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ITINERARY
5 day Itinerary in Kavala & Thassos
Overview
Think you know Greece? Before answering, allow us to introduce Kavala and Thassos, a city-and-island combo in northern Greece where you’ll discover Macedonian culture, magical beaches, mountain villages and delicious seafood
You’ll quickly realise that 5 days aren’t enough for your holidays in Kavala and Thassos. But if that’s all you’ve got, you’ll want to make the most of the multicultural charms of one of Greece’s most idiosyncratic coastal cities and the beaches and mountain villages of its northernmost island. Of course, you’re free to extend your stay or amend your itinerary in northern Greece in any way you wish. But for now … welcome to the highlights.
As an itinerary that’s been road-tested by Discover Greece, we’ve included the restaurants and experience providers that supported our journey – although there are, of course, plenty of alternatives out there. The trip is designed to be enjoyed best during summer … and if you can make that early or late summer (June or September/early October), so much the better. We’re assuming you’ll hire a car but you can also catch taxis and buses.
Duration
5 days /482 km
Best For
Travellers who want a city-and-island combo in northern Greece, blending culture, beaches, mountain villages, great food and a touch of the unexpected.
Pace
A well-balanced five-day break with a mix of city exploring, half-day excursions and full beach or island days. Expect gentle walking, scenic drives and flexible beach-time, with one ferry crossing and options to add wine-tasting or cultural stops.
Why You'll Love It
- You’ll experience Kavala’s unique multicultural character, from its Byzantine Acropolis and Ottoman landmarks to its old tobacco warehouses and harbour.
- Thassos delivers beautiful beaches, fishing villages and pine-covered mountains, with boat trips, lagoons and hiking paths.
- You’ll enjoy authentic northern Greek food – seafood by the sea, farm-to-table dishes and local products like honey, pasta and wine.
- The itinerary blends archaeology, nature and local life, from Philippi and Krinides to Thassos’ ancient theatre, mountain villages and coastal towns.
Pro Tip
Build in at least one unplanned stop a day – a coffee in a small square, a swim you didn’t expect or a detour to a viewpoint. Kavala and Thassos are full of small surprises and those spontaneous moments often become the standout memories.
DAY 1 OVERVIEW
Kavala
98 km
airplane, car, foot
3
Arriving at Kavala Airport first thing in the morning (or the previous night), you stretch your legs in the Old Town of a city like no other in Greece. Fear not, you get to spend the afternoon on the beach and for dinner we’ve got a delicious seafood meal lined up.
A walking tour of Kavala Old Town
East meets west in Kavala Old Town, with the Ottoman influence apparent in the architecture but also evidence of 2,500 years of Ancient Greek and Roman history. Centring on the Panagia district, the Old Town is built on a peninsula topped by a 15th-century Byzantine Acropolis, with views of red roof tiles and the Ottoman-era Kamares Aqueduct (which replaced a Roman one) snaking towards the New Town. Pass by the Imaret, an early 19th-century landmark built by Mehmet Ali (founder of the last Egyptian dynasty) as a gift to his birthplace. You reach the Old Lighthouse (Thassos is visible on a clear day) and for the energetic, just beyond the Old Town, you’ll find Tobacco Warehouses (some derelict but some restored into shops and cultural spaces), from Kavala’s commercial heyday.
Take a tour of Kavala Old Town
An afternoon lazing on the beach
You’ve earned it. There are beaches right on the doorstep of Kavala as well as down the coast. Just before leaving town, you find Batis and Kalamitsa, which more than do the job for a first swim. But it’s worth exploring further down the west coast, especially if you have a car. Nea Iraklitsa and Nea Paramos are 20-30 minutes away. Our choice was Ammolofi beach (27km from Kavala), with an island feel and all the facilities to unwind. But if remote is more your beach style, 10 minutes further down the coast is Pyrgos Apollonias, with nothing but sand and the feeling of total escape.
A seafood meal to savour
The first day of your holidays in Kavala ends in perfect style, with a seafood meal. You’ll find plenty of fish tavernas and restaurants in Kavala, but our choice was Savvas taverna, in Perigiali, a quaint marina on the eastern side of the city. With tables right by the marina, you dine looking at the bobbing kaikia (small fishing boats that are the staple of Kavala’s fishing tradition). Prawn spaghetti, grilled squid, pelagic fish … do we need to go on.
photo credits: @savvas.seafood
DAY 2 OVERVIEW
Kavala
75 km
car, foot
3
You couldn’t imagine three more different experiences for your second day on holiday in Kavala. After travelling to the birthplace of Christianity in Europe and a pivotal site in Macedonian history, you move on to wine-tasting in one of the region’s many vineyards before – wait for it – you let go of all your cares with a therapeutic mud bath.
