Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Best Day Trips from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2026

Escape the city with the best day trips from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 8+ day trips in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace — Samothrace Island, Thassos Island from Kavala and Kavala to Philippi top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is Greece's northernmost region, stretching from the Nestos River delta to the Turkish border. It combines ancient Macedonian ruins, Byzantine fortresses, Ottoman mosques, tobacco-scented market towns, dramatic Rhodope mountain scenery and an undiscovered Aegean coastline that sees a fraction of the crowds found further south.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

Approximately 40 nautical miles from Alexandroupoli

Samothrace Island

Saos Ferries from Alexandroupoli Port. Tickets: saosferries.gr or port ticket booth. Departure times vary (typically 07:00 and 15:00 in summer). Ferry ticket: €15–€20 (~$16–$22) each way.
15 nautical miles from Kavala

Thassos Island from Kavala

Kavala Port Authority ferry to Limenas (Thassos Town). Fast ferry: 35 min, €5–€6 (~$5.50–$6.60). Conventional ferry: 70 min, €4–€5 (~$4.40–$5.50). Book at Kavala port ticket booth. Port tel: +30 2510 223 716. Buses from Limenas serve all beaches.
16 km from Kavala

Kavala to Philippi

KTEL bus from Kavala to Drama; alight at Krinides/Philippi (30 min, €2 / ~$2.20). Return last bus at ~18:00. Taxi from Kavala: €20 (~$22) one-way. Return taxi: same price.
40 km from Xanthi

Xanthi to Nestos Gorge

Car rental essential; no public bus to gorge trailhead. Taxi from Xanthi ~€35 (~$38) one-way; arrange return pickup with driver. Xanthi taxis: +30 25410 28 888.
70 km from Alexandroupoli

Alexandroupoli to Dadia Forest Reserve

Car rental from Alexandroupoli (various agencies at AXD Airport and city centre). No public transport to Dadia village. Taxi from Alexandroupoli: approximately €60–€80 (~$66–$88) round trip; ask driver to wait.
55 km from Komotini

Komotini to Maroneia and Coast

Drive via E85 highway (50 min). Return same route. Taxi from Komotini: approximately €50 (~$55) round trip.
50 km from Kavala

Kavala to Ancient Abdera

Drive via E90 motorway (50 min). Taxi from Kavala: approximately €45–€55 (~$49–$60) one-way. No direct public bus; take bus toward Xanthi and alight at Abdera junction (then 3 km walk).
57 km from Kavala

Xanthi City Exploration (from Kavala)

Train from Kavala (Chrysoupoli) or Kavala city bus station to Xanthi; 55–60 min, €5–€8 (~$5.50–$9). Train: hellenictrain.gr. Bus: ktel-kavala.gr.

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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