Getting from Santorini to Kavala

Kavala is one of the most beautiful port cities in northern Greece and one of the most overlooked by visitors who pass through on their way to Thassos. 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 around the clock in summer from the port.

Take the ferry

There is no practical direct ferry from Santorini to Kavala. An indirect connection exists via Mykonos and the Blue Star Ferries route through the northern Aegean but the total journey takes around 25 hours and is not a realistic option for most travellers. Flying is the only sensible choice.

What about flying?

Both Santorini and Kavala have airports. Kavala's airport, Megas Alexandros, is around 30 kilometres east of the city. The journey goes Santorini to Athens and then Athens to Kavala, with Aegean Airlines and Sky Express both serving the route. Total travel time is around 5 to 6 hours door to door. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly via Athens. The connection is straightforward and Kavala Airport is a short drive from the city. If you are planning to visit Thassos from Kavala, the ferry from Kavala port to Thassos takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and runs almost hourly in summer.