Getting from Crete to Kavala

If you are heading to Kavala from Crete 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.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Kavala. An indirect connection exists via Piraeus but the total journey takes the better part of two days and is not a realistic option. Flying is the only practical choice.

Getting there by air

Both Crete and Kavala have airports. The journey goes Heraklion to Athens and then Athens to Kavala, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours. A direct Heraklion to Kavala service may also be available seasonally so check before routing through Athens. Kavala Airport is around 30 kilometres from the city centre.

Your best option

Fly via Athens or direct if the seasonal service is available. If you are planning to visit Thassos from Kavala, the ferry from Kavala port to Thassos runs almost hourly in summer and the trip takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.