tourist information volos

Next 5 days

• THURS 33 °C

Climatic Data

Source: National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr

© P. Merakos

Beauty, Myth and History are all here

Unique Experiences

Take a Tour of Volos City

• The pedestrianised Argonauts Way , where you will see the sculpture titled Argo (by the harbour), created by the artist Nikolas, one of the city landmarks. You can also see the modern-day Argo, the ship which was built as an exact copy of its legendary ancient counterpart, one that roamed the Greek seas and beyond, some 3,500 years ago; it’s a feat of shipbuilding by all means, which will offer a thrill to all visitors, especially history lovers.
• The beautiful Papastratos building (1926) for its special architectural style. Today it houses the administrative services and a number of Schools of the University of Thessaly.
• Palia quarter, in the west city section; it is estimated that it has been inhabited continuously since 3000 BC and that the location matches the site of ancient Iolkos. Take a tour of the Roman Baths , the ruins of the castle (mid-6th c. A.D.), the Ottoman powder magazine (1600), the Agion Theodoron square , and the former Tsalapata factory (1925) which now houses the Rooftile and Brickworks Museum.
• The tree-shaded Rigas Feraios square – the city’s largest one – where the impressive Town Hall and the building of the Municipal Theatre are located. The theatre has the largest scene among the Balkan countries.
• The extensive Agios Konstantinos park named after the church situated in it, and Anavros park where you can visit the open-air exhibition of sculptures.
• Achilleion theatre (1925), an impressive neoclassical building, designed by architect K. Argyris.
• The green Goritsa hill, with the 1892 church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) built on the top; the location will provide you with a panoramic view of Volos and Panagia Trypa church built inside a cave, by the sea.

Other destinations

Ferry routes

Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 15 Best Things to Do in Volos (Greece)

15 Best Things to Do in Volos (Greece)

Affectionately known as the City of the Argonauts, in Greek mythology, Volos was where Jason boarded the Argo on a quest for the Golden Fleece at Colchis.

As a nod to this ancient hero there’s a replica of an ancient Trireme ship berthed at the city’s port.

An industrial port city in modern times, Volos could also be the embarkation point for your own voyage, with ferries departing the city to the paradisiacal islands of Skopelos, Skiosos and Alonissos.

Volos has real history of its own at the Neolithic settlements of Dimini and Sesklo, more advanced than anywhere else in Greece 6,000 years ago.

The finds from these settlements are at the city’s Archaeological Museum.

A constant presence to the north is Mount Pelion, where you can drive to high-altitude villages in leafy forests, and the best beaches on mainland Greece.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Volos :

1. Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos

This museum has a payload of artefacts from the Geometric period, from 900-700 BC, a time associated with legends like the Trojan War and Jason and the Argonauts.

Many of the finds discovered at the Neolithic settlements of Dimini and Sesklo are here, like terracotta figurines, jewellery and stone tools.

Whole burials from the Mycenaean period have also been transferred to the museum, showing the skeleton and the offerings around it.

There are also Hellenistic funerary steles from Dimitriada, around the Pagasetic Gulf, that still have bright traces of paint, as well as reliefs from the early-Christian and Byzantine periods.

2. Tsalapatas Museum

A token for Volos’ industrial development in the 20th century, the Tsalapatas Museum is in a roof tile and brickworks founded in the 1920s by Spyridon and Nikolaos Tsalapatas . At the height of production the factory churned out up to nine million tiles (Byzantine and French-style) and bricks of different sizes each year.

After the factory shut down in the 1970s its Hoffmann kiln, trolleys, compressors, clay silos, dryers and cutters were all kept on site, and the museum eventually opened in 2006. You’ll get to step inside the Hoffmann kiln, which used to bake 24 hours a day, stopping just twice; during Greece’s Nazi occupation and following an earthquake in 1955.

3. Dimini Archaeological Site

West of Volos are the ruins of a Neolithic village first occupied around 4800-4500 BC, with houses built from mud bricks on stone foundations.

Designed according to a social hierarchy around a central square, Dimini has a level of sophistication in its urban planning that isn’t seen at other settlements from this time.

Dimini’s residents also had an unusual amount of privacy in their homes, where cooking took place inside rather than outside, which had been the norm.

Each of the houses are also separated by walls, rarely found at other settlements from the Middle Neolithic.

During excavations at House N a ceramic pot was found with the remains of a child inside from a prehistoric burial.

Close by there’s a tholos (beehive) tomb from a later Mycenaean settlement.

4. Sesklo Archaeological Site

If you’re hungry for more prehistoric archaeology after seeing Dimini, Sesklo is in the countryside a bit further west.

At Sesklo you’ll glimpse the Sesklo Civilisation, the first Neolithic culture in Europe, with the oldest fragments going back to between 7510 and 6190 BC. The site shines a light on people who lived off agriculture and animal husbandry and had advanced stone and obsidian tools, and pottery-making skills.

Beyond the historical meaning of the place, Sesklo is in a picturesque location, bordered by two streams on the Kastraki Hill with long-distance views of the countryside.

The settlement once occupied an area of 20 hectares and a population as large as 5,000, but burned down around the 5th millennium BC, after which only the hilltop or acropolis was inhabited.

5. Mount Pelion

At Volos you couldn’t be in a better place to travel the dreamlike landscapes of Mount Pelion.

This peak has 24 villages, which, like Portaria below, have unmistakeable “Pelian” houses made from green, blue or grey slate and with painted wooden window frames and doors.

You’ll be tempted to go on a driving expedition, past gorges, waterfalls and orchards growing plums and firiki, a small, oval apple that originated in Egypt.

Mount Pelion is steeped in Greek mythology, as the home of Chiron the Centaur and the place where Thetis and Peleus were wed, starting a chain of events that would lead to the Trojan War.

And if you’re willing to put in the miles, some of mainland Greece’s best beaches can be found on the Aegean under Pelion’s eastern slopes.

Hemmed by pine-topped cliffs, the beaches at Agioi Saranta and Mylopotamos are out of this world.

6. Portaria

An easy drive north of Volos will bring you to the lovable village of Portaria on the slopes of Mount Pelion.

Facing the Pagasetic Gulf at an elevation of 650 metres, Portaria, was founded around the Monastery of Panagia in the 1200s.

The village is wreathed in greenery, abounding with deciduous trees, orchards, gardens and flower pots on its streets.

On the slopes are mountain streams and waterfalls that are a spectacle after a little rain.

Also part of Portaria’s allure is its architecture, with noble mansions that have colourful window frames and doorways painted in the Pelian style.

Seek out the rustic wooden Monastery Church of Panagia Portarea, which has vivid frescoes from the 16th century.

7. Centaurs’ Path

In Greek mythology Mount Pelion was the domain of the Chiron the Centaur, who was a tutor to heroes like Heracles, Achilles, Jason and Theseus.

With these tales in mind you can pick up the Centaurs’ Path up the slope from the village of Portaria, a short hike over mountain streams crossed by little wooden bridges on green slopes shrouded by beech, plane, chestnut, oak and maple trees.

Occasionally you’ll be able to look between the leaves and see the Pagasetic Gulf and Volos far below.

8. Pelion Railway

The narrow gauge line from Volos to Milies in South Pelion was laid in 1903 and operated up to 1971 when it was shut down as a cost saving measure.

But in 1996 the section from Ano Lechonia, ten kilometres east of Volos, to Milies started running as a heritage line.

There are services on weekends from mid-April to the end of October, and every day in July and August.

Travelling at a leisurely 20 km/h you’ll course through Pelion’s verdant landscapes of oak and olive trees, climbing to look across the Pagsetic Gulf.

The ride takes 90 minutes, and just before Milies station you cross the remarkable De Chirico Bridge: While the bridge itself is straight, the rails cross it on a curve.

You can take lunch in Milies and poke around the village, before catching the return train in the afternoon.

9. Anavros Park

As you leave the Archaeological Museum you can go for a gentle walk along this seafront park.

In 1988 there was a sculpture symposium at Anavros Park and there’s a line of whimsical concrete and metallic pieces that resemble trees next to the water.

There’s also a skatepark here, and if you stay on the promenade and head east you’ll be at Anavros Beach.

This beach flies the Blue Flag, and has four cafes and restaurants in touching distance, so you have almost all you need for a few peaceful hours in the sun.

10. Alikes Beach

A few minutes by road southwest of the centre of Volos you’ll arrive at a long sandy beach in a laid-back area with bars and restaurants.

The beachfront at Alikes is divided by breakwaters, leaving transparent shallows where toddlers and unsteady swimmers will be able to wade and paddle with no danger.

Although rather narrow, the beach is filled with sun loungers and parasols, and some of the bars behind have waiter service.

You could also take a walk to the end of one of the breakwaters for a photograph of Mount Pelion across the Pagasetic Gulf.

11. Agiou Konstantinou Park

With dark rippling mountains on the horizon, the Pagasetic Gulf has the power to stop you in your tracks.

Luckily, just beside the University of Thessaly a short way from the port there’s a newly refurbished park with benches where you can revel in the views.

There are lawns, which are lush in autumn, winter and spring, and columns of pines, palms and deciduous trees.

On the water is a long, straight seafront promenade if you’d like to walk off lunch or take the prettiest route to the Archaeological Museum a couple of minutes away.

12. Hill of Goritsa

A natural boundary above the east side of Volos, the Hill of Goritsa crests at 200 metres.

One reason to make the climb is to see the whole of Volos, its bay, the Pagasetic Gulf and Mount Pelion in one view.

But there’s also ancient history up here.

In the 4th century BC Philip II of Macedon built a city for up to 5,000 inhabitants on this perch.

At that time there was a wall running along the ridge for almost three kilometres, watched by 33 towers.

At the highest point you can still see the ruins of the acropolis, while in a cave near the Church of Zoodochos Pigi the ancient inscription “Dios Milichiou” has been found in the rock, proof of the veneration of Zeus at the city.

13. Castle of Volos

In the old town in the western part of the city there’s evidence of a once mighty fortress.

The Castle of Volos was built on the Palaia Hill during the rule of Emperor Justinian in the middle of the 6th century AD. The castle was pulled down in 1889, but lengths of the eastern and western walls are still standing to a height of seven metres.

The sight isn’t much to look at now, but it deserves a few minutes when you come to the Tsalapatas Museum to picture what this building would have looked like in Justinian’s time.

14. Theofilos Museum of Anakasia

Up in the village of Anakasia, under five kilometre out of Volos is the Kontos House.

Three storeys high and dating to 1835, this Byzantine-style building is on a rectangular plan.

The house is special because of what’s inside: In the early 20th century the treasured folk artist Theophilos Hatzimihail decorated the house with colourful, naive frescoes of landscapes, battle scenes, wildlife, saints, mythological figures, flowers and herbs.

15. Tsipouradika

When it comes to dining Volos has its own way of doing things.

All around the city you’ll see Tsipouradika, which take their name from Thessaly’s regional drink, Tsipouro, a brandy made from pomace left over in wine presses.

