kavala cruise

Kavala, Greece!

North Aegean’s best kept secret, finally revealed

Please read this first!

This electronic presentation is interactive. You can navigate it either by browsing sequentially through the pages or by going directly to the section you want by clicking on the active buttons in the list of contents and at the bottom left hand side of each current page.

By clicking on the active buttons on the maps on pages 25 and 45 you can go directly to the description of that place of interest.

We hope that you will like this virtual ‘appetizer’ of Kavala and

nd it informative. And that this fifirrst ‘taste’ of our town with all fifin it offers will encourage you to visit us. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Welcome to Kavala !

A city ideal for cruises and open for business!

Contents!

Click on any chapter below, to move to page!

Kavala, a great destination for tourists that’s not “touristy”!

p. 05

Shopping

p. 42

Kavala, a historic town 27 centuries old!

p. 09

Places of interest map

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Kavala, where Apostle Paul took his first steps

p. 14

Local flavours with distinct character!

p. 59

General information

p. 63

on European soil!

A port with a “cruise vision”!

p. 18

One destination, so many places to visit!

p. 23

Kavala city map

p. 25

Relaxation / Entertainment Click here to return to contents page!

p. 41

• Geography / Morphology

p. 64

• Climate

p. 65

• Other facilities

p. 66

• Important links

p. 67

• Contact information

p. 68 p.4

Kavala, a great destination for tourists that’s not “touristy“!

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p.5

Kavala, a great destination for tourists that’s not “touristy“!

Ask any Greek about Kavala and you’ll get the same reply: “one of our prettiest towns!”

One thing is certain, Kavala leaves no visitor indifferent. Whether you are stopping over or just passing through, this hospitable and handsome Greek town Click here to return to contents!

creates a winning impression, capturing hearts and minds. Some may even venture a comparison; “like a little Monte Carlo”, a reference to Kavala town’s amphitheatrically-shaped development by the sea.

Almost every visitor promises to return!

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Kavala’s growth can be attributed to its convenient location as a centre for the local tobacco industry and regional commerce. The sea, with its clean and teeming waters, has also contributed greatly to to the town’s prosperity: Kavala is host to one of Greece’s best fresh fish markets. p.6

Kavala, a great destination for tourists that’s not “touristy“!

In the past, therefore, tourism did not represent a significant source of income.The result is that, today, Kavala as a tourist destination is a well-kept secret, even for many Greeks!

Kavala reveals its many alluring faces - natural beauty, Click here to return to contents!

aromas, flavours - only to those who go in search of them. And like most self-confident beauties, Kavala is discreet and low-profile.

However, visitors who do choose Kavala are in for a reward. They experience a real slice of Greek living:

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in the town, in the markets, in the local cafes and tavernas.

Not just a “touristy ” facsimile but an authentic experience of everyday life in a Greek community.

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Kavala, a great destination for tourists that’s not “touristy“!

The port, for starters, which was for centuries a main source of income: although not originally built with cruise ships in mind, offers them ideal accommodation.

itself. Wherever you go: in the Old Town, where time slows and the past revives, or in the streets and sidewalks of the modern town where time flows at a contemporary pace, Kavala is always true to itself.

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Charming and genuine in an easy, unforced way!

Comfortable and hospitable, just like the town Click here to return to contents!

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Kavala, a historic town 27 centuries old!

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Kavala, a historic town 27 centuries old!

Kavala, contemporary and vibrant, with a fascinating past 27 centuries old!

Traces of this past are everywhere evident, harmoniously integrated with the modern town and its way of life.

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In early records, the town first appears with the name Neapolis (7th century BC), then as a significant independent city and later as a member of the Delian League.

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Alexander the Great’s father, King Philip II of Macedon, singles out Neapolis and designates it as the seaport for the neighbouring ancient town of Philippi, which was named after him.

Three centuries later, under Macedonian rule, p.10

Kavala, a historic town 27 centuries old!

During the Roman period, Neapolis was a bustling port and busy station on the ancient Egnatia Road.

And it was at Philippi that the famous battle, between the Roman forces of Mark Antony and Octavian and those of Cassius and Brutus, decided the Click here to return to contents!

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fate of the Roman empire (Battle of Philippi 42BC).

toupolis (“city of Christ”) in the 7th century AD.

