Where to stay in Drama: The best areas and 17 hotels

Drama is a city that combines comfortable urban life with direct access to nature, thanks to the Agia Varvara springs that emerge from plane trees just a few minutes from the centre. It is known for its short film festival, organised annually, as well as being a starting point for visiting the archaeological site of Philippi and Kavala.

The city centre is lively, with pedestrianised streets, cafés, and restaurants around the main square, while the area towards the springs is greener and quieter, ideal if you want relaxation without being far from everything. There are also several modern short-term rental apartments near the centre, as well as accommodations towards Krinides, near the archaeological site of Philippi.

Below, you will find an analysis of these areas, 17 specific accommodations with a brief description and indicative price, practical tips, and answers to common questions for those planning a trip to Drama.

What to see and do in Drama

Drama has a history stretching back to antiquity, but its current form was shaped mainly after the population exchanges of 1922, when refugees from Asia Minor and Pontus settled in the area and contributed to its development. The city's name is traditionally associated with the Drama or Draviskos river, and today the city is the capital of the eponymous prefecture in Eastern Macedonia.

The most characteristic spot in the city is the Agia Varvara springs, a natural park with plane trees and running water within the urban fabric, where locals stroll or sit at the cafés by the water. It is one of the few places in Greece where you can enjoy such direct contact with nature within a city centre.

Drama hosts the International Short Film Festival annually, one of the country's oldest cinematic institutions, attracting visitors and creators from all over Greece. If you are travelling during that period, usually late September, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.

Gastronomically, the region is known for its wine, especially varieties cultivated at the foot of Falakro and Pangaio, as well as for its mountain-produced meats and dairy products. In restaurants around the square and the springs, you will find traditional Macedonian flavours, while local winemakers often offer tastings.

A few kilometres south are Krinides and the archaeological site of Philippi, a city founded by Philip II of Macedon and where the Apostle Paul first preached in Europe. The site includes an ancient theatre, an agora, and early Christian basilicas, and is easily accessible with a short drive from Drama, while Kavala is about a 40-minute drive away.

Getting around the city is easy on foot, especially if you are staying in the centre or near the springs. For excursions to Philippi, Kavala, or the mountainous villages of Falakro, you will need a car, as public transport mainly covers the city itself.

The best time to visit is spring, when the springs are cooler, and autumn, during the grape harvest and the film festival. Summer can be quite hot, while winter is cold due to its proximity to the mountains.

The best areas for accommodation in Drama

1. Drama city centre, pedestrian streets, square and easy access to everything

Drama city centre, around the main square and pedestrian streets, is the most practical base for those who want to be close to shops, cafés, and restaurants. From here, you can walk to the Agia Varvara springs in a few minutes, while access to the city exit for Philippi or Kavala is also quick by car.

Advantages:

• Close to shops and restaurants
• Easy walking access to the springs
• Good starting point for excursions

Disadvantages:

• Can be busy during peak hours
• Less quiet compared to the springs area

Recommended accommodation:

1. Aya Hotel
A modern hotel in the city centre, with clean rooms and a comfortable reception, suitable for business or tourist stays.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

2. Diamond City Living
Modern accommodation in the centre, with carefully chosen décor and essential amenities, suitable for couples who want to be close to city life.

• Average cost: approximately 58€ per night

3. Hotel Epavlis
A hotel with a classic aesthetic in the centre, with comfortable rooms, suitable for families who want practical accommodation close to everything.

• Average cost: approximately 50€ per night

4. ESPERIA Drama HOTEL
A central hotel with good value for money, convenient for those who want to explore the city on foot.

• Average cost: approximately 48€ per night

5. Hotel Marianna
A small family hotel in the centre, with simple rooms and friendly service, a good choice for budget accommodation.

• Average cost: approximately 40€ per night

6. Hotel Alexandros
A hotel with comfortable rooms and easy access to the square, suitable for a short stay during a trip to the area.

• Average cost: approximately 45€ per night

2. Agia Varvara springs area, green environment and tranquillity, by the water

The area around the Agia Varvara springs is the greenest part of the city, with plane trees and running water creating a cool, quiet atmosphere even in summer. The accommodations here cater to those who want relaxation without losing easy access to the centre, which is a few minutes' walk away.