Tsipouradika are a product of the 19th century, when industrial workers would need somewhere to spend their lunch hours as they were unable to return to their homes.

After the Greco-Turkish War in the early 1920s these establishments were cross-pollinated by refugees from Anatolia, who brought their own cuisine back with them.

As they did more than a hundred years ago, Tsipouradika have a cheerful atmosphere, with impromptu folk songs fuelled by shots of Tsipouro.

Most Tsipouradika are fish and seafood restaurants cooking up stuffed quid, fried shrimp with tomato sauce and feta, steamed mussels, bonito, anchovies, sardines, red mullet, pickarel, swordfish and grouper, all with fresh salad.

15 Best Things to Do in Volos (Greece):

• Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos
• Tsalapatas Museum
• Dimini Archaeological Site
• Sesklo Archaeological Site
• Mount Pelion
• Centaurs' Path
• Pelion Railway
• Anavros Park
• Alikes Beach
• Agiou Konstantinou Park
• Hill of Goritsa
• Castle of Volos
• Theofilos Museum of Anakasia
• Tsipouradika

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Tourist information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By international bus
• 2.3 By regional bus
• 2.4 By train
• 2.5 By ferry
• 3.2 By taxi
• 3.3 By bicycle
• 3.4 On foot
• 7.1 Soulvaki and fast food
• 7.2 Tsipouradika
• 7.3 Grill house
• 7.5 Mid-range
• 7.6 Splurge
• 8.3 Mid-range
• 8.4 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe
• 11 Stay healthy
• 12.1 Internet
• 13.1 Consulates

Volos (Greek: Βόλος ) is a city of 86,000 people (2011) in Thessaly , almost midway between Athens (326 km) and Thessaloniki (219 km). Volos is an industrial city with a large port - but there are a few hidden gems here that you might find as you pass through to islands or Pelion.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ]

Modern Volos is built on the area of the ancient cities of Demetrias, Pagasae and Iolkos. Iolkos was the homeland of ancient Greek hero Jason who boarded the ship Argo accompanied by the Argonauts and sailed in the quest for the Golden Fleece to Colchis. Demetrias was established by Demetrius Poliorcetes, King of Macedonia, in 293/92 BC. In 197 BC Romans annexed Demetrias.

To the west of Volos there are the Neolithic settlements of Dimini with a ruined acropolis, walls and two beehive tombs dated between 4000-1200 BC and Sesklo with the remains of the oldest acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), as well as the foundations of a palace and mansions, among the most typical examples of Neolithic civilisation.

During the Byzantine Empire, Emperor Justinian I in 551 fortified Palea hill. In 1423 Ottomans annexed Volos. Volos during the Ottoman Empire was a hamlet, build on the hill in Palea district. The hill was fortified with walls. Today just a few parts of the walls can be seen near the Tsalapata building.

After its annexation to Greece from the Ottoman Empire in 1881, it had a population of only 4,900 but rapidly grew within the next 4 decades. Houses were built outside the walls and the main area of Volos by the sea was built up. Merchants, businessmen, craftsmen and sailors moved to Volos from the surrounding area. In the 1920s there was a large influx of refugees in Volos, especially from Ionia, but also from Pontus, Cappadocia and Eastern Thrace. In the 1920 census, Volos had 30,046 inhabitants but according to the 1928 census, its population had grown to 47,892.

Climate [ edit ]

Volos, unlike other towns of the Thessalian plain, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with can-be-hot-but-bearable summers (though a little bit humid) and mild winters. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit the city itself, Winter is the time to be on the Pelion mountain villages, and Summer should definitely be dedicated to the numerous beaches of the region on the Pagasetic gulf and the Aegean Sea.

Being privileged to be situated on the foothills of Mount Pelion , the mythical mountain of the centaurs, and bounded by Goritsa Hill to the Southeast, Volos sports nice weather all year long, with the sea and mountain breezes dominant in all city areas.

Tourist information [ edit ]

Volos tourist office has plenty of useful information about Volos, including a free town map and a free Volos travel guide . Volos tourist office is located opposite the bus station in Palea district.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Volos Airport ( VOL  IATA ) is in Nea Anchialos, about 30 km SW from the city. The Volos Airport Official Page [dead link] has a full updated timeline.

It also operates weekly charter flights during the summer, directly from Amsterdam, the UK and Germany.

There is a bus connecting airport and Volos Bus Station [formerly dead link] . Buses are waiting to pick up travelers after a plane lands. The cost from the airport to Volos Bus Station is €5. Travellers of charter flights are transferred to their accommodation by their tour agency.

If you have a car, the airport parking area charge is free.

By international bus [ edit ]

There are buses that originate in Serbia or Hungary and go to Volos, and also buses that start from Athens and stop on the highway close to Volos (at Velestino exit). This exit is far away from both the airport and Volos, so it is not recommended.

By regional bus [ edit ]

Generally, intercity coaches ("KTEL" buses) ( KTEL Volou ) are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling. This is doubly true for travelling to Volos from Athens , where the train takes four to five and you have to change in Larissa, as opposed to the bus that needs 4 hours to connect directly from Athens. However, the train station in Athens is better accessible by the metro than Liosion Bus Terminal.

There is frequent bus service from Athens Liossion Station to Volos about 15 times a day (cost is about €20), as well as from Thessaloniki bus terminal "Macedonia" to Volos about 10 times a day (about €12). Volos is also connected with daily direct routes frm Patras , Ioannina , Larissa , Trikala , Karditsa and from many more places in continental Greece via Larissa. Interurban Bus Terminal is opposite the Volos Info Center near the City Hall, the Railway Station and the Port, on a major hub. If you buy the return ticket, it is cheaper than buying two separate tickets, though the return leg must be completed within one month.

By train [ edit ]

Trains ( OSE ) connect Volos from other cities in Greece via Larisa. Travelling with ordinary trains can be cheaper, although a little bit slower, whereas choosing a faster Intercity train will cost the same amount of money, or even more than a KTEL bus. The train from Athens , takes approximately four hours and involves a change at Larissa . Most locals travel from Athens by intercity coaches. If you are travelling from Thessaloniki or elsewhere in the northern parts of Greece then trains are often quicker then a bus. The historic 39.36425 22.937109 1 Volos station , built in the 1880s, is located just west of the city centre.

By ferry [ edit ]

There are ferry services to Skiathos , Skopelos , and Alonissos .

By car [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ], by bus [ edit ].

There are twelve bus lines going around the city (tickets cost €1.10 for inner city routes, whilst using inner city buses for close destinations outside Volos costs €1.20 Zone A, €1.50 Zone B), detailed info in the regional bus terminal (called "Astiko KTEL"), next to the Interurban Bus Terminal ("Yperastiko KTEL"). Details on buses, can be found online here

For going further away around Volos, you can use the Interurban Bus Terminal ("Yperastiko KTEL"). Details on buses, can be found online here

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis in Volos, as everywhere in Greece are comparably cheap. You should not pay more than €7 if you hail a cab (silver colour) on the road to take you anywhere in the city. Note that taxi meters have two rates - rate 1 applies from 05:00 till 00:00, and rate 2, the double rate, from 00:00 to 05:00. Taxi fare fraud is rather rare but it could still happen, so make sure the rate is correct. If you feel you have been overcharged, ask for a receipt (they are obliged to give one) and take the plate number, then phone the tourist police to report the driver on 171. Expect to pay €1 or €2 extra if you take a taxi from the bus station, the train station or the port, and a surcharge if you call for a taxi service on demand. Note, also that the minimum charge is €3.39. Groups of three or four could consider using a taxi to go sightseeing around Volos, Pelion [for example. It's more expensive but more comfortable, and in some cases quite cost-effective.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Most of Volos is quite flat, that makes it very easy for cycling, and a lot of locals do cycle. Especially the waterfront is the best area for cycling. Generally, cycling is a recommended way to move around. Volos has a network of bicycle lanes, however the lines are often blocked with parked cars and hardly anybody use them.

On foot [ edit ]

Several streets at the center of the town have been pedestrianized, mainly around Ermou Street and St. Nicolas church. Along the pedestrianized streets there are a lot of cafe places. The waterfront is also an excellent area for walking. When the weather is good it's packed with people walking around and enjoying the sun.

See [ edit ]

• 39.36138 22.89299 1 Archaeological site of Ancient Dimini , Dimini . Tu-Su 08:30-16:30PM, M closed. . Ancient Dimini was a neolithic village which has been excavated and uncovered. Of particular interest are the well preserved House N , where a pot was discovered beneath the floor with the burnt remains of a child (an ancient resident as opposed to a more recent one!) and the Tombi grave, similar to that at Mycenae , which is buried deep into the ground near the fortified town, but with a caved in roof. Shade is sparse, so make sure to visit early in the morning. Adjacent to these ruins, and to be opened soon (although how long this has been the case is not said!) are some Mycenaean ruins, which include a large palace. These ruins, whilst not open yet, can be viewed from behind a limit, and are expected to be part of the as-of-yet-undiscovered ancient city of Iolkos, the home of Jason (of Argonaut fame!) There is an interesting audio guide tour available for free in both Greek and English. €2 per person, students free. Ticket includes free entry to archaeological site at Sesklo .  
• 39.3557 22.8412 2 Archaeological site of Ancient Sesklo , Sesklo ( Take the road to Sesklo, then look for the turn-off to the left that goes down the hill before the start of Sesklo (it is signposted, but keep an eye open for them. ). Sesklo is a more impressive site in terms of its location, but is less impressive in terms of the remains. It's far larger, and is perched on top of a hill from where it can see all around the local area. It was either a local trading partner, or the main rival to nearby Dimini. Archaeologists aren't sure. Worth a visit, but it's not as interesting as Dimini. €2 per person, students free - entrance included in tickets to Dimini (and vice versa) .  

• 39.35178 22.96132 3 Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos , 1 Athanasaki St , ☏ +30 24210 25285 , fax : +30 24210 28563 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 08:30 - 15:00 . This is one of the best smaller museums in Greece and should on no account be missed. Full €2, reduced €1; for free admission days see website .  

• 39.365144 22.931993 4 Brickworks Museum N. & S. Tsalapata ( Μουσείο Πλινθοκεραμοποιίας Ν. & Σ. Τσαλαπάτα ), ☏ +30 24210 29844 . It is a rare example of surviving industrial plant in the Greek area. It belongs to the Network of Thematic Technological Museums of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation (PIOP). The Brickworks Factory was founded in 1926 by brothers Tsalapata. The total area amounts to 22,000 m². In this factory manufactured various types of bricks and tiles. It employed, on its peak operation, 250 people and the installed capacity in machinery reached 300 horsepower. The Brickworks Factory N. S. &. Tsalapata shut down to 1978. The grinders, presses, the koftires the clay tanks, wagons and furnace Hoffmann reconstruct the production process. €3, reduced €1.5 .  
• 39.364021 22.935759 5 [dead link] Volos Town Museum ( Μουσείο της Πόλης του Βόλου ), Φερών 17 . A museum about Volos town history.  
• At first glance, Volos City Center doesn't seem particularly interesting for the traveller, but a walk in the town streets might change your first idea. Ermou street is a long paved road parallel to the promenade, Argonafton str, offering a wide variety of shops for any taste, plus a selection of "hidden" bars and cafes, especially around St.Nikolaos Square , the city cathedral, dedicated to patron saint of the sailors, St. Nicholas. There is a seaside park between the university "Papastratos building" and "Agios Konstantinos" church on the promenade. Anavros Park starts directly behind Agios Konstantinos and extends to the east all the way till Anavros beach, an open municipal strand, offering clearwater to the swimmer during the summer (and winter for the brave).