At Neapolis, Paul the Apostle first stepped onto European soil (49AD) and walked to Philippi, where he established the first Christian church in Europe.

Because of this, the town was renamed Chris-

During the Byzantine period, the town’s Fortress plays a major role in defence of the Empire.

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Kavala, a historic town 27 centuries old!

The Ottomans conquer and raze the city in 1391 AD. It is not until the 16th century that the city is reconfigured under its current name of Kavala.

Suleiman the Magnificent embarks on a major programme of public works in 1530AD, culminating in Click here to return to contents!

the “Kamares� an imposing aqueduct of 60 arches.

In the 18th century, the port of Kavala attains new heights as a centre of European commerce.

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Kavala’s population swells, causing the city to expand beyond its walls in 1864. Growth continues until the early 20th century due to tobacco commerce.

Attracted by its increasing economic prosperity, p.12

Kavala, a historic town 27 centuries old!

Five centuries of Ottoman domination end with the Balkan Wars. The city is liberated in 1913.

As a consequence of the Asia Minor Catastrophe (1922), the city embraces 30.000 Greek refugees, who bring with them new skills, dynamically conClick here to return to contents!

tributing to the city’s further development. Today, Kavala is a town with a sense of heritage, open and friendly, ready and willing to show the visitor its attractions, both visible and hidden.

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It wants you to feel at home, just like the Kavaliots feel at home; comfortable enough to visit again and again!

Kavala is determined to impress, captivate and charm. p.13

Kavala, where Apostle Paul took his first steps on European soil!

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Kavala, where Apostle Paul took his first steps on European soil!

It was at Kavala (then Neapolis), already a major port and commercial centre, that Apostle Paul disembarked in 49 AD, stepping for the first time onto the European continent. Following a vision, his intent was to preach the Word of Christ to the Macedonians.

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Accompanied by Luke the Evangelist, Apostle Timothy and Saint Silas, they take the ancient Egnatia Road and walk to Philippi, a significant Roman settlement at the time.

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“Jordan�, Apostle Paul meets, proselytises and baptizes the first European Christian, Lydia.

Here, he establishes the fifirrst European Christian church.

There on the banks of the Zygakti river, Europe’s p.15

Kavala, where Apostle Paul took his first steps on European soil!

Consequently, Neapolis is renamed Christoupoulis and bears the name for 600 years before taking its modern name, Kavala.

cle he performed. Nevertheless, he developed such a bond with Philippi that he returned five times.

During his first visit to Philippi, Apostle Paul was vilified, beaten and imprisoned because of a mira-

His unwavering love for its people and his regard for the church he founded there is plain in his

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preachings and in his “Letter to the Philippians�.

Today, all the places Apostle Paul went are preserved and can be seen.

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Kavala, where Apostle Paul took his first steps on European soil!

The spot where he first landed, along the Egnatia Road where he walked;

The Roman agora at Philippi and the place where it is believed he was imprisoned.

The exact place at the Zygakti river where Lydia was baptised, and which still functions today as a baptistry;

Visitors can retrace his footsteps in a unique journey!

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A port with a clear “cruise vision�!

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A port with a clear “cruise vision�!

The old commercial port of Kavala is located in the city, at the foot of the Old Town.

Since ancient times and throughout its history, the town has evolved around the harbour, on which its economic and social prosperity depended.

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The port has an attractive personality, with picturesque fishing caiques and yachts and a broad and lively waterfront, perfect for a leisurely promenade.

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Kavala Port, with its new-built Passenger Terminal, customs house and necessary berthing infrastructure, as well as its proximity to the city, make it ideal for a cruise call.

Planned investments include a marina development. p.19

A port with a clear “cruise vision”!

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The Port Location is: Latitude 40º55'N / Longitude 24º25'E. It is a natural port with depth up to 14m and today it has three berths:

• Berth one, inside the breakwater - 380m long and 10-12m depth, • Berth two, inside the breakwater - 160m and 10m depth, • Berth three, inside the breakwater, next to the Passenger Terminal - 220m and 8.5m depth.

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A port with a clear “cruise vision”!

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Features

• New Passenger Terminal.

• Convenient parking for tourist coaches.

• Walking distance to the city center.

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A port with a clear “cruise vision”!

