Volos

The city of Volos, situated at the foot of Mount Pelion and near the site of ancient Iolcos, dominates the region of Magnesia overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf. It is one of the largest cities in Greece and one of the most important ports in the country, and is situated in one of the most interesting areas of Thessaly, which combines the allure of the sea with the mystical charm of the Centaurs Mountain, where creatures part-horse, part-human were born according to Greek mythology.

 

 

The area of Volos has some 40 Neolithic sites dating back to the 7^th and 8^th millennia b.C., including Sesklo and Dimini, where engraved pottery, tools made of bone and stone, utensils and items in obsidian are on display. Mycenaean sites have been found, instead, in Iolcos on the hill of Agioi Theodoroi, in the area of Palia in the district of Volos, and in Pefkakia. The rich history of the city has left its mark on the city’s architecture, including palaces, municipal buildings, museum, early twentieth-century industrial facilities and churches.

 

 

The areas surrounding Iasonos, Dimitriados and Ermou make up the centre where the city buzzes day and night, partly due to the students of the University of Thessaly. Don’t miss a visit to the Castle of Volos, in the district of Palia, a former galley building centre.

Another enchanting corner of the city is the Park of Agios Konstantinos, right on the beach, which provides a breath of fresh air to residents and tourists.

 

 

Don’t miss the opportunity to get to know Volos by visiting the splendid collections in its museums. The Kitsos Makris Museum of Folklore, housed in the home of the researcher Kitsos Makris, includes works of folk art and a library of over 4000 rare books. The N. & S. Tsalapatas Rooftile and Brickworks Museum, housed in an old factory, instead offers the opportunity to learn more about the industrial past of the city. The Athanasios Koutroumpas Entomology Museum displays the largest moth in the world with a wingspan of 37-40 centimeters. The Theofilos Museum delights for its paintings of Teofilo Chatzimichail. Don’t miss the Athanasakio Archaeology Museum housed in a neoclassical building, which displays finds from Thessaly from prehistory to Roman times.

 

The city has a sea front animated by restaurants. The sea front road that leads to the port is perfect for a romantic stroll with splendid views over the open sea. Without doubt, this is most impressive corner of the city, enhanced by fishing boats, yachts and a reproduction of the old ship Argo. The beaches of Volos are among the best known of Greece, such as those of Agios Dimitrios, Anchialos, Alykesand Pigadia, all with heavenly scenery.

A connection with the Sporades Islands offers tourists the opportunity of making a trip to Alonissos, Skopelos or Skiathos to see the National Marine Park of the Sporades, a refuge for rare birds and monk seals. Secluded beaches and marine caves, such as the submerged city of Alonissos or the Cave of Poseidon can be reached by small boat. The islands of the Pagasetic Gulf, instead, are fishing areas for underwater fishermen and, at the mouth of the Anavros River and on nearby beaches, water skiing and windsurfing can be practised.

 

 

From Pelion, you can reach the beaches overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf or the Aegean Sea, with crystal-clear water and luxuriant vegetation. Mylopotamos is a beach where the water is warm even in autumn, and the huge rock there, sculpted by the sea and wind, is a monument to nature. A short distance away are the beaches of Damouchari, with white and pink pebbles, and Chorefto, one of the longest in Greece. People who love secluded beaches can choose those of Parisaina, Analipsi and Agioi Saranta near Chorefto. The Village of Ai-Giannis, a short distance from Damouchari, is worth a visit for its picturesque taverns with sea views which offer fish dishes.

 

 

The very tasty local products of Pelion can be purchased in the market of Volos, such as dairy products with spicy flavors, brightly colored puddings, homemade pasta, liqueurs made of mountain fruits and local herbs.

 

A sailboat ride allows you to admire the island of Skiathos but also the small island of Arkos, the island of Dasia with its blue cave, the island of Skopelos and the island of Tsougrias. An ideal excursion to swim in spectacular beaches and stop in the taverns to taste the local cuisine.