The ancient city of Fílipi, on the outposts of the great plains of eastern Macedonia, was involved more than once in events involving the fate of the Western world. It was here that Anthony and Octavian marched against the army of Brutus and Cassius, leading to the establishment of the Roman Empire. It was also here that St Paul preached for the first time in Europe. The clamouring crowds in the forum have long been silent, but this uncommon destiny has left behind majestic ruins that are a testimony to the great civilisations of the past.

A good road follows the wooded coastline not far from the shore. It overlooks inlets and beaches, and crosses tiny coastal basins. Panagía, the ancient capital of the island, has picturesque houses with balconies and schist roofs. Alikí is built on the neck of a peninsula cut with marble quarries, which date back to Antiquity but look as if they were abandoned only recently. Limenária is a fishing village and lively summer resort.

Neapolis Gate, the entrance to Philippi (Fílipi) from Kavála, was part of the Byzantine walls, which still exist in places and were reinforced with towers. The section running north climbs up to the Greek acropolis where three towers were built in the Middle Ages. The area between the walls and the forum is still being excavated. The French School in Athens has discovered traces of a large palaeo-Christian basilica built exceptionally on an octagonal plan, a baptistery and a bishop's palace.

The kástro (citadel) stands on the site of the ancient acropolis. There are exceptional views of Kavála from the Byzantine ramparts reinforced with towers. The aqueduct below supplied the Old Town with water. Within the ramparts there are prisons and a cistern.