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. 

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From industrial town to student town

Gradually, 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. 

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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. 

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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. 

Damouchari is the safest natural harbor on the eastern coasts of Pelion, which is why during the 19th century it "hosted" a customs office, warehouses, and shops. Here, the Zagorian ships found refuge when the weather did not allow them to "dock" in Horefto or Ai-Giannis. 

According to local tradition, the first to realize the value of the place was a captain with operations in Europe, Apostolos Vainopoulos. For the sake of his wife, Cleopatra, he built a famous mansion in Damouchari that remained known as "Cleopatra's Miramare." Cleopatra, unfortunately, passed away after complications in childbirth, while the baby boy who was born died at the age of 10. Vainopoulos, after this blow of fate, found "refuge" in the arms of the child's nanny, Victoria, with whom he had 5 children. Most of the inhabitants of the area are descended from these descendants. 

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On the rocky peninsula that divides its two bays, are located the ruins of a castle (probably Venetian), of unknown other details. Damouchari is connected via a wonderful path to Ai-Giannis to the north, while at the end of the southern beach ("Old Damouchari"), after the Halorema ravine and the wooden bridge, begins an amazing uphill cobblestone path that leads to Tsagarada. 

The autumn and winter aspect of the settlement is far from the summer "festival" that is presented on celluloid. It is somewhat melancholic and certainly more atmospheric. There are many who prefer Damouchari exactly like that!  
 

It is called the "balcony of Volos" since the view it offers towards the city is panoramic and unobstructed. Designated by Presidential Decree since 1980 as a "traditional settlement of absolute protection," Makrinitsa is ideal for endless walks in its traditional stone cobblestone streets. 

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The original settlement was organized around the monastery of Theotokos Oxeias Episkepseos or Makrinitissis (no longer exists) in the early 13th century AD. It took its current form during the years of Turkish rule. It experienced great flourishing during the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to trade and tanning, while shortly before the entrance of the 20th century it numbered 5,000 inhabitants! 

Makrinitsa has been considered one of the most touristy villages in Greece since the 1960s. The mansions, the "tower houses," the 54 fountains, the willows, and the plane trees will enchant you. Start the exploration from the wonderful square, where you will find the church of Ai-Giannis Prodromou, the "Athanato Nero" (Immortal Water) fountain with the lion heads, and the relatively recent "acquisition" of the village (since 2018), the very beautiful and extremely interesting Byzantine Museum. 

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Among the most impressive buildings are (further north) the Dormition of the Theotokos of 1767 and the Museum of Folk Art and History of Pelion housed in the Topalis Mansion. Of particular interest are the Skoteiniotis Tower in Koukourava (the "lower district" of the village), the well-preserved bridge in Mega Rema, the ruined tanneries that operated until the late 1950s, and the old dristeles (water-powered grain mills) in the same area. 

Kallipevki is located at an altitude of 1054 meters and is the highest village of Lower Olympus. It belongs to the Kallikratis municipality of Tempi and according to the latest census has 240 inhabitants, but in winter it is probably quite a few less. Kallipevki was founded during the late Roman period and experienced particular prosperity during the years of Turkish rule reaching 6000 inhabitants while it was also the seat of a Bishopric. Today, the inhabitants are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming, which is why the taverns around the central square of the village are flooded, especially on weekends, by meat-eaters!

It is located at the northern end of a plateau, very close to the borders with the prefecture of Pieria, in an area that since ancient times has been a passage between Macedonia and Thessaly.

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The Nezeros Plateau

On the plateau of Kallipevki there was until 1911 a lake named Askourida or Askouris. The village owes its old name Nezeros to the lake, which has a Slavic root, as "ezerό" means "lake". The lake was drained to create 5,500 acres of cultivable land, which the Kallipevkiotes exploited producing, among other things, some of the most delicious potatoes you will ever taste!

In recent years, the reconstitution of the lake has been discussed more and more intensely for reasons of ecological balance, but also of tourist development, a project that if finally realized will completely change the character of the area. We hope, however, that it will not be the end of the famous potato from Nezeros!  

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Kissavos and Pineios

After 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. 

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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! 

Rentina is a historic, mountainous village located at an altitude of 900 meters and has around 250 permanent residents. In the summer, the population increases tenfold, flooding the 600 houses of the village, many of which are called "American" because they belong to immigrants.

Of interest to visitors are the Museum of National Resistance, the Museum of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art, and the infinitely beautiful church-"museum" of Agios Georgios. The church was built in 1662 and inside you will admire a ceiling - "arabesque", a single carved iconostasis in 1796, murals of the Cretan School, mother-of-pearl shrines, chandeliers from Constantinople, etc.

In the chapel of Agios Serafim, which houses the Museum of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art, you will see rare icons, among them a very rare depiction of the Holy Trinity.

Opposite them is the Elementary School - A. Syggrou bequest - which houses the Museum of National Resistance, in the same place where the School of Reserve Officers of ELAS (Greek People's Liberation Army) operated.

At a distance of 6 km from the village is the historic Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos ("Rentina Monastery"). A plethora of hiking trails start from the village, leading deep into the "heart" of Agrafa.