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Ongoing Projects

• Additional work is currently being carried out to extend the break water pier to 610 m, •

allowing for larger ships to berth within the city.

Upgrading of the existing passenger security and safety procedures.

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One destination, so many places to visit!

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Places of interest!

Click on any place of interest below, for more information!

1.

2.

Κavala Old Town

3.

Tobacco Museum

11.

1a. Imaret

4.

Kavala Archeological Museum

12. Alistrati Cave

1b. Muhammad Ali mansion

5.

Relaxation / Entertainment

13. Maara Cave

1c. Church of the Panagia / Pharos

6.

Shopping

14. Palia Kavala Nature Trail

1d. Khalil Bey complex

7.

Beaches

15. Wine tourism

1e. The Fortress

8.

The ancient Egnatia Road

16. Xanthi Old Town / Abdera

1f. Kamares (aqueduct)

9.

Philippi

Thassos island

Archeological Museum

Modern Kavala

9a. Archeological site / Theatre /

17. Nestos River Delta and Straits

2a. Kyprou Street

Philippi Archeological Museum

18. Panagia Eikosifinissa Monastery

2b. Tobacco warehouses

9b. Apostle Paul / Lydia’s baptistry

2c. Apostle Paul monument / Churches Click here to return to contents!

10. Mud Spa p.24

Kavala city map!

Click on any dot on the map, for more information!

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1. Κavala Old Town!

A stroll through the narrow streets of the vibrant Old Town (Palia Poli) or Panagia, its modern name, is a journey through time.

The visitor is beguiled by alternating sights of picturesque buildings and flagstones, graphic cafes Click here to return to contents!

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and taverns, parts of the ancient walls, and at various locations one stumbles across a sudden opening onto breathtaking views of the old shipyard or small bays with crystalline waters.

mad Ali mansion, Church of the Panagia and Pharos, Khalil Bey complex, The Fortress,and Kamares (aqueduct).

Significant monuments include: Imaret, MuhamClick here to return places of inerest list!

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1a. Imaret!

A perfectly preserved masterpiece of Islamic architecture from the late Ottoman period.

Built by Muhammad Ali in 1817-1821 AD as a madrassah, the 4500 sq.metres complex com-

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prised many student cells, teaching rooms, kitchens, store-rooms, secret inner courtyards and, of course, a mosque.

ary for thousands of Greek refugees, before it became a luxury hotel.

Later, it functioned as a poorhouse and sanctu-

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1b. Muhammad Ali mansion!

The founder of modern Egypt, Muhammad Ali (locally known as Mehmet Ali) was born in Kavala.

A bronze figure stands in front of his mansion,

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which is situated to the left of the square that bears his name.

Old Town’s most imposing buildings.

Built in 1720, the two-storey residence with its panoramic view and large garden is one of the

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1c. Church of the Panagia / Pharos!

One of Kavala’s prettiest churches, the Panagia was built on the site of an old nunnery, of which only the belfry remains.

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The Church contains an icon of the Madonna, with reputed miraculous powers. Situated on the promontory of the Old Town, alongside the

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Demotic (elementary) school and the Pharos (lighthouse), this is one of the city’s best-loved corners.

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1d. Khalil Bey complex!

The complex comprises an early 20th century mosque, a 16th century minaret and a madras-

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sah. The mosque was built on the foundations of an early Christian basilica, whose remains can

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be viewed through a glass floor.

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1e. The Fortress!

As Kavala’s foremost landmark, the Fortress towers over the Old Town. Originally built from local rough-hewn granite in the 15th century on

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the ruins of a Byzantine Acropolis, it was subsequently added to by Venetian and Turkish occupiers.

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The inner section encompasses the central tower, guards’ quarters, water cistern, weapons arsenal and food-store.

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1f. Kamares (aqueduct)!

This majestic aqueduct (1530 AD) supplied the Fortress with water and is perhaps the city’s best-known landmark.

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One of Suleiman the Magnificent’s public works, thought to have been built over the traces of a wall constructed by Emperor Palaiolologos II,

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the aqueduct is 280 metres long, with 60 arches.

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1. Kavala Old Town (conclusion)!

Main reason to visit Kavala Old Town: pic turesque s ights, vib rant loca l colour, ever y step reveals a new s ur prise: mo num ents, h o u s e s, c o u r t y a r d s a n d b r e a t h t a k i n g v i e w s .

