LARISSA BEACH - Countless Kilometers of Aegean Coastline Larissa is not just the plain! Along approximately 70 km of coastline, you’ll find over 30 beaches, small and large, sandy and pebbly, crowded and secluded—beaches for every taste! Starting from the southern end of the P.E. of Larissa, almost on the "border" with the P.E. of Magnesia, we will make a first stop at Metalleio, a rather inaccessible beach, where a large rock stands out in the sea, the "Monopetro" (single stone), and the ruins of the old mines that operated until 1950 and produced the so-called "talc." Continuing north in the "shadow" of Mavrovouni, the mountain that "bridges" Pelion and Kissavos, we reach Rakopotamos, one of the most impressive beaches in Larissa. The "triple" beach takes its name from the homonymous river that flows into its northernmost part. The southern and smaller part of it was formerly "dedicated" to nudists. Rakopotamos remained a well-kept secret until a few years ago, known only to the inhabitants of the neighboring settlements, Sklithro and Polydendri, but it is now very popular. Although it remains "unorganized," you will find two cafes and a tavern to cover your needs. Image Next stop is Akti Papakosta, also known as "royal" as it was part of the former Royal Forest of Polydendri. It is a favorite of campers, and you will very often see caravans "anchored" in the parking lot above the canteen. Nice, smaller beaches can also be found within the settlement of Kato Polydendri. Image Leaving Mavrovouni behind, we move on to the "heavy hitters" of the Larissa summer, the beaches of Agiokampos, Sotiritsa, and Velika. In reality, they form a single beach, one of the largest in Greece with a total length of over 12 kilometers. Dozens of beach bars and taverns line the coastal road, making it a favorite choice for those who want to combine swimming and entertainment. Image Kissavos and PineiosAfter Velika, the landscape changes, with Kissavos strongly entering the "game." Its verdant slopes descend almost to the wave, offering shade and coolness to bathers. In Paliouria and Koutsoupia we will find medium-sized beaches that combine sand and pebbles. From Koutsoupia to Stomio we can choose between a plethora of small or larger bays (Tsiligiorgis, Platia Ammos, Kalyvi, Pigadi, Psarolakas, etc.) depending on the degree of isolation - relaxation we seek. Special mention should be made of Kokkino Nero, where we can combine the sea bath with the thermal springs in the "baptismal fonts" located inside the village. Image From Stomio to the "borders" with Pieria, begins a series of beaches with the common denominator of fine sand, very shallow waters (ideal for families with small children), and their proximity to the Delta of Pineios. In Stomio (old name "Tsagezi") with the characteristic small lighthouse, we will cross two wooden bridges over the southernmost branch of the river to reach the beach. A little further north in the small settlement of Alexandrini we will find another beautiful sandy beach, while even "higher" (on the map) we reach the "central" estuaries of Pineios. Next to the important wetland, south of the estuaries we find the beach of Strintzos, with its few huts and other self-constructions, ideal for isolation, while north of the estuaries we find Kouloura surrounded by vast expanses of sunflowers. At the northern "end" of the prefecture, Messangala and Kastri-Loutro, offer us a small "journey through time." Family holidays of the "old type," without "posing" and affectation! Small houses where as many beds as needed to cover the family are crammed and a table for food. Anyway, the whole day is spent on the beach with "broken" chairs and sunbeds, an umbrella from the house, and a frappe iced in a shaker, like the 80s (not that you won't find beach bars and freddo espresso, if you want!). The revenge of simplicity!
