Kavala - Makedonia

The place - Kavala

Kavala is the star of Eastern Makedonia and its historical crossroads. It has existed since Neolithic times and is said to have been host to St Paul's first port of call to preach the bible. The Romans, Goths, Huns, Normans have at various times taken an interest in the town.
Kavala's International Airport is rather dramatically named "Megas Alexandros" (Alexander the Great).
Several elegant neo-classical buildings remain in active use. The town hall is rather splendid and could tempt even a jaded local brave the bureaucratic jungle behind those doors! The harbour and waterfront areas are close to the typical expectation we would have of a bigger "Greek fishing town" and fish are caught here by the - large - boatload!
You can also travel to the island of Thassos by hydrofoil ("flying dolphin") from here - a trip of half an hour.
There are old tobacco warehouses, now finding new life as night-clubs and shops, still perhaps offering a whiff of fine tobaccos. Kavala is known for tobacco trading.
A focal point of your first view of Kavala as you approach it, is the castle atop the hill which acts as the backdrop for the harbour, fishing boats and the sea-side parts of the town. The Castle was started in the 5th century BC. Byzantine times saw additions.

Dramatically taking the prime spot between the castle and waters edge, perched like a jewel next to the old town on a the part of the hill, is the monument of Imaret built in 1818 by the Viceroy of Egypt. Recently, rather magically and flawlessly transformed into a select luxury hotel. Its minaret-shaped dome rooftops and middle-eastern architecture makes this a unique and valuable store of culture, architectural style, atmosphere and history.
Below and behind the hill are the substantial remains of the ancient aqueduct. The rather large and pleasant looking Church of the Virgin Mary shares part of the hilltop with the castle.
There are several places to enjoy horse riding on the outskirts of Kavala.
 

How to get there - Kavala

By plane to Kavala:
Kavala airport "Megas Alexandros" (code: KVA), at Chrisoupoli, 33 km from the centre of Kavala.

Or, arrive via Thessaloniki:
The biggest airport is the "Makedonia" international airport in Thessaloniki (or Salonica), code: SKG. You can also drive, take the train or bus to Thessaloniki, depending where you're coming from. See details about how to get to Thessaloniki.
Then by car from Thessaloniki: 150 km (2.5-3 hours).
 

Where to stay - Kavala

In Kavala:
A destination in its own right: the exquisite, luxurious Monument-hotel Imaret. Imaret Hotel - review, photos, rates & reservations with SuperbGreece.com.
Near Eleftheroupoli:
A cabin in the mountains, great nature and views: Dasiko Horio. Dasiko Horio - review, photos, rates & reservations with SuperbGreece.com.
 

What to see/do - Kavala

Philippi is 15 km from Kavala and a dazzling archaeological site - easy to get to and well worth a visit. The city of Philippi was founded by Thasians in 359 B.C., named after King Philippi II - father of Alexander the Great. Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine architecture are all visible here on one site.

Icosifinissa is a Byzantine monastery about 45 km away on Mount Paggaio (Pangeon) in a gorge, near Nikisiani village with 150 cells and broad, open courtyards, numerous rare icons, built in the 4th century.
 

Museums:
Archaeological Museum of Kavala:
Collections of ancient Neapolis, Philippi, Dikili-Tas, Amphipolis (Amfipoli).
Tel: 2510-222335, 224717.

Municipal Folklore Museum:
In a neoclassical building of the late 19th century.
Exhibits traditional costumes, jewels, handicrafts as well as a collection of the Thasian sculptor Polygnotos Vagis (1894- 1965).

Archeological Museum of Philippi:
Finds of excavations (which are still ongoing) from Philippi as well as from the pre-historic site of Dikili-Tas (finds are dated as far back as 5000 B.C.). Tel: 2510-516251.
 

One of the most important wetlands in Europe is nearby, the Nestos river, just 40 kilometres east of Kavala on the border with the neighbouring Greek county of Thrace. This runs for over 20 kilometres and you can drive along this stretch to the rivers mouth at the sea. Some river-kayaking is also practiced here - perhaps a stunning experience of being at one with the wildlife. See Cormorants and flamingo.

The Philippi Festival in the ancient theatre, takes place during summer with a large selection of plays, concerts and dance performances.

Grape, potato and freedom festivals also take place! But, what should not be missed by wine enthusiasts is the chance to follow "wine routes" and explore the many increasingly delightful wines of the region.
 

Visit to Thassos Island:
Go by ferry or hydrofoil. Scenic, green (many pine trees), good beaches.
 

Mount Paggaion (Pangaion, Pangeon):
Peak, 1956 meters above sea level. Covered in chestnuts and oaks. Many springs with running fresh water, trees clinging to hilltops and mountain slopes have the appearance of nature's bristles brushing the crisp skies. Known also for its ancient gold mines.
An asphalt road approaches top of the mountain. Near the top, at 1760 meters, there is a ski-run and a refuge for climbers (not always open).
Dasiko Horio is about midway (always open!)
 

Beaches:
Perigiali beach - 1.5 kilometres east of the city.
Rapsani Beach (200 meters from the city).
Batis beach (3km) - water sports available.
Tosca beach (4km).
Kalamitsa (2km) - water sports available.

Further afield: Thessaloniki, the bustling and historic capital of Makedonia. Also, see more information about places to visit and sights in Makedonia.

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