With its seaside location, old-world charm, and proximity to archaeological treasures, Kavala offers travelers the perfect Greek experience. This port city in northeastern Greece combines relaxation and history into one destination.

Activity	Description
Panagia Krya Eleousa Monastery	Cliffside monastery with frescoes and sea views
Old Town Exploration	Wander through neoclassical mansions and small cafes
Greek Cuisine	Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties
Beach Relaxation	Visit beaches for swimming and lounging
Acropolis and Amphitheatre	Explore ancient ruins and historical sites
Tobacco Production History	Learn about Kavala’s tobacco industry at the museum
Thasos Island Day Trip	Visit beaches, villages, and archaeological sites
Archaeological Museum	View ancient artifacts and treasures
Kalamitsa OpenAir Theatre	Enjoy outdoor concerts and performances
Kamares Aqueduct Bazaar	Shop for antiques, crafts, and souvenirs
Folklore Festival	Experience traditional dances and cultural festivities
Waterfront Café Relaxation	Dine and relax at cafes with harbor views
Winery Tours	Sample local wines and visit vineyards
ENETIKON Spa Resort	Enjoy spa treatments and relaxation
Mt. Pangeo Hiking	Explore trails with stunning vistas

From new museum openings to beloved festivals, 2024 promises to be an exciting year to visit Kavala. The city’s reputation as a foodie hotspot continues to grow as well. Here are 15 of the top things to do when visiting Kavala, Greece in 2024:

Explore the Panagia Krya Eleousa Monastery

Name and Location: The Panagia Krya Eleousa Monastery is located on the mountainside overlooking Kavala near the village of Rachoni.

History and Significance: Built in the 15th century, this historic Eastern Orthodox monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It has significance as a pilgrimage site due to its miraculous holy water spring.

What to Expect: Visitors can tour the monastery’s Byzantine buildings, see religious artifacts and icons, light candles in the cave chapel, and drink from the sacred natural spring that is said to have healing properties.

Visitor Information: The monastery is open daily from 7AM-1PM and 4PM-8PM. There is no entrance fee but donations are accepted. Proper attire is required.

Perched dramatically on a cliff above Kavala is the Panagia Krya Eleousa Monastery. Reached via a stone stairway, this monastery contains rich frescoes and hosts an important icon assumed to have healing powers.

The breathtaking sea views from the monastery are reason enough to visit. But this tranquil site also lets you take in gorgeous Byzantine architecture surrounded by cypress trees and flowers.

Wander the Old Town’s Atmospheric Streets

Name and Location: Kavala’s atmospheric Old Town district runs along Panagia street overlooking the port.

History and Significance: This area dates back to Byzantine and Ottoman eras with narrow stone streets that retain the feel of a medieval Greek settlement, housing small shops, taverns and landmarks.

What to Expect: Visitors stroll below the Panagia fortress taking in traditional Macedonian architecture and intricate details as bougainvillea cascades down white structures housing cafes, wine bars and boutique stores with coastal views.

Visitor Information: Kavala’s Old Town is freely open to pedestrians and accessible from the port. Venues typically stay open late daily during summer months.

Kavala’s Old Town, known as Panagia, is a delight to explore on foot. Below the fortress walls, narrow cobblestone lanes wind past neoclassical mansions, inviting boutiques, and small cafes.

Admire the stately townhouses before stopping into one of the tavernas on the scenic port for fresh seafood with harbor views. As you wander, you’ll gain insight into Kavala’s history and culture.

Dive Into Greek Cuisine

Foodies flock to Kavala to experience its exceptional cuisine. The city boasts some of Greece’s freshest seafood like octopus, red mullet, and mussels along with produce like peppers from the nearby fields.

Be sure to sample local specialties like eggplant salad, stuffed sardines, cheese and herb pies, fried anchovies, and Kavala’s famous ouzo liqueur. Excellent restaurants range from casual mezedopoleio to fine dining with water views.

Relax on Kavala’s Beaches

Name and Location: Kavala’s best beaches line the coast east of the city near Kalamitsa village.

History and Significance: Dotted with taverns and beach clubs, these sheltered sandy beaches have offered relaxation under the Greek sun and therapeutic waters since ancient times when mineral baths drew travelers.

What to Expect: Visitors can expect pristine golden shores lapped by the Aegean Sea’s azure waves, with umbrellas and sunbeds for rent. Choices range from lively to tranquil spots for swimming, drinks and Mediterranean cuisine.

Visitor Information: Kavala beaches open from May to September generally. Lifeguards, amenities, parking areas and public transport options offered along the scenic coastal road.

