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.

Understand


In 2021, Kavala was home to 66,000 people.

History
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.

Climate
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.

By boat
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.

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. 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.

By regional coach
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.

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 approximate a bus fare each. Make sure you agree the price before you get in the cab.

By bus
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.

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. 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.

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. Schedules are written on the "train cars" (08:00-14:00), except Sundays and holidays.

See
Highlights for short-term visitors: * Castle * Aqueduct * Promenade * Philippi

Inner Kavala town



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Beaches


The city beaches are flat and suitable for children. In the summer months, some chairs and parasols are available for free. The beaches are all easily accessible by city buses. The water quality is acceptable for beaches within the town.

Close to the west end of Kavala are two much visited beaches. They offer all comfort for a relaxed day at the beach with pool, sun loungers, parasols, chairs, entertainment for kids, beach bar, toilets, changing room, etc. They can be reached by public bus from the main bus terminal.

Towards the west of Kavala are the touristic outlying suburbs all with nice beaches and beach bars. The latter two are typical holiday places with a lot of beach bars, restaurants, cafeterias, etc.



Along the expressway from Nea Peramos towards Thessaloniki are more nice the beaches with crystal clear water and beautiful surroundings, most of them with beach bars. During weekend in high season they can be quite crowded. The best known are the beaches of, , ,. Further to the west, about 2 km after the turn of (hot springs) is a famous nudist beach.Further west follow the wonderful and touristic fully developed beaches of Orfrinou and Asprovalta.

To the east of Kavala are several nice beaches too:

Buy

 * Prices in the shops and restaurants are fixed and bargaining is not common.
 * A speciality of Kavala are "Kourampiedes", very tasty butter-almond biscuits, which are offered throughout the city. Best are the originals without any other aroma additives.
 * Wine from the Pangaion Hills region is of protected origin and definitely worth trying.

Eat
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).

Drink
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. Summer bars can be found also further away from the center of Kavala in Palio, Irakliza and Nea Peramos. These are typical tourist villages. During high season they offer musical events, beach parties, etc.

Sleep
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.

Since 2017, the renting of private living space by www.airbnb.com has increased a lot.

For camping best places are "Batis" at the west end of Kavala and to the east "Camping Alexandros" in Nea Karvali.

Kavala never gives the atmosphere of a typical holiday place, as the city does not live on tourism. Therefore, most tourists who want to spend more than a weekend go to the typical holiday suburbs Palio, Nea Iraklitsa or Nea Peramos. There you have the typical seaside resort atmosphere. Keramoti and, above all, the island of Thassos, which is easy to reach by car and is one of the greenest and perhaps most beautiful islands in Greece, are also very popular and recommendable.

Stay healthy
Appointments with general practitioners, medical specialist and dentists are usually given on the same day. However, you have to pay in cash (about €50/visit). The quality of the doctors is usually good. Many have studied abroad and speak English. The hospital is located on top of the mountain on the outskirts, just after the motorway exit. The new hospital was opened in 2010 and has 395 beds. It is in a very good condition and equipped with 188 doctors from all departments for all eventualities.



Stay safe
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.



Go next

 * Drama is a provincial town. The very nice park, "Agios Barbara" with its cafés, high overshadowing trees, streams, lakes with bridges, ducks and swans is really worth visiting.
 * Thassos The green Island with high forested mountains and fine beaches is one of the most beautiful Greek Islands. Thassos can be visited as a day trip from Kavala, but it is worth to spend several days there.
 * Xanthi: famous for its carnival and picturesque Old Town
 * Lemnos and Agios Efstratios Island: Reachable by ferry boat from Kavala. Both islands with nice beaches and little tourism. A good alternative to the typical tourism islands.
 * Samothrace Island: is an ideal place for a rural retreat, it is very unsophisticated and lacks almost all tourist infrastructure. Reachable by ferry boat via Alexandroupolis
 * Nestos: About 30 km east of Kavala lies the nature reserve of the Nestos river, an area of unique natural beauty and wildlife
 * Serres & Serres (region) is a provincial town on the way to Bulgaria. Worth seeing is Lake Kerkini which is a habit for migrating birds
 * Thessaloniki
 * Halkidiki: top Greek tourist destination