KAVALA

General Information

The borders of the prefecture of Kavala are defined by Drama to the northwest, Xanthi to the northeast, and Serres to the west. Its southern part forms a lengthy coastline, gently dropping into the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. The gorgeous city of Kavala, full of colors and perfumes, the impressive archaeological sites -especially Philippi- the traditional hamlets, the monastic opulence of the magic Mount Paggaeon, the wetlands of Nestos, the maritime villages, the endless sandy beaches, the intense cultural activity, and the remarkable tourism substructure, all compose a charming package of gifts which Kavala offers with generosity. Just across the bay of Kavala there is the beauteous island of Thassos, which is definitely worth a visit, even if only for a daily excursion. The population of the prefecture is 131289 residents, while its extent covers 2111 sq.km.       

History - Culture

The first settlements of Kavala are dated well back into the past, in the prehistoric age. Of the historic peoples of Greece, Thracian tribes are considered to be the first inhabitants of the region. In the 7th century BC, settlers from Thassos and from cities of southern Greece established the city of Neapolis (today"s Kavala). During the Archaic and the Classical Era, Neapolis developed trading and cultural relationships with the Cyclades, Ionia and Athens. Following the Persian Wars, Neapolis joined the Athenian League and fought on the side of the Athenians against the people of Thassos. In the 4th century BC, Neapolis and Krinides (Philippi) were the major cities of the area, and enjoyed financial independence thanks to the gold-rich mines of Mount Paggaeon. In 340 BC, as Macedonians were establishing themselves as the dominant power among the Greeks, they conquered Neapolis. During the Roman years, Roman soldiers were stationed in Philippi. Here St. Paul established a church in 49 AD. During the Byzantine years, Neapolis was renamed into Christoupolis (9th century), and Emperor Justinian fortified it in an attempt to hold back the barbarian raids. Christoupolis was destroyed by Normans, and Turks occupied it in 1387. Around the 15th century, it was renamed into Kavala, a name which probably originated from the name of the nearby town Skavala, and the city flourished in the 19th century. Kavala was liberated in 1913, finally rejoining the Greek nation.

Sights

A gifted land, the entire prefecture of Kavala is ideal for touring holidays. The city of Kavala itself is a lively, large and yet still picturesque town with oriental features. Visitors can see the Fortress, a medieval structure of the 14th century, the Bridge, which is part of the aqueduct built in the 16th century, the Turkish structure of the 19th century built by Mechmet Ali, appointed Pasha of Egypt, as well as the house where Mechmet Ali was born. In the district of the Panagia Quarter, part of the Byzantine walls of Justinian have been salvaged to much of their original height, and the view from there is breathtaking. There is also the male convent of Aghios Syllas and the Byzantine churches of Aghios Panteleimonas and Panagia as well as the dunes in the area of Aspri Ammos (White Sand), 2km to the east. In Eleftheroupoli, Nea Heraklitsa, Nea Karvali and Chrysoupolis, there are interesting churches, while exhibits of findings from the ancient mines are presented in Eleftheroupoli. The site of ancient Oisymi can be seen in the seaside village of Nea Peramos. There are remains of the wall and the temple, while significant findings of the 7th, 6th and 5th century were discovered in the nearby cemetery. The archaeological site of the noted ancient city of Philippi is close to the village of Krinides. Visitors can also see the ruins of two basilicas, the Roman marketplace (forum), the theatre, the acropolis, the Byzantine wall, and much more. In addition, the gorgeous, densely forested Mount Paggaeon towers dominantly over the western regions of the prefecture, holding immense treasures both within and without; rich woodlands adorn its slopes, but greater riches still lie beneath, as its gold mines have always been a source of wealth for those in control of them. Visiting the medieval monastery, built in the 10th century, offers rewarding tranquility, a gift of the peaceful and pious aura felt within its confines.  

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

The excellent tourist infrastructure of Kavala guarantees nothing less than exquisite holidays. The capital of Kavala offers high quality accommodations, while there are many hotels and rooms-to-let in all the summer resorts such as in Loutra Eleftheron, in Keramoti, and in Nea Heraklitsa. As for entertainment alternatives, there are many restaurants, taverns, coffee shops cinemas, pubs, night clubs and bars in almost every resort, while Kavala itself offers vivid night life. Markets throughout the region are abundant in offering goods and services, suiting visitors with anything they might ask for. Local sweets are considered to be best buys. Furthermore, the region is famed for the quantity and quality of its fish, served fresh in local seaside taverns, and the "tsipouro", a strong traditional drink. In the field of sports, there is lots of activity. Visitors have at their disposal track fields, swimming pools, basketball-volleyball-football fields and tennis courts. Moreover, the Marine Club has sailing and water ski facilities available, while water sports equipment can be found in most beaches. Mount Paggaeon offers much in this department as well , as it has a fully equipped skiing center, while four refuges secure mountain climbers and trekkers who wish to venture her in the winter. 

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens and Thessaloniki to Kavala. There are frequent bus services from Athens and Thessaloniki on a daily basis. Ferries depart from Piraeus and Raphina all year round.

Connections

Ferries link Kavala, Samothrace, Alexandroupolis, Aghios Efstratios, Lemnos, Mytiline, Chios, Samos, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades and Siteia, Aghios Nikolaos (Crete). Ferries depart frequently from Kavala to Limenas and Prinos in Thassos and from Keramoti to Limenas. There is daily bus connection with Drama, Xanthi and Serres.

Museums

In the capital Kavala there is an Archaeological Museum, a Folk Art Museum and a Public Gallery. A Folk Art Museum can be visited in Nea Karvali. An Archaeological Museum is situated in the site of ancient Philippi. The Museum of Natural History in Chrysoupolis is worth visiting. 

Alternative Tourism

Ecotourism, archaeology, gastronomy, sporting (mountain climbing, ski, trekking, water sports, sailing, yachting).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

KAVALA AREA CODE:  2510-

POLICE STATION  : 2510-223720

TOURIST POLICE: 2510-622246

MUNICIPALITY: 2510-227820

PORT POLICE: 2510-223716

TAXI STATION: 2510-232001-4

HOSPITAL: 2510-228517, 228518

PHARMACIES: 2510-227555, 223597, 229257

NATIONAL TOURISM ORG.: 2510-228762

AIRPORT: 25910-53400