Are there any beaches in Drama itself?
No, the regional unit of Drama is landlocked and mountainous, so it does not have any beaches. However, it serves as an excellent base for day trips to the beautiful coastlines of the neighboring Kavala and Serres regional units.
What are the closest beaches to the city of Drama?
The nearest and most popular beaches are located near Kavala, Nea Peramos, and Paralia Ofriniou. The famous Ammolofoi beaches near Nea Peramos are about a 45-60 minute drive, while the coastline of Kavala, with beaches like Rapsani and Kalamitsa, is approximately 35-45 minutes away by car. Paralia Ofriniou is about an hour's drive.
Do I need to rent a car to get to the beaches from Drama?
Renting a car is highly recommended as it offers the most flexibility and direct access to the best beaches. While public buses (KTEL) run frequently between Drama and Kavala, you may need to take a second local bus from Kavala to reach specific beaches like those in Palio, Nea Peramos, or Keramoti, which can be time-consuming.
What are the Ammolofoi beaches like?
Ammolofoi is a series of three stunning sandy coves known for their fine sand and clear, shallow waters. They are highly organized with numerous beach bars that provide sunbeds and umbrellas, often in exchange for purchasing a drink. The vibe is lively, especially on weekends, with music and a youthful crowd, but the beaches are large enough to find quieter spots.
Is Drama a good destination for a family beach holiday?
While Drama itself is not a beach destination, it can be a good base for a varied family holiday that combines mountain exploration with beach day trips. Many nearby beaches, such as those at Nea Peramos, Nea Iraklitsa, and Keramoti, have shallow, calm waters and soft sand, making them very suitable for children.
How long does it take to drive to the coast from Drama?
Driving from Drama to the nearest coastal city, Kavala, takes about 45 minutes. To reach the popular Ammolofoi beaches near Nea Peramos, the drive is just under an hour. Reaching the port of Keramoti for ferries to Thassos takes about one hour and 15 minutes.
When is the best time of year to visit the beaches for swimming?
The ideal time for swimming at the beaches near Drama is from June to September. During these months, the sea is warm, and the weather is consistently sunny. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September.
Should I stay in Drama and visit the beach, or stay in Kavala?
This depends on your holiday preference. Stay in Drama if you want to experience a traditional Greek city, explore the mountains and rivers, and take occasional day trips to the sea. Stay in Kavala if your main goal is a beach-focused holiday, as you will be directly on the coast with easy access to many beaches.
Are there any alternatives to the sea for swimming near Drama?
Yes, the region around Drama is famous for its water sources. While swimming is popular in some parts of the Nestos River, it's essential to be cautious of the cold water and strong currents, especially with children. The area is better known for activities like rafting and kayaking. For a relaxing walk, the Springs of Agia Varvara right in the city of Drama are a beautiful water-filled park.
For a day trip from Drama, is it better to go to the beaches near Kavala or on Thassos island?
For a single day trip, the beaches near Kavala (like Ammolofoi or Nea Iraklitsa) are more practical. The journey is a direct drive of about an hour. Getting to Thassos requires driving to the port of Keramoti (over an hour) and then taking a 40-minute ferry, which makes for a very long travel day. Thassos is better suited for a multi-day trip.
What is Paralia Ofriniou (Touzla) like?
Paralia Ofriniou, also known as Touzla, is a popular resort town with a very long, 17-kilometer coastline awarded with a Blue Flag for its clean water. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles and is well-organized with many tavernas, cafes, and a children's center, making it a lively destination, particularly popular with families from Greece and neighboring Balkan countries.
Are the beaches near Drama typically crowded?
The most popular and organized beaches, like Ammolofoi, can get very crowded, especially on weekends in July and August. However, due to the extensive coastline and numerous beaches in the Kavala region, it is always possible to find less crowded spots, particularly if you have a car to explore more remote coves.
