Wednesday, 25 September 2013 00:00

Kavala Visit

Report by Andy Denison

September 25th 2013

 Venue for the 2015 Finn World Masters Championships

Kavala

Kavala is located on the south eastern coastline of mainland Greece, around 150km from the Bulgarian border, overlooking the Aegean sea.

The original part of the town was built in the 7th century BC, expanding in later years! The town now is reminiscent of a Greek amphitheatre with the property hugging the hillsides to the rear and terracing down to the waters edge at the front.

Kavala report pictures 

The main hub is centralised around the marina/fishing Harbour, where a wealth of tavernas, bars and eateries have evolved. It is very Greek! There is no other influence and quite honestly, a breath of fresh air to come somewhere and be in amongst the culture.

Some 500mtrs to the rear in the back streets is a real buzz of bars, Tavernas and boutique shops, plenty for all the ladies to enjoy. Traveling up the hill to the eastern side of the town you will find the cobbled streets and early parts of this civilization.

There are a number of street corner cabins where you can buy your cigarettes, sweets etc but only Greek papers.

Saturday is market day, this is a large market situated by the harbour close to the club, well worth a visit!

The Apostle Paul baptised the first Christian in Europe here in Kavala.

Sailing Venue

The Club is split into two parts which I felt is not good for our championship, so with an easy decision the event will be hosted in the town at the main club house of the Nautical club of Kavala, this club offers its own bar and a great viewpoint over the race area and town. There is also race office and media rooms and easy access to the hotels and camping areas. (The bid document shows the two sailing site proposal, which has now changed!)

The boats will be stored on the quayside next to 2/3 slipway areas, and will be within a secure compound. There is plenty of drop -off space, storage and parking, with taverna and bar facilities next to the slipway and Dinghy storage compound.

A Marquee will be in place and will form the main event arena next to the dinghy storage compound; it is intended to have the measurement and some of the general activities here.

The venue for the main dinner is still under discussion, but the Beach club Batis are proposing a Greek night at their fabulous sandy beach side facility.

I have proposed that the AMM is held on the top floor restaurant at the Galaxy Hotel, which enjoys outstanding views.

Transportation

Ferry

From Italy. Port Igoumenitsas around 3 hours distance on decent highway roads.

Airports

Kavala ‘Megos Alanadros’ 25 minutes drive: taxi around 30e to Kavala town.
Thessaloniki around 1.45 hour drive.

Accommodation

The OA will propose accommodation on the event website; they have a good relationship with the town Hoteliers and administration.

We stayed at the hotel Galaxy which overlooks the harbour and town, this 4 star accommodation is very good and is where we will stay for the event.

If its 5 star accommodation that you are looking for then the Hotel Lucy ( approx. 2km ) from the club is a fabulous choice, with a sandy beach and pool area.

There is a great choice of other hotels and where ever you choose in the town will be close to the event arena.

For further help if required, contact Vasilis from the OA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
It is intended to arrange a discount for members.

Motorhome/Camping

Camping and Motor home space will be provided in the town on the sea front beside the town park. This area will be fenced and secure and will have electric, water and chemical disposal, the access to the club is around 200mts level walk.

Excellent sea front position overlooking the race area and in the town!

A fee of around 10 euros to cover the costs will be in place!

If you prefer to be out of the town but still within easy distance to the venue then I can recommend the Beach club and camping, Batis, here there is small bungalow accommodation and rental apartments, with camping and caravanning on the campsite just behind the sandy beach cove. The distance is 3km from the Dinghy Park.

Local Attractions

The town has a small sandy beach, other beaches are at Lucy Beach , batis and further round on the western side, Around 2-3km.

Philippi: This ancient city is a real must to see, it is proposed in the ladies programme so don’t miss it!

The Mud baths of Krinides in Philippi.

The Old town of Kavala with the Roman Via duct.

Food and Drink

The list is endless! The Greek really do love their food, and whether it is a tapas style meat dish or fresh fish super there is plenty of choice! There is also a choice of pasta and meat dishes with chips, should you wish.

A typical meal with starter, sweet and drinks, in the tavernas is around 10-15 euro per head.

As with everywhere, there are more expensive places if you prefer!

Try the sardines, the oven baked eggplant, the small doughnut balls in honey, the cheeses, the Octopus and the Greek Yoghurt and the meats.

Drink : many local beers - 2 -3 euro, Ouzo, Ice cold coffee. And there are local wines, but be careful they serve red cold!
Note: Some places do not accept credit cards. (Cash only)

Ladies

The area has a lot on offer; the OA will put a program together, but some of the suggestions that are coming forward are the mud baths at Krinides, tour of the old town, possible ferry trip to the neighbouring island of Thassos.

A guided tour of the ancient town of Philippi. (A must!)

There will also be boats available (for a small fee) to skipper you out to the race area to spend the day swimming, lunching and watching the sailing. (Should you wish?)

Sport

There are sport facilities in the town including Gymnasium and swimming pool.

There is walking along the harbour and Marina to as far as you want! A good run is available to Lucy beach and back around 5k
Yacht charter from the Harbour.

Thanks

Many thanks to Vasilis, Kostas and Stefanos, the OA for making my stay very comfortable! Thanks also to Takis GRE 71 and Giannis GRE 5 for taking time out and time off work.

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