Philippi is one of the richest archaeological sites in northern Greece, and it makes a good contrast with the Macedonian tombs of Vergina. The city was founded by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, and later became a Roman colony. Its ruins include a forum, a theatre and the remains of early Christian basilicas, and the site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also holds a special place in Christian history, since the Apostle Paul is said to have preached here and founded what is often described as the first Christian community in Europe. The day trip combines the ruins with Kavala, a port town on a bay with an old quarter on a small peninsula above the harbour, and with a stop for a swim in the warmer months. It is a long day by coach, about ten and a half hours, and it suits history lovers, pilgrims and travellers who want a mix of ruins and coast in a single outing.
How it works
The trip is a guided coach tour from Thessaloniki that lasts about ten and a half hours, according to the booking page, and it is rated well by travellers. The price is per person and changes with the date, so check the page for current availability, what is included and whether the site entrance is part of the price. The coach leaves in the morning from a central meeting point and returns in the evening.
What to expect
The ruins at Philippi are open-air and spread across a wide area, so you will walk on uneven stone and there is little shade in summer. Allow time to stand in the theatre and to look at the forum and the basilica foundations, and ask the guide to explain what the marble remains were once part of. At Kavala the time is usually free for a walk in the old quarter and a meal, and the swim stop depends on the season and on the weather, so it is a summer pleasure rather than a year-round one.
Making the most of it
Wear a hat and sun cream in summer and a rain layer in the cooler months, and bring water for the open site. Visitors who want to understand the Pauline story in more depth should read a short summary of the Acts of the Apostles before they go, because the site makes more sense with that background. If you are staying in the city for several days, this trip pairs well with a Vergina day, since Philippi and Vergina trace the Macedonian and Roman layers of the region.
What to expect
The experience
A guided coach trip to the open-air ruins of Philippi and free time in the port town of Kavala, with a swim stop in warm months.
Best time
Spring and autumn are comfortable for the open site, and summer suits the swim stop.
How long
About ten and a half hours from Thessaloniki.
Tips
Bring a hat, water and sturdy shoes for the open ruins, and ask whether the site entrance is included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and pilgrims who want Roman and early Christian sites.
- Families
- Best for children who enjoy exploring ruins; the day is long and the site has little shade.
- Couples
- Ruins in the morning and a harbour lunch in Kavala make a rounded day.
- Pair with
- A Vergina and Pella trip for the Macedonian side of the story.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Why is Philippi important?+
It was founded by Philip II of Macedon, became a Roman colony, and is linked to the Apostle Paul and the early Christian community. Its ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What is Kavala like?+
Kavala is a port town on a bay with an old quarter on a peninsula above the harbour. Tours usually give free time for a walk and a meal.
Can I swim on this trip?+
The tour is billed with a swim stop, but swimming depends on the season and the weather. Bring swimwear for summer dates.
How much walking is there at Philippi?+
The ruins are open-air and spread out on uneven stone, so expect a good amount of walking. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Is it worth combining with Vergina?+
Both are strong history days, but they are separate full-day trips. Doing both on different days shows the Macedonian and the Roman layers of the region.