Do [ edit ]

Swim [ edit ].

There are acceptable beaches towards the southern end of the city at Anavros . To get there, follow the coastal promenade south from Argonafton St or park in the roads behind the city hospital.

There is also Alykes municipal beach , a 5-minute-drive from the center to the southwest, in the more easygoing Alykes district of Volos, having cafes and bars offering sunbeds on the sand during late at night, where you can enjoy your cocktail and take a swim as well. The municipal beach in Alykes has an entrance fee of €1 during the day, offering a lifeguard, showering facilities, clothes-changing chambers and a beach bar. You can easily go to Alykes with city bus (blue bus) number 6 from the city hall.

Most locals, however, head to beaches outside of the city on the other side of the giant cement works, to beaches at Agria (20 min by bus), or Platanidia . You can easily go to Agria and Platanidia with city bus (blue bus) number 5 which starts from the Bus Station and passes through Iasonos and Polymeri str. Generally, the water is clearer and cleaner the further away from Volos' port.

If you do have a car and you want to go to a beach, it is well worth getting out of the city limits and beyond - some of the best beaches on the Greek mainland can be found on Pelion .

Cinema [ edit ]

There are several cinemas in Volos. Films are shown in original language with Greek subtitles, whereas cartoons are dubbed. In the summer make sure you get to one of the open air cinemas (Θερινό σινεμά).

• 39.36567 22.93496 1 Village cinemas , Gianitson (Γιαννιτσών) 29 , ☏ +30 2108108080 . Four screens. €7.50 for an adult ticket .  
• 39.3723 22.9384 2 Metaksourgio ( Greek: Μεταξουργείο ), Nikomedieas 2, Nea Ionia , ☏ +30 2421 028517 . Every Friday at 21:30 . Art movies. €2 .  
• 39.35857 22.94871 3 Achillion ( Greek: Αχίλλειον ), Koumoundourou . Open infrequently.  
• 39.3577 22.95305 4 Εxoraistiki ( Εξωραϊστική ), Dimitriados 263 ( Opposite Argonauton park ), ☏ +30 2421 030303 , [email protected] . Evenings. Open only in the summer . Summer outdoor cinema. The only one in Volos. €5 . ( updated Dec 2015 )

Other [ edit ]

• Football: Volos FC play soccer in Superleague, the Greek top tier. Their home ground is Panthessaliko Stadium (capacity 22,700) by the ring road 3 km north of town centre.

Buy [ edit ]

The main shopping district is along and around Ermou St.

English books can be bought at main bookstores:

• 39.35986 22.95097 1 Public , Ogl 28 & I. Kontaratou 9 , ☏ +302421022904 . Monday-Friday 09:00-21:00, Saturday 09:00-20:00 . Ground floor has computers, cameras, phones etc, books are on the basement. The biggest bookstore in Volos  

Foreign papers and magazines:

• Kentro Tupou ( Κέντρο Τύπου ), Dimitriados 162, Volos 38221 . Offers a selection of foreign language magazines and papers. ( updated Apr 2017 )

There is a good food market every Friday.

For washing your clothes:

• 39.3612 22.95063 2 Easywash - SelfService , Glavani 90 , ☏ +306979019281 . Daily 08:00 - 24:00 . Self-service laundry.  

Other interesting local shops:

• 39.3627 22.9438 3 Plastigga Microbrewery , Ermou 64, Volos . Given the owner's long standing policy of not shipping to customers outside of Volos and Pilion, this microbrewery is one of the few places one can buy Plastigga beer. The Urban Ale and the Weiss are its most popular beers, although other recipes are also occasionally brewed. Interesting imports are also sold. ( updated Apr 2021 )

Eat [ edit ]

As with the rest of Greece, the restaurants in Volos are far more varied than appears at first glance. In Greece, the so-called restaurants (eστιατόριο) usually serve hot food that has been prepared earlier in the day and kept warm in large dishes (better than it sounds!) Beyond that there's the local specialities, the tsipouradika restaurants (Τσιπουράδικα or Ουζερί) where seafood is served, and the tavernas (Ταβέρνα) where mostly meat dishes are served.

There are also psistaries (Ψησταριά) (Grill houses) where the main dish is grilled meat, and also souvlatzidika (Οβελιστήριο or Σουβλατζίδικο) where souvlaki are served. Psistaries serve mostly meat, salads and french fries. The meat usually is ordered by weight, and the price is per kilo also. One portion is 330gr of grilled meat. You'll be able to pick up a pitta gyros (Greek kebab) from any souvlatzidika, which are by far the cheapest option if you are on a budget, and don't mind gaining a few extra pounds (starts from €1.50).

People in Greece usually eats late in the evening (21:00 - 00:00), and so, during the day, most taverns, psistaries and restaurants are closed. However, tsipouradika and the ubiquitous Greek fast food restaurants are open all day long.

Soulvaki and fast food [ edit ]

• 39.373758 22.948732 1 O Dervisis ( Ο Δερβίσης ), Kazatzaki Nikoy 25a (Καζατζάκι Νίκου 25α με Γιάννη Δήμου) , ☏ +30 2421 059913 . 12:00 - 0:00 . You have to taste the chips, soft and tasty. ( updated May 2016 )
• 39.36537 22.95281 2 Ntinos ( Ντίνος ), Analipseos 136 , ☏ +30 2421043840 . Souvlaki. One of the cheapest pitta gyros in town, gyros for €1.70.  
• 39.36182 22.93443 3 Nostimia ( Νοστιμιά ), Krokiou (Κροκίου) 4 , ☏ +30 2421030666 . Cheap price, souvlaki for €1.80. ( updated Jan 2017 )

Tsipouradika [ edit ]

• 39.36097 22.94296 4 Papadis (Παπαδής) , Solonos 1 (Σόλωνος 1) , ☏ +30 2421 029360 . Tsipouradiko and seafood. At the waterfront. 25cl tsipouro with meze €3.5, 25cl bottled tsipouro with meze €4, serves 3 meze per 4x25cl.  
• 39.36 22.94849 5 MeZen ( ΜεΖεν ), Alonnisou 8 (Αλοννήσου 8) , ☏ +30 2421 020844 . 12:00 - 00:00 . Good gourmet food, difficult to find an empty table to sit.  
• 39.361927 22.935574 6 I Yiota ( Η Γιώτα ), Krokiou (Κροκίου) 15 , ☏ +30 694 707 4830 (non-geographic number) . Popular among youngsters ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 39.370174 22.948562 7 To kochyli ( Το κοχύλι ), Makrigianni (Μακρυγιάννη) 64Α & Metamorphoseos (Μεταμορφώσεως) , ☏ +30 2421 052345 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 39.362453 22.947955 8 Ta filarakia ( Τα Φιλαράκια ), Antonopoulou (Αντωνοπούλου) 98-100 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 39.36438 22.935617 9 Mimikos ( Μιμίκος ), Ferron (Φερών) 25 ( Διπλά στο μουσείο της Πόλης του Βόλου ). ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 39.37239 22.928797 10 Mpokos ( Μπόκος ), Meandrou (Μαιάνδρου) 143 & Ellispontou (Ελλησπόντου) , ☏ +30 2421 066683 . ( updated Apr 2016 )

Grill house [ edit ]

• 39.36138 22.94246 11 Thraka ( Θράκα ), Borel (Μπόρελ) 8 ( Παραλία Βόλου ), ☏ +30 24210 28370 . ( updated Jul 2015 )
• 39.36415 22.9601 12 I kaftra ( Η καύτρα ), Kassaveti (Κασσαβέτη) 122 & Ethnikis Antistaseos (Εθν. Αντιστάσεως) , ☏ +30 24210 78537 , +30 6937 173840 (non-geographic number) . ( updated Jul 2015 )
• 39.361124 22.966572 13 I Voskopoula ( Η Βοσκοπούλα ), Thermopylon (Θερμοπυλών) 48 , ☏ +30 2421054206 , [email protected] .  

Budget [ edit ]

• 39.360728 22.943696 14 Gea (Γαία) ( Traditional Greek cuisine ), Argonafton 15 (Αργοναυτών 15) ( at the seafront near the port ), ☏ +30 2421034153 . Cheap, traditional Greek restaurant. One of the best options if you want to try Greek cuisine.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 39.3549 22.95674 15 Lemonas Leonidas , Karaiskaki 2, Volos 38222 . Good food, good fish. Nice outdoor seating near the church €15pp will get you a good amount of food. .  
• 39.35986 22.95792 16 La Marimba ( Mexican restaurant ), Nikotsara St (Νικοτσάρα) , ☏ +30 2421071167 . 20:30-01:30. Closed on Monday . Romantic restaurant with a cosy courtyard with a lot of trees. Good Mexican food, albeit adjusted to the Greek palate, with considerably less spiciness! Great drinks - try their margaritas, or caipirinhas and mojitos. It might be a good idea to book ahead during the high season if you're hoping to eat here between 21:00 and 23:00. Set menu around €15 per person .  
• 39.36329 22.93619 17 Sogno di San ( Italian restaurant ), Ferron str (Φερρών), Palea district , ☏ +30 2421032690 . Italian style pizzas and pasta. (Evening only)  
• 39.35952 22.95111 18 Plagios ( Πλαγίως ), Kontaratou 8 , ☏ +30 2421 021900 . Greek flavours with a twenty-first century twist. Very tasty food, excitingly presented and in a stylish, yet unpretentious, restaurant. Avoid weekends if you want to avoid crowds - it gets very busy on F-Su evenings, with people coming in for drinks as well as food. Starters €5-7, mains €12-15. . ( updated Feb 2016 )

Splurge [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ].

Winter bars, pubs and clubs, usually close down during summer. Most of them have a different facility for the summer, usually by the sea. The most popular Coffee places are in Koumoundourou (Κουμουνδούρου) Str. and at the seafront. Another place which gathers a lot of people in the evening, mostly during the summer, is Palaia, near Krokiou (Κροκιού) Str.

