Getting from Mykonos to Kavala

Kavala is one of those Greek cities that rewards the people who make the effort to get there. It sits on the northern Aegean coast in the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, built amphitheatrically around a bay with a Byzantine castle on the headland, an Ottoman aqueduct running through the upper town and a harbour that has been active since antiquity. It was the city where the apostle Paul first set foot on European soil and it has a depth of history that most visitors to Greece never encounter. The old quarter of Panagia below the castle is one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods in northern Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Kavala. Kavala does have a port with connections to Thassos and some of the northern Aegean islands but it is not on the main island hopping routes. Getting there from Mykonos means flying or travelling overland via Athens or Thessaloniki.

What about flying?

Both Mykonos and Kavala have airports which makes flying the obvious choice on this route. The journey goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Kavala, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door depending on your connection. Kavala Airport, also known as Alexander the Great Airport, is around 30 kilometres east of the city. Check schedules and book ahead as flight frequency varies by season.

Drive or bus from Athens

If you are travelling via Athens, driving to Kavala takes around 6 to 7 hours on the Egnatia Odos motorway heading east across northern Greece. It is a long drive but the Egnatia is one of the great road journeys in Greece, cutting across the width of the country through mountains, plains and river valleys. KTEL buses also run between Athens and Kavala with the journey taking around 7 to 8 hours.

Your best option

Fly. The distance makes driving impractical unless you are on a longer road trip through northern Greece. The Athens connection is straightforward and Kavala is worth arriving at with energy to spare. Stay in the old quarter if you can, walk up to the castle in the evening and take the short ferry across to Thassos if you have an extra day.