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 Kallipefki 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 people of Kallipefki 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.

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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.

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At a distance of 7 km from the village, in an idyllic location, stands one of the most important monasteries of Thessaly — the Monastery of Rentina (“Dormition of the Virgin Mary”) — which has been declared an archaeological site since 1967. According to tradition, it was founded in the 9th or 10th century, although no remains of the original structures have survived. Its historical significance for the region over the centuries, and especially during the Ottoman period, was multifaceted and profound. Today, the monastery is home to a small community of four nuns. It celebrates its feast twice a year, on August 15th and March 22nd.

The "Royal" forest of Polydendri is an ecological paradise and a protected Natura 2000 area. Its mixed forests of beech, oak, and chestnut burst into magnificent autumn colours, but the area isn't short on sites of historical and religious significance either! The monastery and hermitages of Agioi Anargyroi, the ruins of Byzantine castles in Kastrί and Skiti, and the stone bridge of Alamanos are prime examples. The small, man-made, yet highly atmospheric lake of Skiti offers another delightful sight. 

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Charming Villages

You'll discover picturesque villages, such as Sklithro, the largest of them all; Skiti, the most vibrant; and Ano Amygdali (Koukourava), the most hauntingly quiet. Meanwhile, in Potamia, you'll stumble upon one of the finest tavernas in the entire region! Elafos (formerly known as "Voulgarini") is another village of significant historical importance.

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And Beaches Too!

As mentioned, Mavrovouni acts as a vital link between Kissavos and Pelion, Larissa and Magnesia. It's also a "bridge" connecting the vast Thessalian plain with the sparkling Aegean Sea. Its western slopes gently descend towards Lake Karla, while the eastern flanks, as they roll down to the coast, carve out some of the most stunning beaches in the Larissa Regional Unit, with Rakopotamos and Papakosta being particular highlights. Not bad at all for a supposedly unknown, humble mountain!
 

Skopelos is considered the greenest island in Greece with 80% of its surface covered by dense vegetation (67% virgin pine forest) and this is something that the visitor realizes even before setting foot on the island. The first image from the ship, with Glossa, the second largest settlement, and its port, Loutraki, surrounded by green, is representative.

Its charms, however, are not limited to the wonderful natural environment. It has one of the most beautiful "Choras" (main towns) in the Aegean, countless beaches, a history that is lost in the depths of the centuries, important religious monuments, a plethora of options for adventure lovers but also for those of the dolce vita, who can choose between clubs with many bpm, relaxed jazz standards or "magical and dreamy nights", in the "temple" of rebetiko, the "Anatoli" on the Castle.

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Traditional settlement of exceptional beauty

The capital of the island, the "City of Skopelos", the Chora, is an impressive, amphitheatrically built, island city. It has been protected since 1978, by Presidential Decree, as a traditional settlement of exceptional beauty. It is located in the position chosen by the first Minoan settlers to found the ancient city of Peparithos, which until Roman times gave its name to the entire island.

The Chora is a densely built labyrinth where cars do not fit. The uphill, cobbled streets and the stepped streets, will impose a slow pace of exploration, giving you the opportunity to enjoy countless picturesque corners, a feast of colors and a celebration of aromas. In the spotless courtyards, in the whitewashed neighborhoods, on the ledges of the houses, the always cheerful Skopelitisses continue to gather in the afternoons to "comment" on the news of everyday life.

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Combination of architectural types

The architectural interest of Chora is great as it presents a great variety of buildings. You can see Venetian buildings (unfortunately few now, and ruined), mansions of Pelion - Macedonian style, neoclassical but also folk - "agricultural" houses. This seemingly mismatched combination does not seem strange, as everything seems harmoniously tied together in a special way. And if you are wondering where so many mansions came from, it is enough to mention that between the 17th and 19th centuries, Skopelos was among the 5-6 largest naval powers in the Greek area. If you want to see from the inside one of the traditional houses of Chora, you can visit the "Vakratsa Mansion", the house-museum of Pavlos Nirvanas or the Folklore museum.

You should not miss, no matter how tiring it seems, a climb to the Venetian castle, from where the Ghisi family ("Ghizi") ruled Skopelos and Sporades in the years of Venetian rule. So as not to get lost in the alleys, go up from the old port to the Panagitsa of Pyrgos, the beautiful church that is the most characteristic landmark of Chora and continue the ascent having the Aegean on your right.

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Impressive beaches

The island has a plethora of beaches in all points of the horizon, but the eastern ones are more inaccessible, so visitors prefer those located on the western side. A common feature of all, whether they are sandy or pebbly, is the crystal clear waters and the intoxicating aroma of resin from the pines that reach almost to the sea.

A very popular option and due to its proximity to Chora is Stafylos, a truly impressive beach. At its eastern end, behind a small promontory, you will find Velanio, a quieter beach, which before being "organized" was a favorite of nudists. Further west, the small and sheltered beach of Agontas is preferred by those who want to combine their swim with ouzo and appetizers in one of the famous fish taverns of the settlement. Even further west is Panormos, one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island, and next to it, the narrow bay of Blo, a favorite and safe anchorage for those who love sailing.

Continuing further north, you will find the largest beach on the island, Milia and almost next to it, Kastani. Hidden next to the village of Neo Klima ("Elios"), is Hovolo beach with the imposing white rocks on its "back". In all these beaches you will be able to enjoy magical sunsets.

Passing to the eastern side we reach the "celebrity" corner of the island, to Ai Giannis in Kastri. The beach here is beautiful but relatively small and owes its "recognition" to the imposing rock that lies at its edge. In the chapel at its top, 110 steps high, the wedding scenes were filmed for the blockbuster musical "Mamma Mia!" which gave Skopelos the "international career" it deserved, making it, in addition, a "wedding destination" for many couples from all over the world!

The reference to these beaches is indicative. On the island you will find many more that deserve your attention. Desire and time to have!

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The small "Mount Athos"

The Skopelites are famous for their deep religious faith. The numbers are undeniable proof of this! The churches exceed 350, dozens of which are located in Chora. There are also many monasteries on the island, with the most important of these being concentrated on Mount Palouki, also called "Little Mount Athos". Most of the monasteries have a fortress character, reminiscent, even on a much smaller scale, of the corresponding Athonite ones. At a very short distance from each other, you can visit the monasteries of Sotir, Evangelismos, Agia Varvara, Timiou Prodromou and Pano Panagia. From Palouki you will also enjoy an impressive panoramic view of Chora.

Nature and Activities

On the wooded slopes of the mountains of Skopelos (Delfi, Palouki), extends a large network of trails, many of which were "rescued", cleaned and highlighted by a tireless British woman, Heather Parsons, who has lived on the island since 1986. There are also many routes suitable for mountain bike.

On the beaches of the island you will be able to indulge in water sports and diving. Many choose to explore unknown coves by kayak, while as mentioned above the relief of the coastline is ideal for those who love sailing.

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Why "Rebetissa"?

Skopelos must be the place with the most "rembetadika" (rebetiko clubs) and the most "rebetes" (rebetiko musicians) per capita, in Greece! In support comes the annual festival "Rebetiko Days in Skopelos" which has now taken the form of an "institution". An evening at the top of the Castle, on a "balcony" above the Aegean, in the legendary "Anatoli" of the famous Skopelitis rebetis Giorgos Xintaris, accompanied by his sons, Antonis and Thodoris, with a select group of musical friends who alternate unplanned gathered in a corner that functions as a natural "soundboard" for the sweet, unadulterated and "straight" (without microphones) picks, can be for many, the ideal conclusion to a wonderful day on the island.