In the city of Kavala (Greece), tourists come not only for a lazy beach holiday. There are historical sights and architectural monuments, museums and night clubs. Only after seeing Kavala in the photo, many choose the city as a vacation destination. And Kavala is also characterized by a comfortable climate-in summer it is warm, and the sea heats up to 26 degrees, you can safely take children on vacation, and in winter it is not too cold.
But let’s get this straight.
General information
The city of Kavala, built before our era, combines the charms of nature and ancient architecture. It is located on the Aegean coast and is located near Mount Simvolo. At the same time, the city is surrounded by forests, which only adds to its natural splendor. The main streets of Kavala climb the mountain, giving the illusion that they flow directly into the sea. Additionally, the rivers Nestos and Strymon, located on the outskirts of the city, contribute to this.
Interesting! Kavala bears little resemblance to a classic Greek city. In the Middle Ages, Slavs lived here, and Bulgarians captured it several times. For 5 centuries it was the territory of the Ottoman Empire. Only the 20th and 21st centuries became the time of Greece for Kavala. All this has influenced the architecture of the city — it has a very diverse appearance.
There are not many locals here — just over 76,000 live in Kavala, but several hundred thousand people visit the city as tourists. The beauty of the settlement, its location and eventful history attract many people to the city. Kavala has long been a tourist destination in Greece, but it has not lost its original charm, although it has acquired all the necessary infrastructure.
Weather and climate in the city
It is rare to see a photo of Kavala with a cloudy sky, and there is a logical explanation for this.
In summer, the region is quite hot — the air confidently warms up to +30…+33 degrees. The heat is not felt very strongly, the sea blows cool, and the mountains give their own bit of cooling. Summer heat is often diluted by trade winds blowing from the mountains. They are not cold, but simply create a comfortable freshness.
Traditionally, the hottest months in Kavala are July-August. The average water temperature during this period is +26…+27 degrees, and the average air temperature (during the day) is +32 degrees. There is almost no precipitation, and the number of sunny days in a month is 29.
In June and September, the most comfortable temperature for recreation is +27…+28 degrees, the sea warms up to +23…+24 degrees, a little cooler than in the peak season, you can swim without problems. At night, the temperature drops to +16, so for evening walks, it is advisable to have a light jacket.
Winter in Kavala is mild. The average air temperature in the daytime is +8…+10 degrees, at night – +2…+4. The rainiest month is March, but the amount of precipitation even at this time is small, and there are only 3-4 rainy days.
Nice to know! The Aegean Sea is deservedly called the warmest.
Public transport links
The constant influx of tourists has created all the conditions for the development of the city. Now there is a wonderful transport connection with water, land and air routes.
Kavala has an airport — it is located 30 km from the city. This remoteness of the airport allows you not to live under the hum of planes, but also not to torment tourists during a long trip to the city. In the summer, many charter flights arrive here. From Russia, you can reach by regular flights with a transfer in Athens. In winter, there are flights from Dusseldorf, Athens, Studgard and Munich.
From Kavala Megas Alexandros Airport, the city can only be reached by taxi. There is no direct bus service.
In addition to the air service, Kavala also receives guests from the sea. In the bay is the port of Kavala, and not far away is another — Keramoti. Sea transport runs year-round, connecting the region with the islands located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea.
Taxi is not the most popular form of transport in Kavala — the region has a well-developed long-distance bus service. From east to west, the region is crossed by the Egnatia Odos, an intercity highway. In addition to buses, daily car rental is common. This is very important for tourists, because Kavala in Greece and attractions are inseparable concepts, there is something to see here.
City attractions
Aqueduct
One of the most visited places in Kavala is the medieval Kamares aqueduct. Its height is 25 meters, length-280, number of arches-60. This arched structure served as a fresh water supply to the city until the beginning of the 20th century. Now it is the business card of Kavala.
The attraction is located near the old town (Panagia district). At night, the aqueduct is illuminated and looks especially spectacular.
Imaret
The building was built in 1817 by order of the Ottoman ruler Muhammad Ali. Initially, the Imaret served as a free canteen for those in need. During its existence, it changed its purpose several times: it was a house for refugees, served as a warehouse, and part of it was reserved for a restaurant.
Now there is a prestigious hotel “Imaret Hotel”. The rooms are decorated in an old style with elements of oriental design. You can only visit the place as part of a tour group for 5 euros.
The landmark is located in the historical center of the city at 30-32 Th. Poulidou, Kavala 652 01, Greece.
Ancient Philippi
For Christians, the city has also prepared its own attraction — Ancient Philippi is located just 17 km from Kavala. They are famous for the fact that a Christian community was founded there by the Apostle Paul himself.
Now it is the largest monument of antiquity in Greece, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Philippi, you can see the ruins of Christian churches, the walls of the prison of the Apostle Paul and other buildings.
There is also a well-preserved ancient theater, which later became an arena for gladiatorial fights. Currently, festivals are held at this place.
If you are not a big expert on archeology, it is better to explore the attraction with a guide, otherwise you may be bored.
- The cost of an adult ticket is 6 euros, for children – 3 euros. If you arrive shortly before the opening, you can also pass for free. Be sure to bring water, a headdress and wear closed comfortable shoes (you may encounter snakes).
- Open: in winter from 8: 00 to 15: 00, from the first of April – from 8: 00 to 20: 00.
- You can get here either by bus from Kavala (fare about 2€), or by rented car on your own. Near the attraction there is a Parking lot, a bus stop is also within walking distance.
