Why do young people dislike Kavala?

After having a great beginning in Fanari, this morning we arrived in Kavala, Greece! We left the village environment to arrive in a city and we immediately felt the difference. The pace, the number of people, transit on the streets, the air you breathe, the noise, the buildings, etc. are all signs that are easily readable to the senses. We really like this type of contrast in life and when we travel. To be constantly looking for a difference, even a small one, is our method to avoid boredom. So, we love the conveniences that cities offer. And it's great that  the countryside and the villages exist, because they are a great escape when you need a break from the cities. In our opinion, both environments complement each other very well.

We loved the quiet environment of the Greek village Fanari (our previous stop). Let’s see now, what Kavala has in store for us! And let’s find out why young people dislike Kavala.

Where is Kavala?

Kavala (Καβάλα in Greek) is located in northern Greece. You will easily find it on the map following these references:

The city is across Thasos Island.

Based on Google Maps calculations, it is:

• 155 km (1 hr. 50 min.) east of Thessaloniki.
• 40 km (45 min.) southeast of Drama.
• 54 km (50 min.) southwest of Xhanti.
• 149 km (1 hr. 45 min.) west of Alexandroupoli.
• 320 km (4 hr. 20 min.) southeast of Sofia, Bulgaria.

A Glimpse of Kavala’s History

About Kavala, history has been traced until prehistoric times. Through time, this cute and hilly city has had different names, Neapolis is its ancient name, Christopolis (Byzantine), and Kavala (modern). Let’s go through some historical highlights of Kavala to understand a bit more about the architecture, monuments, and attractions you can visit nowadays.

First of all, let’s say that in ancient times, two important cities existed in the current area named Municipality of Kavala: Neapolis and Krinides (later Philippi). Keep this in mind, because the history of both cities is too tied and explains many things about the current Kavala.

• Kavala’s origin. In the context of long wars against the Thracian races, Neapolis (“new city”) was founded by habitants of Thassos in the 7th century BC. Neapolis thrived as an important trading center due to its strategic location and natural harbor.
• Roman Philippi. The Battle of Philippi took place close to Kavala (42 BC) and marked a significant turning point in Roman history. This meant the end of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the Roman Empire. Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) established the city of Philippi, which through time got into a thriving Roman city.
• The visit of the Apostle Paul. It happened in the first century AD. The Apostle’s mission was to spread Christianity through the region. He established one of the earliest Christian communities in Europe, built the first church in Philippi (nearby Kavala), and baptized the first European Christians.
• Byzantine period. Christopolis developed as a key administrative and commercial center. The city was fortified, and several Byzantine monasteries and churches were constructed, like the Panagia Church, transforming the image of the city.
• Ottoman Rule. Ottomans ruled Kavala in the 14th century and kept control of the city for several centuries. During this time, Kavala grew significantly and became a strategic trading hub connecting the Middle East and Europe.
• Tobacco. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kavala was a big player in the tobacco industry. Tobacco’s cultivation and export made the city prosper and brought merchants from around the world. Many tobacco warehouses, called "koulouria," were built at this time.
• Greek War of Independence (early 19th century). Kavala was a point of revolutionary activity where different acts of resistance and heavy fights against the Ottomans took place.
• Liberation and Union with Greece. Kavala got its liberation from Ottoman rule in 1912, during the Balkan Wars. In 1913, it officially became part of the Kingdom of Greece.
• Jewish Heritage. Kavala hosted a wide Jewish community for centuries and the architecture of the Jewish quarter, also called the Synagogue neighborhood, is a living proof of that. The synagogues, schools, and other buildings are traces you can still find today.
• Modern Kavala. Bulgarians were a constant threat since the Byzantine era. During the early 20th century, Kavala was occupied three times more by Bulgaria. In 1912, during the First Balkan War, Kavala was liberated soon after, in 1913 when the Second Balkan War was on. Later World War I ignited and in 1916, Bulgaria took over Kavala again. To get liberated from them was harder this time, but finally, in 1918 Bulgarians got expelled. The third Bulgarian occupation took place in the war of 1940-1941 when Greece was occupied by the Axis Powers. The invasion was led by nazi Germany and supported by its Bulgarian ally, which possessed Kavala until 1944.
  

  

  
  A long war history preceded the development of Kavala into a modern city. Now, it keeps its ancient importance as a strategic seaport and it is one of the largest cities of Macedonia included in the wide menu of cool destinations that Greece offers to tourists worldwide.
  

What to do in Kavala? What to visit in Kavala?

Beaches of Kavala

Kavala is a beautiful hilly city, but we can’t deny that beaches make it even more attractive. You know, those Greek clear waters you see in every pic on the Internet. Sandy beaches, a long coastline, beauty all around, and easy-to-reach tavernas, what else do you need? During our visit (May 2023), we had a few rainy days, but several sunny ones so we enjoyed a lot jumping into the waters of Kavala beach to start, and later, in the Tosca, Batis beaches and more. You can explore km by km of the coast and find awesome spots on the beach where to have a very relaxing time! We were moving 4km, 5km, 8 km and the findings were awesome! (LINK a nea iraklitsa, etc.) During Summer, the beaches get full of beach bars, umbrellas, and sunbeds. Exactly now, the beaches were clean of those facilities and it was perfect!

The Castle of Kavala or Kavala Fortress

When you arrive in Kavala, you will spot the castle on top of a hill overlooking the city. It dates back to the 15th century. On the first days, we skipped the challenge hahaha. We thought, “It looks awesome from here (down)” hahaha. We were lazy, it’s true! But we knew that sooner or later, we would face the challenge of walking up to visit it. And that day, was today! We walked heading to the Old Town of Kavala. Honestly, it is a moderate climb, but we did it during a very sunny day (May 2023), so it demanded some breaks and drinking water. The effort for sure feels double if you go in Summer when it is much hotter.

After 45 minutes (breaks to take pics and breath included), we reached the crest of the hill, where the castle is. The Castle of Kavala is also called Kavala Fortress, and this last name suits it better because what you will see there is the strong walls and the tower of a fortress, plus the ruins of the food and ammunition store that became a prison during some time. The bricks, granite stones, and marble of the fortress walls suffered attacks from Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Views from there to the city and the Aegean Sea are splendid. We recommend you walk up there. You can take a taxi but come on, no pain, no gain! Hahaha.

There is an entrance fee of € 4.50 (May 2023).

Old Town of Kavala or Panagia’s District

If you visit the castle, you will be in the Old Town of Kavala and vice versa. It is a nice place to visit. Walking around is the best way to enjoy it since the streets can get very narrow at some moments. But in this area, the present and past interact daily. While walking, you will discover landmarks, old houses, and monuments, but also modern people going to school, cooking, washing clothes, or having a beer in a tavern. The Old Town is not kept as a museum. It is a place with a deep history where current people live a regular life.

Neoclassical buildings, colorful houses, cobbled streets, cute wooden balconies, blooming gardens, and traditional taverns await there for your visit. Karaoli Square, the Imaret which is a kind of complex common to find in Ottoman cities and a trace of the Ottoman presence in the area (currently, a hotel); a monument and the house of Muhammad Ali (nowadays, a museum), who was born in Kavala and created the Imaret; the Holy Church of the assumption of Holy Mary which in the past was a monastery operated hiddenly during the Turkish occupation, the lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic views, beautiful sunsets, and even the Thasos island during clear days! If you are looking for a romantic place, this is it!

Kamares, the aqueduct of Kavala

It is a very well-preserved landmark, originally constructed by the Romans to ensure the water supply for the city. Its arches and the whole structure are visible from different points of the city.

Kavala’s Port

We loved to walk around the port. We got interested in watching fishermen working on their boats. It is a very pleasant place to go around and get more pics of the hilly city, the fortress up, and its surroundings. Tourists but also locals gather in the nearby taverns, cafés, and benches. It is a cool place to meet Greek people if you feel like it.

Municipal Park of Kavala or Alistrati Park

The park is close to the center and it is a very nice escape from the streets of the city. During sunny days, it was a cool place to take a break after exploring the city. You can just sit on a bench there, choose a shade, relax, and recharge energy to keep going around Kavala. It is a cool place, that picnic lovers shouldn’t miss!

