Kavala,  a city to live in!

A city to live in!

Nothing can surpass the fascinating view from the lighthouse and the castle towards the Macedonian shores and the Aegean…

Kavala, however, is not only an enchanting destination for tourists. Its countryside, beaches and traditional neighbourhoods, compose the backdrop of a city you enjoy living in.

First impressions

Starting off from Thessaloniki and taking the new Egnatia Highway, you will be amazed at how soon you’ ll find yourself relaxing at the port of Kavala, watching the colourful boats gently rock next to the pier, or gazing at the far end of the sea horizon and… letting your mind travel!

Walks in the Old Town

The Old Town’s neighbourhoods spread out on the Panagia peninsula, to the left of the port. From the church of Saint Nikolaos, ascend Poulidou street. Go by the Imaret, which brings to mind images from the “Arabian Nights”. This magnificent Ottoman architectural monument, with consecutive domes and minarets, was built by the Egyptian Pasha Mehmet Ali, who was born here in 1817. His house, which is now a museum, and his statue, can be seen in the small square a little further uphill.

The church of Panagia comes next into view, while close by the elementary school lies a lighthouse overlooking the Aegean. The ascending cobbled road twists and turns through the old town’s neighbourhoods uphill to the medieval castle. Standing on its battlements, you can admire modern Kavala unfolding under your feet (www.castle-kavala.gr).

History at a glance

According to the archaeologists, the oldest predecessor of Kavala was Neapolis, built by the inhabitants of Thasos and settlers from Eretria. The powerful city-state, member of the Athenian League, minted its own coins -the silver “staters”- which were a sign of wealth. Ancient Neapolis gave its place to Byzantine Christoupoli, the first stop in Europe for Paul the Apostle, in his quest to spread Christianity. The name Kavala first appeared in the early 16^th century.

The best beaches

These are found to the west of Kavala,   organized, small and framed by rocks. Popular Kalamitsa beach is next to the port. Following the coastal road, you will come upon the sandy seasides of Batis and Tosca with crystal waters, rocks and pine trees. Then “Palio Tsifliki” follows, an organised shore with plenty of umbrellas, deck-chairs, water sports and seafront taverns.

Filippoi – Thasos Festival

It is the most important cultural event of Kavala and nearby Thasos, and it takes place every year in the summer.   www.philippifestival.gr

Don’t miss

Kamares:   A monumental building, with 60 arches, built in the 16^th century by Suleiman the Magnificent, used as an aqueduct.

Kapnergaton Square: Kavala owes its prime to the tobacco trade, a financial activity that grew significantly from the late 19^th century, up to interwar period. At Kapnergaton square, the renovated building of the tobacco warehouse that belonged to Turkish trader Kizi Mimin is a well preserved representative sample of industrial architecture, used nowadays as the Municipality’s cultural centre.

Historical buildings: Among the many characteristic buildings around the port, we single out the building of Baron Adolf Wix (1899), the City Hall(1895) that looks like a tower, the Municipal Music School(1864) and the Tokou mansion(1879).

Museums: The archaeological museum houses rare exhibits from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace ( TEL +30 2510 222335)

The Tobacco Museum is unique in its kind ( TEL +30 2510 223344)

Ancient Philippi: It was named after the powerful Macedonian king Philip II who was called by the locals to defend the city from invaders. The outputs of the goldmines that existed in the area, made him a fortune and enabled his son Alexander to conquer the East. It is considered to be one of the most important archeological sites of Greece found 15 km north of Kavala. Excavations brought to light a part of Acropolis walls, the ancient theater, the Agora and other monuments. Philippi was the first European city to receive the message of Christianity by Paul the Apostle ( TEL +30  2510 516251).

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COPYRIGHT PHOTO: Theo Athanasiadis / Views Of Greece

COPYRIGHT TEXT: Germaine Alexakis/ Views Of Greece

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• byzantine
• castle
• harbor
• Kavala archeology