Bars [ edit ]

• 39.35898 22.94931 1 PocoPico , Koumoundourou (Κουμουνδούρου) . Tiny budget choice. Open all year round. Beer €3.0, Spirits €5-6. .  
• 39.3648 22.93273 2 [dead link] Αββαείο ( Abbey ), N. Votsi , ☏ +30 24210 33130 . Huge variety of beers. Beer from €5 to €12, Spirits €7. Serves food, nice mostly German dishes, food on the expensive side. Open all year round.  
• 39.36095 22.95055 3 Balthassar , , center . Huge variety of beers. Beer from €4 to €12, Spirits €7. Has also 7 options for eating like pizza etc. Open all year round.  
• Brazil . Close to Agios Konstantinos church. Spacious, nice sea and Volos view. Beer €4, Spirits €7. Open all year round.  
• 39.36047 22.947104 4 Cafe Santan , Ergatikou Kentrou 12 , ☏ +306980384693 . Rock, Jazz, Blues Bar, one of the most famous bars in Greece. Has been around for almost 30 years and is known for its place in the Greek Rock History as most of the famous Greek rock singers have sometime played there, along with worldwide famous blues and jazz artists. Open all year round. Beer: €5, Spirits: €7-10 .  
• 39.36166 22.93546 5 Posh , Papakyriazi (Παπακυριαζή) 38, Palea district . Electronic music. Beer €5 , Spirits €7 . Open all year round.  
• 39.36451 22.93114 6 Lab Art . Friday & Saturday (22:00 - 06:00) . Live rock music every Friday and Saturday. Open in the winter only.  
• 39.3516 22.9584 7 Isalos , Parko Anavrou . Nice, classy coffee shop on the waterfront. Nicely decorated. €3-4 for a coffee . ( updated Sep 2015 )

Coffee [ edit ]

• 39.35823 22.94863 8 Puerto Volos , Argonafton - Koumoundourou (Αργοναυτών - Κουμουνδούρου) . 09:00 - 01:00 . Coffee €2.5-3.2 .  
• 39.35463 22.95679 9 Perispomeni ( Περισπωμένη ), Nikolaou Plastira (Νικολάου Πλαστήρα) 4 , ☏ +30 2421024133 . In front of a park with a kids playground. ( updated Jan 2017 )
• 39.36042 22.94756 10 Bossa , Topali (Τοπάλη) 18 ( on 1st floor ), ☏ +30 2421039313 . Nice decoration, clean area, one of the few places that smoking is not allowed. Try hot chocolate. Chocolate €4.5, coffee €3-4 . ( updated Jan 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many hotels in Volos. Most are in center near the sea. Car parking could be hard to find in the center of Volos.

• Avra hotel ( Αύρα ), Solonos 5 , ☏ +30 24210 25370 .  
• [dead link] Galaxy hotel ( Γαλαξίας ), Ag. Nikolaou 3 , ☏ +30 24210 20750 .  
• 39.35258 22.95869 1 [dead link] Roussas hostel ( Ρουσσάς Ξενώνας ), Iatrou Tzanou 1 , ☏ +30 24210 21732 .  
• 39.361959 22.943197 2 Philippos Hotel ( Hotel Philippos ), 9, Solonos, 38333, Volos , ☏ +30 24210 37607 , fax : +30 24210 39550 , [email protected] . Hotel Philippos is a two-star city hotel in the city center of Volos, close to the main commercial road of Ermou and just a block away from the Port road. It has well equipped, air conditioned rooms ideal for travellers. Free Wifi.  
• 39.3603 22.94467 3 Aegli hotel ( Αίγλη ), Argonafton 24 , ☏ +30 24210 25691 . Comfortable hotel, with good breakfast provided.  
• 39.329 22.927 4 Kalloni hotel ( Καλλονή ) ( N. Pagases ), ☏ +30 24210 88240 , [email protected] .  
• 39.35769 22.9534 5 Park hotel ( Παρκ ), Deligiorgi str. , ☏ +30 2421 036511 .  
• 39.35307 22.95712 6 Domotel Xenia Volou Hotel , 1, Plastira Street , ☏ +30 24210 92700 , [email protected] . A five-star hotel near the waterfront, ten minutes walk to the south of the centre.  
• 39.3637 22.93941 7 Volos Palace , Xenofontos & Thrakon Streets ( behind the city hall, near the waterfront and train station ), ☏ +30 24210 76501 . Very nice hotel with breakfast buffet, bar and restaurant. Modern, comfortable rooms, half of which have a sea view. Helpful staff, most of whom speak English.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Stay healthy [ edit ].

• 39.3527 22.9619 1 Volos Hospital .  

Connect [ edit ]

Internet [ edit ].

There are many internet cafes, mostly used for playing online games. Most cafes have free WiFi access, as does Public (on Ogl).

Post [ edit ]

• 39.35962 22.94869 2 Volos Post Office , Dimitriados Str. . Daily 08:00-20:00 . Greek Post is the best way to send items, postcards etc abroad.  

There are also courier services in Volos.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ].

Volos is home to a few consulates:

Go next [ edit ]

Volos Suburbs are covered by Astiko (innercity) bus .

• Agria , east of Volos centre, separated by Goritza hill, with a lot of fish taverns and summer cafe. Approximately 20 min bus journey from the centre (board a blue and white astiko bus on Iasonas street in the centre.) Approximately €1.50 for a single ticket.
• Nees Pagases South of Volos centre. Has some cafes and a beach for swimming.
• Ano Volos and Alli Meria, Anakasia, Agios Onoufrios North of Volos centre.

You'll most definitely want to take the opportunity to visit the close mountain villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa , offering you a splendid specimen of the renowned traditional architecture of the Pelion mansions. The city view from Makrinitsa is magnificent.

One of the greatest secrets that the Greeks have kept from the world, Mount Pelion , is close to Volos. It can easily be reached by bus or car. Pelion has wonderful beaches, fantastic hiking routes, and pretty villages. There are far fewer tourists than there should be, simply because it is a peninsula and not an island. Of particular interest in the region are skiing in nearby Chania or taking the steam train from nearby Ano Lechonia to Milies .

The nearby Sporades Islands are great during the summer. Ferries and hydrofoils connect Volos with the islands.

There are nice, close(ish) beaches at

• Kala Nera , approximately 45 min bus journey from the centre (board a green Iperastiko coach on Iasonas street in the centre.) Approximately €1.70 for a single ticket.

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Articles with dead external links
• Articles with formerly dead external links
• Has map markers
• Buy listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Has Geo parameter
• All destination articles
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• Work with us
• Privacy Policy
• Meet the Team

THINGS TO DO IN VOLOS, GREECE

Volos is the capital of the Magnesia region of ancient Thessaly. This coastal city, tucked away on the coast of the Pagasetic Gulf, is Greece’s third largest port and features an industrial heritage to match. In 1955, an earthquake destroyed much of the city but today there are still a lot of things to do in Volos with its rich history, mythology, and there is a wealth of nature to explore right on its doorstep. As well as a plenty of local food to sample and nearby beaches to discover, Volos is also considered the gateway to Mount Pelion – the homeland of Centaurs.

How to get to Volos

Athens to volos.

Nea Anchialos Airport is located 40 kilometres from Volos and it takes around 30 minutes to drive from there into the centre of town. There are not usually flights from Athens but rather from international destinations like London, Munich and Dusseldorf. There are often seasonal connections between Crete with Sky Express too.

From Athens, the main options are either by road or rail.

Drive time from Athens is 3-4 hours depending on any stops – we highly recommend the Thermopylae Battle site and the nearby hot springs. It’s an easy drive on modern highways, with some tolls.

Buses to Volos leave several times a day from Liosia Station on the corner of Sekeri and Zachou Streets. The journey takes about 4 hours. 

Private tours and cruises to Volos

If you’re pressed for time and would like to see more of the wonders of the Mainland there are some good tours that include Volos.

The Oh My Goddess tour is operated by Globus and covers Athens, Delphi, Galaxidi, Volos and Thermopylae over 8 days, including accommodation, Guides, meals and transport.

Another excellent tour that focuses on locations nearby is Walking the Pelion , a self-guided hiking trip that takes in several incredible destinations on the Pelion Peninsula, including Tasgarada and Volos, before ending in Portaria. Again this includes accommodation and meals as well as route maps and luggage transfer.

Where to stay in Volos

There are a number of great hotels in Volos, that are really tremendous value too compared to so many cities in Europe.

Domotel Xenia Volos is the premier 5star hotel in the city and is located right on the waterfront, with its own beach. The hotel has a fantastic day spa, huge swimming pool and is a short walk into the shops and restaurants in town.

A few blocks back from the harbour is the unusually named δ193 which has spacious modern rooms at very reasonable prices.

If you’re looking for a self-catering option that can sleep 5 people then this 2-bedroom apartment is right in the centre of town and has 2 bathrooms.

image@Domotel Xenia Volos

Things to do in Volos

The museum of the city of volos.

Located inside a former tobacco warehouse in the Palia district, this polished museum offers up an insight into the story of the city of Volos.

The structure itself was originally built in 1920, but astoundingly includes part of the city’s old walls in its courtyard. The well-curated museum leads visitors through the story of Volos, from the Byzantines through the turbulent 19th century to the modern day.

The ground floor showcases exhibitions that change throughout the year, while the second floor chronologically lays out the development of the city.

A particularly interesting part covers the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. There’s also an onsite coffee shop for refreshments.  

Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10:30 – 13:30 Wednesday & Friday 18: 00-21: 00 Cost: General admission 2 € Group ticket (over 5 persons) 1€ Guided tours 1€ per person

Further reading – see Official Website

Saint Konstantinos Park

Saint Konstantinos Park is the main green space in Volos and can be found nestled along the waterfront next to the University of Thessaly.

This is a relaxed place to enjoy a stroll with the locals; there’s plenty of space to wander, trees shading the paths, and benches to perch on. The atmosphere is vibrant, with many students from the adjacent university spending time unwinding in this park.

Saint Konstantinos Park is also a good venue to watch a sunset. Several nearby cafes are open late into the evening, providing a spot to regroup before seeking out something for dinner.  

Visit Lake Karla

Around a 40-minute drive outside Volos proper, Lake Karla is an ideal opportunity to explore the natural world within striking distance of the city.

Situated 60-80 meters (200-260 feet) above sea level, Lake Karla was originally a natural lake that was drained for farming and later re-established.

Along with stunning views, several trails to hike, and some good birding opportunities, a visit to Lake Karla also provides an interesting insight into rural life in Greece.  

In addition, the area is hardly touched by tourism, which makes it a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

According to Greek mythology, the god Apollo was married on the shores of the lake and is the place where the Argonauts set out on their journey to find the golden fleece.  

Neolithic Settlement of Dimini

You’re never too far from ancient history in Greece and the same goes for Volos.

In this instance, what remains of a Neolithic settlement discovered in the late 19th century can be found a mere 15-minute drive west of the city. The site was continuously occupied from the Neolithic period (around 4300 to 2000 BC) through the Mycenaean era (around 1750 to 1050 BC).

This well-preserved village is a compelling place to explore, where visitors can learn about how the residents of this ancient place lived, thanks to many artifacts of the Dimini culture on display. With excavations ongoing, there are yet more secrets to discover at the site.  

The Entomological Museum

This more off-the-beaten-track destination in Volos is the only one of its kind in Greece – a museum dedicated to insects, that is.

