Kavala cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: From the cruise berths at Apostolos Pavlos passenger port, head into the adjoining lower city towards Eleftherias Square.

• Walk: realistic after leaving the operational quay; the Port Authority places the centre within walking distance. Panagia's old town is uphill beyond the lower city.
• Public transport: for an onward beach trip from the centre, Astiko KTEL Kavala bus 8 serves Kalamitsa–Batis; €1.30 one way bought at a ticket outlet, or €2.00 one way from the driver. The official port profile places the bus station 100 m from the port.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: Port Authority, Association of Greek Ports, Municipal transport guide, Urban KTEL fares.

Orientation, not a walking route

Cruise ships berth at the central passenger port, Apostolos Pavlos. Kavala Port Authority's cruise page confirms cruise berths, a passenger terminal and walking access to the city centre. This should be distinguished from the separate Philippos B commercial port in the wider port system. Port Authority cruise information.

After leaving the operational area, you can start a city visit on foot. Arrange any assistance through the port with your cruise line for the assigned berth.

An excursion pickup should specify the cruise terminal or the ship's designated meeting point. The official port profile places the taxi stand 150 m from the port; a general instruction to meet at “Kavala port” is less useful when the authority manages several separate harbours.

About this port

Kavala is a useful port for passengers who enjoy exploring independently: its central harbour sits beside the modern city, with the Panagia old town rising above the waterfront. The alternative is a road excursion to Philippi, whose ancient remains have UNESCO World Heritage status. Choose the hilltop town or the archaeological site as the day's priority, leaving the waterfront for any time remaining.

Kavala was known in antiquity as Neapolis. Its present streets combine several historical periods, so a walk through Panagia offers more than a single castle visit. Municipal old-town guide.

Getting Around

The waterfront and centre can form a walking itinerary, but Panagia involves climbing. If the hill is unsuitable, stay in the lower city or arrange a taxi towards the upper neighbourhood. The municipality identifies taxi ranks at Eleftherias Square and on Averof Street among other locations. Municipal transport guide.

For the beaches, that guide identifies urban bus 8, Kalamitsa–Batis. Astiko KTEL Kavala lists regular single tickets at €1.30 one way from a ticket outlet or €2.00 one way when bought from the driver. Use the operator's timetable page for departures and leave room for the return journey.

Philippi's archaeological site is near Krinides, reached along the Kavala–Drama road. Specify the archaeological entrance when arranging transport: the modern village called Philippi is a different destination. Site access information.

Things to Do

Walk through Panagia. The municipality suggests an approach from Karaoli Square along Theodorou Poulidou Street, passing the Imaret and Mohammed Ali's house towards the church, lighthouse and fortress. Select part of that route according to your energy and time. The street walk does not require entry to every building, and private or ticketed interiors should be checked separately.

Look for the Kamares aqueduct. This prominent arched structure is a useful landmark when descending towards the lower town. Combine it with a waterfront café stop rather than rushing straight back after the fortress. A shorter route through the centre can be enough if the full climb is too demanding.

Explore Philippi. UNESCO inscribed the Archaeological Site of Philippi in 2016. The remains trace a Macedonian city reshaped under Roman rule and later an important early Christian centre. The theatre, forum and basilicas give the visit several distinct focal points. UNESCO listing.

The archaeological museum adds finds from the ancient and Christian city. The municipal museum entry provides its visitor contacts. Allow for outdoor walking and museum time as well as the transfer; a return drive booked too early can turn the visit into a hurried circuit.

Getting back to your ship

For the beaches, that guide identifies urban bus 8, Kalamitsa–Batis. Astiko KTEL Kavala lists regular single tickets at €1.30 one way from a ticket outlet or €2.00 one way when bought from the driver. Use the operator's timetable page for departures and leave room for the return journey.

Practical Information

Currency: euro. Language: Greek. Emergency: call 112 free of charge.

Carry water and shoes with grip for Panagia or Philippi. The municipality describes adapted taxis that require advance booking, so arrange one before arrival if needed. Retain a margin for the descent through town or the road journey from Philippi, followed by port entry.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from Kavala cruise port into town? Yes. Apostolos Pavlos is the central passenger port, beside the lower city. Panagia's old town involves a climb beyond the waterfront.

How much is a local bus ticket in Kavala? €1.30 one way from a ticket outlet, or €2.00 one way bought from the driver.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Kavala? They dock at Apostolos Pavlos passenger port. Philippos B is a separate commercial port.

What bus goes from Kavala's centre to the beaches? Astiko KTEL Kavala bus 8 serves Kalamitsa–Batis. It is an onward trip from the centre.