Kavala (also seen as Kavála, Kavalla, Cavalla, and Cavalle), (2001 pop. 63,774), is a city in northern Greece, the principal seaport of eastern Macedonia and the capital of Kavala prefecture . It is prettily situated on the Bay of Kavala , across from the island of Thasos.
It was originally founded by settlers from Paros in about the 6th century BC, who called it Neapolis ("new city"). Gold mines in the Pangaion hills nearby made it prosperous. It became a Roman civitas in 168 BC, and was a base for Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC, before their defeat in the Battle of Philippi. The Apostle Paul landed at Kavala on his first voyage to Europe, and in Byzantine times the city was renamed Christoupolis.
Kavala was part of the Ottoman Empire from 1371 to 1912. Mehmet Ali was born here in 1769. Some of its most recognisable landmarks is a Venecian castle, in the hill of Panagia , and an aquaduct built by Suleiman I during his reign. The later serves still today as a city logo.
Theodoros Zagorakis, the captain of the Greece national football team that stunned the football world by winning EURO 2004, is a native of Kavala.
It is a sister city of Nuremberg, Germany.
More About Kavala
Gorgeous scenery, fascinating historical monuments, superb beaches, plus all the services and facilities accompanying sound tourist development await the visitor to Kavala, one of the gems of eastern Macedonia.
A city with a distinguished past, Kavala occupies the site of ancient Neapolis. Its buildings rise like the tiers of an amphitheatre up the slopes of Mt. Simvolo, overlooking the picturesque harbour. The area has been settled since Neolithic times (3.000 B.C.), while Antisara, covering the present vilolages of Kalamitsa and Kipoupolis just outside town, was founded in the 5th century B.C. Neapolis, of somewhat later date, knew great prosperity thanks to its strategic location in the region: its proximity to the gold mines on Mt. Pangeo, on the one hand and its position on the main trade route uniting East and West, on the other. Much later, in commemoration of St. Paul’s visit, Neapolis was renamed Christoupolis.
Over the course of time, the region of Kavala had a turbulent history of invasions, wars and oppression before evolving into the important commercial center it is today. Besides having an active port, Kavala is the capital of the tobacco industry in Greece.
Although a modern business center, Kavala, is amply endowed with charms to attract and captivate any visitor, for it has managed to hold on to many features of its former appearance, resulting in a graceful balance of old and new. The spacious squares, contemporary constructions, shops and warehouses on the West side of the city blend harmoniously with the old houses with their gardens and enclosed balconies that jut out over the flagstones of the narrow alleyways on the east side. Traditional and modern meet and merge both in Kavala’s architecture and its layout. Furthermore, its up – to – date facilities for tourists, its nightclubs and its tavernas provide all the amenities while offering endless possibilities for a most pleasant stay.
Kavala’s harbour is particulary beguiling, filled with dozens of brightly coloured fishing caiques bobbing up and down at the quay before they set out at twilight, lamps lit for the night’s adventure.
Sights to See in Town
The traditional district of Panayia, named after a 15th century church dedicated to the Virgin that once existed there, has much to interest the sightseer: the Byzantine walls and 16th century Castle – good view of the town and port – and the Cathedral, built on the site of the earlier church.
Also worth a closer look is the Kamares Aqueduct, erected by Suleiman the Magnificent to guarantee the city’s water supply.
One of the cobbled streets of the district leads to the birthplace of Mehmet Ali (18th century), founder of the Agyptian royal line. Still in good condition, the house is an appealing example of Turkish architecture, complete with harem. At a square near the house there is a bronze statue of Mehmet Ali. Imatet is another building of Mehmet Ali. It’s an important architectural cluster of buildings with domes of 1817.
Kavala’s Archaelogoical Museum, tel.: (2510) 22.23.35 – one of the finest in Greece – contains impressive finds from Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis and Abdera. The city’s other museums are also of interest: the Folk Art Museum, tel.: (2510) 22.78.20 and the Gallery of Fine Arts.
Philippi (Filipi) - Amphipolis
Anyone who happens to be in the region should not fail to make the pilgrimage to the famous ancient Greek city of Philippi.
This major archaelogical site lies near Krinides (17 km. from Kavala), off the Kavala – Drama National Road. Here one can see the remains of two early Christian basilicas, traces of the old Via Egnatia, the celebrated Roman Forum, the Acropolis and the Theater, among other ruins. Performances of ancient Greek comedy and tragedy are staged every summer in the restored theater. Another interesting feature is the Roman crypt, thought to have been where St. Paul was imprisoned. St. Paul preached the Gospel to the Lydians, the first people in Europe to adopt Christianity, from the banks of the nearby river. A pretty modern church, named the Baptistry of the Lydians, stands on the site. The Museum -tel.: (2510) 51.62.61- Neolithic, Hellenistic, Roman and Neochristian findings are exposed.
Travelling southwest for about 60 kilometers, one comes to ancient Amphipolis (Amfipolis), the most important Athenian colony in the north of Greece. Of this wealthy city have survived the “Lion of Amphipolis” (4th century B.C.), a burial monument situated just beyond the bridge over the Strymon river, and at the site itself, near the modem village, sections of the Acropolis, ruins of early Christian basilicas with lovely mosaic floors, as well as several tombs that yielded up valuable finds.