You may also like: Top 5 parks in Budapest for picnic lovers

Taverns, restaurants, and cafés

You will find taverns and cafés all around Kavala. Greek seasoning is very tasty, so either if you are a meat lover or a veggie, there is a dish you can enjoy. Kavala’s cuisine blends traditional Greek flavors with influences from the nearby Aegean Sea and the Balkans.

Drinking a coffee while enjoying a nice view or chatting with friends is a nice way to spend time here.

Philippi, archeological site

If you feel like going a bit out of Kavala, drive only 16 km northeast (24 min.) and you will reach Philippi, a popular archeological site. There, you will see the well-preserved ruins of the theater that date back to the Hellenistic period, the forum, and some early churches. Remember the visit of the Apostle Paul to Philippi to spread Christianity.

Art galleries and museums are also a choice but this time, we will leave them for you to visit and tell us your opinion hahaha.

Why do young people dislike Kavala?

As you see, Kavala is a modern and comfortable city to visit. It has a fast pace, you see people going around all the time, to work, to school, etc. But still, it is not a crowded city. Based on the last census results (2021) published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), the population of Kavala is 66,376 inhabitants. When we compare with the population of Mexico City where we lived some time, there is a big difference between sharing space daily with millions or with only thousands. Kavala’s population is still something you can handle without feeling overwhelmed. Transit on the streets sometimes gets very busy, so you can better walk or get a bicycle. The choices are many when it comes to taverns, all types of shops, entertainment, etc. Besides being a city with all the amenities, it has awesome beaches and that is a super bonus! So why do young people dislike Kavala?

The answer was explained to us directly by different young guys we randomly met while visiting the city. Greek people are very kind, fun, and willing to have a nice chat with you. We loved they are generous with their time and words, meaning, they like long and straight conversations hahaha. Sometimes, when you meet shy people or people reluctant to speak about some matters, conversations go only in monosyllables and it is too hard to get interesting stuff.

Why do young people dislike Kavala? Well, as tourists we miss some factors that make a difference for people who live in the destination we visit. Kavala’s youth enjoy a lot the Summer and its nice vibe. Lots of tourists arrive and with them, more job opportunities get opened and it gets more fun too. But considering that is seasonal, they have 3, maximum 4 active and cool months every year. When Winter arrives, the most fun part of Kavala goes to sleep, beaches get empty, the sea is cold, and good job opportunities are less. That is very disappointing for young people trying to succeed in life.

The economic challenges Greece has faced in recent years, together with high unemployment rates and limited chances for young people, lead them to some level of frustration and desire for change. Many young guys of Kavala reckon the future they want is either in a bigger city, they mentioned specifically Thessaloniki, or somewhere abroad, but not in Kavala.

It is very interesting to chat with local people. When they talk with you, it is like they draw the curtains to show you their reality, their daily goals, and concerns; behind the scenes of a city that on the surface looks just great. Seriously guys, thanks again for sharing your time and thoughts with us!

So dear Pack and Goers reading this blog, if you have the chance, to talk with people, Greeks have really interesting stuff to share and travels are also about learning. Monuments and archaeological sites teach a lot about history, but today's people have a lot to say. And right now, they are the ones writing the future of the city.

Disclaimer: these comments may not represent the opinion of all of Kavala’s youth, but they were frequently expressed by young people between 16 and 24 years old.

Conclusion

We had an awesome time in Kavala, Greece. We recommend this city as a cool destination to visit for everybody, no matter the age, there is something for you. There is history, culture, natural beauty, tasty food and beverages, a nice vibe, cool people, everything to have a great time.

If you are thinking of living in Kavala and you are young or you have young kids, you should check more about the opportunities for young people to develop and succeed first. If you are an adult, digital nomad, or retired, go ahead and enjoy Kavala! Perhaps, this Greek city is the retirement destination you never thought about!

We are enchanted in Greece so we will stay longer! Discover the next stop of our 2023 tour, following packandgo.info

You may find interesting also:

It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!

Please, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City!

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