It’s also the largest of its kind in the Balkans region. Opened in 1987, Volos’ very own Entomological Museum was masterminded by Athanasios Koutroubas, a professor of agriculture.

Today the museum contains 35,000 different variations of insect species, many of which are unique or rare. The diversity of the entomological specimens collected here spans the globe from the Amazon Rainforest to Southeast Asia.

One of the most impressive exhibits is that of the Lepidoptera, which features over 10,000 different sub-species of butterflies and moths, including the world’s largest butterfly, Thysania agrippina , boasting a wingspan of 40 centimeters.

Open: By Appointment Only ( phone 2421 048556)

The Athanasakio Archeological Museum

To explore the ancient past of Volos, the Athanasakio Archeological Museum is the place to go.

Set inside a Neoclassical building completed in 1909, the museum was funded by Alexis Athanassaki, who was from the nearby village of Portaria. It is one of the oldest Museums in Greece.

Inside, the museum features eight different exhibition spaces which host collections that have been found in the Thessaly region as well as elsewhere in the ancient Greek world. Exhibits include a Neolithic haul, a gold jewelry collection, and a number of coins from ancient Thessaly. You will find the museum located along the seafront in Anavros Park.

The Church of Saints Constantine and Helena

Dedicated to the Roman Emperor Constantine – the first to convert to Christianity – and his mother, Helena, this picturesque church is situated right on the waterfront, on the site where an ancient stone iconostasis (a wall inscribed with Christian iconography) was found.

This was considered evidence of the existence of an older church that may have stood on the same spot.  

Subsequently, a church, in the form of a small wooden chapel, was built here in 1898. When this could no longer cope with the number of parishioners wishing to use it, the current church was built in the early 20th century by architect Aristides Zachos; the first service was held here in 1936.

It’s a stone structure, in Romanesque style complete with a tall tower, and features columns, archways, frescoes, and mosaics within.

Street Art in Volos

You may be surprised to learn that Volos has a number of examples of street art scattered around its streets.

Many of the pieces are the outcome of an organisation or collective called Urban Act, which is known for its enormous colourful murals in cities across the country. There’s even a city art festival organised by Urban Act to celebrate the murals in Volos.

Exploring the street art by yourself is not too difficult; much of it is located by the port area, but there are a number of different pieces located on the sides of apartment blocks and schools. Not all of the artworks are in one area, so it may not be possible to see them all in a day.

However, there is a downloadable map of the murals in Volos so you can follow along and discover some of the most famous pieces. It’s also possible to pick up a physical map of the murals at the Volos Information Centre, located near the bus station.  

The Roof tile and Brickworks Museum

This interesting museum is the place to go to understand more about the development of the city of Volos in the 20th century.

It’s actually set inside a former brickworks, an industrial site that played a key role in shaping the modern centre of the city. Throughout its life, the factory produced different types of roof tiles and brickworks, for everything from Byzantine-style to Marseille-type roof tiles.  

In its heyday, the factory would make up to nine million tiles every year. In 1995, long after the factory fell into disuse, it was listed by the Greek Culture Ministry and transformed into the informative museum it is today. Visitors can learn about the production of bricks and roof tiles, see the machinery involved, and get an insight into the lives of those who worked there.  

Opening Hours: March 1 to October 15 daily (except Tuesdays) 10 am to 6 pm. October 16 to February 29 10 am to 5 pm.

Cost: Standard entrance €4, Concession €2

Free admission: Please, see  here . Days of free admission: May 18th (International Museum Day) June 5th (World Environment Day) Last weekend in September (European Heritage Days)

Saint Nicholas Metropolitan Cathedral

Saint Nicholas Metropolitan Cathedral can be found in the heart of Volos.

Though relatively new (it was built in the 1920s), the cathedral is nonetheless impressive and is situated on the site of an older structure that sadly burned down in the 1890s. It is a classic Byzantine-style church, complete with curves, domes, and prominent brickwork, while the inside is a feast for the eyes with colourful frescoes and gilded altarpieces.

Overall this is a tranquil place to escape from the busy streets of Volos. Stay for a while and you’ll see people coming in and out, lighting candles, and saying prayers in silence, surrounded by stained glass windows.  

One of Volos’ attractions lies not in the city itself, but instead almost in the middle of its harbour.

Situated at the end of a one-kilometre-long breakwater called the kordonia by locals (meaning “lace”), which is essentially an extension of the waterside promenade, the Faros or lighthouse stands stoic all by itself, safely beckoning boats into the harbour.

Although it’s an attractive place for a stroll in the daytime, it’s a particularly pleasant place to explore on a warm evening, just after sunset has painted the dusky colours.

The illuminated walkway leads all the way to the lighthouse where you can see the city behind you glowing in the night, backed by mountains.  

The Sculptures of Philolaus

Situated in Anavros Park, along the seafront, are a collection of alien-looking sculptures by Philolaos Tloupas.

The Greek sculptor was well-known internationally and during his lifetime he influenced sculpting by combining architectural and organic elements to create his idiosyncratic style.

Sadly, Philolaos passed away in 2010, but his work remains. In Volos, his striking sculptures feel wholly natural as they erupt from the ground, yet they are like nothing else in the city, looking almost like creatures from alternative mythology. Against the sea, they look positively primordial.

Sample tsipouro

For those who are interested in trying the local liquor of Volos, tsipouro cannot be missed.

This aniseed-flavored alcoholic drink has long been the traditional beverage in this port city. Locals love to enjoy a tipple of tsipouro , so much so that there are over 600 tsipouradika , bars dedicated entirely to tsipouro and the bar snacks that go with it. Specifically, tsipouro is made from the pomace (pulpy residue) of grapes left over from wine production.

The legend behind its origin has it that, in the 14th century, the monks of Mount Athos in Macedonia were the first to attempt to make the first concoction of tsipouro from grape pomace.

In tsipouradika you can sample the drink either straight, with a few ice cubes, or with a dash of water. It is perfectly paired with local food, namely seafood meze. One of the most famous bars of this kind in Volos is called Mezen, featuring a great atmosphere and outdoor seating.

Volos Train Station

Explore the Pelion

The Pelion (aka Pilio) peninsula lies to the East of Volos in the region of Thessaly and covers an area of over 200kms in size.

Its highest point is Mount Pelion at 1624 meters and there are numerous walks and hikes you can do across the peninsula covering incredible landscapes with waterfalls, sweeping views, and more.

In Greek mythology, the Pelion is where the Gods of Olympus had their summer holidays. It is the land of the centaurs, the most famous of which, Chiron, trained heroes like Hercules, Jason, and Achilles.

The peninsula is covered in large forests of beech and chestnut trees and is therefore a popular destination in Autumn. It is also home to a number of excellent ski resorts and the mountain villages in winter attract many Athenians looking for cozy log fires and fresh mountain air.

It’s also a popular summer destination with many stunning beaches along the east coast filled with natural coves and caves. A great spot to explore by Sea Kayak .

A lot of people base themselves in Volos and explore the Pelion on day trips, or we highly recommend staying a few days or weeks!

These are some of the many highlights of the area: 

Walk the Centaur’s Path

Half-human, half-horse, Centaurs are one of the more well-known creatures from Greek mythology.

These hybrid beings apparently used to have a home on Mount Pelion, not too far from Volos. In celebration of the centaurs and the region in which they are supposed to have lived – namely, the woodlands of the mountain – the Centaur’s Path leads from the village of Portaria, passing through some stunning scenery along the way.

Winding through a natural landscape, a mix of caves, trees, and waterfalls, the path is well-trodden and signposted. It takes around 40 minutes to complete the loop; it’s suitable for families, too.

Ride the Train of Pelion

Connecting the city of Volos to the town of Mileai on Mount Pelion, this narrow gauge railway is an extension of a line that once operated in the Thessaly region, connecting the villages in the area.

Designed by Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, construction on the railway – popularly known as Moutzouris (“smudgy”) – began in 1894. It was a masterpiece of railway engineering at the time, with many stone bridges, archways, and tunnels needed for the mountainous route.

In its heyday, the steam train was essential to the development of the villages in the area and was used to transport important goods as well as people.  

The Pelion railway fell into decline over the years as the roads began to take over and World War II put a stop to free movement.

In 2009, this portion of the railway opened once more for tourists to enjoy. With a speed of just 20 kph, a pleasant ride on the Pelion train takes visitors chugging through mountain valleys, hugging the side of cliffs, and allowing you to stop off at villages along the way for lunch at traditional eateries.

Tickets: Contact the Hellenic Train Office at Volos Railway Station 

Cost: single trip 10€ and return 18€ for adults or 6€ and 10€ for children 4 to 12yo.

This village is one of the most popular on the Peninsula. It is very quaint and oozes local charm with big shady trees surrounding a beautiful town square and numerous cafes, tavernas, and small hotels. One of the Plane Trees in the village is estimated to be over one thousand years old!

Tsagkarada also has great views out over the sea, and in fact, was once located on the shore but moved up the mountain to protect the villagers from pirates.

Damouchari and Mama Mia

In 2007 parts of the Hollywood Blockbuster movie Mama Mia were filmed in the beautiful bay of Damouchari on the east coast of the Pelion.

The main scene shot here was the ‘Dancing Queen’ scene where Meryl Streep and her two friends lead the local women into a beachside song and dance routine around the Bay.

Today people still come to visit the small village and adjoining beach just for this reason, usually in conjunction with a visit to nearby Skopelos island where most of the film was shot.

It’s also a very nice place to spend a few days or weeks. There are only a few small hotels here but they are all rather exceptional as is the food at their tavernas.

Upper Kissos Valley Walk

This beautiful hike takes you 45 minutes south from the town of Kissos to the springs and waterfalls of Tympanos.

The scenery is quite stunning with verdant beech forests and beautiful wildflowers if visiting in Spring. A part of the hike involves narrow ravines and a small tunnel but you are rewarded with a swim in the cool natural pools at the end.

Katafidi Waterfall

A short but steep hike from the village of Byzitsa. There is a car park on the road and the waterfall tends to run in the rainy months ( not summer).

Pelion Ski Centre

This ski resort is located on Mount Pelion at Agriolefkes. It is usually open between November and April and has four downhill ski slopes, one for beginners, one for cross-country, and two for more advanced skiers. There are five lifts in operation, including one for children.

The resort includes a Chalet that offers accommodation and food and drinks, a Hotel, a ski school, equipment rental, an observatory, and 3 car parks.

Open November through March 9 am to 4 pm. 

Located 50kms south of Volos towards the end of the Pelion Peninsula is the beautiful coastal village of Milina.

This is a popular tourist destination and there are a number of excellent hotels and tavernas in the area. Across from the town is the islet of Alatas where the Monastery of Agias Saranta played an important role in the revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans.

The islet of Prasouda is also nearby. These two islets provide excellent boating opportunities and are popular day trips by locals and visitors alike.

The sunsets in Milina are also quite magical.

