Volos
At the centre of the Greek mainland you can visit one of the most charming towns- Volos. Volos is located 320km north of Athens.The town is built on the inmost of the Pagasetic Gulf and the foot of Pelion Mountain. It can combine both stunning natural surrounding as well as plenty of modern facilities. The port of Volos is the third major one in the country. Moreover, it serves as a very important economic centre. In the 2004 Olympic Games it actually provided one of the football tournament events. The coastal avenue of Argonafton is the most popular place in the town. It is usually used as a meeting spot and if you go you will see the very impressive church of Agios Konstantinos. In the avenue you will also see the park which has the same name, as well as, the building of the University of Thessaly, which used to be an old tobacco warehouse. Enjoy a coffee or a meal in the numerous cafés and taverns that you will come across. The model of the “Argo” ship is also located there. Have a walk on the port which lies on the west of the town and has a beautiful view to the Aegean. The Anavros Park, which is situated east of the Agios Kostantinos church, is an outdoor exhibition of sculptures. Near that is the Archaeological Museum, which is housed in a neoclassical building and has interesting findings from the wider region.
On the way you will see several interesting buildings; among them is the Town Hall which is made of neo-traditional architecture. Furthermore, the Railway Station is another significant construction, as well as, the old ceramics factory of Tsalapatas .The tobacco warehouses of Speerer-Matsaggou which nowadays are turned into cultural center and the old Public Power Company‘s building. Finally, you will come across plenty of churches (Agios Nikolaos Metamorphosis, Agia Triada and many more).
The historic center of Volos is its “heart”. It is the town’s chief commercial nightlife venue and Iasonos, Dimitriados and Ermou streets demarcate it and include several paved streets.
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 (3rd – 2nd 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 15th - 16th 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.