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2. Modern Kavala!

Modern Kavala was born inside the old city walls, later spilling outside and into the surrounding hills in an amphitheatrically-shaped semi-circle facing the sea.

Distinguished by its attractive personality and hospitable locals, visitors are invited to saunter around Click here to return to contents!

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the sights; sit at a sidewalk café and people-watch; savour local dishes at one of the many tavernas and restaurants; admire the handsome neoclassical buildings, among them the old tobacco warehouses; shop for souvenirs and sample local products. A promenade in the port in the shadow of the Old Town will Click here to return places of inerest list!

take you past traditional fishing caiques, sailing yachts and motor cruisers.

Feel free to ‘lose’ yourself in the town’s energy and mingle with the locals. You will be made to feel like a guest, not a “tourist”! p.34

2a. Kyprou Street!

One of the town’s prettiest streets, with rows of handsome neoclassical buildings. It starts from Kapnergati Square (meaning “tobacco worker”) and progresses parallel to the sea.

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Noteworthy buildings: the “Demotic Kapnapothiki” (tobacco warehouse), the Lazaristes Monastery, the Wix mansion, the town hall, the “Megali Leschi” (great clubhouse), the Tokou mansion and others.

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Rest and refreshments can be enjoyed in the cafes along Kyprou Street and the square in the “Dimotikos Kipos” (public park).

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2b. Tobacco warehouses!

These imposing buildings are symbols of the town’s industrial past, during its heyday as a regional tobacco processing and trading hub. Built at different

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stages, each has its own individual character, and together they add personality to the town.Some have been carefully renovated and are pulsating with visi-

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tors. Others are ‘resting’, nestled in various corners of the town, waiting for the visitor to discover them.

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2c. Apostle Paul monument / Churches!

Kavala’s association with the history of Christianity is as old as Europe’s: it was from here in 49AD that the Apostle Paul first chose to begin spreading the Word of God to the European continent.

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The spot where he landed is commemorated by a luminous mosaic next to St. Nicholas’ church. Scattered throughout the town are other significant examples of Byzantine architecture.

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For instance: Apostle Paul’s cathedral, St. Johns’ chapel, the first church to be built outside the city walls (1867 AD) and the church of Profitis Ilias, carved out of the rocks, looking down on the town.

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2. Modern Kavala (conclusion)!

Main reason to visit Modern Kavala: A t o w n w i t h a n i n t e r e s t i n g p a s t , c o n t e m p o r a r y a n d h o s p i t a b l e , o n a c o m fo r t a b l e s c a l e , w i t h l o t s t o s e e a n d e ve n m o re t o d o !

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3. Tobacco Museum!

A modern industrial and experiential museum. The visitor is taken back in time 100 years, when Kavala was Greece’s most dynamic centre for tobacco processing and exports.

machinery, furniture, photographs, documents and publications, information and interesting facts about tobacco cultivation and commercial processing.

Main reason to visit: The only museum in Europe dedicated to tobacco and an important piece of local culture, closely interwoven nancial and social histor y. with the town’s fifin

Its ample collection includes tobacco industry items, Click here to return to contents!

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4.Kavala Archeological Museum!

The Museum’s ample displays present the city’s and region’s life and culture through the ages, from the Neolithic to the Byzantine eras.

Amphipolis and Thrace, as well as the necropoli of Oisymi, Galypso and Abdera.

Main reason to visit: Comprehensive introduction to the many centuries of the region’s culture and history and one of Greece’s major museums.

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5. Relaxation / Entertainment!

Relaxing in Kavala involves tantalising aromas and delicious tastes. If you’re looking for laid-back entertainment Greek-style (whose popularity is entirely justified), you will find it pretty much everywhere: in the picturesque quarter of St. Nicolas, the town’s old agora, with its numerous cafes, bars and eating places; in the centre, with its chic allClick here to return to contents!

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year-round sidewalk cafes; in the romantic fish restaurants next to the waves in the little harbour of the old slaughterhouse; in the delightful ouzeries against the unique backdrop of the Old Town; in the restaurants, lined up and waiting for you as you step out of the port and in the beach cafes, alongside the yachts.

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Main reason to visit: Morning to night entertainment for all tastes, where the visitor can relax side by side with the locals in an authentic environment, not glittery or “touristy ”.

