Getting from Zakynthos to Kavala

If you are heading to Kavala from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands to a port city in northern Greece on the Macedonian coast, with a Byzantine castle above the harbour, a Roman aqueduct running through the upper town and the archaeological site of Philippi just 15 kilometres inland.

Getting there by air

Kavala has its own airport with connections from Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then Athens to Kavala takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Kavala Airport is around 30 kilometres from the city so factor in a taxi on arrival. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Kavala. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by road means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and driving northeast via Patras, Athens and the E75 motorway to Kavala, which takes around 8 to 9 hours from Kyllini. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos to Athens and then fly to Kavala. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are planning to visit Thassos from Kavala, ferries to the island run almost hourly in summer. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive northeast via Patras and Athens to Kavala, then take the ferry across to Thassos if continuing your journey.