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KAVALA & THASSOS
Kavala
Sights to see in townThe traditional district of Panayia, named after a 15th century church dedicated to the Virgin that once existed there, has much to interest the sightseer: the Byzantine walls and 16th century Castle & good view of the town and port and the Cathedral, built on the site of the earlier church. Also worth a closer look is the Kamares Aqueduct, erected by Suleiman the Magnificent to guarantee the city's water supply. One of the cobbled streets of the district leads to the birthplace of Nehmet Ali (18th century), founder of the Agyptian royal line. Still in good condition, the house is an appealing example of Turkish architecture, complete with harem. How to get to KavalaUseful telephone numbers (Kavala)SportsSwimming At GNTO organized beaches Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball The Kavala Athletic Centre at Kalamitsa has courts for these sports. Call 228.812 for information. Mountain Climbing On Mt. Pangeo, at Vlachika Kalyvia (alt. 1,500 m.) and Kilada Orfea (alt. 1,700 m.).; For information call 223938. Clubs
Events July - AugustThe annual drama festivals at Philippi and
Thassos. June:
Eleftheria a series of festivities for the anniversary of Kavala's liberation from Turks.
During Summer Season, cultural events are taking place, also in the theatres of Nea
Karvali and Eleahorio. Guided Tours Information regarding tours of the region and visits
to archaeological sites can be obtained from most of the travel agencies in the area.
Rentals There are car rental agencies in Kavala, and one can find fishing boats for hire
in Kavala harbour, as well as at Keramoti, Nea Iraklitsa and Nea Peramos.
Thassos
Useful telephone numbers (Thassos)How to get to Thassos |
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Gorgeous. scenery, fascinating historical monuments, superb beaches, plus all the services
and facilities accompanying sound tourist development, await the visitor to
Kavala, one of
the gems of Eastern Macedonia. A city with a distinguished past, Kavala occupies the site
of ancient Neapolis. Its buildings rise like the tiers of an amphitheatre up the slopes of
Mt. Simvolo, overlooking the picturesque harbour. The area has been settled since
Neolithic times (3.000 B.C.), while Antisara, covering the present villages of Kalamitsa
and Kipoupolis just outside town, was founded in the 5th century B.C. Neapolis, of
somewhat later date. knew great prosperity thanks to its strategic location in the region:
its proximity to the gold mines on Mt. Pangeo, on the one hand, and its position on the
main trade route uniting East and West, on the other. Much later, in commemoration of St.
Paul's visit, Neapolis was renamed Christoupolis. Over the course of time, the region of
Kavala had a turbulent history of invasions, wars and oppression before evolving into the
important commercial centre it is today. Besides having an active port, Kavala is the
capital of the tobacco industry in Greece.
Although a modem business
centre, Kavala, is amply endowed with charms to attract and
captivate any visitor, for it has managed to hold on to many features of its former
appearance, resulting in a graceful balance of old and new. The spacious squares,
contemporary constructions, shops and warehouses on the West side of the city blend
harmoniously with the old houses with their gardens and enclosed balconies that jut out
over the flagstones of the narrow alleyways on the east side. Traditional and modern meet
and merge both in Kavala's architecture and its layout. Furthermore, its up - to - date
facilities for tourists, its nightclubs and its tavernas provide all the amenities while
offering endless possibilities for a most pleasant stay. Kavala's harbour is particularly
beguiling, filled with dozens of brightly coloured fishing caiques bobbing up and down at
the quay before they set out at twilight, lamps lit for the night's adventure.
Marine club, tel: 223223
The emerald island of Thassos – mythical land of the Sirens – rises
out of the sapphire waves like a jewel in the Northern Aegean. Brimming with history and
tradition, the island delights the visitor with its natural beauty, the constant
interchange between green and blue that one meets at every corner and cove. Its lush
vegetation – woods thick with plane trees, oaks, cedars, chestnuts and pines – never
ceases to astonish, and the terrain, rich in marble, takes on shapes and contours
encountered nowhere else. In the northeast, the scenery is wild: its steep, green gullies
and amazing coastline contrast sharply with the serene landscape of the southwest part of
Thassos, where land and sea join in unruffled shallow bays. After the pleasant boat ride
from Keramoti or Kavala, the traveler disembarks at Limenas, the starting point for
getting to know the island. limenas or Thassos, the island's capital on the northern
shore, stands on the site of the ancient city. The island's illustrious past has left its
mark in the marble ruins and monuments that can still be seen today on the outskirts of
town.
Among the most interesting are the ancient Walls which encircled the
entire city (7th - 5 th century B.C.), the Acropolis, the Agora, the Theatre, the Temple
of Pythian Apollo and the Choregic Monument in the garden of the Sanctuary of
Dionysos, to
mention just a few of the attractions. Also worth a visit, the Archaeological Museum
contains pottery of various periods, statues, architectural components and coins, among
other exhibits. The Vayi Museum in Potamia is also open to the public. One of the first
things that strikes the visitor on setting foot on Thassos is the islanders' intense
devotion to tradition. This is immediately apparent in their buildings but also in their
way of life, and particularly noticeable in the mountain villages of Theologos,
Prinos,
Panayia and Paries. Here looking at their houses or observing a few of their daily customs
or part of a religious festival is like peering into the past. The houses with their high
thick walls and flower gardens are turned inward, shutting out the rest of the world, a
hold over from the days of pirates and other marauders. On the other hand. the enclosed
wooden balconies and slate roofs are authentic examples of local folk architecture with
several elements borrowed from Epirus and Macedonia. 
Beautifully in
tune with their surroundings, the islanders keep up their age – old legends, manners and
customs. The festival held in the village of Limenaria, on the third day after Easter, is
just one example of how the traditional ways are carried down from generation to
generation. The villagers celebrate by dancing a local dance in costume, the men wearing
breeches and black twin - peaked caps, while the women are decked out in long silk skirts,
silk shawls and fur-trimmed pelisses. But Thassos has many other surprises in store for
the visitor: Drives past enchanting coves, opportunities for all kinds of excursions -
whether to the sea or to the mountains – promising peace and relaxation in a splendid
natural environment. The beaches at Makriamos (5 km. from Limenas), Archangelo, Agios
loannis, Limenaria, Potos, Pefkari, Aliki, Kinira and Skala Marion lure one for a swim in
their cool. refreshing waters, while the islet of Thassopoula makes for a charming jaunt
by caique.