What to Do in Kavala: Beaches, Food, and Stunning Views
Table of Contents
If you’re looking for a coastal city in Greece that offers history, great food, and access to stunning beaches, Kavala is worth considering.
Located on the northern Aegean coast, Kavala is a city filled with rich history, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
During our trip, we chose to stay in Palio, a small village just 12 minutes away by car, giving us the perfect balance of quiet beach time and easy access to the city.
Why September is a Great Time to Visit
We visited in September, which turned out to be an ideal time.
By this time of year, the high tourist season is winding down, as school resumes and the summer starts to fade.
However, in this part of Greece, the weather is still warm enough for the beach without the intense heat of July and August.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting in September is the reduced crowds and lower prices. While July and August are the peak months, September offers a more peaceful experience, with plenty of space to enjoy the beaches and explore the city at your own pace.
Exploring the Beaches Around Palio
During our stay in Palio, we spent most of our beach days at Nea Iraklitsa and Nea Peramos, both of which are a short drive away.
Each beach had its own unique charm.
✅ Nea Iraklitsa
This beach is located in the center of the town. Although the beach itself is a bit narrow and the sand isn’t as fine as some other beaches, the experience was still wonderful.
The water is incredibly clear, with a bright blue color, and it’s common to spot small fish swimming around your feet. The town also offers plenty of cafes and restaurants just across from the beach, making it easy to grab a meal or a drink. If you enjoy a lively beach atmosphere with options for food and drinks, Nea Iraklitsa is a great spot.
✅ Ammolofoi Beach in Nea Peramos
This beach was our favorite. It’s much wider than Nea Iraklitsa and features soft, white sand that feels like flour under your feet.
The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, and the beach itself feels more spacious.
One recommendation for Ammolofoi is to bring your own snacks and water, as there is only one beach bar.
While we did eat at the beach bar and found the prices reasonable, it’s always a good idea to be prepared, especially if you’re planning to stay the entire day.Â
We also visited the central beach of Nea Peramos, but honestly, it wasn’t our top choice.
The beach is very narrow, and the space felt limited, making it less enjoyable compared to the more open beaches like Ammolofoi.
Visiting Kavala After a Day at the Beach
Kavala itself is a fantastic city to explore, especially after a relaxing day at the beach.
One of the highlights is the Kavala Fortress, which offers incredible views over the city and the Aegean Sea. It’s a bit of a hike uphill, so make sure to bring water with you.
The panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort, providing a perfect spot for photos and a sense of the city’s layout.
The city also has a lovely waterfront area lined with restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy a meal while overlooking the harbor.
Another point of interest in the city is the ancient aqueduct, a striking reminder of Kavala’s historical significance.
For those who enjoy scenic views, there is a panoramic viewpoint located near a large cross overlooking the city.
The drive up is on a narrow dirt road, so it’s a bit tricky to navigate, but once you arrive, the view is breathtaking.
Where to Eat in Kavala
If you’re looking for good food at a reasonable price, a must-try is the local gyro shops.
One of our favorites was Grilled Flavours, where we ate twice during our stay. Gyros, a traditional Greek dish made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, are served in pita bread with vegetables, sauces, and often fries. For vegetarians, most gyro places offer delicious vegetarian options, such as grilled veggies or halloumi.
The food here was both affordable and satisfying, making it a perfect option for a quick, tasty meal.
Our Stay in Palio
For accommodation, we rented an apartment in Palio through Booking.com.
We stayed from Friday to Monday and paid around 160 euros for the entire stay, which felt like a good deal considering the proximity to both the beaches and Kavala.
Staying in Palio allowed us to enjoy the quieter atmosphere of the village while being close enough to visit the busier city of Kavala whenever we wanted.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Kavala and the surrounding areas offered the perfect blend of beach relaxation and city exploration.
If you’re visiting in September, you’ll enjoy the benefits of fewer crowds, lower prices, and still-warm weather, making it a great time to explore this beautiful part of Greece. Whether you’re spending your days lounging on the beach in Nea Iraklitsa or Ammolofoi, or exploring the historic streets of Kavala, there’s plenty to see and enjoy.