Kavala, one of Greece’s most loved and popular springtime destinations

Northeast of Thessaloniki, part of East Macedonia and Thrace, the port town of Kavala serves as an excellent base for visiting the ancient city of Philippi and wine tastings around the mountains.

The capital and main port of the Kavala prefecture is amphitheatrically built on the slopes of Mt. Symvolo forming one of the most picturesque cities in Greece. Set on the ancient city of Neopolis, the spacious modern Platies (squares), contemporary buildings, and shopping district on the west side of the city, compliment the traditional old houses, tiny gardens and flagged alleyways of the eastern side, which take you back to the days of old.

The port city Kavala is often used as a gateway to the north eastern Aegean Islands but it has now also become a much loved destination of its own for tourists, especially in springtime. Cultural highlights include quality museums of history and industry, and fascinating Ottoman buildings scattered through the pastel-hued old town of Panagia.

If you are after pure rest and relaxation, you can head to the nearby quiet beaches for a swim but when it comes time to eating, the bustling harbourfront eateries are the way to go.

When the sun goes down most head to Megalou Alexandrou Street featuring stylish boutiques, cafes, bars as well as a tobacco warehouse that has been transformed into a shopping centre. Close to Eleftherias square lies the mesmerising old neighbourhood of Agios Nikolaos, where also the homonymous church – a former mosque- is situated. On the relics of an ancient pillar you can see what, according to tradition, is supposed to be Apostle Paul’s footprint, left there from the time that he first visited Macedonia.

It’s also worth while taking a drive to Drama for a spot of shopping and dining in the streets along the Agia Varvara springs. Nearby Xanthi is known for delicious local sweets and charming historic Ottoman houses.