{"id":1093,"date":"2023-06-30T08:12:57","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T08:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/?p=1093"},"modified":"2025-10-21T10:19:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T10:19:07","slug":"a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/","title":{"rendered":"A Northern Greek Gem of a City"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1093\" class=\"elementor elementor-1093\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/gem.webp);\" class=\"parallax_section_holder elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-84382bb elementor-section-full_width parallax_section_holder elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default qode_elementor_container_no qode-content-aligment-left\" data-speed=\"0\" data-id=\"84382bb\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;qode_parallax_image&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/urbanbay.gr\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/gem.webp&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:1152,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;library&quot;}}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9060def\" data-id=\"9060def\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-83a21a7 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default parallax_section_no qode_elementor_container_no qode-content-aligment-left\" data-id=\"83a21a7\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e001cee\" data-id=\"e001cee\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1407d45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1407d45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 22-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><h2 class=\"single-title\">Travel Guide Kavala: A Northern Greek Gem of a City<\/h2><h4 class=\"post-subtitle\">One of the loveliest cities of the Greek north lets us in on its landmarks and secrets.<\/h4><h5>\u00a0<\/h5><h5>\u00a0Depending on the season, fishing vessels, ferries, sailboats and cruise ships all drop anchor at Kavala\u2019s two ports \u2013 the old and the new. This coastal city, which rises up from the sea like an amphitheater, counts approximately 50,000 inhabitants, split among the <strong style=\"color: black; letter-spacing: 0px; font-size: 19px;\">Palia Poli<\/strong><span style=\"color: black; letter-spacing: 0px; font-size: 19px;\"> (old town) and the <\/span><strong style=\"color: black; letter-spacing: 0px; font-size: 19px;\">Nea Poli<\/strong><span style=\"color: black; letter-spacing: 0px; font-size: 19px;\"> (new town).<\/span><\/h5><div class=\"article-content\"><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><p>The latter may enjoy a larger share of Kavala\u2019s residents; however, it is the former, constructed atop the Panagia peninsula, that holds the edge in terms of charm. Elements harking back to a variety of eras and architectural styles coexist throughout the narrow lanes of the old quarter, under the commanding <strong>Kastro<\/strong> (castle).<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Archaiologikos-xoros-Fillipon.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">The ancient theater of Philippi<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><p>Times gone by have left behind important monuments in the broader area, such as the now <strong>UNESCO-protected Archaeological Site of Philippi<\/strong>, and the <strong>Baptistry of St Lydia<\/strong>, where the Apostle Paul founded the first Christian church on Greek soil, in AD 49-50.<\/p><p>There is also the unique Imaret, an exceptional sample of Islamic architecture, which also enjoys a \u201cdouble identity\u201d \u2013 that of hotel and monument, as well as the early 16th-century <strong>Kamares<\/strong>, which manage to stand apart amidst the buildings in the\u00a0new town of Kavala. According to the prevailing view, the Kamares were constructed between 1520 and 1539 on top of an even older Roman aqueduct, so to as cover water supply needs, linking Panagia with the springs at Palia Kavala.<\/p><div class=\"code-block code-block-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\u00a0<\/div><p>We have come to love Kavala not only on account of all the beautiful heritage monuments and buildings it has managed to preserve, but also because, being a veritable Greek\u00a0urban jungle, the city\u00a0moves\u00a0us. Moreover, the moment the warm weather\u00a0arrives, the city promises refreshing dips at <strong>Batis, Tosca and Palio<\/strong>. Just a tad further afield lie wonderful beaches, including <strong>Ammoglossa Keramotis<\/strong> and <strong>Ammolofi<\/strong>, offering turquoise waters and fine sand.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Imaret-Greek-coffee.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">A coffee at the Imaret<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><h4>THE IMARET: A LANDMARK<\/h4><p>Velvety pomegranate juice served in a wine glass, soft jazz music and a group of French guests seated next to us, all come together to lend a contemporary cosmopolitan note to the bar at the <strong>Imaret<\/strong>. It would be no exaggeration to state that this <strong>historic hotel \/ monument<\/strong>, with\u00a0its characteristic lead\u00a0roof spanning\u00a0stylish vaults, elevates Kavala as a travel destination.<\/p><p>Spread out over an area of 4,200 square meters, the Imaret initially served as a seminary during the period of Ottoman rule. It was later closed, and remained so for many years, until it was used as a place to accommodate immigrants. It was in 2001 that the <strong>Missirian family<\/strong> leased it for 50 years from the <strong>Eqyptian Waqf Organization<\/strong>, and breathed new life into it. Its <strong>61 vaulted cells<\/strong>, which had once welcomed students, have since been <strong>transformed into 30\u00a0atmospheric\u00a0rooms<\/strong>.