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6.Shopping!

On offer in Kavala’s bustling shopping centre is everything you expect to find in a typical European town of the same size.

ers and grocery stores with genuine local produce: shoes, clothes, souvenirs, international press, food…and service with a smile!

Main reason to visit: Window-shopping, gift purchases and bargains waiting to be discovered, in a colourful modern agora, which is not at all “touristy ”.

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7.Beaches!

Kavala boasts many beautiful, clean beaches, some actually in town.

They are also to be found east and west of the town, stretching out for kilometers in both directions, most with a “blue flag� designation.

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Each has its own particular attractions: Rapsani, Kalamitsa, Batis, Toska, Palio, Nea Heraklitsa, Nea Peramos and the exotic Ammolofi.

Main reason to visit: A great experience for swimming and relaxation at lovely sandy beaches with crystalline waters.

Wide sands, green waters, good food, entertainment, casual relaxation: this is Kavala in summer!

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8.The ancient Egnatia Road!

On the edge of town, you can visit a well-preserved section of the Roman Egnatia Road, which ran from Durres in Albania to Constantinople, passing through Kavala.

Philippi, where he baptized Lydia, the first European Christian and established the first Christian church in Europe.

Main reason to visit: A nature walk on the Ancient Egnatia Road, following in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle.

This is the road Apostle Paul took when walking to Click here to return to contents!

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Places of interest map!

Click on any dot on the map, for more information!

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9. Philippi!

Evidence of human settlement in the area dates back to the Neolithic period. Philippi is named after King Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great

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It was a significant presence in Eastern Macedonia due to its prominent location, fertile land and goldmines. Of historical interest are: the Battle of Philippi (42BC) and the founding by

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Apostle Paul of the first European Christian place of worship (49AD).

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9a. Philippi: Archeological site / Theatre / Philippi Archeological Museum !

A tour of the Archeological site brings the visitor into contact with three different ancient worlds: the ancient Greek world of Philip II of Macedon, the Roman world of the Battle of Philippi and that of the Byzantine empire. Ancient walls, an acropolis, the Roman agora, dwellings and Early Christian Click here to return to contents!

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places of worship! And of course, the Ancient Theatre, which today hosts the popular annual cultural “Philippi Festival”. The Archeological Museum shelters important findings, from the prehistoric to the early Christianic eras.

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Main reason to visit: Three worlds and three ancient cultures converge and come to life in the well-preserved ruins of the archeological site, the Theatre and the Museum.

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9b. Philippi: Apostle Paul / Lydia’s baptistry!

Paul the Apostle chose Philippi to found the first European Christian church (49AD) and baptized Lydia, who became the first European Christian, on the banks of the Zygakti river, Europe’s “Jordan”.

waters, in Lydia’s contemporary baptistry. Located in the Archeological site is the place where it is thought Apostle Paul was imprisoned.

Main reason to visit: A pilgrimage destination in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle and to the bir thplace of the European Christian church.

Even today, Christians are baptized in the same Click here to return to contents!

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9. Philippi (conclusion)!

Main reason to visit Philippi: A place of a major archeological importance. A journey through ages, where you can almost feel the passage of many dierent cultures and the presence of personalities like King Philip II of Macedon, Mark Antony, Octavian, Cassius, Brutus, Apostle Paul, Luke the Evangelist, Apostle Timothy, Saint Silas and many others.

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10. Mud Spa!

Since the 19th century, the therapeutic mud spa at Krinides has been renowned.

help to alleviate various conditions and promote well-being.

It is unique amongst spas of this type because the particular and complex conditions of local nature created spring waters and therapeutic clay, which

The good reputation of the Krinides mud spa, which is situated at Philippi, is based on thousands of users’ reports.

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Main reason to visit: An exceptional natural spa, unique for its type, oering health benefifitts and increased well-being.

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11. Thassos island!

Verdant, thick with olive groves, pine and plane trees. Turquoise, with clear crystalline waters and a lacy-edged coastline.

Thassos combines all the features of the ideal day excursion: leisure, archeological and theological Click here to return to contents!

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interest, cultural traditions and shopping. The visitor is quickly won over by this cute little island’s charms and can access it all in one day, beaches and picturesque villages, due to the convenient 100 kilometers ring road.

