The old town of Kavala is maybe the greatest sight of the city. It is the symbol of the city and it takes us back to another historical period and a different society. The old town was populated in the 7^th century BC. For a long period of time, the Panagia district was characterized by its Muslim appearance as it had been occupied by the Ottoman Turks since 1391. The old town changed character in the beginning of the 20^th century, when a huge wave of refugees fled the city which then had to adjust to their increasing needs. In some old buildings, visitors will find traces of the Ancient and the Byzantine period and in particular in the castle-fortress of the old town which is the imposing and majestic heart of the city of Kavala.
The old town is located near the port and is accessible by foot through an uphill route that ends up to the castle. Visitors can explore the old town, enjoy the beach of Vrachakia tis Panagias, taste the delicious regional cuisine or have a coffee at the taverns and the shops that they will find there. The house of Mehmet Ali and the oriental luxury hotel of Imaret are popular tourist attractions. Even the most capable orator would lose his words in front of the view from the old town.