<\/p><div class=\"code-block code-block-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Everything on and around the Panagia peninsula becomes a\u00a0starting\u00a0point for discussions that never end, like the one we had with Anna Missirian\u00a0on theocratic regimes and education systems, the coexistence of cultures and civilizations, the influential Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis (1851-1911), who had once referred to the Imaret as a <em>tebelohanio<\/em> (that is, an inn for the lazy) and also about the hotel\u2019s uncertain future after its 50-year lease reaches its end.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-sm-6\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Thea-apo-Kamares.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">The aqueduct of Kavala, known as Kamares, one of the city\u2019s most distinguishing landmarks.<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"col-sm-6\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/I-Palia-mousiki.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">Detail from the Halil Bey Mosque.<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><p>Even though the Imaret as a hotel may maintain a somewhat elitist air, anyone wishing to get to know it as a monument may do so daily, for just 5 euros, on a <strong>tour of its mosque and its other areas<\/strong>. Of course, a drink in its bar or a meal at its restaurant is also always an ideal option, open to all. Similarly, the House of Mohammed Ali, as it is known, has also been leased from the Eqyptian Waqf\u00a0Organization. Situated opposite the church of Panagia, <strong>the House of Mohammed Ali<\/strong> operates as a museum, and is also the headquarters of the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moha.center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>MOHA Research Center<\/strong><\/a>. The latter was founded in 2006,\u00a0with the aim of bridging the cultural differences between the East and West.<\/p><p>For Anna Missirian, MOHA and the Imaret constitute \u201cmeeting points for cultures. One empire is succeeded by another, and a theocratic regime succeeds some other system, but what remains alive is culture, as a continuation.\u201d Everything here speaks of coexistence and multiculturalism. Mohammed Ali (1769-1849) \u2013 or Mehmet Ali, as he is referred to in Turkish \u2013 was born in Kavala, which he came to love from a very early age.<\/p><div class=\"code-block code-block-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Complementing the wealth of Ottoman buildings is the <strong>Palia Mousiki<\/strong> \u2013 as the <strong>Halil Bey Mosque<\/strong> has come to be known. It was constructed on top of the Paleochristian church of Aghia Paraskevi, as can be attested by taking a look through its glass floor.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-sm-6\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Kamares-Kavala.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\"><hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a0<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"col-sm-6\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Imaret-trouloi.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">The lead roofing of the Imaret.<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><h4>THE CAPE OF PANAGIA<\/h4><p>The\u00a0few tavernas and cafe \/ bars of the old town are located across from the Imaret, on <strong>Theodorou Poulidou St.<\/strong> The prevalent feature found in the buildings in the narrow lanes of the Panagia district is Macedonian architecture coupled with the Eastern influences brought back by master builders from trips abroad. These overseas influences include the <em><strong>sachnisi <\/strong><\/em>(a traditional type of bay window supported by wooden beams on building facades) and the <strong><em>bagdati<\/em><\/strong> (a wattle-and-daub technique, which has come from Baghdad and involves the use of wood and other natural materials in the construction of building walls).<\/p><p>Amidst these jut out single, detached homes dating to more recent construction phases; fortunately strict\u00a0building codes\u00a0have ensured that\u00a0strolls up the hills leading to the\u00a0castle remain lovely. These strolls are even lovelier if you go on them with local people who love their area, like civil engineer Thodoros Mouriadis, who, through his descriptions and stories made us feel like a part of the neighborhood. We stop along the way to gaze at the view of the sea, to listen to the sound of waves\u00a0pounding\u00a0against the crags of the cape, and to look at flocks of pigeons lending motion to the landscape.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Paralia-Kavala-vrady.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">An evening stroll along the port<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><p>After ascending the circular interior staircase of the\u00a0fortress\u00a0\u2013 provided that you do not get stuck; that is just how narrow it is \u2013 you are rewarded with an extremely enjoyable <strong>360-degree vista<\/strong> and view of the entire city and the Thracian Sea. This fortified settlement constituted the entire city of Kavala, up to the year 1864. It was confined to the area of the triangular cape. In fact, its earliest traces are lost in antiquity, when it was named Neapolis, the walls of which are still to be found along the perimeter of the rock.