Volos – this place has it all!

 Summary

Volos is at the center of Greece, is a city with a lot of choices which combine sea and mountain. The beautiful view of the Pagasetic Gulf and the nearby mountains make this place worth visiting. Seamlessly blends history, cultural traditions with a rich arts scene, culinary tradition and a beautiful natural environment. According to Greek mythology, this region was the homeland of the mythical centaurs and the summer residence of the gods. Volos is the capital of the world Myth of Argonauts. From here, Argo set sail, the ship on which Jason and the Argonauts boarded to travel to Colchis in the Black Sea and bring back the ‘’Golden Fleece’’.

Best Places

Pelion: this mountain extends north and east of Volos and consists of mountain villages with lush forests, waterfalls, and great cultural architecture for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and traditional Greek landscape. Pelion is the right choice for those who seek a beautiful environment, a culinary tradition and many activities.

One of the highlights of Pelion is its stunning coastline, which boasts a mix of sandy beaches and hidden coves.

Makrinitsa is one of the most popular destinations of Pelion, a charming traditional village.Here you can take holidays all year round, enjoy the rich nature, the oxygen and renew yourself physically and spiritually. It is a quiet place away from the lights and bustle of a town with many small beautiful taverns and cafes. There are plenty of options to stay.

Milies, Pelion: The village Milies of Pelion can be visited all seasons of the year because every time you see a unique landscape. If you want to walk on paths covered with leaves and take cozy photos, you should go in Autumn. In winter you’ll enjoy snow and warm drinks in a winter landscape. In spring you’ll find a landscape of renaissance with nice smells coming from the trees and flowers. In the summer you will enjoy your meal in a cool place among the trees. Don’t forget to take a ride on the train for a unique experience in nature.

The Pelion Ski Centre is located at the top of Mount Pelion, at Agriolefkes at an altitude of 1200m to 1471 m. A mountainous settlement is 27 km from Volos. The ski center has a shelter, 5 lifts, 3 parking areas, restaurant, ski & snowboard equipment rentals and of course a medical center.

Nice beach to visit is Potistika Beach. On the beach there are large rocks, which make the landscape unique. The beach is quiet, the landscape is wild and the sea is crystal clear. You can place your own umbrella, but there is also a beach bar/restaurant with very good prices.

Mylopotamos Beach Pelion: Is very beautiful beach with crystal waters. Is located very close to the village Tsagarades. There are two ways to go to the beach –  a narrow path which starts from the road and goes to the tavern that is there as well as through the stairs from the parking space high up. There is an organized beach bar with sunbeds.

Fakistra in Pelion: The nearest village is Tsagarada. Fakistra is located between the popular Damouchari and Mylopotamos, so it is a good opportunity to combine the two, visiting all three beautiful parts of Volos. It is a small and very beautiful beach. The road to the beach is slippery, at the beginning the path has stones and then becomes more gravel. If you go by car, the road is narrow but there is no cliff, you pass between plants.

Papa Nero, Pelion: An exotically beautiful beach, which you should definitely go to if you are in Volos in summer. It is located 55 km away from Volos in the village of Agios Ioannis. A village famous among tourists with the availability of modern tourism infrastructure.

Damouchari Beach Pelion: It consists of two creeks joined by a peninsula above which there are ruins of a castle.

The North bay has many taverns and residents living there, while the South bay has crystal clear waters for bathing and a beautiful wild environment. Damouhari is where the first Mamma Mia was filmed, as well as the choreography for Dancing Queen.

Paradisos Beach: It is located on the beach of Ramnos, in Koropi (Boufa) of Pelion, down the road that you will find after the first big turn, after you have left behind the village of Koropi.

Where to stay 

In the city of Volos, in the coastal areas or in the mountain small villages there are several options of facilities that offer traditional, luxurious and noble accommodation.

Restaurants-Bars/Taverns 

You should try and taste all the traditional dishes and drinks such as spetzofai, tsipouro, and the famous apple pie, made with the Pelion’s renowned apples.

You can enjoy a cozy dinner at one of the most traditional restaurants in the village of Portaria on Pelion mountain under the name of Gefsokratoras. Quiet nice place for indoor or outdoor eating. This local cuisine of Pelion is a true gastronomic delight.

From breakfast to late night drinking I recommend the Aeriko cafe bar in Makrinitsa village. This village is situated in the northwestern part of the Pelion mountains, 6 km northeast of Volos. Aeriko has traditional furniture with a view of the snowy villages of Volos and the sea. If you find yourself in the area do not miss to visit!

Excursions – Activities

There are a lot of activities, many hotels and restaurants that guarantee the visitor a delightful holiday. In many regions of Pelion there are many activities for alternative tourism such as riding, hiking, ecotourism routes, etc.

Little train ride: The train departs from Ano Lechonia and from Milies, with a stop at Ano Gatzea. This is a great adventurous and safe day trip to admire the wild nature, the arched bridges and the tunnel entries.

If you are a sports person you can go hiking on the trails to and from Portaria and Makrinitsa as well as on other trails such as St. Onoufrios – Makrinitsa, Drakeia – Chania, Chania – Portaria, Portaria – Drakeia, Makrinitsa – Puri (16 km), Makrinitsa – Koukourava – Ano Volos, , Chania – Kissos, Chania – Agios Ioannis etc. Famous and easy walking routes are also the trails of the Centaurs in Portaria and Jason’s in Alli Meria, a walk in Makrinitsa, the path from Makrinitsa to Stagiates. You must be well equipped and informed about these routes. The best thing is to ask for information and help or take an organized tour from  a mountain guide.

Canyoning: Get in contact with us to assist you if you want to go for canyoning. The best season for this activity is from March to June.

Horse Riding: For beginners or experienced riders, we have the best option for you, your family or friends.  You can take a ride next to the beach, in the paths of Centaurs and in the mountains. Get in contact with us to arrange it.

Hop on Hop off to the islands: From the port of Volos you can visit the Sporades islands with regular ferry connections. The cosmopolitan Skiathos, the evergreen Skopelos and the serene Alonissos.

 Moving around 

You can reach Volos city with every mean of transportation. By road through the main greek highwayE75, by railway, by ferry to the islands of Sporades or some other islands during Summer. Also, with cruise ships and by air with the state airport of Volos. The best option to move around in Volos city and surroundings is to rent a car, in order to have the comfort to explore the places without rush and having to spend a lot of time waiting for the local buses.