Kavala

Cruise-boats use the central port, just a 5 minute walk from town.

Bring a printable map with you.

Greeks and Thracians founded Neapolis, its original Greek name.

The prefectural capital, Kavala, is one of Greece's largest and most attractive cities, rising like an amphitheater from the beautiful harbour towards a huge Byzantine fortress. It occupies the ancient city of Neopolis, and its population doubled in 1922 when Greeks from Asia minor arrived during the population exchange.

Spacious squares, contemporary buildings and shopping centers on the west contrast pleasantly with the old houses, tiny gardens and flagged alleyways on the eastern side. The harbour is especially picturesque, with countless brightly colored fishing caiques along the waterfront. Notable landmarks include old walls, the Byzantine castle, the Kamares aqueduct built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, Mehmet Ali's house from the 18th century, and the Imaret, a Turkish building.

Metered city taxis are inexpensive: expect 3 Euros or less for a ride to places in town. Ask for a receipt so that you do not pay to much.

At Alistrati Cave, organized tours enter a large cavern of gigantic stalagmites and stalactites in spacious underground chambers.

At the Royal & Ancient Theatre of Philippi, Alexander the Great's father founded a city at Philippi to protect nearby goldmines. Architectural elements appear at the Philippi Archaeological Museum and on the acropolis, while the Greek Theater still hosts performances.

The currency is the Euro.

Monday to Friday, Public Services open 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops trade Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and again 5pm – 9pm, with Saturday hours of 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Most Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores have no official opening hours; through the summer months they are usually open from dawn to well after midnight.