Getting from Athens to Kavala

If you are heading to Kavala from Athens you are making your way to one of the most beautiful port cities in northern Greece. The old town climbs a rocky promontory above the harbour, topped by a Byzantine castle with views across the bay that are exceptional on a clear day. The aqueduct running through the upper town was built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. The archaeological site of Philippi, where Mark Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius in 42 BC and where Paul the Apostle first preached Christianity in Europe, is just 15 kilometres inland. Kavala is also the main gateway to Thassos, with ferries to the island running almost hourly in summer.

Getting there by air

Both Athens and Kavala have airports. Kavala's airport, Megas Alexandros, is around 30 kilometres east of the city. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express both operate daily flights from Athens to Kavala taking around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Take the train or drive

The drive from Athens to Kavala via the E75 motorway takes around 6 to 7 hours and is a straightforward journey through northern Greece. There is no direct train service from Athens to Kavala, but the intercity service to Thessaloniki takes around 4 to 4.5 hours and from there a bus or taxi to Kavala takes around 2 hours further.

Take the ferry

There is a weekly ferry from Piraeus to Kavala taking around 26 hours and stopping at multiple northern Aegean islands along the way. It is a long crossing and not a practical option for most travellers. A faster connection departs from Lavrio, taking around 13 hours 45 minutes and running up to 4 times a week, which is more manageable if you want to travel by sea.

Your best option

Fly to Kavala. The flight is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are travelling with a car and planning to explore the wider region or continue to Thassos with a vehicle, the drive is worth considering.