Kavala, Greece
The eventful history of Kavala began in the 7th century BC.
Kavala is situated in northern Greece, 10 minutes away from the Ancient city of Phillipoi that was founded by Alexander the Great's father, Phillip. Phillipoi is situated next to Pangaio mountain where Ancient Macedonia's gold mines were said to be. The Roman road "Egnatia" which connected Constantinople (modern Istanbul) and Rome, still exists in parts near both Phillipoi and Kavala.
Around 1550 the Turks under Suleiman the Magnificent’s rule who repaired the Castle and walls of Kavala, and constructed the large and imposing aqueduct (Kamares) which have survived in excellent condition. The aqueduct consists of 60 arches of four different sizes and stands 52 meters high at its highest point.
In the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922 some 25,000 Greek refugees settled in Kavala, swelling the population of the city significantly. At the same time the city was enjoying great economic prosperity as a major centre for the processing of tobacco and its sale throughout the whole of south-eastern Europe. Numerous foreign tobacco merchants settled in the city, building homes and warehouses. A fine example of the houses they built is the residence of the Hungarian tobacco merchant Baron Pierre Ertzoch, dating from 1890, which now houses the City Council offices on Kyprou St., behind the War Memorial.
Next to the Town Hall is the home of the city’s Social Club, which was built in 1909 and now houses the public library. Further along the same street is the mansion of the tobacco merchant D. Tokkos, built in 1879 and now home to the 12th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities.
From the 40th to the 60th of the last century Kavala was a center of tobacco growing and processing. Many of the tobacco storage and processing houses are still a part of the cityscape. In the 70th to 90th, the textile industry was of great importance. The decline of the city took place with the opening of Bulgaria after the fall of the Soviet Union and the shift of sewing industry from Kavala to Sofia. Since then, the service sector and tourism has become increasingly economically important.
Kavala, a northern city in Macedonia, Greece, is built like an amphitheatre on the slopes of Mount Symvolo, it is one of the most picturesque cities in Greece, blessed with historic buildings that possess a modern character. Explore all the cultural things to do in Kavala, Greece with this list of must-see spots.
Restaurants / Bars
Alburo Seafood
Sousouro
Tsalapeteinos Urban Farm
Proto Katsiki
Culinary Boutique Hotel Kladi Elias
Fragokota
Lobster All Day Bar
Selini Bar
Located in the beach resort Batis Multiplex, Selini Bar is one of the main nightlife hotspots in town. With creative bartenders serving tasty cocktails and a line-up featuring edgy artists, Selini offers stunning views over the sea or even the mountain behind the city. If you visit during the summer, make sure to take a break from all the sightseeing and have a swim in the crystal-clear waters. You won’t regret it.
180 Cocktail Bar
Marine
Beaches
A blue city, with peaceful waters, sandy beaches, huge coastlines and organised or unexplored shores, with tavernas next to the sea, and unexpectedly beautiful spots. It’s an open secret that the beaches of Kavala have it all!
Almyra Beach
Peponi Beach
Paradise Beach
Cavo Vrasida Beach
Cuba Beach
Riva Beach Project
Hotels
Imaret
A beautiful example of Ottoman architecture, the Imaret was built in 1817 by Mohamed Ali Pasha to serve as an educational center. It operated as a religious school until 1902 and later as a charity foundation until 1923. After the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey in the 1970s, it was inhabited by the ethnic Greek refugees from Anatolia. Later renovated, it now operates as a luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of Kavala and the sea.
Airotel Galaxy
Senso Suites
Ocean View
Egnatia Hotel
Nearby Tourist Attractions
UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeological Site of Philippi
The ancient city of Philippi, an important archaeological site in Eastern Macedonia, was colonized by the people of the island of Thasos, who established the city of Krinides in 360 BC. But in 356 BC, King Philip II of Macedonia renamed the city after himself, after saving it from a Thracian invasion. It was here that the Apostle Paul, in 49 A.D. first preached the teachings of Christianity in Europe and where the first European Christian woman, Lydia, was baptized. There are 180 relief sculptures "hiding" in the rocky south side of Philippi hill, which are carved directly onto the rocks and depict scenes of daily life. The site covers a large area - so you’ll need comfortable shoes for navigating the stones of the ruins and water to drink, for this all day activity.
Krinides Clay Treatment Center (Mud Baths) -June 1 through October 15th
After a day of sight-seeing, there is nothing like a mud bath to relax and cool off. The Krinides mud baths – just 5 minutes from Philippi – are actually deep pools of therapeutic clay. Men and women enjoy the clay baths separately, divided by a tall wall. After a massaging shower of therapeutic water, you immerse yourself in the bath of clay. It’s very sociable, and people will love to share their stories of success with the clay, which has impressive healing properties. After 20 minutes or so, you scrape off most of the clay, leaving a thin layer to dry in the sun, like a mask for the skin all over the body. Then, you wash off the clay with another shower of therapeutic water. Your skin will feel wonderful. Afterwards, you can visit one of the two physical therapists who give excellent massages or reflexology treatments or soak in the 15th-century therapeutic bath. Then you can follow this with a meal- the on-site restaurant which specializes in excellent home-style meals with fresh local ingredients.
The Castle of Kavala
It is said that Kavala has always been a highly fortified city since the 5th century BC and its castle of imposing stature has been rebuilt and reinforced several times, notably by the Byzantines before its destruction in 1391 before the Ottoman Empire took control of the city. The current structure is mainly from the Ottoman reconstruction of 1425. The castle of Kavala is at the crest of the hill of the Old Town. It’s a beautiful place to visit, and it also affords some amazing views of the city. If you’re a walker, you can reach it on foot.
The Kamares Aquaduct
Built in 1550 by Suleiman the Magnificent, this imposing structure dominating the city center used to supply the city with water. Spanning over 280 meters and including its 60 arches in four different sizes that reach maximum height of 25 m. It also features old houses built into the monument!
Alleyways of Kavala’s Old Town – “Panagia”
Even if you took a taxi up, you will still have plenty of strolling. The tranquil alleys of the old town are full of secrets and surprises, like the Halil Bey Mosque. This 15th-century mosque is built over the ruins of an early Christian Basilica, which you can see through the glass in the floor. As you continue to wander down the hill, you’ll pass charming houses with gardens of fruit trees and flowers in this quaint and quiet part of the city
Alistrati Caves
Hot Springs
The Island Of Thassos
Speaking of crystal-clear waters, why not visit Kavala’s little green paradise island, Thassos Located 20 kilometers off Kavala, Thassos boasts magnificent beaches, lush and verdant forests and a strong cuisine. And the history buffs can still get their fill of culture with the various historical sites available. Who said you can’t combine entertainment and culture?