Spend sun-filled days swimming and lounging on Kavala’s pristine beaches. Just west of town, Batis has beach bars and water sports catering to families and singles. For more seclusion, head to rugged Toska Beach or tranquil Palio Beach tucked beneath the kastro walls.

Nearby resort towns like Palio and Nea Peramos also offer sandy stretches and beach clubs. With so much coastline, beach hopping is easy.

Marvel at the Acropolis and Amphitheatre

Name and Location: The ancient Acropolis and Amphitheatre of Philippi are located 17 km northwest from central Kavala near the modern village of Filippoi.

History and Significance: Dating to the 4th century BCE, these archaeologically-rich sites represent monumental Hellenic and Roman urban achievements, shedding light on civilizations shaping the region through excavated artifacts and enduring infrastructure vestiges.

What to Expect: Visitors tour the spectacular hilltop ruins composed of fortified walls, pagan temples, early Christian basilicas, a theatre and the remnants of venerated sites central to the development of Western philosophy and faith.

Visitor Information: The Acropolis and Amphitheatre comprise an archaeological park open daily except Mondays from 8AM-5PM, with a small entry fee. Guided visits should be arranged through the Kavala Tourism Office.

History comes to life at the ancient Acropolis of Philippi just 15 minutes outside Kavala. Walking trails wind around the archaeological site’s ruins like Greece’s oldest Christian basilicas, the ancient theatre, and remnants of Roman villas with intricate mosaics still intact.

Guided tours help explain the significance of what you see. The nearby Byzantine-era Acropolis of Kavala also offers majestic views over the port.

Learn the History of Tobacco Production

Name and Location: The Tobacco Museum is located in Kavala’s center at Omonias Street.

History and Significance: Housed in a preserved tobacco factory from the industry’s peak era, this museum narrates Kavala’s legacy and economy thriving off the tobacco trade for over a century with global ties and skilled processing.

What to Expect: Visitors learn about tobacco’s origins, central role in regional history, trade significance through engaging exhibits of equipment, products, advertisements and artifacts examining how the plant built and shaped the city.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-2PM, the Tobacco Museum offers hourly tours in English with admission fees posted on the municipal website detailing artifacts spanning the tobacco production process.

One of Kavala’s claims to fame is its tobacco industry. Learn about the history and process of cultivating and processing tobacco at the Tobacco Museum within the Castle of Kavala. You’ll gain insight into the significance of tobacco trade to Kavala’s past while getting to explore this medieval landmark.

Historic tobacco processing machinery and hands-on displays like cigarette rolling make the exhibits fun for all ages.

Take a Day Trip to Thasos Island

Name and Location: Thasos Island sits about 7 miles offshore Kavala’s east coast in northern Greece.

History and Significance: Inhabited since antiquity like nearby Thrace, mountainous densely-forested Thasos provided prized marble while developing wine, olive oil and beekeeping trades among isolated villages overlooking idyllic landscape and crystal waters through eras.

What to Expect: Visitors discover cliffside ancient ruins, golden sand beaches, scenic mountain trails, buzzing harbor towns with seasonal nightlife and flavorsome Mediterranean cuisine high-lighting this idyllic island getaway that feels worlds apart yet minutes from the mainland.

Visitor Information: Daily passenger ferries run between Kavala and Thasos taking about 70 minutes. Schedules vary by operator and season. Hotels, restaurants and tour guides await visitors exploring beyond the island’s lively ports.

Venture beyond the mainland to the island paradise of Thasos, located just off the coast of Kavala. Daily ferries from Kavala make it easy to reach Thasos’ idyllic villages, tranquil beaches, and archaeological sites.

Must-see spots include the impressive ancient Agora, the island’s capital of Limenas, and the turquoise coastline around Makryammos Beach. Come during September’s wine festival for a lively introduction to Thasos.

See Ancient Treasures at the Archaeological Museum

Name and Location: The Kavala Archaeological Museum is located in Kavala’s Kentro district along Irodotou Street near Gounari Square.

History and Significance: Established in 1934, this museum houses precious artifacts enduring millennia found across the expansive ancient Macedonian plain from early inhabitation eras through Roman ruled cities uncovering eastern Macedonia’s storied past.

What to Expect: Showcased items include century BCE coins, jewelry, funerary steles, painted ceramics and bronze artefacts joined by striking classical statuary from sanctuaries honoring gods seeking favor over the agriculture, mining and sea trade bolstering civilizations.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30AM-3PM with a small entrance fee. Multimedia installations enrich visits to these historically important regional items detailing eastern Macedonia’s cultural contributions.