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Main reason to visit: One of Greece’s prettiest islands, with lots of character and pine trees growing right next to the sea!

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12. Alistrati Cave!

A 2 million year old spectacular monument of nature, proving its superior interior design talents with a variety of wonderful geological formations and red and white stalactites as long as 35 meters.

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The spacious cave is 3000 metres long, with a surface area of 25000 square metres.

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Main reason to visit: A trully magnifificcent cave. One of Europe’s best!

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13. Maara Cave !

The halls and galleries of the Maara cave are decorated with stalactites up to 2 meters in diameter.

Greek caves (12 kilometers long), although only one section of 500 metres is accessible for visits.

Their striking colours are due to mineral ores and water reflections from the Aggiti river which runs subterraneously. The Maara cave is the longest of the

The cave is located in Prosotsani in the Drama prefecture, at the Aggiti river source.

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Main reason to visit: Uniquely atmospheric cave, outstanding natural environment, with plane trees and fresh water streams.

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14. Palia Kavala Nature Trail !

An organized nature trail in a splendid natural environment: a “small jungle�, with centuries-old plane trees and fast-flowing brooks of clear fresh water.

caves and water mills, thrills visitors through the seasons.

Main reason to visit: Relaxing and invigorating nature walk.

Starting point from Palia Kavala village.

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15. Wine tourism!

Discover new wines on this fascinating wine trail.

Kavala is situated at the centre of a rich winegrowing region with many traditional vineyards and wineries producing quality and award-winning wines, many from unique local cultivars unClick here to return to contents!

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known outside Greece. The visitor is given a guided tour, information on how the vines are cultivated, the wines produced and how to recognize particular regional wine characteristics, with abundant tasting opportunities!

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Main reason to visit: An excursion full of taste, with bouquets of unique, quality wines.

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16. Xanthi Old Town / Abdera Archeological Museum!

A contemporary regional Greek town. Its peak period, due to the tobacco trade, was from the middle of the 19th century up to the early 20th century. The Old Town was built by locals and newcomers of various nationalities and religious faiths and is architecturally interesting, with neoclassical Click here to return to contents!

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mansions, traditional dwellings and bright courtyard gardens. A stroll in the Old Town can be combined with a visit to the Abdera Archeological Museum, which includes a number of unusual exhibits bringing to life the period of ancient Abdera, the birthplace of Democritus.

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Main reason to visit: A stroll through the stone-paved alleys of one of the largest and best-preserved traditional Greek settlements.

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17. Nestos River Delta and Straits!

The Nestos river delta is one of Europe’s most important wildlife waterlands: a wild animal and fish sanctuary and a crucial stopover for the world’s migrant bird populations. A natural paradise, with lakes, the great forest of Kotza-Orman containing rare tree species, and beaches by the clear blue sea. It covers the area from Nea Karvali Click here to return to contents!

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to Abdera.The Protected Area is located in the Nestos river straits, a valley covering 27 kilometers of land in the northern section of the Kavala and Xanthi prefectures.

This is nature at its best, with improbably tall trees, caves and sandy beaches. It is great for long hikes, canoeing, kayaking and rock-climbing.

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Main reason to visit: A unique natural backdrop, ideal for hiking and long walks, bird-watching and extreme sports.

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18. Panagia Eikosifinissa Monastery!

The Holy Monastery of Eikosifinissa is one of the best known holy sites, attracting thousands of visitors and pilgrims. Home to a miraculous icon of the Panagia (Mother of Christ), it is believed that no human hand was involved in its making: that it was given by the Panagia herself to St. Germanos, Click here to return to contents!

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who established the 5th century monastery in order to provide it with a roof.

The monastery is located in the forest on the slopes of the Pangaio hills, on the border of the Kavala-Serres prefectures.

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Main reason to visit: Aluminous monastery with a centuries-old history, located in a beautiful environment, encouraging in the visitor a feeling of getting closer to divinity.

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Local flavours with distinct character!

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Local flavours with distinct character!

The distinct character of a destination is expressed in how it appeals to the senses. Taste is always an important part of this appeal!

Local gastronomy, traditional recipes and interesting flavours arise out of regional cultivation, local Click here to return to contents!

culture, as well as the imagination of local chefs.