There are many wonderful beaches in the Pelion, some say some of the best in Greece. With verdant green forests spilling down to crystal clear water, with few tourists or developments it is easy to find your own private beach on your visit.

Some of the best beaches are:

Paralia Karnagio

This beach is only 20 minute’s drive south of Volos and one of the closest to the city. It’s a small beach wrapped around a protected cove that has a couple of good bars and tavernas.

The beach bars here offer free sunbeds and there is a lifeguard on duty in summer.

Agios Ioannis Beach

This is the busiest and most popular beach on the Pelion. It is well organized with plenty of parking, sunbeds, and umbrellas for hire and a number of apartments and rooms for rent as well as tavernas, cafes, and shops.

There are really three beaches here joined together – Ai Giannis, Papa Nero, and Plaka.

It is situated on the east coast of the peninsula, about 44kms from Volos and 80 minutes over the mountain.

Agii Saranta

20 minutes north of Agios Ioannis is Paralia Agii Saranta, a beautiful, wide, azure blue beach with lots of trees and shade and a good taverna and three beach bars – Monk, Sarande , and Casablanca . The water is absolutely pristine and the beach is a combination of sand and small white pebbles.

There is a paved road leading down to the beach where you can park but it can get popular in summer so plan to visit early if possible.

Paralia Fakistra

Located just south of Agios Ioannis Fakistra is a pretty, rocky cove with crystal clear water but it can get wind affected when the Meltemi is blowing.  The sea cave of Panagia Megalomata is a popular hiking attraction to the north.

There are no facilities here.

Chorefto Beach

 This is another big, organized beach on the east coast, north of Agios Ioannis. It has a long, sandy beach with lots of sunbeds and umbrellas to rent and lots of trees at the back where free camping is allowed.

It’s very family-friendly and there is plenty of parking available.

A hidden gem on the east coast, this beach is a bit hard to find but well worth the effort.

Drive to St. George’s House Hotel (also a nice place to stay) and head down the unpaved road to the left.

The beach has no facilities and it can be popular with naturalists so be warned!

Pantazi Ammos Beach

This beach is much photographed but actually quite remote. There are no tavernas or facilities so be sure to pack plenty of water.

Milopotamos

A very popular beach in summer and it can be hard to get a park or a sunbed. The water is very clear and it’s obvious why it is so popular.

There are several good tavernas nearby and some holiday accommodations too.

Just south of Milopotamos is Limnionas, just as nice but much less crowded in summer.

No bars or facilities and you’ll need to leave your car up on the road and hike down the trail unless you have a 4wd.

Labinou Beach

Just south of Limnionas is Labinou, a very small, secluded beach with clear water and natural reefs. Great for snorkeling.

You will need to take your own mat and umbrellas but there is a very good little taverna – Tabernaki , on the road, where you will park your car. A little slice of heaven.

Damouchari 

Asii Saranta Pelion

Like this post. Why not Pin it? 

You may also like

Top sites and attractions to see in athens for kids, food tours and cooking classes in greece, 14 of the best athens family hotels and apartments( perfect for groups too), how to visit meteora monasteries and surrounds in 2024, skopelos holidays – a complete guide to the island of mama mia, which are the best greek islands to visit in 2024, where to stay in skiathos.

Welcome to Greece Travel Secrets! I’m Sandy, a tragic Grecophile married to a Greek, hoping to help you have the best possible trip to Greece. We want you to experience the famous Greek ‘Filotimo’ before you even get there.

FERRY TICKETS

RECENT ARTICLES

Tourist’s guide to Volos, Greece: overview and attractions

Volos ( Greece ) is the 5th largest city and the 3rd largest port in the country, as well as the administrative center of the community of the same name. Its area is approaching 28,000 km², and the population is 100,000 people.

This very lively and dynamically developing city has a very favorable location – between Athens (362 km) and Thessaloniki (215 km). Volos stands on the coast of Pagasitikos Gulf (Aegean Sea) at the foot of Mount Pelion (Centaur Land): from the north side of the city, magnificent views of the green mountain slopes open, and from the south to the blue sea expanses.

The city does not look at all characteristic of Greece. Firstly, on its territory there are a lot of modern buildings, most of which appeared on the site of the destroyed by the catastrophic earthquake of 1955. Secondly, it has been successfully transformed for hiking, with many intersecting stone-paved streets.

Volos has the status of an industrial city, but at the same time, it is also a fairly popular tourist center with a well-developed infrastructure. Tourists are waiting for a wide selection of hotels and apartments, excellent beaches, a variety of entertainment and attractions.

Related entries:

• Tourist’s guide to Heraklion Crete: Overview of Beaches and Attractions
• Tourist’s guide to Malacca, Malaysia: a detailed overview
• Tourist’s guide to Corfu, Greece: overview of attractions
• Tourist’s guide to Delphi: 8 attractions of the ancient city of Greece

The most interesting sights of the city

There are many attractions here, in this article you will find a description of only the most significant and popular.

Important! Going alone to Greece, to the city of Volos, you can take advantage of the rather extensive base of the tourist information center. It is located opposite the central city bus station (www.volos.gr) and operates according to the following schedule:

• in April – October: every day from 8:00 to 21:00;
• in November – March: Monday – Saturday from 8:00 to 20:00, Sunday from 8:00 to 15:30.

Volos has a very beautiful promenade, one of the best in Greece. This is the favorite place for evening walks not only among tourists, but also among residents. However, there is never a rush of crowds.

It is interesting to walk along the promenade, the attention is constantly attracted by a variety of monuments and beautiful buildings, considered local attractions. Opposite the impressive building of the former Papastratos tobacco factory, there is a Cordoni breakwater, through which you can walk to the water itself. The Argo monument, which is the symbol of Volos, is installed on the promenade. The neoclassical building of the National Bank of Greece and the Achillion cinema also attract attention. And also small palm trees that resemble huge pineapples grow everywhere.

In addition to architectural attractions, on the promenade there are many pastry shops, restaurants, cafe bars. Particularly noteworthy are the small atmospheric taverns, also a kind of local attractions:

• mesopolies that specialize in traditional meze snacks for Greece (they are fish, meat, vegetable);
• tsipuradiko, in which they cook fish and seafood dishes, and they are served with tsipuro – a strong alcoholic drink made from grapes (simply put, this is a type of moonshine).

It takes a little more than an hour to walk the entire promenade – from the railway station to the small city park of Anavros and the beach. The streets adjacent to the embankment are also quite interesting – you can always feel how life in the city is seething.

Tourists note! Even in the summer in the city, especially on the waterfront, it is quite windy, so you should definitely take warm clothes with you.

The Archaeological Museum of Volos in Greece is a particularly outstanding attraction, because it is included in the top ten museums in the country.

It is located in Anavros Park, which ends with the promenade.

The museum occupies a pretty pretty one-story building in the neoclassical style. Its total area is about 870 m², 7 halls are equipped in it, 1 of them is reserved for temporary exhibitions.

The exhibits presented here tell about the historical development of Thessaly and prehistoric Greece. Most visitors gather in the hall with jewelry and household items that were found during excavations in Dimini and Sesklo (the oldest settlements in Europe).

• Exact address: 1 Athanassaki, Volos 382 22, Greece.
• This attraction works from Thursday to Sunday from 8:30 to 15:00.
• Entrance ticket costs only 2 €.

On the picturesque promenade there is another famous attraction: the Orthodox Church of Saints Constantine and Helena. Address: 1 Stratigou Plastira Nikolaou, Volos 382 22, Greece.

This shrine was built from 1927 to 1936, and on the place where it was erected, there used to be a small wooden church.

The Church of Saints Constantine and Helena is a grandiose, imposing stone construction with a high bell tower. The interior is very rich, the walls are painted with magnificent frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The main relics are particles of the Holy Cross, as well as particles of the relics of Saints Constantine and Helena, stored in a silver crab.

Not so far from the city center – a taxi ride will take a few minutes – is located one of the best industrial museums in Greece, “The Rooftile and Brickworks Museum N. & S. Tsalapatas. ”

Many tourists who visited there are surprised to note that they did not even expect that an exhibition with such exhibits could be so interesting. In their opinion, a walk through the local halls was a pleasant deviation from the pots and statues customary for Greek museums. The only regrets were expressed that it was impossible to buy bricks as a gift and as a memory of visiting this unusual Volos landmark.

• The museum is located at: Notia Pyli, Volos 383 34, Greece.
• It works from Wednesday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:00.

The choice of hotels, the cost of living

The city of Volos offers an extensive selection of housing for every taste and budget. Hotels of any “star”, private apartments and villas, campsites, hotel complexes – all this is present.

It should be borne in mind that geographically, Volos includes many small settlements located within a radius of 20 km. Accordingly, all the options for accommodating tourists there are also related to Volos.

In the city itself, most of the hotels are equipped for businessmen, although there are also resort ones. Hotels are concentrated mainly in the central part of Volos and in the promenade area.

In summer, the average cost of a double room in 5 * hotels is about 175 €, in 3 * hotels a double room can be rented for 65 – 150 €.

How to get to Volos

Although Volos is on the list of the best tourist cities in Greece, it is almost impossible to get there directly from Europe, and there is no need to talk about the CIS countries. As a rule, you first need to get to one of the largest cities in Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Larisa), and from there get to Volos by bus, train or plane.

Volos Intercity Bus Station is located on Grigoriou Lambraki Street, next to the City Hall. Buses from Athens, Larisa, Thessaloniki, as well as buses of suburban routes come here.

In Athens, from Athens station, approximately every 1.5-2 hours, from 07:00 to 22:00, buses of the KTEL Magnesias transport company leave. The trip to them to Volos takes 3 hours 45 minutes, a ticket costs 30 €.

From Thessaloniki, buses to Volos leave from the Macedonia bus station. There are about 10 flights a day, the ticket price is about 12 €.

In Volos, the railway station is located a little to the west of Riga Fereou Square (Pl. Riga Fereou), it is very close to the bus station.

It’s not very convenient to travel from Athens by train: there are no direct flights, you need to change trains in Larisa, because of which the trip time increases to 5 hours.

From Thessaloniki, the time of such a trip also increases significantly.

There is also an airport in Volos, it is 25 km from the city. Shuttle buses regularly run from the airport to the Volos bus station, which cost 5 €.

The number of destinations in which air travel is not too large, but you can choose something. For example, Hellas Airlines planes fly from Athens and Thessaloniki to Volos. Also, other airlines are engaged in transportation from some European countries. On the Nea Aghialos National Airport website www.thessalyairport.gr/en/ you can find out all flights to Volos (Greece).

All prices on the page are for April 2019.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Live Abroad

• The World's Best Places to Retire
• Travel—How, When, and Where to Go
• Real Estate Overseas
• Earn, Bank, Diversify, Invest
• Retirement Planning
• How to Move Out of the U.S.
• All Destinations
• Editor's Choice
• Daily e-Letter
• Our Experts
• Testimonials

10 Things to See and Do in Volos, Greece - International Living

Volos, situated 205 miles north of Athens and 137 miles south of Thessaloniki, is one of Greece’s most popular cities, combining a prominent port, a lively seafront, ancient archeological sites, and access to the Pelion Mountain range, the home of the mythical centaur. If you are looking for a diverse place to visit on mainland Greece , Volos should be at the top of your list.

