About Nea Iraklitsa
Why Nea Iraklitsa?
Nea Iraklitsa is a small resort 15 km east of Kavala, on the Aegean coast. A long sandy beach, calm water and a family character make it a traditional choice for Balkan families who want proximity to Kavala and Thassos without an urban setting. A Nea Iraklitsa holiday in 2026 is for travellers who value simplicity, a good beach and affordable prices.
The character is family-oriented and relaxed. Nea Iraklitsa has around 800 permanent residents and is one of the main apartment-booking areas in eastern Macedonia. The centre is small - a handful of tavernas, mini-markets and a summer market.
The position is excellent: 20 minutes to Kavala airport, 20 minutes to Keramoti port for Thassos, 30 km to ancient Philippi. An ideal base for travellers who want both beach and day trips.
Beaches and the sea
The main Nea Iraklitsa beach is sandy, about 1.5 km long, with pines and tamarisks behind. The water is turquoise and calm, with shallow entry for the first 30 metres. The central section is organised with sun beds; the ends are free.
Beaches nearby:
- Iraklitsa (adjacent village, 1 km) - similar beach, slightly smaller
- Nea Peramos (10 km east) - a longer beach, quieter
- Batis (15 km west, near Kavala) - town beach with pools and bars
The water in the bay is excellent, with a sandy bottom. In August it is 24 to 25 °C. Blue Flag is regularly awarded to the central section.
Where to stay
Nea Iraklitsa centre along the beach - family apartments in 2 to 3-storey houses. Walking distance to everything - tavernas, shops, beach. Prices friendlier than Halkidiki.
Northern and southern ends of the beach - less densely populated, quieter. You drive to the centre (2 minutes).
Villas inland - stone houses on the hills above the coast with views toward Thassos. Less common, but a few listings exist.
Browse all current Nea Iraklitsa and area listings.
Getting there
Nea Iraklitsa is 15 km east of Kavala and most easily reached from Kavala airport:
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Belgrade–Kavala flight (1 hour 15 minutes), then a 15-minute transfer. Seasonal flights with Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air Serbia.
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By car from Belgrade - 870 km, 9 to 11 hours. A1 motorway to Thessaloniki, A2 toward Kavala, then 15 minutes on a local road east.
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Bus from Belgrade to Kavala, then a local bus or taxi to Nea Iraklitsa. Local buses are infrequent; a taxi costs 15 to 20 € one way.
Best time to visit
May - cool, sea 18–20 °C, land 22–26 °C. Low crowds, half the tavernas closed.
June - the season starts. Sea 21–23 °C, land 26–30 °C.
July and August - peak. Sea 24–25 °C, land 30–34 °C. The beach is full, but given the 1.5 km length you always find a spot.
September - excellent month. Sea 23–25 °C, land 26–29 °C, fewer crowds, prices drop.
October - first half good, second half slides into off-season.
Things to see and do
Day trip to Thassos - ferry from Keramoti (10 minutes from Nea Iraklitsa) or Kavala. Crossing 20 to 40 minutes, a full day on the island.
Kavala - 15 km west, old town, acropolis, aqueduct, waterfront restaurants.
Ancient Philippi - 30 km northwest, UNESCO archaeological site.
Eikosifoinissa Monastery - a Byzantine monastery in the hills north of Drama, with old frescoes.
Ammolofoi beach (20 km east) - sand dunes by the sea, one of the prettiest beaches in the region for photography.
Nestos river and gorge - 50 km east, a gorge in the northwestern Thracian plain, with rafting and kayaking tours in summer.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 35 to 80 € per night in shoulder, 55 to 115 € at peak. Three-star hotels with breakfast 50 to 80 € per person.
Weekly cost per person: 240 to 400 € shoulder, 380 to 580 € peak. Among the most affordable destinations in northern Greece.
Restaurant prices: main course 7 to 11 €, fresh fish 11 to 18 €, glass of wine 3 to 4 €. Local tavernas are cheaper than in Kavala or Halkidiki.
Ferry to Thassos: 5 € per person, 13 € for a car one way. Departs from Keramoti.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Nea Iraklitsa and Kavala? Nea Iraklitsa is smaller, quieter, focused on the beach. Kavala is a city with culture, restaurants and nightlife. Nea Iraklitsa is for resting; Kavala for visiting.
Is the Thassos connection easy? Very - the Keramoti port is 10 minutes by car from Nea Iraklitsa, ferries every 30 to 60 minutes in season. Many travellers choose Nea Iraklitsa as a base for two-day trips to Thassos.
Are there restaurants in Nea Iraklitsa that operate all season? Yes, the main beachfront restaurants run from late May to mid-October. Mini-markets are open year-round.
Suitable for babies? Yes, shallow water entry, a quiet place, a local bakery with children's food. Among the best in the region for families with children under 5.
Is renting a car worth it? Yes, if you plan to explore. Kavala, Philippi, Thassos (with the car on the ferry), Nestos gorge are only reachable by car. Rental 25 to 40 € per day at the airport or in Kavala.