The Archaeological Site of Philippi
Philippi is one of Greece’s most important archaeological locations. It was occupied by Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) in the 4th century BC, was a cornerstone of the Roman Empire and was where Apostle Paul first preached in Europe. You’ll find evidence of all three as you explore the site, including the remains of Byzantine churches (with architecture inspired from Constantinople), an Ancient Theatre and Forum, and the baptistery where St Lydia became the first woman to be christened in 49-50 AD. Make sure to visit the on-site museum, with exhibits from prehistoric to Roman times as well as early-Christian artefacts.
Wine-tasting and a vineyard tour
Heading north from Philippi, the scenery changes as you enter the prefecture of Drama and visit the Château Nico Lazaridi Winery, in a fertile plane flanked by three mountains (Falakro, Menikio and Pangeon). Touring the 6,500 m2 estate (including cellars and wine-tasting facilities) you’ll learn how the region grows your favourite European grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Merlot. So far, so familiar. But how much do you know about Assyrtiko, Moshato, Mavroudi and other Greek grapes? It’s about time you found out. And as for the quality … the vineyard’s are labelled as Protected Geographical Indication Drama and Agora. The collection of artwork on the wall is a nice touch.
photo credits: @nicolazaridiwinery
The Mud Baths of Krinides
Now for the bit you weren’t expecting. Wading body-deep in therapeutic mud baths is as about as far from the classic image of Greece as you can get and yet this is what the Mud Baths of Krinides (19km from Kavala) gives you. Up to you whether you immerse yourself fully or only partially but the ‘mature clay’ is said to help heal strains, aches and rheumatoid pains as well as cardiovascular and skin conditions. And if slathering yourself in mud isn’t your style, there are Hammam baths and rejuvenating massages. There’s an on-site restaurant or you can return for dinner in Kavala, as we did at Epicure restaurant by the port.
photo credits: Mud Baths Krinides (www.pilotherapia.gr)
DAY 3 OVERVIEW
Thassos
79 km
boat, car, foot
2
Time for island life now as your holidays continue in Thassos. There are ferries that go directly from Kavala to Prinos (1hr20min), a small port in north-western Thassos, or you can drive to Keramoti (35min), just past Kavala Airport, and take the shorter crossing (40min) to Limenas. Get an early ferry because there’s a lot lined up, including a cultural walking tour and an introduction to the tastes of Thassos.
The archaeological treasures of Limenas
There’s no better way to get to know a new destination than on foot, so that’s what we have in store as you arrive on the green-and-blue isle of Thassos. Limenas is built on the island’s ancient city, which was a valuable catch for Phoenicians, Macedonians, Romans and others due to Thassos’ rich gold and marble deposits. There’s a wonderful 3.5km route from the Old Harbour, following a path around the tree-filled peninsula, past the Acropolis of Thassos and Temple of Athena, as well as the Ancient Theatre and Agora. Climbing the hillside above Limenas, you get beautiful views of Thassos’ port capital. End your historical tour at the Archaeological Museum of Thassos.
The pasta tradition of Thassos
Soak up the atmosphere in Limenas (grab a coffee, watch the local life go by…) before your next experience, which is a short drive away. San Allote (Like the Good Old Days) is a shop just outside the village of Prinos, with a wonderful collection of pasta. The colours alone are enough to make your mouth water (made with ingredients such as beetroot, tomato, carrot, peppers, spinach, smoked paprika, curry and Cayenne pepper). But the real secret here is to ask if the owners can arrange a cookery class for you. You’ll never look at pasta in the same way. It’s up to you whether you sneak in a cheeky swim in Skala Prinos (around 4km away).
photo credits: @sanallotepasta
DAY 4 OVERVIEW
Thassos
79 km
boat, car, foot
3
Let’s be straight here. The beaches of Thassos need a lot more than a day to do them justice. And you’re hardly going to want to move once you’ve arrived at one. But as far as your 5-day trip to Kavala and Thassos is concerned, we’re proposing a beach-hopping boat trip to sample some of the best. Most are on the south coast, so we start by driving to the village of Limenaria and hiring a boat and skipper.
A boat trip to Thassos’ magical beaches
The irony is that the most-photographed swimming spot in Thassos isn’t actually a beach. Giola Lagoon features a natural rock pool known as Aphrodite’s tear (myth has it that Zeus created it for his lover Aphrodite to bathe in) and it’s the island’s go-to Insta spot. This is where our Thassos Daily Cruises skipper took us first. That said, the dreamy expanse of beachfront at Arsanas (our second stop) was just as memorable. But there are so many other beaches on Thassos’ south coast to choose from … Metallia, Paradise and Aliki (with its backdrop of pine and olive trees and nearby ancient marble quarry… pure Thassos!). And others, of course.
