Macédoine Orientale et Thrace
17/10/2025
Stéphane Rabenja

Heading East: Settling in Eastern Macedonia & Thrace between Kavala, Xanthi and Alexandroupoli

What if your next life took place in eastern Greece? Between the Aegean Sea and the Rhodope Mountains, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace offer a rare balance of quality of life, nature and services. 🧭

From maritime Kavala to bohemian Xanthi, and on to dynamic Alexandroupoli, discover human-scale cities that are accessible and inspiring for a lifestyle or investment project.

Kavala in an amphitheater facing the sea

Neighborhoods, ports, cultural life

Kavala rises in an amphitheater facing the Aegean, with the peninsula of Panagia topped by the fortress and the former house of Mehmet Ali. The lower town is lively around the port, cafés and converted tobacco warehouses. 🏛️

To help you get your bearings:

  • Panagia (old town): narrow streets, views, historic charm; limited parking.
  • Kalamitsa–Batis (west): residences close to the beaches, family atmosphere.
  • Center/port: urban life, shops, ferry access and marina.
  • Perigiali (east): more residential, quick access to main roads.

In terms of mobility, the city is connected by the Egnatia Odos motorway; Kavala airport is nearby. The port serves Thasos in particular, convenient for car-free getaways. 🚤

Real estate tips:

  • Slope-side apartments offer great views; check access (stairs, elevator) and parking.
  • In the old town, anticipate a heritage renovation (roof, joinery, damp issues).
  • Proximity to schools/shops and exposure to sea winds affect seasonal rental demand.

Market reference — To put budgets in context, according to data from the Green-acres website, the average asking price for properties in Kavala is around €302,000 for an average area of 119 m², i.e. about €2,538/m². You can view some local listings here: https://www.green-acres.gr/property-for-sale/kavala.

Profile of foreign buyers — Also according to the platform’s data, foreign enquiries in Kavala are mainly driven by Romanian buyers (21%), Germans (19%) and Bulgarians (13%), with median prices varying widely by origin, reflecting a diverse foreign clientele along the coast and in areas close to islands such as Thasos.

Nearby beaches & outings

A few minutes away: Kalamitsa, Batis and Tosca for swimming, and the long Ammolofoi beaches near Nea Peramos for fine sand. 🌊

For a change of scenery: Keramoti (shallow waters, family-friendly) or a hop to Thasos from the port. In the evenings, waterfront bars and fish restaurants enliven the town.

Xanthi & hinterland

Old Ottoman town: charm & slopes

Xanthi’s old town mixes Ottoman and neoclassical houses, stairways, art studios and cafés. A student and cultural atmosphere year-round, with a well-known carnival. 🎭

Things to know:

  • The steep lanes require solid daily logistics; favor a property with car access if possible.
  • Character houses: check the roof structures and stonework; insulation and heating may need upgrading.
  • Saturday market and community life boost annual rental demand.

Market reference — On the Green-acres platform, the average asking price in Xanthi is around €362,000 for an average area of 129 m², i.e. about €2,806/m². To view listings and refine your price expectations, see: https://www.green-acres.gr/property-for-sale/xanthi.

International — The Xanthi regional unit does not show a dominant foreign buyer profile in these data, which may indicate demand that is more local or national compared with coastal areas.

Stavroupoli: gateway to the Rhodope Mountains

Stavroupoli opens onto the Nestos gorges and the Rhodope Mountains: hiking, mountain biking, light rafting, and a scenic train along the river. 🏞️

For nature lovers:

  • Stone villages and rural houses: charm, but be mindful of accessibility and winter heating.
  • Check eligibility for eco-tourism activities (permits, neighbors, Natura 2000 zoning).
  • Plan for high-speed internet: essential for remote work.

Alexandroupoli & the Thrace border

Services, hospital, airport

A crossroads city, Alexandroupoli concentrates shops, administration and a large university hospital, an asset for a lasting settlement. The emblematic lighthouse watches over the waterfront.

The Dimokritos airport serves Athens and seasonal destinations; intercity buses are frequent on the Egnatia route. The port connects notably to Samothrace, an ideal island for a weekend.

For your project:

  • West neighborhoods (Makri, Dikella): seaside vibe and recent houses.
  • Center and waterfront: services within walking distance; pay attention to noise and wind.
  • New properties: check insulation, elevator, parking and seismic compliance.

International context — For the Evros regional unit (where Alexandroupoli is located), the available data do not show a concentration of main foreign buyers, which may increase the appeal of projects aimed at a local clientele or for primary residences.

Beaches & Aegean winds

From Makri to Dikella, family beaches, tavernas and coastal paths. The summer wind favors light sailing and kitesurfing; consider the orientation of your terrace. 🌬️

Practical tip:

  • Identify year‑round micro‑shops (bakery, pharmacy) if you aim for a primary residence.
  • Test daily routes off‑season (schools, healthcare, work) before buying.
  • On the seafront, plan anti‑corrosion maintenance for joinery.
See properties in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace make a winning trio: Kavala for the sea horizon, Xanthi for character and nature, Alexandroupoli for services and openness. Life is lived outdoors there, to the pace of an authentic and connected Greece.

To succeed in your move, clarify your intended use (primary residence, pied‑à‑terre, rental), test neighbourhoods, and surround yourself with a lawyer, a notary and an engineer for the technical audit. Your project will then take a clear direction, at the right price and without surprises. ✨

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