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City in Macedonia, Greece
Photo: CeeGee, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kavala (Greek: Καβάλα) is a city in Macedonia (Greece). Kavala is one of the most beautiful smaller cities in Greece offering a wide range of places of interest for tourism. A wealth of possibilities for excursions in the surrounding area, many beautiful not overcrowded beaches, archaeological sites and many places of natural beauty makes it a fun-filled vacation destination.
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It is the central point for recreational, commercial, business and tourist activity. It caters for the fishing fleet, tourism and ferry boats travelling to and from Thassos, Limnos and Mytilene, as well as water sports at its marina.
With a mosaic showing the landing of the Apostle Paul in Kavala on Kontouriotou Street, it's a “must-see place”. The old, somewhat run-down neighbourhood surrounding the church has many great cafés, ouzo bars, restaurants and small shops. It is especially attractive in the summer evenings when it is a great place to have a beer.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: €10.
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.
Platia Elefterias
To the right (when viewed from the sea) is the old St Nikolas quarter, with its pubs, restaurants and small shops, which give an impression of what the town was like many years ago. To the left of the square is a modern shopping district with pedestrianised zones and a large number of small shops and cafés. In front of the National Bank is a station for a train-like bus that goes to the old town every hour (except on Sundays). This is a good alternative if you don't want to climb the hill to the old town on foot. Next to the bank is the tourist information centre, which offers friendly assistance and free maps.
It is partially a pedestrian area with narrow streets lined with shops of all kinds and numerous street cafés. You shouldn't miss the opportunity to go window shopping here. There are also pubs and restaurants there in the evening.
It was built around the first decade of the 20th century as a tobacco warehouse by the Turkish tobacco merchant. It's 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.
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.
Dimarchio
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 under the big trees. In close proximity is the Tobacco Museum (Philippou Odos Str).
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.
There is a nice, scenic, small fishing harbour at the east end of Kavala, with good restaurants and bars right on the seafront. It's the perfect place to have dinner.
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.
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 spot where, according to Christian tradition, Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke rested en route to Philippi. While it's not a “must-see location”, it's quite photogenic and offers a nice view of Kavala.
High over Kavala a big white cross can be seen from everywhere in the town. It's 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 it's not signposted, it's definitively worth going there, especially in the 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. It's also possible to go by car but the path is not paved and needs careful driving if you don't have a 4WD car.
The photogenic tower ruins are located in a forest above the city. The view from the top is well worth the visit, even more so than the tower itself. Built in 1308, the tower was the terminus of a 1.5 km long wall which controlled the road from Macedonia to Thrace and supplied the city with water. Starting on the north side of the city wall at the castle, the wall led to the opposite hills, interrupted only by the aqueduct.
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.
In the sheltered bay, there has been a small, very photogenic boatyard since 1591, which deals with the construction, repair and maintenance of traditional wooden boats (and nowadays not only wooden ones).
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.
This small, touristy town boasts a beautiful beach, beach bars and a promenade. It also has a marina with many restaurants and bars, and is a popular destination for people from Kavala and tourists in the summer.
Several companies offer their boats at the harbor of Kavala or Irakliza. phionasailing, kavalayachting, egeasyachting, North Sailing. Worthwhile destinations for a sailing voyage from Kavala are the islands of Thasos, Samothrace, Lemnos and Agios Efstratios.
Diving schools are at the harbor of Kavala and in the suburb Palio.
at the beaches of Irakliza and Nea Peramos
on the river Nestos
Walk along the "Water Road" from the aqueduct to the source starting at the end of the 13is Septemvriou Street. Other popular routes are in the Pangeon area, e.g. in Nikissiani, Paleohori, Mesoropi and along Nestos Gorge and Nestos Delta. There are guided tours too: Adventure Thasos Kavala, Olympic Tours
Organized tours with enduro bikes in the mountains at Kavala. Any levels of difficulty are offered.
The main destination of religious tourism is Philippi and Lydia. There are also a number of very worth seeing monasteries on Pangaion Hills. The visit of the well known monasteries and churches is of particular interest to anyone with interest in Byzantine and folk art in architecture, sculpture and iconography but also their impressive location in the mountains makes a visit to an adventure
Near Kavala there are a number of worth to visit archaeological sites such as Philippi, Akondisma, Pistiyros and Avdyra (see Nestos), Anastasiopolis (see Xanthi), Maroneia and Mesimvria further to the east and to the west of Kavala Oisymi/Anaktoropolis (below the castle of Nea Peramos) and Amphipolis by the river Strimonas
elongated beautiful sandy beach with two beach bars, sun beads, umbrellas and some nice restaurants, a bit neglected
Very central beautiful beach in the middle of the city, but not very clean.
The most popular city beach, narrow sandy beach, suitable for children, with restaurants and beach bar.
best campsite close to Kavala, nice beach with all comfort, entrance fee
Luxury beach bungalow complex with nice beach and all comfort, high entrance fee.
(10 km) several long nice sandy beaches and bays, partly with beach bars
(15 km) a long wide beach with plenty of parking partly with beach bars a camping ground and water sports. Popular as a stand for motorhomes
A bay with sandy beach. Not very clean. Popular for motorhomes.
One of the cheapest restaurants directly at the promenade.
Pizzeria directly at the harbour, good pizza but loud traffic noise.
The best tavern in Kavala for local cooked Greek dishes, such as fish soup, chicken soup, moussaka, etc. Dishes are ready made in the bar.
Open 24 hr, nice sitting place under old trees at the harbour, bit noisy due to traffic
Typical big tourist restaurant at the harbour.
Well known meat restaurant in old town.
Top restaurant with international cooking in old town with nice view over the harbour.
One of many small restaurants in the Agios Nikolas neighbourhood that have a special flair due to sitting in narrow alleys.
Very small restaurant at the aqueduct, special ambience in summer.
To naypigeio
Little tavern at a dockyard for fishing boats with very special ambience, best at lunchtime.
One of several good restaurants along the Sfagio fishing harbour at the east side of Kavala, very nice atmosphere in summer.
One of several beach taverns along the Pergiali beach at the east side of Kavala.
Very good rustic mountain restaurant with special "old style" Greek food, relative high priced.
On the beach, especially popular in summer.
Pub directly at the sailing harbour with fantastic view over the old town.
Cafe and bar at the scenic little fishing harbour.
Cafe and bar inside the castle of Kavala with nice view over the town.
Very nice cafe and bar in the garden of the Mehmet Ali Museum.
Cafe and pub in old town with fantastic view over the harbour and the town if you sit on the balcony.
Cafe, bar, restaurant on a harbour mole with nice view of the town.
Directly at the Falirou Park by the sea in a particularly beautiful location, very popular in summer.
The traditional bakeries, once to be found in every neighbourhood, have almost disappeared, replaced by branches of bread factories. Only a few old-time bakers still make traditional Greek bread without the additives of the bread factories. The selection in these traditional bakeries is quite limited, usually consisting only of white bread and a darker variety. This is the last remaining bakery with a wood-fired oven in Kavala and it has all the charm of a museum and is well worth a visit.
Gatidis Fresh
The only bakery in Kavala that offers gluten-free baked goods.
By plane
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.
By regional coach
Interurban coaches KTEL are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling.
By car
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…
By taxi
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.
Trainaki ("The Little Train")
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.
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