Old Shipyard
The Old Shipyard of Kavala – or Kalafatia as the locals call it – is a small traditional boatyard on the edge of the Panagia peninsula, Kavala’s Old Town. Hidden behind the city’s famous Kamares aqueduct, this historic shipyard is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the city. It still functions as a working shipyard today, preserving centuries old boat building and repair traditions in an old town setting.
Tucked away in a small cove just below Panagia’s hill, Kalafatia is largely hidden from the bustle of the city streets, creating a peaceful, almost forgotten atmosphere. Small wooden fishing boats can be seen pulled up on the slipway or bobbing in the water as craftsmen work on repairs. The colours of Panagia’s hillside houses meet the industrial facades of old tobacco warehouses here, making for a unique coastal scene.
The shipyard is just a few minutes walk from the city centre (behind the Kamares aqueduct), but feels a world away – “an interesting and original environment” next to the still active boat yard. At the water’s edge a small tavern (Taverna Karnagio) operates within the shipyard where you can eat alongside local fishing boats – a family run place praised for its simplicity and harbour view. Overall the area is a blend of scenic heritage and seafaring character in a quiet corner of the city.
History & Culture
Kavala’s shipbuilding heritage at Panagia goes back many centuries. The earliest recorded shipyard here is from 1591 and by the mid 17th century the Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi noted that Kavala had several tarsanás (boatyards) – possibly including one here.
Photos from the late 19th and early 20th century show a small shipyard (tarsaná) at the site, with a wooden pier and stone warehouses. The modern shipyard was established after 1922 when Greek refugees from Asia Minor settled in Kavala and re-established the yard with multiple workshops and slipways.During World War II boats were even built here for the occupying forces’ navy. After the war the shipyard’s industrial role declined but the traditional craftsmanship survived.
Today only one ship repair business operates in Kalafatia, repairing wooden and fiberglass boats. So the Old Shipyard is a living relic of maritime culture – a place where the art of wooden boat building is kept alive even as it faces the challenges of the modern world. The very name “Kalafatia” itself reflects this heritage (from kalafatis, Greek for caulker or shipbuilder). The site is a reminder of Kavala’s nautical tradition and the community’s efforts to keep this dying craft alive for future generations.
Local Interest
For locals and visitors alike the Old Shipyard (or Karnagio, as it’s often called) is an authentic piece of Kavala’s life. The on site tavern – originally a 1922 coffee shop for shipyard workers – still serves fresh seafood and meze in its original rustic style. Eating here is an experience: you sit literally in the middle of a working boatyard, with fishermen mending nets and boats being painted nearby.
The community also uses the shipyard as a stage for cultural events, open air theater during summer festivals. All these make Kalafatia more than just a historical site; it’s a living part of the neighborhood. Visitors come not only to see the traditional boat building in action but also to soak up the local hospitality and the timeless charm of this hidden gem of Kavala’s old town.
Map
Old Aqueduct
Halil Bey Mosque
