Kavala

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Kavala, the prefectural capital, rises like an amphitheatre up the sides of the foothills of Mt. Simvolo. Though a modern commercial city, it has many features belonging to its colourful past.

The spacious squares, contemporary buildings, and shopping centres on the west side of the city form a pleasant contrast to the traditional old houses, finy gardens and flagged alleyways of the eastern side.

The harbour is particularly picturesque with its countless brighty coloured fishing caiques moored along the waterfront. Among the city's impressive landmarks are the old walls, the Byzantine castle, and the Kamares - the aqueduct erected by Suleiman the Magnificent in the l6th century - Mehmet Ali's house (l8th century) and the Imaret, a Turkish building.

The walk up to Profitis Ilias to admire the panoramic view over the city takes you through the fascinating old district.

If you like to swim and eat fresh fish, then head for the lovely beaches and friendly tavernas not far from town at such places as Kalamitsa, Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Rapsani, Perigiali, and Nea Peramos.

Other villages in attractive settings are Agios Silas, with its homonymous monastery, Palia Kavala, Krioneri, Korifes and Stavros on a hill, for those who love views.

Not far trom Kavala (17 km.), near the tobacco - producing villages of Krinides and Philippi, you'll find the ruins of the ancient Macedonian city of Philippi, named after its founder, Philip ÉÉ. Still visible on the site are the remains of two Early Christian basilicas, traces of the Via Egnatia, the grand Roman forum, the acropolis, the theatre, etc.

Performances of ancient drama are held every summer in the restored theatre.

Finally, there is a spa at Loutra Eleftheron (67 km. from Kavala) with installations for hydrotherapy.

USEFUL INFORMATION
Kavala Archaeological Museum, tel.: (051) 222.335.
Kavala Folk Art Museum, tel.: (051) 222.706.
Kavala Picture Gallery
Philippi archaeological site
Philigpi Archaeological Museum, tel.: (051) 516.251.

Swimming:
- At the GNTO's organized beaches.
- At the Camping Site ïn the Kavala Waterfront (Batis). Open all year round, tel.: 227.151, 222.918.
- At the marvellous beaches in the vicinity.

Mountain Climbing
Ïn Mt. Pageon, at Vlahika Kalivia, alt. 1500 m., and Kilada Orfea, alt. 1700 m., SHO Kavala,tel.: (2510)>835.952.

GNTO Camping sites
Kavala Camping Site: Tel.: 245.918, area 31,000 sq.m., facilities for 450 people and pitches for 97 tents, 150 cars and caravans. There are also several privately-run camping sites in the district.

Local events
July-August: Philippi Drama Festival.
June: The Eleftheria Festival

how to get there
By air: The airport (27 km. from Kavala) links the region with Athens and with several major European cities via charter flights. Information: Olympic Airways Athens, tel.: 966.6666, O.A. Kavala, tel.: 223.622.
By boat: Kavala is linked by boat with Thassos, Limnos, Hios, Samos, Ikaria, Patmos, Leros, Kalimnos, Kos, Rhodes, Simi, Agios Konstantinos, Piraeus, Lesvos, Samothrace and Rafina. Information: Kavala Port Authority, tel.: 224.472, 224.967.
By bus: Athens-Kavala, KTEL bus terminal, Athens, tel.: 512.9507.
Thessaloniki-Kavala, KTEL Thessaloniki, tel.: (031) 525.530.
KTEL Kavaala, 33, Mitropolitou Hrissostomou Smirnis Str., tel.: 223.593.