Inside the little-known Greek holiday destination that’s been dubbed the ‘Blue City’ – and Brits rarely visit
THERE’S a city in Greece that’s been nicknamed the “Blue City” thanks to its charming coastal location.
Places like Santorini and Mykonos are a magnet for tourists, with both destinations becoming crowded during the summer months.
One part of Greece where Brit tourists are likely to escape the crowds is Kavala, which has been dubbed the “Blue City” in recent years.
The Greek city earnt its moniker because of the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea that surround the city, according to local travel guides.
Located in Macedonia in northern Greece, the hill town of Kavala is a melting pot of cultures thanks to its interesting history.
The city is divided in two between the Old Town (Palia Poli) and the New Town (Nea Poli).
Because of its coastal location, holidaymakers will certainly be drawn to the city’s beaches, including the like of Ammolofi Beach.
The fine sand beach stretches for 3km and is surrounded by clear blue water.
There are plenty of amenities at the beach too, including sun loungers, beach clubs and bars.
Koo Beach Bar is one of the most popular bars at the Greek beach, with parties going on well into the night.
Other beaches in Kavala include Kalamitsa Beach, which is slightly further down the coast.
Kalamitsa Beach is home to Kavala Almyra Beach Bar that comes complete with its own sun loungers and an infinity pool.
There are plenty of other attractions for history buffs too like the Mohammed Ali Museum, which details the life of the Ottoman ruler Mohammed (Mehmet Ali) who went on to rule Egypt.
Entry tickets to the museum cost €5 (£4.23).
Meanwhile, the city’s Old Two squeezes 2,500 years of history into its cobbled streets, including the city’s fortress.
Located at the peak of the Old Town, and dubbed the bastion of the Blue City, the fortress is one of Kavala’s top tourist attractions.
There are plenty of attractions for modern day visitors to discover at the fortress, including its central, circular tower, the gunpowder and food store, its garrison and its water cistern.
It also provides a great viewpoint overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Kavala is also home to its very own UNESCO World Heritage site, the Archaeological Site of Philippi.
The ancient site is actually the remains of an old city, lies at the foot of an acropolis.
A trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the local delicacy, and Kavala is known for kourabiedes, which are essentially crescent-shaped almond cookies.
TUI operates a direct route between London Gatwick Airport and Kavala, with fares starting from around £130.
There are other little-known destinations to visit in Greece, including Folegandros.
Located near Paros, Folegandros has been compared to the popular Greek island in recent years, with one added bonus – it has fewer crowds.
While the island doesn’t have its own airport, it can be reached by ferry from Athens, Santorini or Piraeus.
Three little-known Greek islands to visit
There are plenty of Greek islands to visit, including several little-known spots that are free from the crowds.
- Located in the Dodecanese Sea, Symi is a fairytale-like island home to traditional Greek villages and harbour-front bars and cafes. Reaching the tiny island became a lot more accessible after Jet2 announced the launch of a new route from the UK.
- Despite being twice the size of Mykonos, Tinos is often overlooked by most holidaymakers. But holiday demand for the island is predicted to grow thanks local food and sandy beaches.
- Meanwhile, the island of Paros has a wave of chic new hotels opening. The island has its own airport – making it much easier to visit than some other smaller islands in Greece that can only be accessed by ferry.
If you don’t want to go this far, then a beautiful UK seaside town has been compared to a Greek island.
And another seaside town in the UK is also home to dolphins, whales and puffins, as well as amazing castles.
