📍 Greece

THRACE AEGEAN: KAVALA, THASOS AND PHILIP'S ANCIENT GATEWAY

Ottoman fortresses commanding turquoise harbors, Roman theaters still echoing, maritime pines lining coves. Thrace's Aegean coast, preserved.

≈ 6
Days
282
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Kavala and its Ottoman fortress above a turquoise harbor, then cross Philippi and its Roman remains set upon the plains. Escape to Thasos between pine forests and Aegean coves, then continue to Xanthi and Alexandroupoli for a Thracian finale, cultural and off the beaten path.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Kavala

ottoman citadel overlooks harbor crossroads charm

Kavala - Photo 1Kavala - Photo 2Kavala - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Kavala amphitheater port Byzantine fortress 15th century panoramic view gulf.
2
Kamares aqueduct Ottoman 16th century Suleiman the Magnificent stone arches water supply.
3
House of Mehmet Ali pasha of Egypt 1769 Ottoman architecture museum collections.
4
Old town Panagia cobbled streets colorful houses Halil Bey mosque.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Promenade port Kavala fishing boats taverns seafood summer entertainment.
→
Ascent fortress Byzantine walls panorama city sea Thasos island horizon.
→
Exploration Panagia quarter traditional architecture craft shops icon workshops.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 41 km
Travel time: 49min
2
Day

Philippes

roman theater echoes through thracian plains

Philippes - Photo 1Philippes - Photo 2Philippes - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Philippi UNESCO site ancient city Philip II 356 BC battle 42 BC.
2
Early Christian basilicas 4th-6th centuries mosaics columns Saint Paul preaching.
3
Hellenistic theater 4th century BC tiers stage view Drama plain.
4
Roman forum agora porticoes shops latrines Via Egnatia paving.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration of extensive archaeological site Greek Roman Byzantine remains stratified history.
→
Visit basilicas paleochristian mosaics early Christianity Europe architecture.
→
Route through Drama plain vineyards modern wine production Greek grape varieties tradition.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 68 km
Travel time: 1h21
3
Day

Thasos

green island pine forests untouched coves

Thasos - Photo 1Thasos - Photo 2Thasos - Photo 3Thasos - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Thasos emerald island ancient white marble Limenas port agora theater remains.
2
Ancient theater Thasos 5th century BC sea view marble tiers performances.
3
Acropolis cyclopean walls Apollo Athena sanctuaries temples island panorama.
4
Archaeological Museum Thasos giant kouros 7th century BC sculptures reliefs.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Island tour paradisiacal beaches Golden Beach Makryammos turquoise waters fine sand.
→
Exploration mountain villages Theologos medieval capital stone alleyways traditions.
→
Visit ancient marble quarries exploitation blocks columns commercial history.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 58 km
Travel time: 1h09
4
Day

Xanthi

mountain town preserves balkan mountain heritage

Xanthi - Photo 1Xanthi - Photo 2Xanthi - Photo 3Xanthi - Photo 4Xanthi - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Xanthi old town Ottoman colorful houses Balkans architecture tobacco commerce.
2
Folklore Museum Xanthi traditional costumes crafts weaving Thrace culture.
3
Mandra tobacco historic warehouses cultural festival renovation industrial heritage.
4
Pomak villages Rhodopes Stavroupoli Echinos Muslim minority mountains traditions.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Walk old town Xanthi cobbled streets neoclassical Ottoman houses cultural blend.
→
Visit traditional bazaar markets spices Turkish coffee local crafts oriental atmosphere.
→
Excursion Rhodopes mountain villages Pomak forests nature rivers stone bridges.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 115 km
Travel time: 2h18
5
Day

Alexandroupoli

frontier port where thrace meets aegean

Alexandroupoli - Photo 1Alexandroupoli - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Alexandroupoli modern port lighthouse city emblem 1880 27m height promenade.
2
Ethnological Museum Thrace costumes embroideries crafts culture regional traditions.
3
Evros Delta nature reserve migratory birds unique biodiversity Turkish border.
4
Agios Nikolaos Church 1899 neo-Byzantine icons Orthodox architecture.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Seafront promenade lighthouse taverns seafood entertainment summer evenings.
→
Evros delta excursion bird watching flamingos herons protected wild nature.
→
Visit Evros villages Feres Didymoteicho Byzantine castles monasteries border.
+3 Optional activities

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🛡️ Travel advice - Greece

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, optimal conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for islands, vibrant nightlife, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Warm seas, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent weather, good value, harvest season, ideal photography.

Winter (November-March): Mild weather, lowest prices, minimal crowds, rainy season, ski season mountains, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Greece?

Ancient civilization birthplace with stunning islands, incredible history, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Experience mythology sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Greece provides historical significance with island paradise and cultural authenticity in Mediterranean setting.