About Kavala / Eastern Macedonia
Why Kavala / Eastern Macedonia?
The Eastern Macedonia region includes the city of Kavala (port and cultural centre), Philippi (UNESCO archaeological site), coastal resorts (Nea Iraklitsa, Asprovalta, Vrasna) and access to the island of Thassos. A Kavala holiday in 2026 is for travellers who want a combination of beach, culture and Thassos access as a base.
The character of the region is varied. Kavala as a city has around 70,000 residents with an old acropolis, an Ottoman aqueduct and a yacht marina. The coast stretches 30 km on each side of the city, with sandy beaches and family resorts. Philippi (15 km north) is one of Greece's most significant archaeological sites - the Apostle Paul preached here.
Position: 160 km east of Thessaloniki, 250 km west of the Turkish border, with its own airport (KVA) and a port for the Thassos ferry.
Beaches and the sea
The region has 50+ km of sandy coast:
Central (Kavala):
- Batis beach (5 km west of the centre) - organised sandy beach with pools and bars
- Kalamitsa - between Kavala and Karyanti, quieter
East (toward Keramoti and Thassos):
- Nea Iraklitsa (15 km east) - family resort with a 1.5 km sandy beach
- Tosca and Iraklitsa - longer sandy beaches with hotels in the front row
West (toward Stavros):
- Nea Peramos (40 km west) - a longer beach, less dense
- Asprovalta and Vrasna - resorts popular with Balkan families
The water in the Kavala gulf is clean with a sandy bottom. Blue Flag on dozens of beaches. For "premium" beaches - a 20-minute ferry to Thassos.
Where to stay
Kavala town - urban hotels and apartments with access to historic sites. Picked for the culture + beach combination.
Nea Iraklitsa (15 km east) - family resort with a sandy beach. Apartments with kitchens.
Asprovalta (60 km west) - popular with Balkan families, developed infrastructure.
Vrasna and Nea Vrasna - quieter sub-resorts.
Panagia old town of Kavala - boutique stays in historic houses.
Browse all current Kavala and region listings.
Getting there
Kavala airport (KVA, "Megas Alexandros"):
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Direct flight from Belgrade - seasonal (Wizz Air, Ryanair, occasionally Air Serbia), 1 hour 15 minutes. Return fare 150 to 280 €.
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By car from Belgrade - 850 km, 9 to 11 hours. A1 to Thessaloniki, then A2 toward Kavala.
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Bus from Belgrade - direct seasonal lines, 11 to 13 hours.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C, ideal for walking around Philippi.
July–August - peak, sea 24–25 °C.
September - excellent month, fewer crowds.
Things to see and do
Ancient Philippi - UNESCO site, one of Greece's most significant archaeological complexes. Ancient theatre, early Christian churches, mosaics.
Kamares aqueduct - Ottoman aqueduct through Kavala (16th century).
Kavala acropolis - Byzantine/Ottoman fortress with views of the city and Thassos.
Thassos day trip - ferry from Kavala (40 min) or Keramoti (20 min).
Nestos river and gorge - 50 km east, gorge with rafting.
Mehmed Ali house - the birthplace of the founder of the modern Egyptian dynasty, born in Kavala in 1769.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 40 to 95 € per night in shoulder, 60 to 135 € at peak. The region is 15 to 25 percent cheaper than Halkidiki.
Weekly cost per person: 280 to 460 € shoulder, 420 to 620 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 7 to 13 €, fresh fish 12 to 22 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €.
Ferry to Thassos: 4 to 8 € per person, 13 to 18 € for a car.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Kavala and Halkidiki? Kavala is a city with culture (Philippi, aqueduct); Halkidiki is primarily a beach destination with developed tourist infrastructure. Kavala for those who want culture + beach + Thassos access.
Is the Thassos ferry worthwhile? Absolutely. Thassos is 20 to 40 minutes away by ferry, one of the most beautiful northern Greek islands.
Is renting a car worth it? Yes, for exploring the region (Philippi, Thassos with a car, Asprovalta).
Are there direct flights? Yes, seasonally. Wizz Air and Ryanair operate the route.