A cultural pit stop in Limenaria
Returning to Limenaria, you’ve got the option of adding a splash of culture to your day. You’ll see Palataki, a handsome 1903-built mansion and one-time headquarters of a German marble mining company, from the boat. And Kastro Folk Art Museum is a quaint little gem in Limenaria itself, with musical instruments and other local artefacts, including original mining equipment.
photo credits: www.visit-thassos.com
A sunset dinner at Potos beach
You could head back to your hotel, but it’s worth making the most of being in southern Thassos. Heading to the west-facing Potos beach, you’re in for a treat of a sunset over the Aegean. Our choice of dinner spot was San Antonio Beach restaurant for excellent seafood and views to match.
photo credits: @sanantoniobeach
DAY 5 OVERVIEW
Thassos
151 km
car, foot
3
The truth is that if you want to feel the truly authentic side of Greece, you have to head to a village … and if it’s up a mountain so much the better. Thassos’ villages are found on the slopes of Mt Ipsarion, rising 1,204m from the centre of the island. How many you see depends on how long you want to stay in each. We chose a Jeep safari and made a day of it.
Jeep safari around Thassos' villages
Your first stop is Kazaviti – or more specifically Megalo and Mikro Kazaviti (or Prinos), the oldest settlements in Thassos, within 600m of each other. This is your introduction to the stone houses, wooden balconies and village life in Thassos. Further around the western slopes of Mt Ipsarion, Maries is a little beauty built by a ravine that will make you want to explore one of Thassos’ best hiking paths, especially the nearby Maries Waterfalls. Theologos also boasts water features (watermills, wooden bridges and the Kefalogourna waterfalls) as well as more traditional Macedonian architecture and local products (try the thyme honey). We ate at Kosta's taverna (stuffed courgette flowers, gigantes beans and other meze) in Kastro village. And on the other side of Mt Ipsarion is Panagia, the capital of Thassos after the 1821 revolution against the Ottomans. Lastly, whilst you’re in a Jeep, make sure you climb to the viewpoint at the peak of Mt Ipsarion. There’s no better way to appreciate all that greenery.
Discover the mountain villages of Thassos
A final seafood meal in Limenas
There’s only one way your 5-day trip to Kavala and Thassos ends and that’s at a seafood restaurant back in Limenas. What better way to lock in the feeling of your holiday by the Aegean Sea. Our chosen spot was Namaste restaurant by the new port, for seafood pasta, summer salads and a final taste of island life.
photo credits: Namaste Restaurant
A short goodbye (for now)
Told you five days wouldn’t be enough. But if your holidays in Kavala and Thassos are only five days, it’s time to head for home. After the ferry crossing to Keramoti, you’ll head straight to Kavala Airport and board your international or domestic flight (or spend the night in Kavala). One thing’s for sure, though. You’ll have vowed to be back.
Road-testing the itinerary for you
In road-testing the 5-day trip to Kavala and Thassos, we invited a team of German media to live the experience for themselves. Stay tuned for their verdict.
★★★★★
““Thassos and Kavala are like brother and sister. They are inseparable. Just an hour's boat ride from Kavala you will find the northernmost island of the Aegean Sea.””
- Richard Fraunberger for Süddeutsche Zeitung ⇩
"Next stop Panagia village: picturesquely in the mountains next to a river, all the houses have slate roofs, white walls and wooden balconies."
- Max Kühlem for Reisemagazin ⇩
“Golden beaches, white marble, rich nature, plus the splendour of antiquity: Northern Greece is a discovery.”
- Birte Lindlahr for Geo Saison ⇩
How our Travel Specialists help
Send your request
Share a few details about the trip you have in mind. We’ll connect you with a vetted Travel Specialist who’ll typically reply within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).
Shape your itinerary together
You’ll work one-to-one with the specialist to refine the route, pace, accommodation and experiences, and add any local tips or activities you’re interested in.
Finalise your trip
Once you’re happy with the schedule and inclusions, your Travel Specialist prepares the final trip plan and takes care of the booking for you.
FAQs
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors to Kavala and Thassos?
Yes. It includes Kavala’s Old Town, key archaeological and cultural sites, wine-tasting options, and a well-rounded introduction to the beaches and villages of Thassos.
Do I need a car to follow this itinerary?
A car is strongly recommended, especially for Thassos, where mountain villages and beaches are spread across the island. Ferry crossings are straightforward and driving distances manageable.
How many different bases will I stay in?
Typically one base in Kavala for the first two nights and one base in Thassos for the final three nights, keeping travel time simple and comfortable.
What’s the best time of year to do this trip?
June and September-early October are ideal, with warm seas, great swimming conditions and fewer crowds. July and August are excellent for beach lovers but busier.
Is this itinerary family-friendly?
Yes. The mix of beaches, easy cultural visits, walking tours, boat trips and calm coastal towns works well for families with kids of all ages.
How long is the ferry crossing to Thassos?
From Kavala to Prinos it takes around 1hr20min. From Keramoti to Limenas it’s about 40 minutes. Keramoti is the more frequent and shorter crossing.
Can I add more beaches or hiking?
Definitely. Thassos has numerous beaches – from organised to remote – and several hiking routes, including paths around Maries, Kastro and Mount Ipsarion.
Can I shorten or extend the itinerary?
Yes. You can condense it into 3-4 days by focusing on Kavala and south Thassos, or extend your stay for more beaches and village visits. A Travel Specialist can help tailor it.
