The prefecture of Kavala borders with the sea to the south and it is mostly mountainous. High and imposing the mountain of Pangaeon dominates the area surrounded by myths, legends and its "innards" full of gold. The sources of gold on the mountain have been known since antiquity and visitors can still see old abandoned mines. According to mythology, Dionysos had his sanctuary here where he taught the locals how to cultivate the vineyards. The region has two fertile valleys, Philippi and Chrysoupoli, and it is traversed by Nestos River that constitutes its eastern border. A well-known tourist destination, Kavala prefecture has a beautiful coastline with usually calm waters and some of the most interesting archaeological sites in Greece. For winter sport enthusiasts, there is a modern ski centre on Mt. Pangaeon.

A city with a distinguished past, the prefecture's capital Kavala occupies the site of ancient Neapolis. Stunning scenery, fascinating historical monuments, superb beaches and all the services and facilities accompanying a sound tourist infrastructure await the visitor to this city, one of the gems in northern Greece.

Its buildings rise in tiers amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mt. Simvolo, overlooking Kavala's harbour, filled with dozens of brightly coloured fishing caiques bobbing up and down at the quay before they set out at twilight--lamps lit for the night's adventure.

Although a modern business centre, Kavala is amply endowed with charms to attract and captivate any visitor, for it has managed to cling on to many features of its rich past, maintaining a graceful balance of old and new. Spacious squares, contemporary buildings and shopping centres on the west side of the city form a pleasant contrast to the traditional old houses, tiny gardens, and flagged alleyways on the eastern side. The traditional district of Panayia, named after a 15th century church dedicated to the Virgin, is enclosed by the Byzantine walls of the 16th century castle, offering a magnificent view of the town, the port and the Cathedral. One of the cobblestone streets in the area leads to the birthplace of Mehmet Ali (18th century) founder of the Egyptian royal line. Still in good condition, the house is an appealing example of Ottoman architecture, complete with harem. The Imatet is another building of Mehmet Ali, part of a significant architectural cluster of buildings with domes dating back to 1817. The Kamares Aqueduct was erected by Suleiman the Magnificent to guarantee the city's water supply. Kavala's Archaeological Museum--one of the finest in Greece--contains impressive finds from Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis and Abdera.

Kavala is a very vivid city, with a pleasant climate and modern facilities, attracting thousands of tourists especially during the summer months with its magnificent large and sandy coastline. Friendly tavernas serve fresh fish at the lovely beaches of Kalamitsa, Palio, Nea Iraklitsa, Perigiali and Nea Peramos.

Located at 27 kilometres from the city centre, the airport of Kavala is connected with Athens by regularly scheduled flights and with a number of western European cities by charters. By boat Kavala is linked with Thassos, the Dodecanes and the Aegean islands, as well as with Aghios Constantinos and Piraeus on the mainland. There is regular coach service linking it to Athens, Thessaloniki and other major towns in northern Greece.

There are direct ferry connections from the port of Piraeus and a small inter-island ferry from Aegina docking at both Scala and Milos.