Kavala
Discover Kavala
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. 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.
Famous Beaches
Taste of Kavala...
People in Greece usually eat late in the evening (21:00 - 24:00), so during the day some taverns, psistaries and restaurants might be closed. However, tsipouradika and fast food restaurants are open all day long. In general calculate €15 per person for meal plus drinks in Kavala. It is difficult to recommend some restaurants because the food quality often varies greatly, and hardly any restaurant provides consistently good quality. The best restaurants are on the street to Panagia, which is a street going from port to Muhammad Ali's house and at the old district next to Agios Nicolas Church (7). You may not want to eat near the port as prices are high and quality is not necessarily good. A good choice is the romantic fishing harbour Sfagia (19) at the east end of Kavala. There are several good restaurants directly at the sea front. There are no taverns with foreign cuisine in Kavala only a German restaurant in Nea Peramos (Kastro tou Germanou). Real Greek specialities that are not adapted to "Tourist Greek Style" can be found in many mountain villages. A popular speciality restaurant is located in Koryfes (Oreino). Most bars, cafeterias and restaurants are located along the promenade, at the port, in the quarter around Ag.Nikolas church and in the street that leads to the old town. Another destination is the little fishing harbor called “Sfagio” at the east end of Kavala. There are very nice restaurants and bars directly at the waterfront.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Kavala into what it is today.
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)....
Climate
Kavala has hot dry summers (mid-June to mid-September) and wet cool winters (November to April). It's 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. 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.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsKavala 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. 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....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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.
Where to Stay
Of the downtown hotels, the Galaxy and Acropolis have the most beautiful location right on the harbour, but the Acropolis is almost as old as its namesake and in a similar state. The Galaxy is much better, its restaurant on the 7th floor overlooking the old town and the harbour is hard to beat. Other acceptable city hotels are the Oceanis and the Esperia. But they are both in the second row directly behind the park on a major road. The Egnatia Hotel is a 4-star hotel and the first one to meet when coming from the highway. It is located above the city with a magnificent view, but by its distance from the center rather something for someone who has a car. But it offers a beautiful wellness area for the ladies. The Lucy is the only city hotel right on the beach, so you can combine sightseeing and beach holiday. It is about 20 minutes walk from the center away. By taxi from there but for €5 to the centre. Highly recommended, but upscale, is the Imaret in the old town.
Money & Budget
People in Greece usually eat late in the evening (21:00 - 24:00), so during the day some taverns, psistaries and restaurants might be closed. However, tsipouradika and fast food restaurants are open all day long. In general calculate €15 per person for meal plus drinks in Kavala. It is difficult to recommend some restaurants because the food quality often varies greatly, and hardly any restaurant provides consistently good quality. The best restaurants are on the street to Panagia, which is a street going from port to Muhammad Ali's house and at the old district next to Agios Nicolas Church (7). You may not want to eat near the port as prices are high and quality is not necessarily good. A good choice is the romantic fishing harbour Sfagia (19) at the east end of Kavala.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
In Kavala you can move day and night without hesitation. Raiding almost never happens. Ladies can move freely and relaxed during the day and at night without fear of annoyance. The only annoyance you can barely escape are the flying dealers (mostly Roma or black people) who come to the tables in the cafes or restaurants. However, these are also surprisingly polite, they are waiting for an interested look. If you do not pay any attention to them or say "ochi," they disappear immediately.