Kavala

The geographical location, natural harbor, and proximity to the rich Pangaio Mountain make this city one of the oldest coastal cities in the wider region, with a history dating back to prehistoric times. In this city, in 49 AD, the Apostle Paul arrived for the first time in Europe to preach the message of Christianity and baptized the first European Christian, Lydia, on the banks of the Zygaktis River.

The old town was confined to the triangular peninsula of Kavala's hill until 1864. This city was a continuation of ancient Neapolis and Byzantine Christoupolis. Within the same area, the same city appears under different names in various eras. Each name is characteristic of a historical period. Neapolis during the ancient period, Christoupolis during the Byzantine period, and Kavala in more recent years. During the Ottoman Empire, the city was destroyed and rose from its ashes, and from the 18th century onwards, it became an important commercial port, acquiring its present, modern form.

Kavala, one of the most beautiful seaside cities in Greece, is renowned for its rich history, fresh seafood, and marine products, as well as its enchanting scenery. Within close proximity to the city, there are many beaches that are flooded with visitors during the summer months. Here are the top five beaches to enjoy in the Kavala prefecture.

• Amolofi: This beach is the most well-known in the area and is located approximately 21 kilometers from Kavala. It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. It consists of four consecutive bays, creating a long beach stretch of about 3 kilometers. The waters are turquoise and crystal clear, while the sand is fine. Along the entire beach, there are beach bars with umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as covered parking space for cars. This coastal town is ideal for sea and nature lovers, offering a unique beach experience to its visitors. The name "Amolofi" is derived from the sand dunes that can be seen a little further back from the shore, creating an exotic landscape. It's advisable to arrive early to secure your spot and avoid crowds. If you're in the mood for a party atmosphere, the afternoons are the perfect time.
• Tosca: Tosca Beach features deep blue waters, sandy shores, umbrellas, and sunbeds. It is nestled amidst pine-covered slopes and is one of the quieter beaches in the area, ideal for those seeking tranquility. In front of the homonymous four-star hotel, Tosca Beach offers deep blue waters, sandy shores, umbrellas, and sunbeds. At the beach café bar, you can enjoy well-crafted espresso and indulge in necessary snacks while relishing the peaceful and enchanting atmosphere of the place. Tosca Beach is just 6 kilometers away from Kavala.
• Vrasidas: The Vrasidas Peninsula is located between Amolofi and Nea Peramos and offers small coves and magnificent views. At the end of the peninsula is the beach of the same name, with crystal clear shallow waters and fine sand. Access to the beach requires crossing a dirt road, which is usually in good condition depending on the weather conditions. The name of the beach and the peninsula is attributed to the famous Spartan general, Brasidas, who is known to have been killed in this area during the struggle against the Athenians. The beach is not organized, but there is a beach canteen nearby that serves delicious food and provides all the essentials.
• Ammoglossa Keramoti: The beach of Keramoti is a vast stretch of coastline that spans 5 kilometers around the settlement. It is an ideal location to visit with children, as the waters are very shallow. The beach features numerous beach bars and taverns, but the best part is at the edge of the peninsula known as Ammoglossa. The landscape there resembles tropical destinations, and if it weren't for the pine trees, you would feel like you're in the Caribbean.
• Batis: Batis Beach is located in close proximity to Kavala, just 4 kilometers away, and is ideal for those seeking comfort and activities. At the beach, you will find a café, tavern, restaurant, pool bar, and even a playground for children aged 4-10. Here, you can enjoy the beach and engage in various activities for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

• Kamares Aqueduct: The Kamares Aqueduct is a well-preserved aqueduct in the city of Kavala. It was built to bridge the Panagia Peninsula from the opposite heights and supply it with water. The water originated from a spring located at an altitude of 400 meters, known as the "Mother of Water" or "Tria Karagatsia" or "Subasi." It followed a 6.5-kilometer route to reach the Kamares and provide water to the Panagia Peninsula. Thus, the water reached the public reservoirs, baths, and institutions of the old city, making the settlement sustainable.
• Kavala Fortress: At the top of the Panagia Peninsula stands the fortress of the city, which was built during the Ottoman period. The fortress was reconstructed on the site of the Byzantine acropolis, which was destroyed in 1391 when Christoupolis (ancient Kavala) was captured by the Turks after a siege. The fortress occupies the summit and the northern slope of the hill, while the fortified enclosure is divided into two parts by a transverse wall, which incorporates the central tower.
• Archaeological Museum of Kavala: The Archaeological Museum of Kavala was established in 1934 and has been housed in a new building on the beach since 1964. Its thematic focus is on the continuous history of the city of Kavala. The museum houses prehistoric finds from the entire Kavala prefecture, as well as artifacts from excavations in Neapolis (old Kavala), Amphipolis, and other areas of Eastern Macedonia.
• Naval Museum of Kavala: Kavala, being the oldest coastal city in Northern Greece with a natural harbor, has close ties to the sea. Inspired by the region's rich maritime history and tradition, a group of people established the Naval Museum, which showcases the history of Kavala in relation to the sea.
• Ancient Theatre of Philippi: Just outside the city of Kavala lies the archaeological site of Philippi, which includes the ancient theater and the archaeological museum. The impressive ancient theater of Philippi was built around 356 BC by Philip II, the king of Macedonia and father of Alexander the Great. It is located at the foot of the acropolis hill of Philippi and was part of the transformation of the ancient Krinides (as the area of Philippi was called back then) into a large, modern Macedonian city. Due to its impressive dimensions, it belongs to the largest and most spectacular ancient theaters.

Direct trips routes ticket cost passenger car

Below are the most ship routes from Kavala to the islands of the Northern and Eastern Aegean. Most connections are to Lemnos and Agios Efstratios. Even during the winter, there are several weekly routes to these two islands.

• Ship Routes Kavala - Lemnos: Direct trips to Lemnos are operated year-round by the Seajets shipping company and last approximately 4 hours. The ticket cost for a passenger is €20, and for a car, it is €51.
• Ship Routes Kavala - Agios Efstratios: There are frequent ferry routes from Kavala to Agios Efstratios by Seajets with an intermediate stop in Lemnos. The travel duration is about 6.5 hours. The ticket price for a passenger is €26, and for a car, it's €60.
• Ship Routes Kavala - Lesvos: Regarding the islands of the Eastern Aegean, you can travel with Blue Star Ferries. From Kavala to Lesvos, the trip takes around 8 hours and the passenger ticket starts at €28, with a car ticket at €108.
• Ship Routes Kavala - Chios: The trip to Chios lasts approximately 11 hours, and the passenger ticket costs €33, while the car ticket is €112. This route is also operated by Blue Star Ferries.
• Ship Routes Kavala - Samos: For Karlovasi in Samos, there are weekly routes departing from the port of Kavala with stops in Lemnos, Mytilene (Lesvos), Chios, Vathi (Samos), and Karlovasi (Samos). The travel time to Karlovasi is approximately 15.5 hours, and the passenger ticket costs €39, with a car ticket at €110.
• Ship Routes Kavala - Ikaria: From Kavala, you can also travel to Ikaria, with a travel duration of up to 17.5 hours and a ticket cost of €38.5. This route is operated by Blue Star Ferries.

Additionally, located 40 kilometers from the center of Kavala, you can find the port of Keramoti, from where there are frequent ship routes to Thassos.

Book your ferry tickets quickly and affordably online at booktickets! Here, you will find all the available information on prices and ship routes to organize your trip!