Kavala / Greece

In the northeastern part of Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea in the bay of the same name, lies Kavala. An important port of Eastern Macedonia and the capital of the region of the same name, it is home to about 70,000 inhabitants. The port is lined with countless colorful fishing boats and a modern promenade in its northern part offers a range of quality restaurants and taverns with beautiful views - simply ideal for cruises in the Mediterranean Sea.

What to taste in Kavala?

Gastronomy in Kavala is characterized by fresh ingredients and excellent seafood. Popular dishes include:

Grilled mackerel – often sun-dried,
Mussels with rice,
Dolmades – stuffed vine leaves,
Papoutsakia – stuffed eggplant,
Kourabiedes – almond cookies coated in sugar,
Wine – of excellent taste, grown on the sunny slopes of local mountains.

Why will you love Kavala?

In Kavala, you will find peace and authenticity that are often missing in overcrowded resorts. The charm of the city lies in its traditional character and the everyday life of the locals, which naturally draws you into the atmosphere of true Greece.

Alistratis Cave west of Kavala is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe: it boasts a number of huge underground cathedrals, adorned with beautiful stalactites, which can be admired during a guided tour.

Practical tips:

Official language: Greek, but in tourist areas, you can also communicate in English.
Currency: Euro (EUR).
Opening hours: In Kavala, they are usually similar to elsewhere in Greece, from 8:00 to 14:00, with a siesta break, and then again from 17:00 to 21:00, with Sunday usually closed. However, in summer and tourist locations, shops are open all day, including weekends.
Public transport: It is mainly provided by buses (company ΚΤΕΛ). In some parts of the city, local lines also run, but for tourist trips, it is more convenient to use taxi services or rent a car. The port is about a 5-minute walk from the city.
Weather: Kavala has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and humid winters (averaging 10 – 15 °C) and hot sunny summers (exceeding 30 °C). The main tourist season is from May to September.

The most interesting from the history of Kavala:

Kavala was founded under the name Neapolis at the end of the 7th century BC, and in the 2nd century BC, the city became a base for ancient Rome and flourished. In an effort to protect Kavala from barbarian tribe raids, the city was fortified by the Byzantines in the 6th century. Between 1387 and 1912, Kavala was part of the Ottoman Empire, and during this time, its fortifications were not only expanded, but a massive aqueduct was also built. During the First Balkan War, Kavala was occupied by Bulgaria, which also briefly gained it from Greece during World War II, when most of the local Jewish population was exterminated. After the Greco-Turkish War, a large number of Greek refugees settled in the city, contributing to its rapid development.