Secret Greece: Larisa

Larissa, a modern city in central Greece, with a pulse of its own, may not be a travel destination in the classic sense of the term, but it is a good option for a city break off the beaten track. After exploring the Lofos Frouriou, namely the ancient citadel of Larissa, a place of intense archaeological interest, and after a refreshing walk in the Alcazar Park, focus on the city center. An extensive network of pedestrian walkways makes it very easy to move by bike, as you will discover yourselves moving between the Plateia Tachydromeiou [Post Office Square] and the central square where the city’s heart beats. Here, you will find the best places in Larissa, such as the cocktail bar “Barbarum” (65, Filellinon Str., 2413012760) and “Kubrick” (12, Protopapadaki Str., 6977356011), and the bar-restaurant “Epicure 5” (2, Marinou Antipa Str., 2410534240). When it comes to dining, check out the “Climax” (corner of Ifestou & Eleftheriou Venizelou, 2410251108) for gourmet sandwiches with Greek cheeses and cold cuts, and the excellent cheesecake with organic jam; the historic barbecue house of “Adamou” (9, Panos Str., 2410530566) for all sorts of well-roasted meats; the “Me Zen” (4, Kapodistriou Str., 2410628696) for raki, ouzo and excellent seafood dishes; the “Vosporos” (1, Apollonos Str., 2410613407), which is one of the city’s best traditional restaurants; and the “Bukowski” (11, Panos Str., 2410536729) a hip gastropub with stone decoration for an impressive brunch. Last but not least, the “Just.Winebar” (6, Protopapadaki Str., 2410534240) boasts the most updated wine list in the city, and the all-day “Las Ramblas” (8, Apollonos Str., 2411110390) offers special coffees and well-made dishes. If you want to explore the wider region, Mt. Olympus, Mt. Kissavos, and the coast of Agiokampos, with their beautiful traditional settlements, will attract the attention of nature lovers.