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Updated February 2026
All of a sudden Kavala was on my itinerary and I had no idea what to expect. Mind you, that was my own ‘fault’ because sometimes I am lazy and don’t read up on a place. But that also means that sometimes places I would have never considered become new favorites. That was the case with Kavala.
The city is known as the mecca of tobacco in Greece and has a turbulent past with Byzantines, Ottomans, pirates, and as home of Mohamed Ali. Time travel is possible when you go for holidays in Kavala and especially if you are interested in something else than Greece’s crystal clear water and have ticked off the Acropolis, Kavala might just be the place for you.
Planning your Kavala holidays
How to get to Kavala
Kavala is in Macedonia, Greece right by the Aegean Sea. You can fly to Kavala airport, Alexander the Great, with Aegean Airlines directly from Athens or Frankfurt. Alternatively, you can fly to Thessaloniki and take a rental car.
I had a car from Hertz which I picked up from the airport and drove to Kavala which is 150km from Thessaloniki. The drive is super easy, the roads are well maintained, and the landscapes make it a worthwhile road trip.
Having a rental car is convenient in Kavala to get around and you can also take it on the ferry if you want to go island hopping afterward.
Things to do in Kavala
Exploring Panagia
Start your Kavala holiday in the Panagia, the old city. This part of town is best explored on foot and finding parking can be tricky, to say the least. I recommend you start at Mohamed Ali Square which has more parking than the rest of the area.
Mohamed Ali was the ruler of Egypt but was born in Kavala where he lived until he was thirty. Strong ties between both places remain until today.
In Kavala, you can visit his statue and his old home which is now a museum. Afterward, you can enjoy a view over Kavala – spectacular, especially during sunset.
Then it is time to get your walking shoes on and make your way up to the castle. The roads are steep but in good condition, though I recommend wearing something with a close-toed.
At the castle, you can make your way up the tower (again steep!) – from here you have a 360-degree panoramic view of Kavala. I hate tiny, steep stairs but it was definitely worth it!
If you come during a regular summer, they also offer an open-air summer theatre in the castle courtyard. I am sure the atmosphere is amazing so if you are around, check it out.
Once you come back from your Panagia walk make sure to check out the Kamares, the aqueduct of Kavala. You cannot miss it and it is a sight to behold.
Imaret
When you ask locals what to see in Kavala, the first answer you will most likely get is the Imaret. Even if you are not into history, the Imaret is stunning and the thing to see in Kavala.
The Imaret, Kavala was built in the early 19th century by Mohamed Ali and was originally an Islamic school. Imaret actually means ‘poor house’ but man, those students had a fancy place to stay! The building is a beautiful structure with courtyards, pools, and intricate roofs and you can still see the old kitchen today.
After years of neglect, a Kavala tobacco family restored it to its former glory and opened a hotel inside. So if you wanted to take a step further into history you can book a room and sleep in the old students’ quarters – the updated version of course.
And in case the price tag for a room is a bit too steep, you can still tour the Imaret without staying the night – admission is EUR 8. Currently, you need to book your tickets in advance and will get a guided tour with it.
Mud Bath of Krinides
When I read about my visit at Mud Bath of Krinides on my itinerary I was more excited about the massage than the mud bath. After all, I hadn’t been to Thailand or Bali for months and was well overdue for some pampering – my muscles agreed.
Mind you, massages are just a side act at the mud baths because it is the healing mud that has been around here for centuries that is the main attraction for many visitors. And at EUR 6 per visit a very affordable one!
Mud bathing is a holistic therapy and good for many skin and joint issues. First up is a quick consultation with the resident doctor and then you are off to become happy as a pig in the mud.
To my utter surprise, the mud bathing wasn’t done in a bathtub of sorts but in a huge pool of mud. Men and women are separated and there are various grid steps that you can access the pool with, which come in handy getting rid of the big chunks when you leave.
The mud itself feels weird in the best way possible. You float, you move in slow motion and it took me a moment to get over feeling a bit claustrophobic. After a while, I copied the other bathers, held on to a rope, and floated on my back.
When it was time to come out, I got instructed in a mix of Greek and German to let the mud dry in the sun for 10 minutes before the attendant led me to a room with high-pressure showers. Chances are, some mud will remain in certain places for a couple of days no matter how well you scrub.
