…a symphony of colorful mountain scenes and sea reflections…
CHAMBER OF KAVALA
The region of Kavala has it all. A symphony of colorful mountain scenes and sea reflections, it has verdant mountains, quaint beaches, the splendid Delta of the River Nestos, a coastal zone rich in marine life, mountain springs and endless forests that offer habitat to many rare species of the Greek fauna and flora.
On magnificent Mt. Paggaio, visitors will find an organized ski center and dozens of traditional villages, untouched samples of the architecture of yesteryear. The village taverns serve traditional dishes and “tsipouro”, the local fire-water. The mountain slopes are dotted with thriving monasteries, such as the nearly two-thousand-year old Monastery of Ecofinissa.
Nature reveals itself at the mountain village of Lekani: arched bridges, oak forests, trekking and four-wheeling. The Nestos River with Stena and the magic of its Delta is at a short distance from there. Accommodation is available at traditional guesthouses and the local cuisine is quite palatable. Thassos, Thassopoula and Fidonissi are the sea jewels of Kavala.
KAVALA
Built on two hills in a semicircle round its modern harbor, Kavala is a beautiful city with amazing views over its azure gulf. In the shadow of a 15th century medieval castle, the old city, Panagia as the locals call it, is unique with its narrow alleyways. Human intervention has been minimal, so the neighborhood has preserved its original character. The House of Mehmet Ali, the Imaret, the Lighthouse and the medieval aqueduct are well worth a visit. Inhabited since the Neolithic Era, Kavala is ideal for pleasant strolls and leisure activities adjusted to the town’s easy, unhurried pace.
The archaeological site at Phillippi offers visitors an opportunity for rich knowledge. St. Paul passed through here. This is where he established the first Christian Church in Europe and baptized the first Christian in Europe, Lydia. At a short distance, in Krinides, visitors can benefit from the healing properties of the famous “Laspoloutra” (mud baths).
Kavala is easily accessible equally by land and air, served by “Megas Alexandros” airport in Chryssoupoli. Frequent ferry and "flying dolphin" schedules connect Kavala with several Aegean islands and Thassos.
THASSOS
Sometimes known as the Emerald Isle, Thassos is a spectacular and relatively unspoilt island just seven km off the mainland. Tens of outstanding beaches await visitors in the summer, but the heart of the island beats in Mt. Ypsario, where fir and pine forests and mountain springs create breathtaking scenery. Holidays in Thassos incorporate trekking, mountain climbing, horse-back riding, 4X4 excursions on a jeep and "off road" biking, but also traditional villages, a buzzing port, and a wealth of culture.
