VOLOS - Timeless port Volos is multifaceted, but not contradictory. With Mount Pelion as its "back" for support, it opens its arms to the Pagasitic Sea, while the "new" coexists harmoniously with the "old" The country's third largest commercial port, a city with a great industrial past (especially during the interwar period), Volos, is a 'self-contained' destination, but also a 'base' for Pelion and the Sporades. Although the industrial boom is now a thing of the past, the impressive architectural 'footprints' of it are still scattered throughout the city. It is estimated that from the late 19th century onwards, over 50 industrial buildings (tobacco warehouses, ironworks, potteries, etc.) were built in Volos. Many of these began to be restored in the late 1980s with the collaboration of the municipality and the University of Thessaly, and some now house entertainment and cultural venues. Image From industrial town to student townGradually, Volos was transformed into a "student town" and the approximately 10,000 young people who are preparing for the future here, gave new breath and vitality to a city that at one point, fortunately for a very short time, seemed to be falling into stagnation. The seaside front is the showcase of the city with its pedestrian streets and parks that are flooded with people at all hours of the day. Here, the profile of a modern and vibrant city is formed. Image Behind the "showcase," in neighborhoods such as Palia, the Castle of Golos (the medieval core of the city) or the refugee districts of Nea Ionia, visitors can enjoy "retro" moments and emotions. It is in these neighborhoods where the very special way of entertainment in Volos, the "ritual" of the Tsipouradika, has its roots! The midday need of the refugees who flooded Volos in '22 is reflected in its most authentic form in these old neighborhoods. You sit, you drink, you DON'T order food, the mezedes (the "nibbles") come on their own, and the more 25ml bottles are stacked, the more exquisite they are. The most mainstream version sets up tables for passers-by on the beach. Image A very important "gateway"For those who, beyond the "old," are also looking for the "ancient," a short distance from the city are important archaeological sites, such as Dimini and Sesklo, while the Archaeological Museum of the city is also very important. Beyond all this, Volos is a very important "gateway." Entrance, as it is adjacent to the Nea Anchialos airport, but also exit, as passenger ships depart from its port to the Northern Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos). In Kordoni, dozens of sailboats find a safe anchorage, with which modern "Argonauts" seek adventure in the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.