Here are 10 of the top things to see and do in Volos:

1. light a candle at the church of agioi konstantinos and eleni.

As a port city, the waterfront dominates Volos, and the Church of Agioi Konstantinos and Eleni, built in 1936 by the renowned architect Aristotle Zachos, is an attraction and reference point for the area. Beyond its impressive architecture, this church is unique due to its colorful imagery of the saints adorned with colored pebbles. Go inside and light a candle to take in the full experience.

Get Your Free Greece Report Today!

Learn more about Greece and other countries in our free daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we'll also send you a FREE REPORT — Retire in Greece—Find Your Dream Retirement in This European Archipelago.

By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy .

2. Travel Back in Time at the Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum

This museum has six halls filled with ancient objects and artifacts going back over 3,000 years. Beyond the household items, jewelry, and agricultural objects, the museum features clay statuettes and items from the end of the Greek Dark Ages, a time of heroic events like Jason’s Argonaut Expedition and the Trojan War. If this wasn’t enough to intrigue you, the museum also has entire tombs transported from the archaeological sites where they were discovered. Stop into the Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum to be transported back in time.

3. Take a Ride on the Pelion Railway

Volos is the gateway to the Pelion Peninsula, and the Pelion Railway is the perfect vehicle to get a taste of the Pelion Mountain range. The Pelion Railway is a tiny four-car train that covers nine miles from outside Volos ending in the mountain village of Milies. Since the train never goes faster than 12.4 miles per hour, it is easy to take in all the lush natural beauty of the route. Stop in Milies for a taverna lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Pagasetic Gulf. The 90-minute railway trip offers you an easy and memorable adventure.

4. Walk the Centaur’s Path in Portaria

The Centaur’s Path is a short hiking path in Portaria village located about 6 miles from Volos. The gentle trail is less than a mile long, taking about 40 minutes to complete, and offers you another magical window into the natural beauty of the area. According to Greek mythology, Volos and the surrounding area was home to the centaurs, half-human half-horse creatures with mystical powers. The Centaur’s Path is marked with red circles on stones making it easy to follow. For those wanting a more strenuous hike, there are nearby paths that offer longer options branching out to the surrounding villages.

5. Relax on the Beach

Being on the mainland doesn’t mean you can’t have a Greek beach experience and greater Volos has some of the best beaches in Greece. Alykes is a popular choice for central Volos with sunbeds, watersports, bars, tavernas, and other amenities along the sandy shores. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, Anchialos Beach and Pigadia Beach are just two of the many options you’ll find.

6. Sip Tsipouro at a Local Tsipouradika

Volos is fondly referred to as the Capital of Tsipouro and drinking this powerful Greek spirit is almost an art form in the region. With a population of under 200,000 people. Volos is home to over 600 “tsipouradika,” taverna-style restaurants featuring tsipouro and tasty mezedes (side dishes). Tsipouro is strong, consisting of between 40% to 45% alcohol. Part of the tsipouradika experience is you usually don’t need to order food, it comes automatically with each round of tsipouro. Have an enjoyable afternoon relaxing at a Volos tsipouradika.

7. Take in the View at Hill of Goritsa

For a memorable view, make sure to go to the top of the Hill of Goritsa on the east side of Volos. This tiny natural hill is about 650 feet above sea level and at the top, you will find the church of Zoodochos Pigi. On the outside wall that encloses the church, you’ll find a natural cave with the inscription “Dios Milochiou” which scholars say points to the worship of Zeus in the region. Take a walk to the top and enjoy the breathtaking view of Volos.

8. Visit the Ruins of the Volos Castle

Located in the old town district of Palia, these castle ruins are part of a Byzantine settlement that was fortified in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Most of the castle was destroyed in 1889, but some parts of the walls on the eastern and western sides stand at a height of 23 feet. Don’t expect a full castle but spend a few minutes exploring the ruins.

9. See an Ancient Civilization at the Archaeological Site of Dimini

Three miles outside of Volos, the Dimini site provides us with one of the most complete pictures of a Neolithic settlement available. This well-organized, 25-acre Neolithic settlement has ruins going back to the 5th Century B.C. and is believed to have been home to a thriving and sophisticated stone age community with a rich social culture. Visit Dimini to experience how an ancient civilization lived.

10. See Modern Sculptures at Anavros Park

While Volos offers you ancient history, it provides a modern edge too, and you’ll find contemporary modern sculptures at the Anavros Park, an easy walk from the Archaeological Museum. Originating in 1988 at the International Sculpture Meeting, this seaside walkway display is filled with outdoor sculptures designed by both Greek and foreign artists.

Volos has a lot to offer and while these are my top recommendations, there is even more to see and do. From Volos you can island-hop to many of the Sporades islands including Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos.

Start planning your visit now-Volos is waiting for you!

Related Articles

Top 5 Reasons to Move to Greece

The Good Life in Greece for Less Than $1,000 a Month

The Three Best Things About Living in Greece (and the Two Worst)

24 fun things to do in Volos Greece – gateway to the Pelion

The city of Volos in Northern Greece is a gateway for visitors heading to the beautiful mountain villages of the Pelion peninsula and the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos. But we found plenty of fun things to do in Volos that warrant a longer stop. From beaches and shopping to fascinating museums and street art, Volos makes a great city break destination. This university town has a relaxed vibe, with flat promenades that demand to be cycled and harbour front cafes to while away hours with a coffee.

Set by the sea within the sheltered Pagasetic Gulf, Volos grew rapidly in the industrial boom of 19th century. It remains the main port of the fertile Thessaly region of Greece. Known as the City of the Argonauts , Greek legend has it that Volos was where Jason set off with his ship the Argo and crew of Argonauts to search for the Golden Fleece.

You may spot a replica of the Argo ship in the harbour and you’ll certainly see it represented in sculptures and monuments around the city. Sailors love to stop in Volos on a tour of the northern Aegean. It makes a great place to people watch and admire the smart yachts lined up along the harbour front.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

My top 6 things to do in Volos

If you are short of time, here are my recommendations for the top things to do in Volos.

• Explore the harbour front – whether you walk or cycle, there are luxury yachts to admire, endless coffee bars, promenades at sunset and shady parks on the stretch of harbour between the port and the beach.
• Hire a bike to enjoy the cycling city of Volos with flat streets and seaside paths.
• Try the Tsipouro – an anise flavoured spirit which is served with plates of mezes.
• Check out some of the street art in Volos, with striking murals from Greece’s top urban artists.
• Spend the day in Makrinitsa – balcony of the Pelion with amazing views over the city and sea.
• Take the little train of Pelion from Ano Lekhonia up to the pretty mountain village of Milies.

Check out our guide to Pelion Greece – from the mountains to the sea!

1. Walk along the harbour front

Any visit to Volos starts with a walk along the harbour front. This port city boasts a strong industrial past and remains a thriving commercial port that serves Northern Greece. It’s also a sailing hub that attracts yachts to the protected harbour. From here boats leave to sail around the Sporades archipelago of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos.

The harbour front divides into different sections, with the port at one end and the beach at the other. Between the port car park and the commercial port is a good place to look at yachts and see some smaller, traditional fishing boats.

From the port area where the ferries leave for the Sporades, you can wander down the promenade to find numerous cafes lining the seafront. By day this is a place to relax with a morning coffee, to shelter from the summer heat and watch the world go by.

At the end of the cafes is the yellow University of Thessaly building set on the corner, where a small bridge will take you onto a long pier. Continue further to the shady, green St Konstantinos Park with the pretty church of Saints Konstantinos and Helenas at the end. Beyond this is the city beach, with a few nice beach bars where you can take a swim and relax.

Stay at the elegant Domotel Xenia Volos that’s right on the beach in Volos

Walk along the harbour at dusk

As evening falls the harbour front becomes the place to take a walk in the cooler night air, admire the swanky yachts and meet friends for a drink or a meal. We can recommend the Achilleion bar on the seafront. It’s in a beautiful old building dating back to 1925 that was formerly a cinema and makes an elegant place to stop for an aperitif.

2. Walk the Kordoni (shoe lace) at sunset

While on your evening promenade, we can recommend crossing the foot bridge by the University of Thessaly building. Wander along this pier that’s known locally as the “Kordoni” which means shoe lace. At sunset the cool breezes ripple the water of the Pagasetic Gulf. Locals are out fishing and you can admire the yachts lined up along the pier and wonder where they have come from.

Walk to the very end of the long pier and you may see a yacht coming into harbour after a day’s sailing,. Or look back to see the lights of the city and port as night offers some relief from the heat of the day.

3. Agios Konstantinos Park and Anavros Park

The stretch of harbour beyond the University of Thessaly building is backed by a pleasant green space named after Saint Konstantinos, whose church also sits overlooking the sea. This broad promenade makes a great place for cycling and the trees offer some cool shade to sit among the statues and sculptures. There are a number of seafront cafes to choose from at the park, to indulge in the unmissable Volos pass-time of morning coffee.

Continuing past the church, you’ll walk through another green space, Anavros Park where there are some striking sculptures of the Greek Sculptor Philolaos Tloupas. The concrete orbs bounded by metal that shimmer in the sun, remain from the 1st International Sculpture Symposium that took place here in 1988.

4. Church of St Konstantinos & Eleni

The pretty church of St Konstantinos and Eleni on the quayside is worth a stop if it’s open, with marble pillars and painted frescoes covered in gold. The church in its present form was built in 1936 on the site of an earlier wooden church and makes a peaceful place to stop for reflection or to light a candle.

5. Volos beaches

If you are looking for the beaches in Volos, the Anavros beach is the city’s main beach and offers plenty of relaxation and calm waters. Near the Domotel Xenia Volos Hotel is a small stretch of shingle beach with clear water, which seemed to be used mainly by guests of the hotel and a few locals.

On this stretch, we stopped for a drink at the stylish Isalos Beach Club, which has a wonderful setting overlooking the sea and some sunbeds and tables directly on the beach. This is the more pricy of the two beach bars here, the other coffee bar being Kyma Kafe which is set back a little above the beach.

Anavros Beach

Continue on through Anavros Park to the much larger Anavros beach , with sandy stretches and shallow water between protective stone piers. This is mainly a local’s beach with showers, changing cubicles and fixed sun umbrellas you can use for free, or bring your own chairs and umbrellas.

At the furthest end are several beach restaurants which seemed to be very popular and busy when we were there in summer. We found them a nice place to take lunch or dinner with the sand between your toes. One of the most popular is the Avra restaurant, which is one of the oldest seafood tavernas in Volos, serving traditional seafood dishes.