Interesting Places to Visit
Besides its archaeological sites, Kavala is a wonderful base for day trips, long and short, surrounded as it is by coastal villages with marvellous beaches and mountain hamlets nestled amidst enchaning scenery. Those who love swimming and dining on fresh fish they can go to Rapsani or Pergiali as well, both of them in the town or a little further to Kalamitsa (3 km) to Paleo (9 km) to Nea Iraklitsa (14 km) and Nea Peramos.
Walkers will want to try the ascent of Prophitis Elias, from where there is a panoramic view of the whole area.
Other idyllic settings may be found at Aghios Savas (2 km) with its monastery of the same name, Palia Kavala (16 km.) Krioneri (16 km.) and Korifes (23 km.).
Or one might wish to climb (or drive) to-the top of Stavros to enjoy not only the sight of Kavala spread out below, but also mounts Pangeo, Simvolo and Arvilos, visit the Byzantine monastery of Eikosifinissas (44 km. from Kavala), at the head of one of the northern gorges of Mt. Pangeo, near the village of Kormisa – a marvel really worth the trip.
Still further away (67 km.) is the seaside settlement, Loutra Elefteron, an organized spa with hot springs and full hudrotherapy facilities. Delta of Nestos, near Chrysoupoli, offers you an unforgetable view. Here you’ll find Natural Parks, plenty of species of rare birds and plants. Near Nestos estuary, there is the picturesque village of Keramoti, with a wonderful beach.
The whole area, nearby is a Marine Park. Plenty of rare birds of which you can take photos. At Nestos as well as at Keramoti; there are a lot of fish farms. From this place you can cross to the charming and evergreen Thassos. Finally, Kavala is also an ideal base from which to visit the delightful, green island of Thassos.
Useful Information
How to get there By Airplane From Athens to Kavala Information: (a) Olympic Airways, Athens, tel.: (210) 96.66.666, (b) Olympic Airways, Kavala, tel.: (2510) 22.36.22, (2510) 225.577
By Bus Kavala can be reached by bus from Athens, Thessaloniki, Drama, Serres, Xanthi, Komotini and Alexandroupolis. Komotini and Alexandroupolis are also served by long – distance buses Departures: (a) Athens, Terminal, 260 Liossion Street, (b) Thessaloniki, 59 Langada Street Information: (a) Athens Bus Authority, tel.: (210) 51.29.363, (b) Thessaloniki Bus Authority, tel.: (2310) 52.55.30, (c) Kavala Bus Authority, tel.: (2510) 22.35.93
By Ferryboat Kavala is linked by boat with Thassos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Aghios Konstantinos, Piraeus, Mytilini and Samothrace Information: Kavala Port Authority: (2510) 22.49.67, (2510) 22.37.16
By Train Kavala has no railway network. The nearest train stations are at Drama (36 km.) and Xanthi (56 km.)
Sports Swimming at GNTO organized beaches. At the Camp Site on the Kavala shore (Akti Kavalas) (Batis). On the coast at Batis (4 km.). Tel.: (2510) 22.71.51 and (2510) 22.29.18. Open all year round, facilities include cabins, bar, super market, playground and restaurant. Some of the other marvellous beaches in the vicinity, such as Kalamitsa (3 km.) and Toska, are organized others – Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos and Palio – are not.
Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball The Kavala Athletic Center at Kalamitsa has courts for these sports. For information, call (2510) 22.88.12. Mountain Climbing On Mt. Pangeo, at Vlachika Kalyvia (alt. 1,500 m.) and Kilada Orfea (alt. 1,700 m.). For information, call (2510) 22.39.38.
Clubs Marine club, tel.: (2510) 22.32.23. Club of sea sport of Kavala, tel.: (2510) 22.04.24. Mountaineering club, tel.: (2510) 22.46.79. Chess club, tel: (2510) 22.27.70. Track and field, tel: (2510) 22.90.70.
GNTO Camp SitesKavala Camping, Tel.: (2510) 22.71.51. Area 31,000 sq. m. Accommodating 450 people, 97 tents,150 cars and campers.
Events July – August: The annual drama festivals at Philippi and Thassos. June: Eleftheria a series of festivities for the anniversary of Kavala’s liberation from Turks. During Summer Season, cultural events are taking place, also in the theaters of Nea Karvali and Eleahorio.
Guided Tours Information regarding tours of the region and visits to archaeological sites can be obtained from most of the travel agencies in the area.
Rentals There are car rental agencies in Kavala, and one can find fishing boats for hire in Kavala harbour, as well as at Keramoti, Nea Iraklitsa and Nea Peramos.
Useful Telephone Numbers Area Code: 2510 GNTO Information Bureau: 22.24.25 GNTO Offices: 231.653, 22.87.62 Tourist Police: 22.29.05 Aliens’ Bureau: 83.61.30, 22.36.05 Automobile Association (ELPA): 83.00.60 Road Assistance (OVELPA): 104 Kavala General Hospital: 22.85.17 Health Centres: (a) Eleftheroupoli, (25920) 22.222. (b) Chrissoupoli, (25910) 24.191
Postage stamps
Between 1893 and 1903, the French post office in the city issued its own postage stamps; at first stamps of France overprinted with "Cavalle" and a value in piasters, then in 1902 the French designs inscribed "CAVALLE".
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