Kavala holidays

How to reach Kavala

• Flight time: Flights to Athens from London take about 3 hours 40 minutes. Onward flights to Kavala from Athens take about 1 hour 15 minutes.

• Transfer time: The city centre is within a 35-minute drive of Kavala’s Megas Alexandros Airport.

• Price: Taxiing from the airport to the centre of Kavala will cost around €50–€60.

Weather and best time to visit Kavala

Choosing the best time for your Kavala holidays depends on what you’re after: bustling summer vibes or a more tranquil experience.

• April to June is the perfect time to visit if you like things less hot (and less crowded) and don’t mind a few spring/summer showers. Average temperatures range from 13 to 22°C, with around 8 to 11 hours of daily sunshine.

• July to August is the best travel season weather-wise, with average daily temperatures around 25°C (and mirroring sea temperatures), a slim chance of rain and up to 13 hours of sunshine. The city comes alive with festivals (and the tourists to go with it).

• September to October sees average temperatures drop from 20 to 15°C, 10 to 9 hours of daily sunshine and a little more rain. These are the last months you’ll be able to squeeze in swims; temperatures fall below 17°C after October.

• November to March is the low (and cool) season. With a high likelihood of rain and falling temperatures (average temperatures drop from 10°C in November to 5°C in January before inching up to 8°C in March), these are the months to explore the city’s cultural side.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: Kavala’s city centre is easily walkable, but if you want to explore further, buses and taxis are the main forms of transport. One-way bus tickets start at €1.80. Taxi fares depend on the distance travelled, but generally speaking, expect to pay around €7 for a city taxi ride. For trips to nearby towns or beaches, renting a car is the most flexible option. Average car hire rates typically start at about €35 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Extreme weather: Greece has experienced summer wildfires on the mainland and some islands. At the time of writing, there is no official warning against travelling to Greece, but check for updates before you go.

• Time zone: Greece runs on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Best things to do in Kavala

Eastern Macedonia’s principal seaport and the capital of the eponymous regional unit, holidays to Kavala have something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, the outdoorsy type or a consummate foodie.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kavala Castle (The Citadel): Perched on the city's highest point, Kavala Castle offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, the harbour and the Aegean Sea from its tower.

• Church of St Panteleimon: This site offers fantastic city views; once you’ve soaked up the scenery from the church grounds, follow the path behind the church to the Cross & Fire Lookout Station for a panorama of the city.

The best districts

• Panagia: With its cobbled, narrow streets, colourful wooden-balconied houses and charming courtyards, Kavala’s Old Town has more than enough charm to go around.

• Agios Nikolaos: Home to the iconic church of Agios Nikolaos, traditional tavernas, cafés and shops, this is a great place to experience the local culture.

Parks and gardens

• Alsos Panagioudas: With shady paved trails and picnicking spots, this lush city park offers a cool oasis on sunny days.

• Faliro Park: Located next to the archeological museum, this is the perfect place to catch your breath after sightseeing.

Museums

• Archaeological Museum of Kavala: This modern museum houses a vast collection of ancient artefacts. Highlights include mosaics, sculptures and everyday items from the ancient city of Neapolis, the predecessor of Kavala.

• Mohammed Ali Museum: The one-time home of Kavala-born Mohammed Ali of Egypt has been preserved as a historic house museum. A fine example of 18th-century Ottoman architecture, it makes for fascinating viewing. The gardens are a treat, too.

Historical monuments

• Imaret: Originally built as an Islamic theological school and hospice, now a luxury hotel, the Imaret is one of Greece's most significant Ottoman-era buildings. In a word, stunning.

• Aqueduct of Kavala (Kamares): Dating to the 16th century, Kavala’s gargantuan aqueduct is a striking example of Ottoman engineering know-how.

Day trips in the area

• Archaeological Site of Philippi: A 25-minute drive northwest of Kavala, this UNESCO-listed Hellenistic city is the perfect culture fix. It’s renowned for its well-preserved theatre, forum and early Christian basilica. The on-site museum is excellent, too.

