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The Old Town: For a genuine experience of the city of Kavala, take a walk in the picturesque Old Town. On the small peninsula that is inhabited without fail since the 7th B.C. century, the city was “fortified” up to early 16th century. Then, its walls were demolished so that the city may expand. Narrow streets, beautiful squares, unique Ottoman-style buildings, mosques and churches accompany your steps in this beautiful, ancient town. Its central point is the square with the bronze statue of Mehmet Ali.

Kamares: The city trademark, the double, gigantic arches, are 270 metres long and 26 metres high and are the last section of a large water supply system, measuring 6,400 metres in length. Built by Ibrahim Pasha, Grand Vizier of the sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, in 1520-1530, during the reconstruction period of the city and were a crucial project. Impressive and imposing the Kamares (arches), are a major project, if one considers the small size of the town they had to serve, that is why it is assumed that there used to be an older aqueduct on the same spot, on the ruins of which Kamares were built. Today, you can see some restored refugee houses “adjoined” to Kamares, decorating the historical monument with their bright colours.

Mehmet Ali's house: In the heart of the Old Town, do visit the house of Mehmet Ali. The poor former soldier, was born and raised in Kavala, but managed with his wit and power to create an entire dynasty in Egypt, to organise the state, to establish Khartoum and to set the foundation for the development and progress of Hellenism in Egypt. His house is a typical example of 18th century Ottoman architecture. In the centre of the square you will see the statue of Mehmet Ali, which was a gift by Greeks in Egypt to the city of Kavala. The statue is a work by the famous sculptor Konstantinos Dimitriadis and it was created in Paris. 
Address: Mehmet Ali Square, Old Town,

The Mosque of Music: Walking up Mehmet Ali Street in the Old Town, you will find yourselves before the mosque of Halil Bey, the second most important mosque in the city. Beautiful, bright and fascinating, the mosque hosted many families when the refugees arrived in the city, while during the first half of the 20th century it was the place where the Municipal brass band used to rehearse, and that is why it is now called the Mosque of Music. Archaeologists revealed an early Christian church that can be seen from the glass floor in the mosque, as well as a small Byzantine cemetery.

Imaret: A unique building of Islamic architecture, with the characteristic lead domes, the Imaret was built in 1817 by Mehmet Ali Pasha as a “gift” to Kavala. This gem of Ottoman architecture used to be a Muslim theology school and boarding school with many departments, many rooms and offices, a mosque, kitchens and wonderful inner courtyards. Today, the Imaret offers the fantastic experience of unique accommodation, as it currently operates as a luxurious hotel, the first in Greece operating in an authentic historic site. However, some of its spaces can be visited. 
Address: 32-34 Poulidou Street, tel.: +30 2510 620151, www.imaret.com

Castle and Acropolis: Wandering in the paths of the past in the old city, you cannot miss the beautiful castle that stands on the top of the peninsula hill, offering visitors a unique view to the sea and the colourful old town. Built in 1425 on the ruins of the Byzantine fortification for the protection of the city against attacks by the Venetian fleet, it took its current form in 1530 by the Ottomans. 
Address: 117, Omonoias Street, tel. +30 2510 831388 and 831358, www.castle-kavala.gr

Municipal Museum of Tobacco: An original theme museum that reveals the tradition of the city that used to be the “Mecca” of tobacco for Greece. A beautiful space with very interesting exhibits; it is much more than a museum for the production and processing of smoke. It is also a legacy from another era, when huge ocean liners loaded tonnes of tobacco to take it to the other side of the world. Furthermore it is a monument of the important strife of tobacco workers who affected the trade union movement across Europe. 
Address: 4, Konstantinou Palaiologou Street, tel.: +30 2510 223344, www.tobaccomuseum.gr/