Advantages:

• Cool, green environment
• Quiet overnight stays
• Close to natural beauty within the city

Disadvantages:

• Fewer shop options in the immediate area
• May require a short trip for shopping

Recommended accommodation:

7. Hydrama Grand Hotel
The city's largest hotel, with comfortable rooms and organised spaces, suitable for events, weddings, or family holidays.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

8. Shizen Wellness Hotel
A hotel focused on relaxation, close to the city's green belt, suitable for those seeking a peaceful stay for a few days.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

9. Philippeio Hotel
A hotel with simple, clean rooms in a quiet location, a good choice for those who prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 48€ per night

3. Apartments near the centre, your own space, a few minutes from the square

In Drama, there are several short-term rental apartments near the centre, ideal for those travelling with family, staying for longer, or simply preferring their own kitchen. Most are in modern buildings, with easy access to the square and shops, without needing extensive travel.

Advantages:

• More space and privacy
• Ability to cook
• Close to the city centre

Disadvantages:

• No hotel services
• Communication with the owner is usually remote

Recommended accommodation:

10. Kouros Hotel
A small apartment-style hotel in the centre, with simple rooms, suitable for short or medium-term stays.

• Average cost: approximately 42€ per night

11. Hotel Villa Tasko
Villa-style accommodation with spacious areas, a good choice for small groups or families who want more space.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

12. Christina Apartment
A clean apartment with basic kitchen equipment, suitable for couples or solo travellers who want privacy.

• Average cost: approximately 38€ per night

13. JennyHouse
A comfortable apartment near the centre, with carefully chosen décor, suitable for stays of a few days.

• Average cost: approximately 40€ per night

14. Pau'ls Houses 1
A small, comfortable accommodation with practical equipment, a good choice for couples who want a quiet stay near the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 40€ per night

15. Maybe Home suite apartments No3
A modern apartment with a comfortable living room and a fully equipped kitchen, suitable for families or small groups.

• Average cost: approximately 45€ per night

4. Krinides and Philippi, near the archaeological site, for those who want to combine history and accommodation

If your main interest is visiting the archaeological site of Philippi or you want a base closer to Kavala, Krinides offers an alternative accommodation solution, about fifteen minutes by car from Drama city centre. It is a quieter area, suitable for those who do not need the vibrancy of the city centre.

Advantages:

• Very close to Philippi
• Quiet environment
• Good starting point for Kavala

Disadvantages:

• You need a car for Drama centre
• Fewer evening entertainment options

Recommended accommodation:

16. Hotel Giannis
A family hotel near Krinides, a good choice for those who want to visit the archaeological site of Philippi without staying in Drama city centre.

• Average cost: approximately 40€ per night

17. Achilleion Palace
A hotel with comfortable rooms in the wider area, suitable for accommodation combined with a trip to Philippi or Kavala.

• Average cost: approximately 45€ per night

Practical tips before booking

• Book early if travelling in late September. The Short Film Festival brings many people to the city and accommodation fills up quickly.
• Include a stroll by the springs in your itinerary. The Agia Varvara springs are free and offer coolness even on the hottest summer days.
• Plan for a car for Philippi. The archaeological site is a few kilometres from Drama, but not easily served by public transport.
• Try local wine. The vineyards around Falakro and Pangaio produce interesting labels that you will find in city restaurants.
• Bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes in summer. The heat can be intense, especially if you plan to walk in the centre or at the archaeological site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to stay in Drama if I want to be near the springs

The area around the Agia Varvara springs has several accommodations in a quiet, green environment, a few minutes' walk from the centre.

How far is Drama from Philippi

The archaeological site of Philippi is about twenty minutes by car from Drama city centre.

Do I need a car in Drama

Not within the city, as everything is within walking distance, but for excursions to Philippi, Kavala, or the mountain villages, it is essential.

When is the film festival in Drama

The International Short Film Festival is usually held in late September, so if you plan to attend, book your room in advance.

Are there cheap accommodations in Drama

Yes, several hotels and apartments in and around the centre start from approximately 38 to 45 euros per night.

Is it worth staying in Krinides instead of Drama city centre

If your main interest is the archaeological site of Philippi or Kavala, then yes; otherwise, Drama city centre is more practical.

Conclusion

For the most convenient stay, Drama city centre gives you immediate access to shops, restaurants, and the Agia Varvara springs. If you prefer a quieter environment, the area around the springs or apartments slightly outside the main square are better choices. Those who want to combine their stay with a visit to Philippi or Kavala might consider accommodation towards Krinides, closer to the archaeological site.

Also see our guides on where to stay in Georgioupoli and accommodation in Lamia.