Castles
Visiting Greece is an experience where myth and tradition, history and culture play a leading role.
Thessaly
A trip to the land of Achilles and Jason
Enjoy Thessaly, a region of sheer beauty with mountains, rivers, beaches, the popular Plastira Lake, Tempi valley, and last but not least the unique Meteora, the most photogenic spiritual site in Greece. Archeological areas, Byzantine monasteries and churches, traditional settlements and ski resorts complete the fascinating natural beauty of Thessaly and make it a popular holiday destination. Soaring like a sleepless guardian above the city of Volos, Mt Pelion is gorgeous throughout the year. Set against an idyllic backdrop of olive groves that shimmer in the sunlight, dense forests and lush fruit orchards, these 24 stone-built villages are the true gems of Pelion.
Take the legendary “Mountzouris”, the traditional train of Pelion that connects Milies with Ano Lechona. It’s the perfect way to see part of the mountain and some other traditional villages. Visit Volos, the city of the Argonauts, where you will definitely pass by a tsipouro taverna as they are dispersed in every nook and cranny: almost 600 (!) of them bear the gastronomic stamp of the city and provide people with a favourite meeting point; that is the unrivalled landmark of Volos. Just a few kilometers to the West, lie the archaeological sites of Sesklo (the most ancient settlement of Europe, dating back to 6.000 BC) and Dimini, the most important prehistoric settlement in Greece and one of the most important ones of the New Stone Age worldwide.
CENTAURS' LAND
TRAILS
DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURE
Popular Destinations
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
A Mountain to Visit Any Time of the Year
Beautiful green Mt. Pelion is a popular destination in the region of Magnesia. The soft slopes and easily accessed peaks make this mountain the ideal escape for hiking lovers and holidaymakers. There are two shelters, one at Agriolefkes location and the other at Agios Georgios near Zagora. In Agriolefkes, close to Chania Village, there is a skiing centre for winter sports lovers. Mountain biking and horse-riding fans can explore Mt Pelion along the available trails and routes. Take a tour of the local villages, any time of the year, for a truly memorable experience!
Either you visit Mt. Olympus, the mountain of the ancient Greek gods; the large cities of Larisa, Volos, Trikala and Karditsa or the Northern Sporades Islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos), Thessaly region will capture your heart and soul!
Follow the tour around the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, the biggest one in Europe. Head to the twenty nine Natura 2000 protected areas. Visit the mesmerising valley of Tempi, the rivers, the caves, the artificial lake Plastira as well as the lovely beaches (received 19 blue flags in 2018) found on Sporades Islands, Magnesia and Larisa.
Experience spiritual elevation on Meteora (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the towering stone pillars on which 24 byzantine monasteries lie. Discover Mount Pelion, where the Centaurs roamed and the ancient Greek gods spent their summers. Explore ancient theatres (in Larisa, Dimitriada, Phthiotidai Thebes, Ferai); Yeni Mosque -the only one in Larisa; traditional villages (e.g. Tempi, Metaxochori, Ampelakia, Ellinopyrgos); and wonderful stone bridges (e.g. Pyli, Palaiokarya, Katafylli, Elassona).
Culture
Discover traditional performing acts that originate in the ancient Greek cult of god Dionysus (e.g. Bourani in Tyrnavos, Carnival Bouloukia in Larisa). Enjoy Greek folk music in country festivals and tavernas, where ancient rituals, Byzantine music and rebetiko songs (inscribed in 2017 on the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) blend to create a feast you’ll remember.
Visit archaeological, folk art and thematic museums such as the Rooftile and Brickworks Museum and the Railway Museum in Volos; Tsitsanis Museum in Trikala; and the Museum of National Resistance in Larisa. See also buildings with a cultural, educational and entertaining character such as the Mill of Pappas in Larisa. Feel the festivals’ vibes (e.g. Pineios Festival in Larisa, the Musical Village in Agios Lavrentios, the Diamantis Paleologos Dance Festival on Skopelos Island) or tour famous landscapes and seascapes seen in famous (2008) Mamma Mia film (Skiathos, Skopelos, Pelion).
Gastronomy
Savour unique local wines (Protected Designation of Origin) such as PDO Rapsani [Larisa], PDO Anchialos [Magnesia] and PDO Messenikola [Karditsa]. Taste the regional remarkable PDO produce (e.g. the Pelion firiki miniature apple variety, and Zagora red apples), and take a sip of local tsipouro (Tyrnavos Tsipouro) in the renowned tsipouradika in Volos town. Make a point of tasting some delicious halva from Farsala town, the flavourful handmade spoon sweets, the traditional pies and a scrumptious local Mt. Pelion dish called spetsofai (a spicy preparation made with feta cheese, sausages, peppers and tomato sauce).
Activities
Explore the plains of Thessaly, gaze down the view from the tall mountains of the gods or enjoy serene moments by the shores of the Aegean Sea. Every single season in Thessaly is charming and locals will welcome you to their land, which is rich in culture and has an invigorating natural environment.
If you love sports then Thessaly can surely feed your appetite with quite a few outdoor activities. Enjoy rafting and kayaking on Pineios River; pedalo or mountain biking on or around Lake Plastira; horse riding in Pertouli; mountaineering in Athamania, Drosochori and Kalogiroi; climbing in Neraidochori and Pertouli; archery in Neochori; skiing on Mt. Olympus, Pertouli, Mt. Pelion and Mt. Agrafa; water sports such as swimming, jet skiing and diving in the Sporades Islands area and by Volos town.
Tips for your Trips
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Lakes reflecting beauty
Like stunning mirrors of outstanding natural beauty, lakes in Greece reflect the splendour of the Greek landscape in their waters.
Charming Mountainous Villages in the Greek Countryside