<\/p><p>In Byzantine times the city was called Christoupolis. In terms of offering a travel experience, Panagia clearly is of great interest, and the <strong>more you walk around the area, the more it wins you over<\/strong>. The good news is that the tourism-related development of yet another landmark building has been set into motion. The historic <strong>Spiti tou Stratigou<\/strong> (House of the General), in which \u2013 to this day \u2013 the military chief of the city resides, is to be converted into a hotel, thus enriching the city\u2019s supply of accommodation spaces.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dimarcheio-2.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">Elements of Neoclassical and Ottoman architecture abound in the buildings on Kyprou St.<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><h4>NEW CITY, NEW USES<\/h4><p>Kavala began to extend beyond the limits of the Panagia area in the mid-19th century, owing to the burgeoning tobacco trade of that period and the concomitant affluence that this produced. The city came to be built on the perimeter around it, and various trends in residential construction were adopted.<\/p><p>This is clearly visible <strong>on Kyprou St with the Town Hall\u00a0<\/strong>of 1879, the<strong>\u00a0Lazariston monastery<\/strong> and the<strong> Megali Leschi (the Great Club)<\/strong>, the latter an imposing building \u2013 both externally and internally \u2013 with manor-style halls whose ceilings exceed a height of 10 meters. At present, the restoration work being carried out on this building also happens to be drawing to a close.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mouseio-kapnergati.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">Municipal Tobacco Warehouse &#8211; Exhibition Hall<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><p>Overall, of course, Kavala is mainly composed of apartment buildings, and this is a reason we liked <strong>the Black Drop espresso bar on Kapnergati Square<\/strong> so much, as it was created with a very contemporary sensibility and outlook, consequently upgrading what could be referred to as the city\u2019s \u201cdiscourse\u201d with concrete. It is situated almost right next to the Municipal Tobacco Warehouse, one of the large buildings erected during the peak of the tobacco trade and\u00a0abandoned following its gradual demise.<\/p><p>Redevelopment work is also set to begin shortly on the square itself. Another former tobacco storage facility located nearby has already been transformed into a shopping center, while many more of these historic and heritage buildings await their investors.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Nees-plotes-exedres-marina-Kavala.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">The new floating piers<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><h4>SEAWARD GAZE<\/h4><p>For about a year now, the <strong>new floating piers<\/strong>\u00a0have markedly improved the quality of services offered and the number of vessels choosing to dock at the port of Kavala. This has also propelled growth in the coastal and maritime tourism industry.<\/p><p>Fishing vessels bring back fresh catches daily, and Kavala residents rarely pass up the opportunity to indulge in a midday tsipouro accompanied by a seafood meze. This list of mezes might include the likes of smoked mackerel, or crispy, freshly fried mullet, as served up by the <strong>Nafpigion,<\/strong> a <strong>cafe \/ ouzerie<\/strong> tucked away in the old boatyards of the city.<\/p><div class=\"code-block code-block-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Kavala holds some other little temptations in store, such as sleeping with an open window in a room at the <strong>Lucy Hotel<\/strong>, to the sounds of waves lapping. This year, the hotel, which is built on Kalamitsa beach, is organizing the second edition of its \u201cart residencies,\u201d an event offering insights into Kavala\u2019s intimate relationship with contemporary art.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Neromylos.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">The watermill<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><p>Two or three days are never enough to get to know a city. Just before departing, we caught a glimpse of the very beautiful <strong>ceramic creations of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ceramics-camp.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kostas Karakitsos<\/a><\/strong>, who also organizes seminars, but did not have the time to meet him in person.<\/p><p>Be sure to explore Kavala, to get to know its people, be prepared for two or three tsipoura too many, and do not hesitate to treat yourself and indulge in a hammam at the Imaret, and a massage at the hands of Grigoris or another masseur \/ therapist there.<\/p><div class=\"code-block code-block-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Another type of wellness space is the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pilotherapia.gr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pilotherapeftirio<\/strong><\/a> (mud therapy center), which opens June 1 and attracts some 10,000 visitors each season. Take a walk along the trail that links Palia Kavala (a village with no cell phone signal) with the new town.\u00a0You may or may not be lucky enough to see water cascading down its\u00a0<strong>waterfalls;<\/strong>\u00a0in any event the trail is\u00a0easy and the landscape filled with unexpected surprises, such as rock paintings and disused quarries, which lend the area an otherworldly feel. (Be sure to check out the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.eoskavalas.gr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Hellenic Mountaineering Association of Kavala<\/strong><\/a> site\u00a0for information on hiking routes). Stop briefly and stand in silence, and you just might hear a young woodpecker tapping rhythmically on a tree trunk. Return and experience every season of the year here, and you will discover a different Kavala each time.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mesoropi-plateia.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">Mesoropi, one of the most touristically developed villages on Mt Pangaion.<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><h4>AN EXCURSION TO MOUNT PANGAION<\/h4><p>Mesoropi is a wonderful, picturesque village nestled on <strong>Mt Pangaion<\/strong>, and is chock-full of pleasant surprises. The list includes the visitable <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bibliachora.gr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ktima Biblia Chora winery<\/a><\/strong> (tel +30 25920.449.74-6), fine tavernas and an interesting restaurant called <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kladielias.gr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Kladi Elias<\/strong><\/a>, with influences from the Mediterranean\u00a0(tel +30 25920.932.93, 697.330.6955); the latter also offers an inn of the same name located above the restaurant (starting from 120.00 euros).<\/p><p>Exceptional \u2013 but traditional, this time \u2013 gastronomic experiences await one and all in <strong>Nikisiani<\/strong>. Sample the oven-roasted young goat and the <em>tsigerosarmades<\/em>, a special kind of dolma containing offal, at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.taverna-kastanies.gr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Taverna Kastanie<\/strong>s<\/a> (tel +30 25920.618.17, 697.432.4938), which also sets itself apart on account of its views and proximity to the mountain.<\/p><div class=\"code-block code-block-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\u00a0<\/div><p>Finally, Mt Pangaion also has some very lovely hiking trails in store.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><h4>Transportation<\/h4><p>If arriving by car from Thessaloniki, the drive will take a shade under an hour, while the fuel and toll expenses will amount to roughly 15 euros (each way). If Athens is your starting point, then your ride should take from 5.5 to 6 hours, while the fuel and toll costs will total approximately 110 euros (each way), for a mid-size vehicle.<\/p><p>If air travel is more your thing, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aegean.gr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aegean Airlines<\/a> flies every day out of Athens to Kavala and back.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Black-Drop.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">Black Drop<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"box-text row\"><div class=\"col-sm-8 \"><h4>Food &amp; Drink<\/h4><p>Kavala is home to many wonderful and cozy little tavernas that serve not only meat dishes but seafood as well, such as the <strong>Koutouki tis Kamaras<\/strong> (20 Nikotsara Sq, tel +30 2510.231.291) and the <strong>Psaraki <\/strong>(3 Ethnikis Antistaseos, tel +30 2510.211.750).<\/p><p>Be sure to check out the <strong>Nafpigion<\/strong>, an authentic tsipouro taverna nestled in the boatyard area of Kavala, as well as the <strong>Apiko<\/strong> (tel +30 2510.227.173), located in a renovated space and featuring brand-new recipes.<\/p><div class=\"code-block code-block-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\u00a0<\/div><p><strong>The Palladio Social Cave<\/strong> (4 Erythrou Stavrou, tel +30 2513.010.707) serves coffee, drinks and brunch, and organizes theme nights. The <strong>Tsalapeteinos<\/strong> (tel +30 2511.111.073) is an open-all-day hangout that offers coffee and drinks \u2013 and also food for some hours each day.<\/p><p>The <strong>To Mikro Nisi<\/strong> conjures up the image of a British pub, and plays funk, soul, jazz and rock. For coffee and sandwiches\u00a0try the <strong>Black Drop<\/strong> (1 Kassandrou, tel +30 2510.222.203). The <strong>1901<\/strong> (33 Theodorou Poulidou, tel +30 698.464.5868) is considered an \u2018all-time classic bar\u2019 in Panagia, while the<strong> Lobster<\/strong> (1 Ethnikis Antistaseos, tel +30 693.714.5621) is an all-day bar on the beach.<\/p><p>The <strong>Oinoi <\/strong>is a \u2018purebred\u2019 wine bar (2-18 Kimonos, tel +30 2510.222.266), located near Kamares. For cocktails, head to <strong>Derelicte<\/strong> (2 Lambrou Katsoni, tel +30 2510.222.232).<\/p><p>Info: For more information, be sure to click on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.visit-kavala.gr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.visit-kavala.gr<\/a><\/p><\/div><div class=\"block-box col-sm-4\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"col-xs-12\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greece-is.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Archaiologikos-xoros-Fillipon-2.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"hidden-xs\">The Archaeological Site of Philippi.<hr class=\"right-white\" \/><p class=\"featured-copy\">\u00a9 Nikolas Mastoras<\/p><\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"loop-caption-mobile hidden-sm hidden-md hidden-lg\"><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"clearfix\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travel Guide Kavala: A Northern Greek Gem of a City One of the loveliest cities of the Greek north lets us in on its landmarks and secrets. \u00a0 \u00a0Depending on the season, fishing vessels, ferries, sailboats and cruise ships all drop anchor at Kavala\u2019s two&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1053,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1093","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>A Northern Greek Gem of a City - Urban Bay<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Northern Greek Gem of a City - Urban Bay\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Travel Guide Kavala: A Northern Greek Gem of a City One of the loveliest cities of the Greek north lets us in on its landmarks and secrets. \u00a0 \u00a0Depending on the season, fishing vessels, ferries, sailboats and cruise ships all drop anchor at Kavala\u2019s two...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Urban Bay\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/urbanbay.gr\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-06-30T08:12:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-21T10:19:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC06608.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/8d93a71feac101e94022e015b3e958f0\"},\"headline\":\"A Northern Greek Gem of a City\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-30T08:12:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-21T10:19:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/\"},\"wordCount\":2319,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/\",\"name\":\"A Northern Greek Gem of a City - Urban Bay\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-06-30T08:12:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-21T10:19:07+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"\u0391\u03c1\u03c7\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"A Northern Greek Gem of a City\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Urban Bay\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Urban Bay\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/logo-withcolorguide-ai.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/logo-withcolorguide-ai.png\",\"width\":287,\"height\":263,\"caption\":\"Urban Bay\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/urbanbay.gr\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/8d93a71feac101e94022e015b3e958f0\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/de670bbd51b79bda508d266f51a94d940ea398ac68747cef04220d7164c40ff5?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/de670bbd51b79bda508d266f51a94d940ea398ac68747cef04220d7164c40ff5?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/author\/info_9pmwk3sp\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"A Northern Greek Gem of a City - Urban Bay","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"A Northern Greek Gem of a City - Urban Bay","og_description":"Travel Guide Kavala: A Northern Greek Gem of a City One of the loveliest cities of the Greek north lets us in on its landmarks and secrets. \u00a0 \u00a0Depending on the season, fishing vessels, ferries, sailboats and cruise ships all drop anchor at Kavala\u2019s two...","og_url":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/","og_site_name":"Urban Bay","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/urbanbay.gr","article_published_time":"2023-06-30T08:12:57+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-10-21T10:19:07+00:00","og_image":[{"width":960,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/DSC06608.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"14 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/8d93a71feac101e94022e015b3e958f0"},"headline":"A Northern Greek Gem of a City","datePublished":"2023-06-30T08:12:57+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-21T10:19:07+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/"},"wordCount":2319,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/","url":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/","name":"A Northern Greek Gem of a City - Urban Bay","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#website"},"datePublished":"2023-06-30T08:12:57+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-21T10:19:07+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/a-northern-greek-gem-of-a-city\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"\u0391\u03c1\u03c7\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae","item":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"A Northern Greek Gem of a City"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/","name":"Urban Bay","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#organization","name":"Urban Bay","url":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/logo-withcolorguide-ai.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/logo-withcolorguide-ai.png","width":287,"height":263,"caption":"Urban Bay"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/urbanbay.gr"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/8d93a71feac101e94022e015b3e958f0","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/de670bbd51b79bda508d266f51a94d940ea398ac68747cef04220d7164c40ff5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/de670bbd51b79bda508d266f51a94d940ea398ac68747cef04220d7164c40ff5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"admin"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/urbanbay.gr"],"url":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/author\/info_9pmwk3sp\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1093","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1093"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1093\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4158,"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1093\/revisions\/4158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1093"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1093"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanbay.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1093"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}