Kavala Fortress
This is probably the main attraction and symbol of the city of Kavala. The construction of the fortress was completed in 1425 on the site of the ruins of the Byzantine Acropolis of Christoupolis.
The entire Acropolis is built of local granite stone mixed with marble and bricks. The inner enclosure was the most important part of the Acropolis, as it was part of a vital defense system.
Today, visitors to the fortress can see:
- This is a circular tower that used to serve as a defensive function in the past. The roof of the tower offers a unique panoramic view of the city of Kavala.
- An arsenal and food storage facility that was converted into a prison in the 18th century.
- The guardhouse where the guards and officers were stationed.
- The outer building contains one polygonal and two square towers, as well as a modern open-air theater, which regularly hosts musical events, theater productions and various celebrations.
After a walk through the fortress, visitors can enjoy a drink in the cafeteria while enjoying the view of the theater.
- Admission: 2.5€ for adults, 1.5€ for children
- Opening hours: from May to September-08: 00-21: 00, in October and April-08: 00-20: 00, from the beginning of November to the end of March-8: 00-16: 00.
- Location: 117 Omonias / Top of Panagia Peninsula, Kavala 654 03, Greece. You can get there either on foot or by a free steam train. The latter departs from Omonia Square (stop opposite the National Bank) once an hour from 8:00 to 14:00 from Monday to Saturday.
Tobacco Museum
It is the largest museum in Europe dedicated to tobacco. Here you can find archival photos, collections, books and articles. You can see tools, machines, paintings and frames related to tobacco and tobacco production.
- Address: 4 Paleologou Konstadinou, Kavala, Greece
- Open: October-May-from 8: 00 to 16: 00 (Sat-from 10 to 14), June-September-on weekdays from 8: 00 to 16: 00, weekends from 10: 00 to 14: 00, Thursday-from 17: 00 to 21: 00.
- Full ticket price is 2€, children’s ticket price is 1€.
Mohammed Ali House Museum
If you are hoping to see the home of American boxer Muhammad Ali in Greece, then you will be disappointed. This landmark is the house where the founder of the state of Egypt was born and grew up.
The house is located near the castle on a hill, which offers a beautiful view of the city of Kavala. The house is two-storeyed, inside you can see furniture and household items from the time of Mohammed Ali’s residence in it.
- Ticket price: 3€.
- Opening hours: every day from 9: 00 to 15: 00.
- The attraction is located on Mohammed Ali Square
Kavala Beaches
The city of Kavala in Greece fascinates both with its history and chic beaches. This Greek beauty contains all the facets of a diverse holiday. Beach lovers will be enchanted not only by the magnificent beaches, but also enjoy the historical beauty. This also works the other way around — history lovers will be able to appreciate not only the antiquities, but also the pleasant essence of a seaside resort.
The region and city of Kavala in Greece have beaches that are almost 100 km long. There are 4 swimming beaches in and around the city.
Asprey
The beach is located in the western part of the city and can be reached by local bus. It is divided into 2 parts – public and private. Water and sand, clean enough, cleaning is carried out. If you buy a drink, you can use the sun beds and umbrellas for free. There is a shower and changing rooms. Nearby there is a supermarket and Parking, shops and cafes.
Rapsani
The central city beach, respectively, all the necessary infrastructure nearby. The sandy strip is not wide, the water is clean, despite the location. Sun beds, umbrellas and showers are also available.
Batis
It is located 9 km west of Kavala. You can get there by any bus heading towards Nea Paramros. Batis is located in a picturesque bay, and those who like to take pictures here will love it.
There is also everything you need for a beach holiday. It is much quieter here than in the city Nearby there is a campsite where you can stay if you are traveling by car and prefer a “wild” holiday.
Ammolofi
The beach is located 18 km northwest of Kavala. Here the blue water, a wide sandy strip, is suitable for swimming with children. Just like on Asprey, when you order a drink at the bar, you get to use a sunbed with a nice straw umbrella.
Everything you need for a comfortable carefree holiday is here – Parking nearby, bars, cafes, showers, toilet. From Kavala, you can get here by regular bus.
Public holidays and city festivals
Every significant event in the city was awarded a holiday. Especially often this honor fell to the harvest. Over time, some of the holidays have become firmly established in the culture. Now in Kavala there are regular holidays dedicated to such food products:
- Watermelon
- Asparagus
- Chestnut
- Grape
- Potato
They are called “Potato Festival”. This vegetable is dedicated to more than one day, in honor of it in September there is a whole festival. At the beginning of the month, there are festive festivities with songs, dances and all sorts of potato dishes. Also an interesting event is the “Animal Husbandry Festival” with dishes made from boiled goat meat.
Many tourists especially love the “Grape Festival”. Locals jokingly call it an intoxicating holiday. It is held as part of a festival dedicated to wine and tsipouro. A sea of delicious Greek wine at this festival is complemented by great grilled seafood, juicy olives and hot dances. You can visit this unforgettable event in October.
The entire region and the city of Kavala is also famous for its other festivals. The beginning of July is dedicated to the dance festival. The Cosmopolis International Festival is also held in the same month. Also at the end of July, the “Phillip Festival” begins, dedicated to concerts and theatrical performances.
Kavala (Greece) will surely be remembered as a pleasant and atmospheric city. Any tourist can find something special here and get a multi-faceted pleasure. Many people want to return home again to see once again all the splendor of this “blue city”.
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