This northern Greek port city sits on Mount Hortiatis' slopes, facing the Aegean. Its old quarter has winding streets, a 16th-century castle, and Ottoman-era buildings.
Kavala, a coastal city in northern Greece, overlooks the Aegean Sea from its hillside location. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Kavala invites visitors to explore its Old Town, climb its 15th-century castle, and admire Ottoman-era structures like the Kamares Aqueduct. You can relax on nearby beaches, dine on fresh seafood, or take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Philippi.
Exploring Kavala's Old Town
The heart of Kavala lies in its Old Town, known as Panagia. As you walk through its narrow, winding streets, you'll see traditional Macedonian-style houses and busy squares. The Old Town's high position gives you views of the harbor and the modern city below. You can visit the house of Muhammad Ali, the founder of modern Egypt, now a museum showing his life and Kavala's tobacco-trading history.
Kavala Castle
At the top of the Old Town, Kavala Castle stands out against the city's skyline. Built in the 15th century, this fortress has been rebuilt several times. From the top, you can look out over Kavala and the surrounding coastline. In summer, the castle grounds host cultural events and performances, bringing modern life to this historical site.
The Kamares Aqueduct
The Kamares Aqueduct, also called the Old Aqueduct, is easy to spot in Kavala. Ottoman rulers built it in the 16th century to bring water to the city. You can walk along the aqueduct's path and see its 60 arches, which stretch for 270 meters.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Kavala's coastline has several beaches to choose from. Kalamitsa Beach, 4 kilometers from the city center, is busy with its long stretch of sand and clear waters. For a quieter spot, try Batis Beach, set in a small cove surrounded by pine trees. If you're willing to travel further, the beaches of Nea Peramos and Nea Iraklitsa, about 15 kilometers west of Kavala, have clean waters and good facilities.
Savoring Local Cuisine
Kavala's food reflects its seaside location and history. Many restaurants serve fresh seafood, including grilled octopus, sardines, and mussels with rice. Try "gouna," a local specialty of sun-dried mackerel. You can also taste dishes brought by refugees from Asia Minor, such as soutzoukakia (spiced meatballs) and imam baildi (stuffed eggplant). Local wines from vineyards on the slopes of Mount Paggaio pair well with these meals.
Getting Around Kavala
You can walk around much of Kavala, especially in the Old Town area. However, the steep hills can be tiring for some visitors. Local buses connect different parts of the city and nearby beaches. Taxis are easy to find and good for shorter trips. If you want to explore the surrounding region, you might want to rent a car. From the city's port, you can take ferries to Thassos and other Aegean islands.
Day Trip to Ancient Philippi
About 17 kilometers northwest of Kavala, you'll find the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Philip II of Macedon founded Philippi in the 4th century BC, and it became important in early Christianity. At the site, you can see ruins of a Roman forum, theater, and early Christian basilicas. Nearby, the Baptistery of St. Lydia marks where the Apostle Paul baptized the first European Christian convert. You can join guided tours to learn more about the site's history and importance.