• Thasos Island: Thasos ticks all the boxes, with its sandy beaches, lush forested interior, traditional villages, ancient ruins and museums. It’s accessible by ferry from Kavala or nearby Keramoti.

Activities for families in Kavala

Kavala is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

• Family-friendly beaches: Kavala boasts several family-friendly beaches with calm waters and sandy shores. Just 4km west of the city, organised Batis is a good option. On-site facilities include a play area, a pool, water sports, changing rooms and showers.

• Playgrounds: Kids can run off steam at Kavala Road Safety Park; alongside the usuals – swings, climbing frames and what have you – there are paved paths for roller skating and biking.

• Interactive museums: Showcasing Kavala’s maritime history, the Naval Museum has an assortment of model ships, various nautical instruments and a traditional fishing boat.

• Amusement parks: Perfect for kids (and the young at heart), Luna Park offers classic rides, shooting games and trampolines.

Free things to do in Kavala

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy, whether you’re interested in history, culture or simply soaking up the sun.

• Free museums: Admission to state-owned museums is waived on the 6th March, 18th April, 18th May, the last weekend of September, 28th October and every first Sunday of the month from 1st November until 31st March.

• Annual festivals: Kavala’s music and arts Cosmopolis Festival runs from May to December with free entrance to a host of events.

• Explore Kavala by public bus: Kavala’s beaches can easily be reached by public transport; for instance, local buses Nos 2, 3 and 11 run to Perigiali Beach.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: One of the most scenic hiking trails in Kavala, the Palea Kavala nature trail takes in streams, cascading waterfalls and plane tree groves.

• Bird-watching: About 1 hour’s drive from the city, Delta Nestos National Park is prime birding territory. One of the largest wetland parks in Greece, it supports almost 300 species of birds.

• Windsurfing: For the best winds and waves, try Nea Iraklitsa Beach.

• Rafting: Running 9km long, with intermediate rapids, the River Nestos is ideal for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.

• Paragliding: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding over Kavala offers a unique perspective of the city and its coastline. With experienced instructors, you can safely glide above the city, taking in breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the mountainous terrain.

Local dishes in Kavala

One of the most enjoyable parts of holidays to Kavala is discovering the rich and varied cuisine that reflects the city’s multicultural history and proximity to the sea.

Some typical dishes

• Bougatsa: Kavala’s go-to breakfast pastry. Layers of thin, crispy filo dough filled with semolina custard, cheese or minced meat and finished with a dusting of icing sugar and cinnamon.

• Arni me Spanaki: This classic Greek Sephardic lamb and spinach dish is a must-try.

Meze dishes

• Kavourmas: Like a confit, Kavourmas is made by cooking and preserving spiced meat – beef, buffalo, goat, lamb or pork – in its own fat. It’s usually served cubed or sliced as a cold cut.

• Gavros Marinatos: This simple dish consists of anchovies cured in vinegar and coarse salt. Briny with a vinegary tang, it’s delicious with Ouzo.

Meat dishes

• Kokoshka sou Oris: Poached chicken served with broth-cooked rice.

• Jigerosarma: This regional speciality features rice, lamb haslets, onions and spices encased in veal suet.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sardeles Savoro: Fried sardines marinated in vinegar, garlic and rosemary.

• Psari Plaki: Oven-baked fish with olive oil, veggies and herbs.

Street food

• Gyros: Spit-cooked meat, vegetables – tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cucumber – a generous dollop of yoghurt or Tzatziki, all wrapped in pitta bread.

• Crepes: Slightly heavier than their French counterparts, Greek-style crepes are filled with all kinds of delectable fillings, from berries and chocolate spreads to fresh cheese and honey.

Sweets and desserts

• Kourabiedes: Almond butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar.

• Karidopita: Spiced walnut cake soaked in syrup.

Local drinks

• Rakija: Ubiquitous throughout Macedonia, this brandy can be made from various fruits, anything and everything from peaches to quince, though plum brandy is the most popular. Served in small glasses – don’t mistake it for a shot – Rakija is meant to be sipped slowly.

• Assyrtiko: One of Greece’s signature grape varieties, Assyrtiko produces crisp, dry whites comparable to a good Chardonnay or Riesling.