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Why do young people dislike Kavala?
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- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
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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.
Lighthouse, Kavala, Greece. Photos by packandgo.info
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.
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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
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Alebrijes, meet these fantastic and colorful Mexican creatures!
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- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
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I have seen alebrijes around since I was a kid. My grandma used to have a big and colorful collection. When I was afraid of the darkness and I couldn’t sleep well, she brought home a couple of alebrijes to give me courage and strength. A tiger with eagle wings, so worse case I could fly away from the danger. And a fish with claws and an owl head, to be smart to deal with my nightmares or bad ghosts, and agile to swim away from them.
Those alebrijes were on my nightstand long time. For me, they represented my grandma in the shape of those exotic figures protecting me while sleeping and giving me the necessary strength to stand by myself. Those lovely alebrijes moved away only when my grandma died. I was very sad. She and her alebrijes gave me a lot of good stuff for years. Since we couldn’t be together anymore, alebrijes could take care of her and be nice company.
Alebrijes are a beautiful Mexican tradition and they have become internationally popular. If you are ready to Pack and Go to Mexico, this article can prepare your magical encounter with those fantastic and colorful Mexican creatures.
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What the Mexican alebrijes are?
Alebrijes are Mexican crafts that recreate figures of hybrid animals. That is, each figure combines physiognomic elements of different animals. The craftsmen are mainly based on real animal features, but their combination results in a fantastic, non-realistic animal figure. In practical terms, they are used mostly to decorate people’s homes.
There are different animal feature combinations, sizes, from a little version not bigger than your hand to monumental versions up to 3 or more meters high. These last can be seen in exhibitions and parades.
What is the story behind alebrijes?
The story behind alebrijes is not too old and it’s an interesting one. This level of fantasy and creativity was the result of a human illness.
Alebrijes were created by the Mexican handicraftsman Pedro Linares López in 1936. Pedro Linares was born in 1906 in Mexico City. He was “cartonero”, meaning a man dedicated to papier-mâché sculpting of piñatas, masks, Catholic saints, and more Mexican figures. This is a traditional and popular handcraft in Mexico and it’s called “Cartonería” in Spanish. The kind of texture the paper gets after the sculpting process refers to the paperboard’s one. It’s also called “cartón-piedra” (paperboard-rock) due to its final rigidness.
When Pedro Linares was thirty years old (1936), he got a severe illness that produced high fiber for a long time. While being unconscious, he had a dream or a hallucination, in which he was strolling around a weird forest. There, he found different strange and colorful creatures like a winged donkey, a rooster with bull horns, and a dog-headed lion. They all were yelling the same word, “alebrijes”.
Against the initial medical prognosis, he managed to heal. He got back to his artisan workshop and then he decided to replicate the fantastic creatures of that dream. The result was several exotic chimeras visually very attractive. Pedro Linares's creation was a success and soon, more handicraftsmen imitated his alebrijes using the same technique, “Cartonería” or papier-mâché sculpting.
Even the famous painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera requested Pedro Linares to create alebrijes for them. This collection is currently available in the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City. In 1975, Judith Bronowski, a British filmmaker produced a documentary about alebrijes and his creator. Pedro Linares never imagined that a hallucination could solve his economic problems and change his life in such a way. His alebrijes became a great contribution to Mexican popular art.
What is the origin of Oaxaca alebrijes?
The original alebrijes were created in 1936 by the Mexican handicraftsman, Pedro Linares López, in Mexico City. As we already explained, his alebrijes got really popular all around Mexico and even abroad. Handcrafting is a common activity all around Mexico. Techniques, materials, and styles vary based on the town, region, or state of the Republic. When the alebrijes succeeded, handicraftsmen from Oaxaca and other Mexican states saw the opportunity and replicated Pedro Linares's alebrijes. With time, they developed their versions. In Oaxaca, handicraftsmen started sculpting alebrijes using their traditional copal wood, instead of paper and the papier-mâché technique.
People liked the result and more handicraftsmen in Oaxaca turned to alebrijes as the main product or included them in their variety of figures. After, they added a mystic factor to their alebrije version. They said they got the inspiration to create them on the nahuales, a pre-Hispanic myth that involves animals as protectors or guardians of humans.
What is a nahual?
Nahual is a supernatural entity that is documented in different stories from the pre-Hispanic times. It had been pointed like a witch, evil, or a guardian. In Oaxaca, a nahual is a guardian every human has. And this guardian is an animal.
Old people from Salina Cruz, La Ventosa, San Vicente de las Piñas or Huajuapan de León in Oaxaca have explained that a nahual is the animal with which you have a supernatural relation since you get born. It is like your twin in an animal version. It becomes your protector forever. And with time, you should develop the skills of such animal, and even a sort of therianthropy, meaning to be able to transform in that animal. The animal could also transform into a human.
Others in Oaxaca tell a darker story. A nahual can also be an entity that tortures souls during their trip to their altar. It is especially evil with the youngest souls. Some rituals are required for humans to help those souls to reach their destination safely.
What is the myth of the nahual in Oaxaca?
In Oaxaca, the myth of the nahual says that every newborn should get his or her nahual. To get it, once the mother gave birth, her baby should be taken to a forest or a field to be left in a quiet spot there with the close surveillance of the parents.
Then, they had to wait for the first animal to get close to the baby. This animal would be the baby’s nahual. His or her guardian for life. And with time, due to this supernatural bond, the human could develop the animal’s skills and the ability to transform on it and vice-versa.
The dark version of the myth says a nahual is an entity from the supernatural world that tortures souls during their journey to their altar. It is said that the nahuales come from humans who were not good in life. So, when they die they are transformed into permanently hungry and thirsty beasts.
Nahuales are said to be crueler to young souls. For this reason, people usually include a guard dog, or itzcuintli, on their altars to protect them and ensure their safe arrival at their destination.
Conclusion
Alebrijes are fantastic and colorful Mexican creatures. Now you know the story behind their creation. If you are going to Mexico, don’t miss the chance to get some! They can get your heart just like my grandma's alebrijes did with me or if you like to believe in supernatural guardians, well, you’ll have an extra hand, just in case. They are a beautiful tradition that it’s worth meeting and sharing with your loved ones!
Share your experiences and favorite alebrijes with us.
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Everything you need to know about the Mexican Alebrijes
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Guys, we have talked already about these beautiful Mexican fantasies called alebrijes. After publishing the article Alebrijes, meet these fantastic and colorful Mexican creatures! we receive many questions about them. So here you have the answers. We hope this can satisfy your curiosity and more importantly, that this gives you the last kick to Pack and Go to Mexico to meet these beautiful and exotic creatures in their homeland!
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Are alebrijes from Mexico?
Yes, alebrijes are from Mexico. They were created by the Mexican handicraftsman, Pedro Linares López, who was born in Mexico City in 1906 and died in 1992 when he was 86 years old.
If you want to know more about the story behind the Mexican alebrijes, check Alebrijes, meet these fantastic and colorful Mexican creatures!
How many types of Mexican alebrijes are there?
There are two types of Mexican alebrijes, the ones made of paper, through the technique known as papier-mâché sculpting used by his creator, Pedro Linares López in 1936.
And the alebrijes sculpted in wood, like the Oaxaca ones made of copal wood instead of paper. Based on the Mexican region you are in, you can find more versions that use different types of wood.
What powers do alebrijes have?
Alebrijes don’t have supernatural powers. Let’s explain this, taking away the nahual myth. An alebrije combines different features from different animals in a single creature. Therefore, the powers alebrijes could represent, not really have, are useful animal abilities and instincts. If you give wings to a jaguar, besides being a great swimmer and climber, it will fly. If you add to it an elephant trunk, the jaguar will gain a powerful sense of smell to track whatever. Remember that alebrijes were created far from myths. It was a handicraftsman's creation and contribution to Mexican popular art.
Now, if you look for an answer considering the nahual myth that has been connected with the alebrijes, the powers of nahuales -not of alebrijes- are said to be animal features. But the main difference here is that being connected with a human, those animals could take human shape and the human could transform on the animal. Just consider that the nahuales myth was taken as inspiration to create alebrijes in Oaxaca. But they are not the same thing. Most of the descriptions of nahuales describe them as beasts or normal animals.
Are alebrijes connected with the Day of the Dead?
No, alebrijes are not connected with the Day of the Death. Alebrijes were created by the Mexican Pedro Linares López in 1936. They were the result of his creator’s imagination.
But thinking about the version of alebrijes made in Oaxaca, their link with the nahual myth makes a connection with the Day of the Death.
In Oaxaca, it is believed that, whether in its guardian or evil version, a nahual can appear throughout the year. But during the Day of the Dead, the nahuales are more present because, on that day, the barrier that separates this world and that of the Dead (supernatural world) is erased for a few hours.
On the Day of the Dead, the nahuales coexist with the souls of those they protected in life and it is said, they are even visible to the living. Especially during the days around the Day of the Dead, people in Oaxaca are more careful and kind to animals. They think that these animals could be the nahuales of living or dead people.
What are alebrijes in Coco?
If you haven’t been yet to Mexico, pretty sure you already knew the alebrijes while watching the animated fantasy “Coco” (2017), of Disney.
Alebrijes were used by the creators of “Coco” like spirit guides of the main characters. Don’t forget it is fiction, therefore you shouldn’t take their version like it’s 100% historically accurate. But they used them in the film to include another native and visually attractive Mexican element. Alebrijes are exotic and very colorful and this turned out convenient to create the vibrant environment this Disney’s fantasy offers you.
In the movie, alebrijes are directly connected with the Day of the Death. But we already explained to you that there’s no such connection. The use of alebrijes in “Coco” is closer to the one explained by the nahual myth, popular in states like Oaxaca, about animal guardians of humans. And still, you will find inconsistencies with it because such guardians were normal animals, not alebrijes.
What does it mean to give an alebrije?
Giving an alebrije is a kind detail. Many people give alebrijes as souvenirs of their trip to Mexico. To add a colorful and beautiful detail to any room. For the believers of the myth of the nahual, giving an alebrije means a tool to drive away from a home an evil spirit. It is said that the more monstrous the alebrije looks, the more effective it will be against evil spirits. Some give them away as a symbol of good luck.
The meaning is more a personal attribution than something real.
Do alebrijes represent real animals?
Yes, alebrijes represent real animals, all kinds of them, but with emphasis on the ones that are more common in Mexico. Once the artisan combined the features of different animals in a single piece, the result is not a real but an imaginary animal.
Sometimes, the first thought many tourists have when they see an alebrije for the first time is “they are dragons”. But they are not dragons. Maybe some get a bit that image due to the combination of animals, the addition of claws, wings, or horns.
What animals are alebrijes?
All animals are potential alebrijes (mice, snakes, jaguars, lions, hedgehogs, monkeys, foxes, scorpions, rabbits, and so on). Handicraftsmen use a wide variety of animals and combinations of them. But usually, they recreate the more popular or known animals of their regions.
What are alebrijes made of?
The most popular and traditional alebrijes are made of paper, through the technique known as papier-mâché sculpting. Or sculpted in wood, like the ones made in Oaxaca with copal wood.
But there are alebrijes made of clay, different types of wood, some artists have painted alebrijes. And I have to say that recently I have seen very cheap versions of alebrijes made of plastic by China.
Are all alebrijes the same?
Not at all. Alebrijes are not all the same. Since there’s no standard pattern or matrix to make them, every alebrije is unique and unrepeatable. They (their size, colors, combination of animals, material, etc.) are the result of every creator’s creativity and skills. That gives great value to these pieces. It’s not strange people want to collect them.
How to paint an alebrije?
To paint an alebrije there are no specific rules, just get creative! Every alebrije combines the features of different animals. Talking about such combinations and colors the limit is your imagination. I will create a couple of examples: an eagle-headed lion with wings, a snake-headed leopard with a peacock tail. You can paint them blue, pink, purple, green, black, yellow, brown, etc.
Handcrafting your alebrije could be a nice activity for adults and kids. You should try it!
Where can I buy alebrijes?
You can buy alebrijes in Mexico. There are many souvenirs shops, craft markets, and art galleries where you can find all sizes, animal combinations, and quality alebrijes. You can also try online shops but there’s a chance the products are not Mexican.
And as we just said, you can create yours!
Share your experiences with us:
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Please, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City!
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Greece is such a nice country to spend as much time as you can. No matter where in Greece you are, you always will find a nice spot to eat, a cozy place to stay, a beautiful hidden beach to enjoy, and a cool Greek to chat with. Exploring Kavala City has been very pleasant and exciting! Now, we are curious about its surroundings; the beaches near Kavala City. We decided to pack and go again to discover what else can we enjoy.
If you spot Kavala on a map, it is not hard to realize that is mostly surrounded by beaches and small towns. This is so far one of the most relaxing travels we have made and we don’t mind at all! M and I thought: “If the challenge here is to move from beach to beach every day, perfect! We can do that!” hahaha. We are the type of travelers who instead of taking it easy, walk to death daily to explore as much as possible. Usually, we finish very tired every day. Perhaps, for the first time, we will rest during a trip so we won’t need a break after the holidays! It gets a vicious circle, guys hahaha
Where is Palio?
Palio’s full name is Palio Tsifliki. Get your map and you will see Palio in northeastern Greece, along the coastline of the beautiful Aegean Sea. It is about 9 kilometers west of Kavala City center. Driving (Via EO2, Greek National Road 2), it will take you around 15 minutes to reach it, based on Google’s calculation.
The Via EO2, Greek National Road 2 is a very long road located in the regions of West, Central, and East Macedonia, and Thrace. It connects the Albanian border close to Florina with the Turkish border close to Alexandroupoli. Just following this road could be a cool adventure full of nice places to enjoy.
We have been very lucky because we haven’t found heavy traffic (May 2023). Driving around Northern Greece has been a pleasant experience. The fact that is not high season yet must be a reason. With all the accommodation choices we have seen around, for sure during Summer, traffic increases considerably.
You also can take a KTEL bus from Kavala to Palio Tsifliki. It departs from the Kavala bus station and the fee is around two euro.
What to do in Palio?
Today, we did not drive too long. It only took us 9 kilometers and 15 minutes to reach this small western suburb of Kavala. Palio is a popular recommendation because of its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and chill-out atmosphere. It is a nice destination enjoyed by tourists and locals. For Greeks living in Kavala City, Palio is a nice escape when they want a break from the city's buzz. For tourists, Palio is a quiet and comfortable extension of soft and sandy beaches that gives the perfect excuse to stretch your holidays and enjoy another angle of the Aegean Sea. The beaches in Northern Greece are amazing!
Don’t expect a common and massive resort because Palio is not that. It is more like a cute village and it has everything you need to have a nice and relaxing staying. Palio does not have a typical town design. You won’t find a center surrounded by streets. Palio’s design has been defined by the houses, hotels, guesthouses, villas, taverns, bakeries, mini markets, pharmacies, and shops that have grown on both sides of the main road that passes through the suburb (EO2 road), all along the coast.
Relaxation and beach exploration
What to do in Palio? This is our main recommendation: explore the beautiful coast and relax! Beach sand in Palio is soft and the water is shallow around the shore. There are some areas where the beach zone is small or narrow, but we always have found space for our umbrellas. Locals told us that in the high season, several bars are installed on the beach, so a part of the beach space is taken by the sunbeds and parasols offered by these bars or the beachfront hotels to tourists. Right now (May 2023), there are no such amenities so the complete beach is for a couple of other tourists, us, and our umbrellas, and that is fantastic, guys!
You can walk on the beach until you find your perfect spot. Then, it is up to you, to swim, sunbathe, enjoy paddle boarding or snorkeling. Maybe take a break in your accommodation, treat yourself with Greek food, coffee (cold or hot), a glass of Tsipouro or Ouzo (nice Greek beverages), and get back to the beach to enjoy a great and romantic sunset.
Palio exploration can lead you from the beach (the best place to be) to the small background of the suburb where you can walk and find different taverns, a little playground, and the Holy Church of the Assumption. No big sightseeing places within walking distance in Palio, but having that sea, who needs more? We are on one of the best beaches in Northern Greece and crowd-free! Priceless!
How long to stay in Palio?
If you want only to see what’s Palio about, a couple of days are enough. If you have more time, a week here can recharge you to get back home and retake your routine.
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Where is Nea Iraklitsa?
Let’s go back to your map. Nea Iraklitsa is about 16 kilometers west of Kavala City center. Driving (Via EO2, Greek National Road 2) will take you from 20 to 25 minutes, based on Google’s calculation. If you drive from Palio to Nea Iraklitsa as we did, it takes only 10 minutes and 6.6 kilometers (said Google).
You also can take a KTEL bus from Kavala to Nea Iraklitsa. It departs from the Kavala bus station and the fee is around three euro.
What to do in Nea Iraklitsa?
Nea Iraklitsa is another beautiful gem on the Aegean seaside. Its design is different from Palio’s. It is a small town but you can spend complete days just walking and exploring its bay, the small port for fishing boats and yachts, taverns, cafes, and bakeries. Accommodation offers you many different options and most of them are very close to the beach.
Nea Iraklitsa exploration
What to do in Nea Iraklitsa? You have two areas to explore in Nea Iraklitsa, the village where locals live, its center, and picturesque streets built on a hill overlooking the sea. The tourist area all along the beach its multiple villas, hotels, guesthouses, bars, supermarkets, and taverns. Besides the main road, there is a nice promenade where people can calmly exercise and walk while enjoying the landscape.
It is a very comfortable and relaxing spot where the variety of restaurants, bars, and coffee places is bigger than in Palio. No matter the short distance between these two coastal spots, the landscape is different. Yes, you have again stunning beaches, a lovely and relaxing atmosphere, and impressive clear waters, but you won’t feel you are staying in another exact Palio’s copy. You have to explore Nea Iraklitsa in the morning, midday, and during the evening. It is in general a very calm and relaxing place, however, in the evenings it also offers some party vibes. Live music, Greek and Turkish singers, and their danceable or romantic rhythms set the tone for those who also want to move their bodies and enjoy the night. Still, it never reaches the buzz and alcoholic party levels of those massive resorts we all for sure have visited. It is very enjoyable during the day and night!
Beach relaxation
Take your bathing suit, sunblock, sunglasses, and sandals and drop somewhere on the beach just to take some sun, a nap, and swim as long as you feel like in the awesome Aegean Sea. During our stay, we never saw strong currents or waves. The sea is shallow so it feels pretty safe to swim there. Psatha and Remvi are two small beaches you should visit behind the port. You can rent a sunbed or it can be provided by your accommodation free of an extra charge, be on a terrace of a bar, or take a walk on the sandy beaches to have a great day. All your senses will be indulged with the natural beauty of Nea Iraklitsa, one of the best beaches in Northern Greece!
Fishing
Nea Iraklitsa is another great place for fishing enthusiasts. Take your equipment and pick your favorite spot for fishing while enjoying the very calm dance of the waters. There is a chance to join local fishermen or rent a fishing boat to have the experience and catch your dinner!
Camping
In Northern Greece is not hard to find campsites to park your vehicle (van, camper, or regular car) and stay there without worries, having access to services like showers, electricity, or Internet, and sharing time and conversations with other visitors. In Nea Iraklitsa, the campsite could not be better. It is exactly in front of the beach. Besides, there is a car park (free, at least during the low season) where you can comfortably park your vehicle without any worry and enjoy the whole day, if you want, on the beach. We found out a big community of van life fans. They gather both, at the campsite and the car park, especially during the evenings. The environment is very nice. Tourists mostly from Polland, different Bulgarian cities (Varna, Sofia, Plovdiv, Kardzhali, etc.), and Turkiye were having a great time while preparing the grill, cooking, and watching the sunset all together. Some were cooking the fish they fished so fresh food from the sea to their plates, cooking in front of the beach. That is life!
Water Sports
During the high season, the offer of more services like snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding is added to the variety of things to do in Nea Iraklitsa. It is not hard to get such services because they are offered by the vendors on the beach or even at your accommodation.
Boat tours
The small but active port of Nea Iraklitsa is the place to hire a boat for you to drive or pay for a boat tour. On such a tour, you can explore nearby islands or hidden coves, and enjoy from a boat the beauty of the Aegean Sea.
Eating Greek cuisine
We won’t be repetitive. Just remember Northern Greece and its beautiful coast gives you a priceless chance to try fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. In Nea Iraklitsa we tried some of our favorite souvlaki and moussaka.
How long to stay in Nea Iraklitsa?
From a weekend to a week and even more, could be ok. Here you can combine days of doing nothing more than swimming and enjoying the beach, with days of more activity because Nea Iraklitsa’s offer is bigger.
Where is Nea Peramos?
Nea Peramos is located 22 km (27 minutes by driving) west of Kavala City center. It is 3.5 km or 7 minutes away from Nea Iraklitsa. You can reach it by taking the via EO2.
You also can take a KTEL bus from Kavala to Nea Peramos. It departs from the Kavala bus station and the fee is around four euro.
What to do in Nea Peramos?
Yes, we only drove 3.5 km hahaha. Exploring Greece at this pace can take you a life, but we don’t mind! You will agree when you come, you will see.
Nea Peramos is another charming coastal town in northern Greece, well known for its scenic views and of course, beautiful beaches. Visiting Greece is to step into ancient history and cultural and archeological treasures. You can learn a lot here and visit many museums or archeological zones. But you also can have very relaxing holidays just enjoying the marvelous beaches all around the country and its many islands. You can also combine the two experiences, so Greece gives you plenty of choices to stay longer or get back several times.
This town’s design is similar to Nea Iraklitsa’s. The main road (via EO2) passes exactly in front of the beach and the shops, hotels, and taverns, but there is a long nice promenade for you to walk without worries and be even closer to the Aegean Sea. Nea Peramos is a town where many Greeks live, work, and study daily. They share their town with the tourists that every year come here to have fun and relaxing time. After spending more than a few days there, you can realize that many businesses are run by families, people know each other, and this makes a cozy, familiar, quiet, and safe environment.
Nea Peramos has everything you need to stay there. Accommodation (different sizes of rental departments, hotels, and villas), restaurants, taverns, shops, and some of the best beaches in Northern Greece!
What to do in Nea Peramos?
Beach relaxation
You know, swimming, sunbathing while napping, reading a book, or chatting with locals.
Water Sports
If you want more exciting experiences, practice snorkeling, windsurfing, jet skiing, or paddleboarding. A note for you, snorkeling is very easy here. You can directly jump into the water only wearing your snorkel mask and you will see many cool and colorful fish thanks to the sea’s clarity. They swim just next to you and it is beautiful! But ok, a paid service can take you deeper into a beautiful reef.
Boat tours
People like a lot to rent and drive boats. This choice is available or you also can be only a passenger on a tour.
Eating and drinking Greek stuff
We ate some of our favorite gyros here in Nea Peramos in a small, local, and full of nice food and people place. Try different foods and places until you find your favorite. Money and time spent on trying local dishes is always worth it!
Sunset spotting
This is one of our favorite activities so far. We stayed in a very comfortable apartment with a balcony. The place was in front of the beach. It was 40 EURO per night (May 2023). From there we had a great view of the main street, the beach, and the island Thasos was visible from there too!
Visit Anaktoroupolis Castle
You can visit the castle of Anaktoroupolis and see its ruins (byzantine time). You can easily spot this attraction from the Nea Peramos beach. The ruins are exactly on the top of a slope leading towards the sea.
Go to Thasos Island
Being at Nea Peramos will put you in front of a hard-to-resist temptation: Thasos Island. There is a port in the town and locals told us they have been asking to reopen the ferry route Nea Peramos-Thasos that once operated. If you are lucky and the port opens and operates this route again, you could have a great choice right in front of you.
How long to stay in Nea Peramos?
A weekend, a week, and even more could be ok. Nea Peramos is another good place to mix days of only beach time, with days of a bit of effort. A perfect combination to recharge yourself and get back to your regular life.
Where is Ammolofoi Beach?
Ammolofoi Beach is located 26 km (33 minutes by driving) west of Kavala City center, based on Google’s calculation. And it is 5 km or 9 minutes away from Nea Peramos. It can take less, it depends on the exact part of Ammolofoi you visit. It is a long beach.
The KTEL bus we have been mentioning only reaches Nea Peramos. We were told that during high season, there are vans that take people from there to Ammolofoi but when we were (May 2023) there, this service was not available yet. We drove there.
