Lots of visitors pass through Kavala on their way to the other islands in the Northern Aegean. On seeing Kavala's palm trees, charming old town and beautiful Byzantine fortress, many probably wish they were going to spend more of their holiday in one of the best places to stay in Kavala.

Kavala is a city - a local capital even - but still a beautiful place rising like an amphitheatre around a sparkling harbour. Though it might not appear on your 'bucket list', Kavala is a great base for exploring the little-visited eastern side of the Greek mainland, nearby Thassos island and the rest of the Northeastern Aegean islands. If you're looking for the real Greece - sometimes in Ottoman clothing - then you'll find it in Kavala.

The old town, with its narrow, cobbled alleys and tiny squares lined with atmospheric cafes is on the eastern side of Kavala. While the western side has squares which sprawl, surrounded by modern architecture and shopping arcades. The harbour and waterfront are the other part of town. This area has more cafes, more palm trees and rows of little fishing boats.

As well as the Byzantine castle, it's worth visiting the Kamares which is the name of the 16th Century aqueduct, the Turkish Imaret - a building with no less than 18 domes overlooking the harbour - and the archaeological museum.

It is hard not to find yourself fascinated with the history of Kavala and when this mood hits you'll know it's a good time to take a stroll along the old city walls.

What not to miss:

• Visit the ancient city of Philippi, an important archaeological site in Eastern Macedonia.
• Take a tour of the Castle of Kavala, known to date back to the 5th century BC.
• Marvel at the Kamares Aquaduct built in 1550 by Suleiman the Magnificent.
• The Archaeological Museum of Kavala makes a fascinating stop.
• Take a day trip to the paradise Island Of Thassos.

In order to secure a room at one of the best places to stay in Kavala be sure to plan ahead as properties can get booked up quickly.

The best places to stay in Kavala

For luxury

• Imaret is a local institution, a magnificent five star hotel originally built in 1817 by the Imaret of Mohamed Ali Pasha. The entire hotel is like a museum to the opulence of the Ottoman age with every room and suite lavishly decorated as a fantasy from the 1001 Arabian Nights. It is easily one of the best places to stay in Kavala if you like your luxury with added character.

For an apartment or villa

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to the "Alexander the Great" airport, located about 30 km east of Kavala. There is also a major port with numerous ferries connecting to several north Aegean islands.
• Travel between the months of April - September for warm days when temperatures range between 22? - 31? with the hottest month being August.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Kavala.
• Alternatively check out our list of the best places to stay in Halkidiki,
• Or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Kavala