Eleftheroupoli

Eleftheroupoli (Ελευθερούπολη) is a historic town in the Kavala regional unit, built on a hillside at the foot of the Pangaio Mountain range. Known in antiquity as the city of Pieris and in the Byzantine period as Leuteropolis (City of Freedom), Eleftheroupoli has a long and layered history. The area was a centre of ancient gold mining — the nearby Pangaio hills were the source of much of the wealth of ancient Macedon, including the gold for the crown of Philip II.

Modern Eleftheroupoli is a quiet, provincial town with a dignified centre of neoclassical and traditional houses, a lively central square, and an excellent archaeological museum. The town serves as a base for exploring the Pangaio range, with its forested slopes, Byzantine monasteries, ancient gold mines, and traditional villages. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers cooled by the mountain breezes and mild winters.

By Plane

Kavala International Airport "Megas Alexandros" (KVA) is 30 km east. A taxi costs €30–€40. From the airport, KTEL buses can take you to Kavala city centre, where you can change for Eleftheroupoli.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Drama (35 km north), with connections from Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli. From Drama, take a KTEL bus to Eleftheroupoli (45 minutes).

By Car / Road

Eleftheroupoli is 20 km north of Kavala on the road to Drama. The Egnatia Odos (A2) has an exit for Eleftheroupoli. Regular KTEL buses connect the town with Kavala (30 minutes), Drama (45 minutes), and Thessaloniki (2 hours).

The town centre is walkable. A car is recommended for exploring the Pangaio villages and hiking trails.

• Archaeological Museum of Eleftheroupoli — A well-curated museum displaying finds from the Pangaio region, including ancient gold-working tools, jewellery, pottery, and sculptures from the ancient cities of Pieris and Phagres. Tuesday–Sunday, €3.

• Pangaio Hills — A forested mountain range rich in history, with ancient gold mines (some visitable), Byzantine monasteries such as the Monastery of the Archangels and the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, and traditional stone-built villages like Nikisiani, Domatia, and Paleochori.

• Eleftheroupoli Central Square — A beautiful, shaded square surrounded by neoclassical buildings and plane trees, with cafés and a lively atmosphere in the evenings.

• Byzantine Castle of Eleftheroupoli — The ruins of a Byzantine fortress on a hill above the town, with panoramic views of the plain and the sea.

• Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos — The town's main church, an early 20th-century building with a beautiful bell tower.

• Explore the ancient gold mines of Pangaio — Guided tours of the ancient galleries are available from the village of Nikisiani. The mines date back to the 5th century BC and were a key source of Macedonian wealth.

• Hike in the Pangaio range — The mountains offer excellent hiking through dense forests of oak and pine, with trails leading to Byzantine monasteries, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.

• Visit Nikisiani village — A beautifully preserved traditional village in the Pangaio hills, with stone houses, a central square with a plane tree, and excellent tavernas serving local food.

• Attend the Eleftheria Festival — Celebrated in June, this festival commemorates the town's liberation with music, dance, and local food.

• Pangaio Taverna — A traditional taverna in the centre serving grilled meats, local dishes, and the region's famous honey-and-walnut sweets. Mid-range, €8–€12 per person.
• I Plateia — A café-restaurant on the main square, ideal for coffee, breakfast, or a light meal. Budget, €5–€8.
• To Steki tou Pangaio — A mountain taverna in Nikisiani village, known for its goat stew, pies, and grilled meats. Mid-range, €10–€14.

The cafés on the main square are the centre of social life. Try tsipouro with a meze plate at one of the traditional kafeneio.

• Budget: Hotel Eleftheroupoli — A simple, central hotel with basic amenities. From €30/night.
• Mid-range: Archontiko Pangaio — A restored traditional mansion in Nikisiani offering charming boutique rooms. From €55/night.

Local specialities include Pangaio honey (thyme and pine), olive oil from the foothills, and mountain tea. The weekly market on Thursdays is the best place for fresh local produce.

• Kavala (20 km south, 25 minutes) — The vibrant regional capital with its castle, aqueduct, and waterfront.
• Drama (35 km north, 40 minutes) — The "city of waters," with waterfalls, parks, and the Falakro ski resort.
• Pangaio Hill Villages (10–20 km, 20–30 minutes) — Traditional villages like Nikisiani, Domatia, and Paleochori.
• Philippi (25 km east, 30 minutes) — A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important archaeological site in northern Greece.
• Xanthi (60 km east, 1 hour) — A stunning old town and one of Greece's best carnivals.