Kavala (Greek: Καβάλα) is a city in Macedonia (Greece). Kavala is one of the most beautiful smaller cities in Greece offering a wide range of places of interest for tourism. A wealth of possibilities for excursions in the surrounding area, many beautiful not overcrowded beaches, archaeological sites and many places of natural beauty makes it a fun-filled vacation destination.
In 2021, Kavala was home to 66,000 people. In Ancient Greece people of Thassos island established Kavala as a colony in the mid-7th century BC to secure commercial control of the straits between Thassos and the mainland and to exploit the gold deposits at Mount Pangaion. Kavala prospered due to its trade routes and the commercial harbor and gained independence from Thassos but for security reasons, maintained friendly relations with Athens, the major power in the region, as a member of the Athenian League. In the 4th century BC, the city lost its independence and became the port of the neighboring Macedonian city of Philippi. During occupation of the Roman Empire, the city prospered agai…
There is an efficient public transport system with lines going around the city (ticket price about €1.50). Detailed info in the regional bus terminal (called "Astiko KTEL") in "Filikas Etarias" Street near the harbour. Taxis in Kavala, as elsewhere in Greece, are comparably cheap. You should not pay more than €5 if you hail a cab (orange or white colour) on the road to take you anywhere in the city. Note that taxi meters have two rates - rate 1 applies from 05:00 till midnight, and rate 2, the double rate, from midnight to 05:00. Taxi fare fraud is not widespread but it still happens, so make sure the rate is correct.
1 Harbour. It is the central point for recreational, commercial, business and tourist activity. It caters for the fishing fleet, tourism and ferry boats travelling to and from Thassos, Limnos and Mytilene, as well as water sports at its marina. (updated Jul 2025) 2 Agios Nikolas church. With a mosaic showing the landing of the Apostle Paul in Kavala on Kontouriotou Street, it's a “must-see place”. The old, somewhat run-down neighbourhood surrounding the church has many great cafés, ouzo bars, restaurants and small shops. It is especially attractive in the summer evenings when it is a great place to have a beer. (updated Jul 2025) 3 Roman Aqueduct.
Sailing boat rental. Several companies offer their boats at the harbor of Kavala or Irakliza. phionasailing, kavalayachting, egeasyachting, North Sailing. Worthwhile destinations for a sailing voyage from Kavala are the islands of Thasos, Samothrace, Lemnos and Agios Efstratios. (updated May 2018) Motor boat rental. (updated Jul 2018) Diving. Diving schools are at the harbor of Kavala and in the suburb Palio. (updated May 2018) Jet skiing, water ski. at the beaches of Irakliza and Nea Peramos (updated May 2018) Canoe trips & rafting. on the river Nestos (updated May 2018) Hiking.
People in Greece usually eat late in the evening (21:00 - 24:00), so during the day some taverns, psistaries and restaurants might be closed. However, tsipouradika and fast food restaurants are open all day long. In general calculate €15 per person for meal plus drinks in Kavala. It is difficult to recommend some restaurants because the food quality often varies greatly, and hardly any restaurant provides consistently good quality. The best restaurants are on the street to Panagia, which is a street going from port to Muhammad Ali's house and at the old district next to Agios Nicolas Church (7). You may not want to eat near the port as prices are high and quality is not necessarily good.
Most bars, cafeterias and restaurants are located along the promenade, at the port, in the quarter around Ag.Nikolas church and in the street that leads to the old town. Another destination is the little fishing harbor called “Sfagio” at the east end of Kavala. There are very nice restaurants and bars directly at the waterfront. Summer bars can be found also further away from the center of Kavala in Palio, Irakliza and Nea Peramos. These are typical tourist villages. During high season they offer musical events, beach parties, etc. 1 Lobster. Pub directly at the sailing harbour with fantastic view over the old town. (updated Feb 2018) 2 Cafe Kima.
In Kavala you can move day and night without hesitation. Raiding almost never happens. Ladies can move freely and relaxed during the day and at night without fear of annoyance. The only annoyance you can barely escape are the flying dealers (mostly Roma or black people) who come to the tables in the cafes or restaurants. However, these are also surprisingly polite, they are waiting for an interested look. If you do not pay any attention to them or say "ochi," they disappear immediately. 2 Tourist Police Station. In Omonia Street, the main shopping area of Kavala (updated Apr 2015) 3 Port Authority. At the harbour. (updated Apr 2015)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Sep, Kavala typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 4 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-09-20. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy