Kavala, Greece

The lush green ripe land and mild climate offer something extra to its visitors who come in search of history and an authentic taste of Greek culture.

Much less prone to modernism than the more populated areas of Greece, the original character of the country is still evident in the northern region. It is still common to see farmers going down to their fields with donkeys.

Its moderate temperature offers enough warm weather during the summer months to keep sun seekers happy with the added benefit of comfortable nights while the fresh mountain air creates a beautiful sleeping atmosphere.

Abundant in antiquity and ancient ruins, Kavala is as important to tourists as any other area in Greece. One of the most fascinating places to visit is the site of the city of Ancient Phillipi which dates back to 360 years BC. This city has been in the hands of many rulers such as King Felipe and Octavio, as well as having existed in the era of gladiators and great saints such as Saint Paul, who was imprisoned there.

For health seekers, there are the unique therapeutic hot mud baths in Lydia, a natural event that is supposed to bring you health and vitality. Many elderly and infirm people use these baths to help soothe and heal their ailments.

Not far from these mud baths are the hot springs that form pools higher up in the Pangeo Mountains. Bathing in one of these pools will leave you relaxed and revitalized.

Recent work on the Strimonas River has seen it recover to its full form and, along with the Nestos and Evro rivers, the area offers many opportunities to enjoy various water activities such as kayaking, rafting and fishing.

The beautifully located restaurants at the top of the mountain offer you the opportunity to enjoy a meal with your family among the trees with spectacular views. But I must say that considering the amount of attention given to the mountains, you might think that it was the result of not having beaches of interest here, but it is not.

There are many wonderful beaches like Doosla and Iraklitsa for example. Doosla is a very popular beach with a shopping strip that caters to its travelers with souvenirs, groceries and restaurants. Along its shore, small businesses offer beachside shade, seating, and snacks.

Iraklitsa is another vibrant seaside town that is just as popular with locals as it is with tourists. It caters for all tastes with its wide range of restaurants, boasting a lively harborside location with sea views.

Further inland, beyond the city of Drama, there are some excellent caves. They have been brought to a high standard where they are equipped with a restaurant and a well presented outdoor area to enjoy coffees and teas. Work there is ongoing as an entire network of underground passages has been discovered and is being excavated for public viewing.

With other attractions such as vineyards, which abound in this ideal climate of Kavala, there is plenty on offer for the visitor. New activities springing up throughout the area such as horse riding and go-karting, dirt bike driving and 4X4 centers are just a few of the many recreational activities available in this wild and untamed landscape.

Here, the availability of resources for the explorer who enjoys the challenge of nature is endless.

In winter, the snowfields in the Pangeo Mountains have a good annual fall and are well equipped with cougars and ski lifts. They are also serviced by very friendly staff who rent all ski accessories on site and offer a warm-up training session for first-time skiers.

For those who appreciate the religious history of Greece, Kavala has more to offer than you might expect. This area is rich in stories of miracles. Everywhere you will find little churches built where saints have passed or spent time. Monasteries like Ikosifinisa, the first monastery in Europe, with a miraculous tree growing on its roof, give the spiritual seeker plenty of food for inspiration.

One of the more established lodges in the Pangeo region is the Dasiko Horio, which is a chalet consisting of 20 rooms. Its entire construction is made with tree trunks from Finnish forests, enhancing that feeling of ‘living on a mountain’. Located high on the eastern slopes of the Pangeo Mountains, his restaurant overlooks the entire region with a great view of Phillipi, Kavala and Mount Athos. It offers Greek cuisine and other meat and fish dishes for its resident customers and passing visitors.

In Moustheni, a village in Kavala, a beautiful set of new wooden huts has just been completed. Complete with a pool and a restaurant, it promises to be a major draw for visitors to the area. Alternatively, a more homey style of stay can be found in neighboring towns. Mesoropi, a neighboring town to Moustheni, is very popular with hikers as it is the gateway to incredible hikes that lead to Pangeo Mountain and a cave that provides the region’s water supply, deep in the mountain.

During the summer there is a frequent ferry service with many boats plying around Greece. The ports of Kavala, Keramoti and Nea Peramos make it convenient to travel by sea to and from the area, giving you the chance to enjoy a bit of island hopping as you cruise the Greek seas.

All in all, Kavala is such that it attracts visitors from both inside and outside of Greece. City dwellers in need of relief from their hot concrete summers find that the sweet tranquility the North has to offer is all they need for a refreshing retreat.