at the Agios Nikolas church. This area is surrounded by an aged neighborhood filled with local shops and cafes. Nearby, the well-preserved Roman Aqueduct serves as a significant landmark featuring 60 arches and integrated houses. For a different perspective, visit the Halil Bey Complex to see a mosque built over an early Christian basilica with a glass floor revealing Byzantine remains, or explore the Mohamed Ali House, a grand example of 18th-century Ottoman architecture set within a large garden.

Experience the coastal atmosphere at the central harbor and along the promenade, where you can watch fishing boats and enjoy the view. Follow the "Wall trail" past a small lighthouse to reach rocky spots in the sea or head toward the Panagia Church for views of the island of Thasos. Other notable sites include:

• The Municipal Tobacco Warehouse, a stylish building combining Ottoman and neoclassical styles.
• The City Hall, designed as a miniature Hungarian castle set near a park with large trees.
• The Sfagio fishing harbor at the east end of town for dining by the seafront.
• The archaeological museum and the site of the ancient Via Egnatia road.
• The high White Cross, visible from across the city, offering expansive views.

Three days in Kavala

Day one, you can begin your stay in Kavala by exploring the historic areas. You should visit the Byzantine Castle and observe the Ottoman architecture of the Mehmet Ali Imaret to take in the local history.

Day two, you can wander through the streets of the old town. You can walk along Filikas Etarias Street or explore other parts of the city to experience the local atmosphere.

Day three, you can enjoy the coastal scenery. You can take a ferry to Lemnos or visit nearby areas like Nea Iraklitsa and Nea Peramos to see more of the Aegean coast.