What to do in Ammolofoi Beach?
Greek people told us we must visit one of the best beaches near Kavala City, and of the complete Greece, and they were not kidding. So we went. Ammolofoi in Greek means “dunes”. It is a very wide and long beach, at least 3 km beach. There is not such a wide beach in the previous destinations we visited (Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos). You will find some rocky spots that are used as a reference to divide and locate three areas known as first, second, and third Ammolofoi (from east to west).
Thousands of tourists visit this beach every year to enjoy its clear and shallow waters, but also its party vibes. Yes, here you are on a different type of beach. While in the previous stops relaxation and quietness are the notes, people come to Ammolofoi to party, dance, drink, and have fun with other locals and tourists.
If you search on the Internet, Ammolofoi is truly considered one of the best beaches not only in the northern but in complete Greece. That is not minor if you consider the beauty in terms of beaches this country offers.
All along the beach, you can find beach bars providing tourists with umbrellas and sunbeds. You can swim, drink a coffee or another Greek beverage, and eat snacks and local dishes while having in the background the notes of electronic music and other rhythms to dance. In front of you, is the endless blue of the Aegean archipelago. When weather conditions collaborate, you can see from Ammolofoi, the island Thasos, and the mountain Athos (Halkidiki). If too much party is not for you, there are some quieter spots in Ammolofoi Beach. You only have to walk until you find your ideal place.
We visited Ammolofoi before the high season and it was not crowded, not so noisy, and very enjoyable. Please, do not visit Ammolofoi! Leave it like this, only for us!
How long to stay in Ammolofoi?
It depends on where you stay. We saw a campsite and several villas close to Ammolofoi Beach, but not many accommodation choices nearby (meaning walking distance). If you get a place exactly there you can stay as long as you feel like. But if you are staying in Nea Peramos or another town in the surroundings, you can go to Ammolofoi as many times as you want but that does not mean to literally stay there.
What else to do on the best beaches near Kavala City?
We recommend you what to do in every destination (Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, and Ammolofoi Beach), but if you have time to go further, you can go to some interesting attractions like:
Explore Alistrati Cave
This is a large cave, 3 km long, full of stalagmites and stalactites. From Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, and Ammolofoi Beach, it will take you approximately one hour and twenty minutes (maximum) to reach the Alistrati Cave.
Visit Ancient Philippi
If you did not visit Philippi while staying in Kavala, you still can do it from these destinations. You will be 30 km (30 minutes) away as a maximum. Ancient Philippi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the theater, Roman forum, basilicas, and more remnants from Roman and Byzantine times.
Hike the Pangaion Mountain
Pangaion Mountain is approximately 40 km from Kavala. From Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, or Ammolofoi the distance is pretty similar or a little bit less. The highest peak (Koutra) is 1,956 m. Climb it and discover its great views and nature, and have a look from the top to the Aegean Sea. If Pangaion conquers you, there is a very cozy place where you can spend the night or more days. Pangeo Forest Village is 10.93 km from Pangaion Hills. Ask for Eleftherios, he runs the place and you can have the best time there following his recommendations and chatting about Greek history.
Visit Drama
Drama City is another choice if you want to combine your beach holiday with some history and even a wine tour. You can drive to Drama and it will take you from 40 to 50 km (one hour approximately) to reach it.
Explore Kavala
We started our exploration in Kavala (east to west), but if you arrive in northern Greece from west to east, you can visit Kavala, its historic old town, the fortress, port, etc.
Please, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City!
If you have been to the most popular Greek destinations, you know how is to be in a paradise fully packed with tourists every year. For us, to be smashed with others like canned sardines is nightmarish.
The Northern part of Greece has been a very pleasant experience because it is beautiful and it is like a hidden paradise kind of reserved mostly for Balkan visitors. There are tourists of course, but not the crazy figures Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos register.
Seriously, do not visit the beaches near Kavala City! Leave them for us! It is fantastic not to share the beauty of these beaches with others.
Conclusion
Greece is a country you should explore as much as you can. All your senses will deeply appreciate the constant repetition of the experience. Follow our adventure and let's explore together the next stop!
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