My massage followed and was blissful albeit too short. Mind you, lunch the adjacent cafe is a highlight as well, as everything is homemade and wholesome – Greek classics freshly prepared by the resident chef.
If you wanted to do a whole mud therapy you can rent a trailer on the ground and combine it with a little holiday. Alternatively, the drive from Kavala is about 20 minutes and you can combine it with a visit at Philippi.
Archaeological Site of Philippi
Rested after the mud bath you should hop over to see the Archaeological Site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site combines important remains from the Greeks, the Romans, and the first Christians thanks to Apostle Paul.
The site is divided into a few groups of monuments: the walls and the acropolis, the theatre, the forum, two basilicas, and an octagonal church.
The remains you can see here date from mid-4th century BC to the 6th century AD.
Actually, scratch my advice from earlier about going there after the mud bath – as with any archaeological sites, go as early as possible to avoid it getting too hot. Head to the mud bath afterward for some R&R.
Ktima Biblia Chora
The first time I tasted a Biblia Chora wine was at Ekies and I was immediately in love, spending way more than I could afford on a bottle. Oh, but it was worth it!
Therefore I was thrilled to find wine tasting at Biblia Chora on my Kavala itinerary. The vineyard is a 45-minute drive from town and I guess you could technically buy some bottles at the shops. But the drive is stunning so I think the trip is worth it! Alternatively, you can stop by on your way to Thessaloniki airport. Either way, make sure you have a designated driver – you don’t want to spit their wines!
Ktima Biblia Chora is an organic vineyard located on the slopes of the Pangeon Mountain and combines grand views with a state-of-the-art winery. Call before to set up your wine tasting. Chances are you will be better off in their beautiful wine cellar and tasting room – the views are stunning but it simply gets too hot here in summer.
Next to some international classics like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, Biblia Chora also has some Greek varieties like Assyrtiko and Vidiano. In addition, they also do a lot of research with indigenous local varieties which can only be found in this area. Thanks to their amazing wine ‘vending machine’ you can taste your way through most of their bottles. If you have to choose make sure to try the Sole Vidiano and the Ovilos – the perfect way to cheers to your holidays in Kavala!
Take a trip to Thassos
Want more Greek holidays? Head to Thassos! From Kavala, it is easy to hop onto the ferry which will take you across to this Greek island gem. Thassos is a great option if, after a few days of sightseeing in Kavala, you wanted to enjoy some island life and the ferry ride is short enough to make it an easy and uncomplicated extension.
Where to stay in Kavala
If you want to be in the center of action and spoil yourself I would recommend booking a room at the Imaret. However, if you prefer your sightseeing with a side of beach holidays head a little out of town to the Lucy Hotel, Kavala.
The hotel is simple and modern with big rooms that have excellent wifi (always a plus for this traveler!). They not only have a huge pool but also their own little stretch of beach right in front of the door. While beaches aren’t private in Greece, you can get yourself a key at reception for a personal sun lounger and umbrella. If you prefer some more privacy go to the back of the hotel where you will find a tiny bay. The shore is a bit rocky but especially if you come early in the morning you will most likely have it all to yourself for a swim.
Where to eat in Kavala
Ostria Restaurant
If you are staying at Lucy Hotel and don’t feel like driving to town, take a quick beach walk to Ostria Restaurant. You will be sitting right by the beach and can feast on seafood and Greek classics. As per usual, don’t order too much as portions are huge and chances are you will get a Greek yogurt mousse to end your meal, and let’s just say – it is too good to miss out on!
Savvas Taverna
Quintessential Greek comes to mind when you step into Savvas Taverna right by the water at the Marina Perigialiou: checkered table cloths, cats everywhere, and a Greek feast on the plate.
This is one of those places where you want to eat with a group so you can order and try everything. My favorite was the shrimp saganaki (shrimp in tomato sauce and feta cheese), the grilled octopus, and the fried zucchini. And as per usual – do leave room for dessert!
To Araliki
To be honest, I was scared to try a restaurant in the Panagia because usually, I would assume they are rip-off tourist traps. But I really loved the atmosphere and so I gave To Araliki a try. And while it might not be the most authentic place, I enjoyed the seagull company, the food, and the tiny ice cream cones for dessert.
The portions are big, the prices are decent, and especially in the evening, the atmosphere is one of a kind!
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2 comments
beautiful photographs ?
thanks, Cherryl 🙂