Imaret Hotel

The Imaret Hotel occupies a restored 19th-century Ottoman complex in Kavala's Panagia (Old Town) quarter, perched on the hillside above the old harbour. Built in 1817 by Mohammed Ali — the Albanian-born ruler of Egypt who was born in Kavala — the complex originally functioned as an Islamic charitable foundation providing food and shelter for the poor. Today its vaulted stone corridors, domed ceilings, and colonnaded courtyard have been converted into one of Greece's most distinctive boutique luxury hotels, with 26 rooms and suites spread across the restored Ottoman structures. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Byzantine fortress and sits within the labyrinthine lanes of Panagia, where Mohammed Ali's birthplace is a short stroll away.

Rooms range from Deluxe rooms with Ottoman-inspired furnishings to spacious Junior and Ottoman suites that showcase original stone arches and domed ceilings. All rooms feature fine linens, air conditioning, and contemporary bathrooms while retaining the historic fabric. The outdoor pool sits within the walled courtyard gardens — an unexpectedly tranquil space in an urban setting — surrounded by fragrant plants and trickling fountains. The traditional hammam is available for in-house guests and can be reserved for private sessions.

Dining is centred on Mediterranean and Aegean cuisine. The restaurant operates within the historic halls and opens onto the courtyard in warmer months; breakfast, included in most rates, showcases local honey, cheeses, and seasonal fruit. The bar stocks Greek wines and regional spirits.

Service is intimate and personalised — the concierge team arranges excursions to nearby Philippi, the Kavala Archaeological Museum, and the Thassos ferry. The property is not well-suited to families with very young children given its stone staircases and narrow corridors, but is ideal for couples and design-conscious travellers seeking an authentic connection to Ottoman history.