Krinides (Κρηνίδες) is a small, historic town located in northern Greece within the Kavala Municipality. Despite its small population, around 2900 people, Krinides is world-famous because of its direct proximity to major historic and thermal sites.
1. Archaeological Site of Philippi (UNESCO World Heritage)
Located right on the doorstep of Krinides, ancient Philippi was founded in 356 BC by King Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great). Key sights inside the complex include:
- Ancient Theater of Philippi: Built into the hillside, still hosting cultural performances and plays during the summer Philippi Festival.
- The Roman Forum & Via Egnatia: The ancient Roman highway that connected Rome to Constantinople.
Prison of Saint Paul: The traditional site where Apostle Paul was imprisoned during his mission to Europe in ~49–50 AD.
- Early Christian Basilicas: Impressive remains of 5th- and 6th-century Christian churches (Basilica A, Basilica B, and the Octagon).
2. Archaeological Museum of Philippi
Situated adjacent to the ruins, this two-story museum houses artifacts uncovered from the prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian periods of the region.
3. The Baptistery of Saint Lydia
Located just a short walk (about 1 km) outside Krinides along the Zygaktis River, this sanctuary marks where St. Paul baptized Lydia of Thyatira,the first recorded Christian convert on European soil.
4. Mud Baths of Krinides (Pηλόλουτρα Κρηνίδων)
A short distance from the town center, these therapeutic clay baths and thermal mineral springs have been used since ancient times.
We were gald that we visited the famous Archaeological Site of Philippi and the Baptistery of Saint Lydia and witnessed an infant baptism there.
Unfortunately, we didn't have time for the famous mud bath.
If we had two full day there, we coud have explored this nice village a littel bit more.
We had to say goodbye to Krinides after our short stay at the Lydia Hotel and took the local KTEL Kavala town bus from Krinides to Kavala and were pleasantly surprised to find that taking the bus to Kavala was quick and budget-friendly.
Buses usually run hourly throughout the day on weekdays, with slightly reduced service on weekends.
Since the elderly lady at our hotel didn’t speak English, we couldn't understand the information she gave us as to where we should wait for the town bus. After waiting at the wrong spot for half an hour and missing the 4:30 p.m. bus, we took the 6:30 pm bus instead.
The bus ride took about 40 minutes covering a distance of around 15 km; our one way ticket was €1.50.
It was a nice smooth scenic ride! We arrived to Kavala after 9pm. Looking forward to our next adventure in Kavala!
RT, Krinides to Kavala, Greece
042026
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