Get an up-close look at ancient artifacts found around Kavala at this excellent museum located downtown. Displays include delicate gold wreaths and jewelry from tombs, household objects, tools, statues, and painted vases dating from prehistoric to Roman times.

One standout piece is a rare Roman era mosaic depicting aquatic scenes and mythological figures. English translations make the exhibits educational for international visitors.

Watch a Production at KalamitsaOpenAir Theatre

Name and Location: Kalamitsa’s Open-Air Municipal Theatre stands within Kavala’s scenic seaside district bearing the same name about 6km east of the city center.

History and Significance: Constructed in 1961 at this chosen site admired for natural acoustics and backdrop vistas, the Open-Air Theatre soon began hosting performances and events under starry nights celebrating culture, fostering community bonds.

What to Expect: From June through September, visitors enjoy classical music concerts, theatrical plays, song/dance shows and cinema screenings with the sea breeze enhancing experiences at one of Greece’s foremost outdoor municipal venues.

Visitor Information: The summer schedule gets announced in May. Affordable tickets sell out fast and can be purchased online. Public buses run attendees between the theater and city routinely.

Against the backdrop of Philip V Mountain lies one of Greece’s most atmospheric outdoor venues: Kalamitsa OpenAir Theatre. From June through September, this space hosts concerts, plays, dance performances, and more beneath the stars.

Greek favourites like rebetiko music and ancient tragedies are performed alongside international programming. Sipping a glass of local wine before the show enhances the experience.

Hunt for Treasures at Kamares Aqueduct Bazaar

Name and Location: Kavala’s Kamares district along Agias Marinas hosts a weekly open-air bazaar beneath the towering medieval aqueduct.

History and Significance: These stone arches stretching over a kilometer supplied old town Kavala with spring water for centuries. The revived Friday market beneath these ruins connects regional goods and people under an awe-inspiring historical site.

What to Expect: Sprawling jam-packed stalls feature fresh produce, cheese, olive oil, wines, handicrafts, artifacts, clothing and more. Visitors also admire the well-preserved 15th century aqueduct towering above this bustling commerce crossroads.

Visitor Information: Kamares Bazaar runs Fridays mornings to mid-afternoon. Vendors usually accept cash only. It’s accessible by municipal buses and taxis up Agias Marinas Road culminating under the great arches.

For a unique shopping experience, browse the weekend bazaar held within the arches of the historic Kamares Aqueduct. Vendors here sell antiques, jewelry, handmade crafts, unique souvenirs, and more at bargain prices.

There’s also a flea market vibe with old books, collectibles, and vintage finds. Wandering past the Roman-era arches while treasure hunting for that perfect souvenir makes for an enjoyable morning.

Learn Traditional Dance at the Folklore Festival

Name and Location: Kavala’s International Folklore Festival takes place at the Kalamitsa Open-Air Theatre venue on the city outskirts.

History and Significance: Established 1989, this mid-August festival gathers beloved musicians, dancers and artisans representing Greek heritage from Thrace, Pontos and Asia Minor joining international guests celebrating communities bound by tradition.

What to Expect: Attendees experience elaborate regional costumes, instruments, choral styles, embroidery and cooking during stage shows while dance lessons, exhibits and workshops invite visitors to actively join time-honored customs.

Visitor Information: The two-week inclusive program covers multiple city venues with details released online come July. Ticket bundles can be purchased along with discounted accommodation packages embracing cultural discovery.

To witness Kavala’s lively cultural traditions, time your visit for the International Folklore Festival held each July. For an entire week, local dance troupes take over the city’s outdoor venues to perform traditional dances from Greece and around the world.

Visitors can watch the colorful costumes and energetic performances for free while also enjoying musical concerts, arts and crafts sales, and children’s activities held during the event.

Relax at a Waterfront Café

Name and Location: Kavala’s waterfront spans the Old Harbor to the Tobacco Warehouse Port hosting venues, shops and eateries along the coastal walk.

History and Significance: This scenic blue flag awarded public space links Kavala’s historic quarters facing the sea that brought trade and ideas over generations. Its wide marble promenade connects visitors with the enduring heartbeat of the city.

What to Expect: People flock here to watch ships come and go, enjoy fresh seafood and local wine, watch the sun set behind neoclassical mansions, take leisurely strolls along flower-filled jetties or simply relax gazing out across the Thermaic Gulf’s sparkling waters.