As a town with a centuries-old history created by many dierent peoples, Kavala is distinguished by the variety and quality of its gastronomic oerings and its raw materials: the fertile earth; the sea with

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its riches and the microclimate. These elements harmoniously conspire to create quality local products, which enjoy national recognition.

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Local flavours with distinct character!

The best way to enjoy these delights is during a visit to their birthplace, alongside locals “in the know“ about the right combination of flavours for the right time of day: when to eat which “meze” (appetizer), which sweet or savoury taste, accompanied with which drinks!

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Characteristic local flflaavours are always popular ambassadors. Local food products make great souvenirs and gifts to friends and loved ones back home.

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delicious cooked dishes visitors enjoy in Kavala’s restaurants unfortunately cannot be packed in a suitcase, there are many excellent local products that can!

Although the fresh fish, fruit and vegetables and p.61

Local flavours with distinct character!

Local products include: eating olives; extra virgin olive oil; pure honey; melt-in-your-mouth “kourambiedes“, (traditional shortbread cookies), made with butter and whole almonds; or walnut “spoon sweet“ preserve.

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Particular items deserving mention are: “tsipouro“, a grappa-like brandy, and “Protected Designation of Origin” ouzo. There are also a hundred local wines so unique they are designated “Protected Pangaio Local Wines.“

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K avala’s lo cal p roduc ts are a n integra l par t of its pa r ticula r c ha ra c ter, a goo d mem or y to take h o m e w i t h y o u a n d o n e m o re g o o d re a s o n t o re s c h e d u l e a v i s i t !

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General information!

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General information (Geography / Morphology)!

Kavala is a prefecture of Greece, with Kavala town as its capital. It is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of the Symbolo hills, by the North Aegean sea Geographically it is located in the Northeastern section of Greece (longitude 24º 44’/latitude 40º 56’), in Click here to return to contents!

the region known as Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. It is 680 klm from Athens and 165 klm from Thessaloniki. It has the second most important port in Macedonia and one of the most important in Greece.

Kavala is strategically located on the New Egnatia road axis, connecting Igoumenitsa with Istanbul and

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there is a well-maintained regional road network.

There is a regular ferry to and from nearby Thassos island.

The population of the Kavala municipality numbers around 75,000. p.64

General information (Climate)!

Mild Mediterranean climate, similar to that of Barcelona and Monaco, with 275 to 300 sunny days throughout the year. Summers are warm and dry, winters are mild, with low to medium rainfall.

The summer period lasts from April through September, with the hottest months June, July and August.

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Average temperatures during the hot season range between 20-30째C. The weather is stable, the sun bright and the sky normally cloudless. Cooling, pleasant breezes come in from the sea making the hottest days quite bearable. The winter period starts in October and lasts through to April, with the

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coolest months, January and February. Average temperatures range between 10 and 20째C. Rain showers are short and cloud cover does not normally last more than a few consecutive days. The sea also plays its role in winter, softening the cold with milder temperatures. p.65

General information (Other facilities)!

As a major city, Kavala offers many facilities: • Municipal authorities • Commercial port, • International airport, • General hospital, • Post Office, Click here to return to contents!

• • • • •

Telephone and telecommunications, Banks, Police authorities, Fire brigade, Customs authorities,

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• •

Local, regional and national bus service connections (KTEL), Car rental services, etc.

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General information (Important links)!

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Click on any dot on any link, to open web site!

Kavala municipal authorities:

Chamber of Kavala:

www.kavala.gov.gr

www.kcci.gr

“DIMOFELIA� - Kavala public benefifitt organisation:

Kavala port organisation:

www.kavalagreece.gr Click here to return to contents!

www.portkavala.gr

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace regional authorities:

www.pamth.gov.gr www.kavalacruise.gr p.67

Contact us!

For further information, please contact:

“DIMOFELIA” – Public benefit organization / Municipality of Kavala 117, Omonias St., 65403 Kavala, Greece Τel.: +30 2510 831388, +30 2510 831358 Fax: +30 2510831378, Ε-mail: tourism@kavalagreece.gr Click here to return to contents!

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Local authorities!

Photo credit: Nikos Desillas, Theodoros Papadopoulos, Makis Pavlides, Achilleas Savopoulos, “Dimofelia� archives Click here to return to contents!

See you in Kavala!

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