Archaeological Museum: The most important archaeological museum in Eastern Macedonia, has artefacts from the archaeological site of Philippoi, headstones and sculptures, architectural sections of the Roman times, inscriptions and golden coins, prehistoric artefacts from the entire prefecture of Kavala as well as from the excavations in Neapoli, Amphipoli and other regions of Eastern Macedonia. 
Address: 17, Erythrou Stavrou Street, tel.: +30 2510 222335

Ancient Philippoi: One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, this ancient town has the name of the father of Alexander the Great. Just 15km from Kavala, at Philippoi you will admire a unique mix of civilisations that met within its walls. Hellenistic, classical and Roman buildings, columns and fortification sections, stand still in time against a backdrop of the ruins of a brightly coloured early Christian basilica and other early Christian churches, reminding that after its first glory as Philip's colony and its splendour as a Roman administrative centre, Philippoi became the first pilgrimage centre for Jesus Christ.
Tel.: +30 2510 516251

Nestos: Don't miss the chance to see one of the most important rivers in Greece, enjoying images of rare beauty. Nestos Passage - or Tempi as they call it - is an area of rare natural beauty with imposing, huge trees, sandy beaches and small caves. Here you can enjoy many sports such as canoeing, rafting and hiking, which you can organise at the local offices, while in the summer do take a swim in the crystal waters of the river.

Beaches: The summer in Kavala is not just a summer in the city. A stone's throw away golden sandy beaches take visitors to an exotic scenery with their crystal waters and their relaxed, cool atmosphere. West from the city, you will find Rapsani, Kalamitsa, Batis, Ammolofoi and romantic Almyra. On the same direction you will find many organised and non-organised beaches, such as Palio, Irakleitsa and Peramos. To the east you will find the large beach of Perigiali and Nea Karvali.

With a great market for a city of its size, the shopping destinations in Kavala are mainly two streets: Venizelou Street and Omonoias Street (parallel to the seaside street) and the vertical road connecting the two streets. In the small shops of the Old Town, you will find fancy souvenirs, while in the picturesque neighbourhood of the “old fishmongers'” in the port you will discover shops with art, copper goods, herbs and spices, everyday items and gifts. Before leaving Kavala, you should include the following three in your baggage: the famous aromatic kourabie (butter biscuits) of Nea Karvali, the delicious sweetened fruits in syrup, as well as excellent wine and tsipouro. Do not forget that the mild climate of the area favour vine cultivation and therefore some of the best wine producers of the country are based in the areas around Kavala. So indulge in their wine suggestions!

The cuisine of Kavala, apart from is typically Greek character, also has the interesting influences from other cultures, enriching Macedonian recipes with elements from the cuisine of Pontos, Asia Minor and Cappadocia. And of course, as a seaside city, it is also famous for its seafood, which you will enjoy in its nice tavernas, mainly at Sfageia and Perigiali. Try mackerel “gouna”, turbot in lemon sauce, sardines “pantremeni”, mussel risotto, herring saganaki and anchovies rolled in vine leaves. At the huge seaside pedestrian area of Ethniki Antistasi Street, make a stop at one of the many cafés for a break from walking. At Megalou Alexandrou and Philelinon Street you will also find many hangouts for coffee and drinks.

• Philippoi Festival: With many events, this festival is one of the most important in Greece. For over half a century it is the main attraction of Macedonian summers, hosting in the iconic ancient theatre of Philippoi ancient drama and modern theatre performances, as well as concerts of artists from Greece and abroad. www.philippifestival.gr
• Eleftheria: Celebrating the liberation of the city from Bulgarian troops during the Balkan Wars, the Eleftheria of Kavala is a great festival with many cultural and sports events, held for five days in June and bringing to life every corner of the city.

Transportation from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands on “Alexander the Great” airport in Kavala. A small, yet functional airport has a duty free shop, a restaurant and café, as well as a car rental agency. Wi-Fi is free. The airport is 30km east from Kavala, near Chrysoupoli. To get to Kavala from the airport, you can use the local bus services (KTEL). Services are daily from 6.30 to 19.40. You can also get a taxi. The trip costs approximately 30 Euros.