Car & Van Hire - Kavala

Dating back to the 7th century BC, Kavala is rich in history and, until recently, was one of the largest cities in Greece. As such, there's no shortage of things to do and see here, with car hire in Kavala making it easy to tick every last landmark and cultural attraction off your list.

Kavala Fortress is a must-see for anyone keen to talk a walk through history. There's been a building on this site for at least 2,500 years, although it's seen heavy modifications over the years. Its imposing walls were erected back in the 1300s, while a complete overhaul took place in the 1390s when invading Turks razed the castle to the ground. Thankfully, the Ottomans were quick to commence work on a rebuild, and the fortress has been standing guard over Kavala since the 1400s.

If you're interested in learning more about your host city, head to the Archaeological Museum of Kavala. Opened in 1934, this complex houses some of the most important finds ever to be unearthed in Greece. Some of the exhibits date back to prehistoric times.

Kavala's old town, known locally as Panagia, is also worth exploring. Unlike other historic districts inland, this meandering network of cobbled streets and colourful facades overlooks Kavala's bustling harbour and marina. A simple stroll along the port city walls is an adventure itself, but there are plenty of reasons to stop and take stock along the way. Sample local delicacies and stock up on souvenirs. If your feet can take the climb, an ascent of the town lighthouse will reward you with unbeatable panoramic views of Kavala and the surrounding area.

Booking car and van hire in Kavala for the summer months? Watch this city come alive as festival season gets underway. In July, the Festival of Philippi kicks into gear, offering a busy schedule of live theatre and musical performances. It's one of the most popular annual attractions in Greece, running until September. Cosmopolis is another renowned festival, with much of the action taking place in Kavala's Old Town district. This international festival brings together music groups, dance troupes, food vendors and more.

Looking to kick back and soak up some sun? Ammolofoi Beach is often considered one of the best stretches of sand in Kavala. If you're searching for a sandy spot with more amenities, think about packing up your sunscreen and heading to Tosca Beach. Although this destination is popular with tourists, its natural beauty is hard to beat. Expect golden sands, clear blue waters and a lush backdrop of pine forest here.

This port city is served by an excellent road network, making car hire in Kavala a great idea. European route E90 crosses through the heart of Kavala itself, making your life easier if you're thinking of a road trip. Other major routes include the Egnatia Motorway, which crosses the north of the city.

If you're driving into town from Kavala International Airport, use the Kavala East junction. If you're returning from somewhere like Thessaloniki, the Kavala West junction is your best bet. First time driving in Greece? Here, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road. If you plan on overtaking another vehicle, you'll need to do so from the left. However, overtaking is illegal if you're approaching a level crossing.

Although local drivers can make road journeys difficult in some of Greece's smaller towns and villages, most motorists play by the rules in Kavala. Make sure you give priority to any vehicles approaching from the right. You also need to resist the temptation to use the horn, even if the vehicle ahead is causing you trouble. Sounding the horn in urban areas like Kavala is prohibited.

Thankfully, many driving systems in Greece are shared with the rest of Europe. The three-colour traffic light system is the standard here, while most road signs are displayed in English as well as Greek. However, this only applies to motorways and major secondary routes. If you're planning a journey to a more rural destination, you'll want to brush up on your route plan ahead of time.

Speed limits here are similar to the rest of Greece. When driving in the centre of Kavala and other built-up areas, you'll need to keep your speed below 50 k/ph. Outside of towns and cities, speed limits can be as high as 110 k/ph. On motorways, speed limits rise to 130 k/ph. If you're caught speeding, you'll face a hefty fine. How much you'll pay depends on how fast you were driving and what roads you were using.

Parking is generally free if you're leaving your vehicle for less than two hours, but you'll need to pay for a longer stay. However, not every car park has a ticket machine. Instead, you'll need to purchase a parking ticket from a nearby kiosk or head to the Tourist Information Centre.