Thessaly

Kalabaka

Kalabaka is built on the feet of the Meteora and it is at the left side of the river Pinios at the point that it enters the plain of Thessaly.
Internationally known due to the famous Monasteries on the top of the Meteora rocks, suspended in the air. 

Meteora are one of the greatest monuments of the world, protected by UNESCO, and the most important monastic center in Greece (after Agio Oros). The first ascetics came here in the 11th century. Meteora, however, flourished as a monastic center between the 13th and 14th century as many people who lived in the nearby areas embraced the monastic way of living. The ancient name of Kalabaka was Aiginion, while at the beginning of the 10th c., today's ttown is mentioned as Stagi, a name that is preserved until today as a Metropolitan title.

Kalabaka is a destination rich in history with many important monuments to visit. It is the starting point for those who wish to be familiar with the monuments and the magnificent sites of Aspropotamos, Koziakas and of course the monasteries of Meteora. The town has  nice hotels, modern campings, restaurants, tavernas and shops.

Karditsa

It is built close to tributary of Peneus River, in an area perfect for commercial contact between the plain and mountain area (31.000 inhabitants). This is one of the reasons why it is the rural center of Thessaly products (cotton, wheat and products of cattle raising) collection and distribution.

With its two big squares, the huge park and beautiful pedestrian precincts, Karditsa gives to its visitors the opportunity to go around the city by bicycle (it has a wide network of bicycle streets) and enjoy its beauty. In 1821, the plague epidemic decimated the city population. Its revival began after the liberation from Turks in 1881. Karditsa was the first free city in Europe after the withdrawal of Italian army on March 1943 during the Second World War. Its final liberation from German army took place in September 1944.

Larisa

In the region of Thessaly, a capital city lies surrounded by lush valleys, and some of the most imposing mountains in Greece. Larissa, with a population of approximately 130,000 residents, is a city where ancient history and long tradition in agriculture meet the modern way of living.

To the north and east, Kamvounia mountains, Titaros, Olympus (with the highest mountain peak in Greece reaching 2,917m.), Ossa (or Kissavos) and Mavrovouni form a natural enclave. Here the micro-climatic conditions create an ideal wild life habitat. The soil of the area is also exceptionally fertile: cotton, grains, watermelon, melon, tobacco, vegetables, wine and tsipouro are only some of this land’s agricultural products. Larissa is also the centre of the economic activity in Thessaly with an ongoing development in industry, as well as the service sector.

Trikala

The Prefecture's capital is a beautiful city built on the location of ancient Trikki (according to mythology the nymph Trikki was the daughter of Pinios). Asklipios, the most important doctor of antiquity, originated from here. The Lithaios River flows through the city which is distinguished by historical Monuments, excellent urban planning, spacious squares, parks and pedestrian streets.

Volos

Beauty, Myth and History are all here

Volos is one of the largest and most beautiful Greek cities, located at the centre of the country, with a port that is among the busiest in Greece. Built at the innermost point of the Pagasetic Gulf, it lies at the foot of Mt. Pelion, where the fresh and salty sea breeze is mixed with the scented mountain air of the homeland of the mythical Centaurs. The city was the starting point of the ancient famed expedition of Jason and the Argonauts, which is one of the best-known chapters of Greek Mythology.

The region’s wealth and its long history can be seen in its architectural structure which has an air of elegance and beauty. The grand residences and state buildings, the museums, the early 20th century industrial facilities, and the historic churches are some of the city highlights.

Pelion

An escape to the Centaurs’ homeland

When you mention Volos, Mount Pelion is the first destination that comes to mind. The mountain has relatively low levels of wilderness and elevation. Its highest summit, Stavros, is 1.624 metres, stretching for approximately 50 Km. Mount Pelion forms a natural borderline between the district of Magnesia and the Aegean Sea.

Its soft slopes and easily accessed peaks make Mount Pelion a popular destination for hiking lovers and weekend mountain climbers. Two mountain shelters, the one at Agriolefkes and the other at Agios Georgios of Zagora host weary climbers and hikers. In Agriolefkes, near Hania, there is also a skiing resort for skiing lovers, whereas an abundance of mountain routes and trails are ideal for mountain biking and horseback riding.

One gains an exhilarating experience all year round when visiting Mount Pelion or its traditional villages, whether it’s in mid-winter when everything is covered in snow, or in spring or summer when colourful wild flowers cover its slopes, which are full of fir, chestnut, oak and beech trees.