Visitor Information: Kavala’s scenic harborfront walkway stays active year-round with seasonal offerings. Cafes and restaurants adjust operating hours posted online but usually open from morning till midnight during peak seasons.

One of Kavala’s finest experiences is simply relaxing at an outdoor café overlooking the harbors. The scenic waterfront areas around the port have lively bars and cafes perfect for coffee, drinks, and people watching.

Fun spots to perch yourself include Imaret, housed in a former Ottoman inn, and Perigiali Beach Bar, located right on the sand. Order some fresh seafood mezedes and watch the boats glide across the harbor.

Tour Kavala Wineries

Name and Location: Kavala wineries dot the mountains northwest of the city near ancient Philippi and Dramas among tranquil rolling vineyards.

History and Significance: Kavala wineries sustain centuries-old winemaking traditions in Macedonia’s mineral-rich slopes and valleys nourishing globally acclaimed indigenous grapes like Xinomavro that embellish regional cuisine with distinct elegant fruity bodies as a beloved wine destination.

What to Expect: Visitors tour gorgeous estate vineyards and state-of-the-art facilities guided by producers retelling family histories while wine tastings showcase celebrated regional varietals alongside local olive oils and dishes typical of Macedonian hospitality.

Visitor Information: Many cellars require booking winery experiences in advance online or through Kavala tourism agencies coordinating transportation, tours, tastings and cultural activities at cluster destinations open to visitors year-round.

Northeastern Greece is one of the country’s premier winemaking regions, producing excellent reds and whites using native grapes. The wine road around Kavala winds through beautiful landscapes dotted with vineyards.

Tour respected producers like Château Nico Lazaridi or Ktima Gerovassiliou for a look inside their cellars followed by tastings that pair wines with local cheeses and foods.

Unwind at ENETIKON Spa Resort

Name and Location: ENETIKON Luxury Resort sits on the coast in Nea Iraklitsa village 15km east of central Kavala.

History and Significance: Opened in 2009 within a protected Natura habitat near ancient marble quarries overlooking the Aegean Sea, this 5-star sanctuary brings sustainable indulgence honoring the land, sea and wellbeing through exclusive amenities.

What to Expect: Beyond gorgeous accommodation, visitors indulge body and soul amid olive groves through nourishing Mediterranean cuisine, soothing spa treatments, yoga sessions and aqua therapies in seawater pools protected from the elements for uplifting escapes.

Visitor Information: ENETIKON operates seasonally from April through October. Guests must be 12+ years old. Reservations are required well in advance to secure coveted all-inclusive packages outlined on their website. Transfers provided.

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa getaway at ENETIKON, located within a restored tobacco warehouse just steps from Kavala’s waterfront. This contemporary oasis offers indulgent treatments like massages, facials, mineral baths, and aromatherapy along with indoor and outdoor lounges and hammams.

The spa uses products made from regional Greek ingredients like salt from Kavala. Spend a day pampering body and mind.

Hike the Trails on Mt. Pangeo

Name and Location: Mount Pangeo National Park straddles the Greek borders with Bulgaria northwest of Kavala offering breathtaking treks.

History and Significance: Soaring 7,000 feet forming the highest peak in northeastern Greece, Pangeo’s rich ecosystem supports rare flora and fauna across the Rhodope mountain range welcoming experienced climbers and nature lovers to little developed vistas.

What to Expect: Hiking trails traverse thick forests up steep summits opening to immense views. Well-marked routes range from 1-8 hours visiting waterfalls, monasteries and refuges. Proper fitness levels, attire and precautions are essential to undertake rewarded journeys.

Visitor Information: The Pangeo National Park north sector near Kavala offers marked trails and some facilities from May to October by authorization. Guided tours organized through local agencies provide transport and essential gear.

Nature enthusiasts will love getting out on the hiking trails traversing Mt. Pangeo just inland from Kavala. The highest peak in the region, Pangeo offers routes ranging from easy hour-long walks to ascents up the 6,500 foot summit.

Along the way, encounter chapels, mountain refuges, and stunning vistas over Kavala and the plains. Local agencies arrange guided hikes tailored to your ability.

Conclusion

With its blend of archaeological treasures, medieval charm, and cosmopolitan energy, Kavala offers visitors the best of this coastal Greek region. Spending lazy days on the beach, feasting on fresh seafood, and exploring historic sites makes for an unforgettable Greek experience.

Don’t miss the chance to take quick island excursions to idyllic Thasos too. The new openings and events slated for 2024 add to the excitement of this up-and-coming destination.