Volos

Volos, one of the most enchanting towns in Greece, is situated at the centre of the Greek mainland (320 km north of Athens). Built on the innermost tip of the Pagasetic Gulf and at the foot of Mt Pelion, it combines modern facilities and beautiful natural surroundings. Volos is the third major port of Greece and one of its most important economic centers. During the Olympics 2004, it provided one of the venues for the football tournament. 

The town’s most popular spot both for its inhabitants and visitors –ideal for strolls but also for a meeting place– is the pedestrianized coastal avenue of Argonafton with the imposing church of Agios Konstantinos (1936), the park bearing the same name, the building of the University of Thessaly (an old tobacco warehouse), the numerous cafés and taverns, the model of the “Argo” ship (the city is intertwined with the story of Jason and the Argonauts), the port lying at the western tip of the town and the magnificent view to the open sea.  East of the church of Agios Konstantinos lies the Anavros Park an outdoor sculpture exhibition area, as well as the Archaeological Museum, a neoclassical building housing important findings from the wider region.

Of particular interest are several buildings, among them being the Town Hall (neo-traditional architecture), the Railway Station, the old ceramics factory of Tsalapatas (presently converted into a cultural - recreational complex), the Speerer-Matsaggou tobacco warehouses (today a cultural center), the building of the old Public Power Company, etc, as well as the churches of Agios Nikolaos (metropolitan church, 1934), Metamorphosis, Agia Triada, Agion Theodoron and Panagia Goritsa.    

The “heart” of the historic center, which is the town’s main commercial hub and nightlife venue, is demarcated by Iasonos, Dimitriados and Ermou streets and encompasses several paved roads.

Also of importance is the Municipal Painting Gallery (housed in the Town Hall) which contains works of major modern Greek artists. In the village of Anakasia (4,5 km from Volos) is situated the Museum of Theofilos where frescoes painted by the this great folk artist are on display. Equally worth visiting in the town is the dwelling of folklorist K. Makris where, among other things, works by painter Theofilos are on display.

One of the most enchanting peculiarities of Volos are its renowned tsipouradika (places where a locally produced spirit, tsipouro, is served with appetizers). More than 300 tsipouradika are scattered in Nea Ionia and Ano Volos (commanding a panoramic view of the area), in the traditional district of “Palea” (near the railway station), on the coastal avenue and in the historic center. Visitors have the opportunity to savor the locally produced spirit while indulging in delectable seafood dishes in a warm traditional setting.

Around Volos

A few km west of the town of Volos lie the archaeological sites of Sesklo and Dimini, two of the most ancient Neolithic settlements throughout Europe, while south of Ancient Demetrias (3^rd – 2^nd century BC) a well-preserved theatre along with the remains of a walled circuit and traces of a temple can be seen.

Northeastwards rises the imposing Mt Pelion, the mythological abode of the centaurs and one of the most magnificent and beautiful rocky masses throughout the country. On its slopes stand numerous traditional villages of vernacular architecture (most of them date from the 15^th - 16^th century), while in the vicinity of the village of Hania a modern ski center operates. A definitely memorable experience is the trip by the steam-powered train of Pelion (it has been intermittently in service since 1895 and links the village of Lehonia with the village of Milies at an altitude of 400 m), allowing visitors the opportunity to admire the impressive mountainous landscape, the view to the sea and the splendid mountainous villages. Moreover, in several areas of Pelion alternative forms of tourism are offered (horseback riding, hiking, eco tourism routes, etc).

Furthermore, from the town of Volos visitors can reach a number of magnificent beaches (many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag) found either in the Pagasetic Gulf or on the side to the Aegean Sea. Volos is daily connected by ferry with the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.