4 Best Sights in Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia, Greece

The founder of the last royal dynasty to rule Eygpt, Mohamed Ali, was born in this two-story, 18th-century konak-style house in the Old Town. Considered one of the best examples of Ottoman architecture in Greece, the home now functions as a museum and institute dedicated to intercultural dialogue and exchange between the Middle Eastern and Western worlds. Guided tours take place daily, while educational lectures, conferences, symposia, and exhibitions examine subjects like Islamic gardens, ceramic decoration, regional archaeology, and the origin of the number zero.

The stategic and geographical advantages that drew the first settlers to the Kavala peninusla in the 7th century BC made it the obvious choice for this largely granite Byzantine citadel. Modifed by successive Lombard, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman conquerers, the castle remains the heart and soul of the modern city. Today, the sloping north end has been transformed into an outdoor performance space, hosting musical, theatrical, and dance events. From the tower are fabulous 360-degree views of the city and surrounding hilly landscape.

One of antiquity's most famous cities, Philippi, lies just 13 km (8 miles) north of Kavala. Expecially famous for the battle between the assassins of Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius, and his heirs Octavian and Mark Antony. The site retains a significant amount of remains, including the Via Egnatia, several Early Christian basilicas, a Roman cistern and forum, and massive ancient theater, built in 357 BC, which is still used for the annual Philippi Festival, the region's most important cultural event. Many of the artifacts are on display at the archaelogical museum nearby.

Of the many excellent beaches surrounding Kavala, Ammolofoi remains the most popular. Located about 16 km (10 miles) west of Kavala, just past the town of Nea Paramos, the Blue Flag beach is set in idyllic scenery, with soft green hills leading down to the sand dunes from which it takes its name, before disappearing into the clear, shallow waters. Rocky outcrops divide the beach into three sections, commonly know as first, second, and third Ammolofoi, which offer different levels of crowding and service; the third tends to be the busiest. Entrance and parking is free and beach bars decked out with umbrellas and sun loungers abound. Amenities: food and drink; parking; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming; walking.