Ancient Philippi (15 km west) is the essential excursion — one of the most historically significant sites in the Aegean, with Roman ruins, early Christian basilicas, and a theatre still used in summer. Thassos island (one hour by ferry from the port) has good beaches, an ancient acropolis, and a relaxed pace — its northeastern beaches at Aliki are among the most attractive in the northern Aegean. The Drama region inland has the Alistrati Cave, one of the most impressive cave systems in Greece, and the Drama town itself has a pleasant centre.