The region of Kavala is located on the East Coast of Macedonia, right beside the Aegean Sea. A place of an exceptional interest, presents an extraordinary combination of resources bringing together culture, archaeology and unspoiled nature.

A touch of history
“Pluto, god of Hades, kidnapped Persephone, the daughter of Dimitra goddess of Agriculture, here in the plain of Dato. (This incident is reminded even today, by the name of the village Zygos). The two goddesses were passing by with their chariot, when moving along the Zygaktis River, one of the wheels of the chariot broke down. Waiting for help, they started to gather flowers, when Pluto appeared suddenly kidnapped and dragged Persephone to Hades (Kato Cosmos).” [Appianus, History of the Roman Civil War].

Major attractions
The archaeological site of Philippi, where excavations have brought to light the city founded by Philippos II the Macedonian, father of Alexander the Great, where some years later, Mark Anthony fought against Brutus and Kasius in the famous battle of Philippi.
The same site boasts Europe’s first Christian church, since the first European ever baptized was a woman named Lydia and she was baptized by St. Paul the Apostle in the waters of the River Zygaktis.
Nestos River with its delta, its maiandric gorges, its riverine Big Forrest as well as Strymon river are some of the major parts of the greater Natural Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, that teem with a wealth of rare bird and fauna life and an extraordinary scenery.
A visit to Pageo Mountain is another feature not to miss, with its mystery and myths as well as its beautiful, old monasteries like the Ikossifinissis convent.
The near by island of Thasos offers a great variety of archaeological sites like the marble mines dating back from the first Hellenistic period, the ancient theater and temples and some traditional mountainous villages with taverns serving local dishes, spirits and home made syrup sweets.

Cuisine
There is an abundance of fresh fish in the area, which is eaten as an aperitif with ouzo or tsipouro, spirits drunk ice-cold. The traditional, cooked with olive oil, local dishes are all part of the cultural heritage of the region and can be washed down with local retsina, a dry white wine.

Activities
The region’s white, sandy beaches are ideal for sailing, water-skiing, wind surfing or scuba diving, while the Mount Pageo Ski station caters for a full range of winter sports. Rides with bikes through the forests along the banks of Nestos River are offered to visitors as far as the estuary, close to the Big Forrest of Nestos. The surroundings of the village of Lekani, is the starting point for a 22km kayak descent which takes about 5 hours, while trekking is ideal through the gorges of Nestos and on mountain Pageo (92). At the theater of Philippi the visitor will watch an ancient Greek play written by Sophokles, Euripides or others.

How to get there
There are four flights a day from Athens Airport to Kavala and two international flights a week from Kavala to Europe, and in summer there are charter flights from several countries. There is a bus service from Athens three times a day and hourly from Thessalonica.
The region’s towns and villages are connected with regular local services.
Ferries and flying dolphins are servicing people to and from Thasos and the islands of the Aegean sea.