The port of Kavala is backed by the slopes of Mount Simvilon and flanked by the Aegean Sea. The popular sandy beaches of Kalamitsa, Toska and Batis are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Holidays in Kavala are particularly popular with families due to the gently sloping sands and safe, calm waters. Beach activities include jet skiing, sailing and fishing. The busy waterfront is lined with shops, bars and restaurants. Those seeking a little more seclusion can head to the beaches of Iraklitsa or Permos.

Kavala's old town 'Panagia' is a maze of narrow lanes dotted with 18th and 19th-century buildings and pastel-coloured houses. Well worth a visit is the Archaeological Museum with its displays of ancient Neapolis, and the Municipal Folklore Museum, housed in a 19th-century building, with its collections of ancient jewellery, handicrafts and costumes. Other points of interest include the lighthouse, with its magnificent views over the town, the 5th-century castle and tower, and the remains of an Ottoman aqueduct, which overlooks the harbour.

Kavala looks out towards the lush, green island of Thasos, one of the most picturesque Greek islands. Tourists can take a hydrofoil over to Thasos, a 40-minute journey, to explore the beautiful island. Holidays in Kavala are also popular with outdoor-enthusiasts. The hiking trails on Mount Pangaion feature forested slopes, towering oak trees and freshwater springs. Nine miles away is Philippi City, which is an archaeological site dating back to 359 BC. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient architecture from the ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine eras.