6. Hire Bikes in Volos

The stretch of harbour front that I’ve described is quite a long, albeit very pleasant walk, so you may like to hire bikes to get around while staying in Volos. We hired from a shop called Bike30 that’s close to Agios Konstantinos Park and I think the cost us a reasonable €8 per bike per day.

Since Volos is so flat and many of the city streets are either pedestrianised or one way, the city makes an excellent cycling destination. We used our bikes to cycle along the harbour front, which is free of cars, stopping at the different sites along the way, which would make a pleasant day’s cycling.

Stay at the Hotel Aegli – conveniently situated near the port and center of Volos

Cycle to Alykes Beach

We also took the longer cycle ride along the coast to the beach at Alykes, along a dedicated cycle path that runs beside the busy main road and then veers off to follows the coast all the way to the beach. This was a really fun ride, although there’s a stretch of the cycle path that takes a short cut over a (not too steep) hill.

Take your time if you are there in the heat of the summer as we were. The cycle ride to Alykes beach takes 1-2 hours and then you can spend the time swimming and relaxing on the beach, where there are numerous cafes and bars.

7. Alykes Beach near Volos

If you are looking for a day on the beach, Alykes (also spelt Alikes) at Nees Pagases is the most easily accessible from Volos. It’s on the western side of the Pagasetic Gulf and a 15 minute drive or 1 hour cycle ride from Volos with plenty of parking along the beach road and in local car parks.

The beach is very long and sandy between stone piers that help prevent erosion. The water here is calm and shallow, so it’s ideal for families. In the summer months watch out for small jellyfish that get swept towards the beaches especially after windy weather. They give a mild sting, so pack your antihistamine cream.

An authentic Greek beach resort

If you want to experience a real Greek resort that’s not too marked by international tourism, you’ll find it at Alykes. This small resort offers numerous holiday apartments and beach bars. In summer the beach is pretty much covered with sun beds that you may need to rent. Otherwise can use them for free so long as you are buying drinks and snacks at the beach bar that runs them.

Be aware that in the summer months and especially at weekends, the resort can be very busy and crowded. However, you can find quieter spots at either end of the main beach area.

I hesitate to recommend one beach bar over another. There are plenty that range from super trendy to the traditional family run beach restaurants and ouzo bars, so it’s best to see what suits your taste.

Stay at the budget Hotel Argo in the centre of Volos

8. Street art in Volos

I was surprised to spot some street art murals as we explored Volos. On investigating further we realised that there’s a whole outdoor art gallery waiting to be discovered. Much of it is due to projects by Urban Act , an organisation that promotes street art and organises mural festivals in Athens and other locations around Greece.

Many of the artists that I had seen on our Street Art tour in Athens such as Same84 and Kez, had also worked on murals in Volos. Some of them are around the port area, others on schools, apartments or other public buildings.

The murals tend to be spread throughout the city, so unfortunately you can’t see all the street art in one area. I recommend hiring a car or bike or just keeping your eyes open as you are sightseeing. You can download a map of the street art in Volos from the Urban Act website or pick up a printed map from the Volos Info Centre opposite the bus station and use it to locate the murals.

9. Shopping in Volos

While you’re in the centre of Volos I should mention that as one of the major cities of Greece, Volos has some great shopping for fashion and clothing. If you are taking the ferry to the Sporades archipelago or planning a tour of the Pelion peninsula, this is the place to shop for the latest styles to wear on your holiday.

Since much of the central area is pedestrianised, it’s a pleasure to wander around and window-shop for the latest Greek fashions. Along the main street of Dimitriados running parallel to the harbour there are lots of high street stores. On the side streets that lead off from the Cathedral square of Agios Nikolaos are plenty more independent and mainstream clothes stores.

Shopping hours in Greece tend to be mainly in the morning from around 9am to 2pm, when the shops will close for an extended lunch break. They often open again around 6pm for a few hours to take advantage of people strolling around in the evening. Opening hours may vary and most shops in Volos are closed on Sundays all day and on the Monday and Wednesday evenings.

10. St Nicholas Cathedral in Volos

In the heart of Volos is the square with Agios Nikolaos or St Nicholas Metropolitan Cathedral which is surrounded by streets of shops, restaurants and bars. It’s a landmark of the city and worth a look for the beautiful frescoes and peaceful atmosphere among the bustle of the streets nearby.

The church is relatively new, being built in the 1920s on the site of an earlier church that burned down in the 1890s. This square is a pleasant place to stroll in the evening, with coffee bars set in the pedestrianised streets surrounding the cathedral and children playing in the square.

11. Tsipouradika – traditional seafood restaurants

If you’re a food lover, one of the most fun things to do in Volos is try the Tsipouro , which is a local speciality. Although there are ouzo bars all over Greece, Tsipouro is a slightly different anise flavoured spirit, derived from distilled grapes rather than the grain normally used for Ouzo.

In bars it comes in small individual bottles, and is offered with or without the anise or liquorice flavour. The anise version will go a milky white when you add some water to the glass before you drink.

In the Ouzeries or Tsipouradika bars of Volos, Tsipouro is always served with a Mezedes , small plates of appetisers such as grilled fish, fried courgette balls or aubergine dips. The system is that you pay for each individual bottle of Tsipouro and then get a small dish of food included in the price.

Dishes are brought out from the kitchen gradually as they are ready. So if you want 6 dishes to share, then order 6 Tsipouro and even if you don’t drink them all, you can take the small bottles home. The custom of Tsipouro is said to have originated with the workers in the port and factories. Since they did not always have time to get home at lunchtime, they needed some small dishes of food to sustain them.

At the recommendation of my friend Anastasia of Natbeestravel who met us in Volos, we tried our Tsipouro at a Papadis (3 Solonis) on the harbour front and tried an excellent spread of delicious seafood Mezedes .

12. Palea district – old town for bars & restaurants

One of the best places for nightlife in Volos is the Palia district or Old Town, which comes alive in the evening with bars and restaurants. If you walk around in the daytime, you’ll be forgiven for wondering what the fuss is about, since the area appears scruffy and run down with not too many old buildings.

The restaurants are situated on pedestrianised streets on either side of the busy Grigoriou Lampraki that leads out of town. They are tucked behind the commercial port area and in the roads close to the train station. Although the buildings don’t look especially old or notable in any way, this is the first place that the city of Volos was developed around the port with the old castle that guarded the entrance to town.

Head to the Palea district to wander around in the evening and choose a place to eat from the many restaurants and Tsipouradika that you’ll find here.

13. Old Train Station of Volos

Although most of the restaurants are closed during the day, the Palia district is still worth a wander around for the museums and old city walls that are located there. At the same time, take a look at the attractive old station of Volos that was built in 1884 in the style of a traditional northern Greek building, with ornate woodwork and painted decoration.

This was once the starting point for a train service that connected the mountain villages of the Pelion with the busy metropolis of Volos. The journey would previously have taken days by donkey. Now the remains of this train service can be experienced in the “Little Train of Pelion” running from Ano Lekhonia to the mountain village of Milies.

You can also take the train to other parts of the Thessaly region and to Athens from here. However, it’s not a direct line, and the coach is faster. On the other side of the tracks from the main station building is a station yard filled with old locomotives, although the gate was locked and we couldn’t see a way to see them close up.

14. Old Castle Walls

Near the brickworks museum are the remains of the old castle walls of Volos. It’s worth a pause to read the interpretive boards that explain the history. The castle was built in the 6th century on the high ground which had a good view over both the port of Volos and the hinterland of Thessaly.

Providing protection from the raids that came from the sea, the fortified castle enclosure stretched over several blocks. But most of the 7 metre high walls were destroyed in 1889, although those that remain have been restored in recent years.

15. Tsalapatas museum – the old rooftiles and brickworks factory

To discover more about the industrial history of Volos, visit the Tsalapatas Museum housed in the old Rooftiles and Brickworks factory in the Palea district. The factory was founded in the 1920s by the brothers Nikolaos and Spyridon Tsalapatas. It rode the wave of growing industrialisation in Volos which created a high demand for building materials.

The brickworks operated until the 1950s when the earthquake of 1956 and flooding from the river nearby caused a decline. More recently it was restored as a museum and opened in 2006, run by the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation.

Within the factory complex you can follow the production process through the clay silos, trolleys, grinding mills, cutters and engines, with plenty of information boards in English. My favourite part of the visit was to walk inside the Hoffman Kiln. The kiln burned 24 hours a day to fire the bricks and clay roof tiles, which are now stacked inside the domed brick kiln.

16. Museum of the City of Volos

In the same Palea district, close to the Tsalapatas Museum is the Museum of the City of Volos . It’s worth a visit to understand more of the history of this area. The museum is housed in the old Papadou tobacco warehouse built in the 1920s and is a beautifully renovated and laid out modern museum.

Volos City Museum galleries on three floors trace the history of Volos through its rapid industrialisation and urbanisation in the early 19th century to its transformation into a modern city of leisure and commerce.

Old photographs and papers from the past century show how Volos fared during its occupation by Germans in WW2. Other displays show how the railway opened up the city, how it has been a magnet for immigration and trade and how modern tourism and leisure activities such as cycling have developed.

17. Archaeological Museum of Volos

At the other end of town, just behind Anavros park, sits the Athanasakio Archaeological museum of Volos . The museum, which was built in 1909 in neoclassical style, houses finds from the many archaeological sites that surround Volos and the wider Thessaly region. There are representations of Neolithic graves and settlements from the region, as well as ceramic pots and artefacts.

I loved looking at the delicate golden necklaces from Ancient Greek times and wondering about the persons who wore them. Curvaceous clay figurines are on display that were perhaps fertility symbols or offerings to the gods.

18. Folklore Museum of Kitsos Makris

One museum that we would have liked to visit, but was unfortunately closed is the Folklore Museum of Kitsos Makris, which belongs to the University of Thessaly. It’s located in the backstreets a few blocks away from the Archaeological Museum. The elegant traditional house was built in the 1950s although it looks much older.

It makes an incongruous contrast to the modern, concrete apartment blocks that surround it. The museum houses the collections of books, artwork and frescoes of Kitsos Makris, a scholar and collector of folk art. Notable are the beautiful paintings by local folk artist Theofilos, the murals of Pagonides and the works of painter N. Christopoulos.

Volos Tourist information

If you are in the Palia Old Town area or arriving at the bus station, be sure to stop at the Volos Info centre which is on the west side of town and easy to access by car. The information centre has lots of useful information about things to do in Volos and the Pelion region. Multi-lingual staff can help with leaflets, free city maps and guides that give you all the highlights of the region.

More things to see close to Volos

There are still more interesting things to see close to Volos, but you’ll need a hire car, bicycle, take a guided tour or use public transport to reach them. While you don’t need a car to explore the city of Volos itself, I recommend hiring a car to visit the beautiful Pelion peninsula and add some of these other places to your itinerary.

19. Little train of Pelion

It’s a fun day out to take the Little Train of Pelion up to the mountain villages of Ano Gatzea and Milies. Despite being on most lists of things to do in Volos, the train starts at Ano Lekhonia Station, which is a 25 minute drive from downtown Volos or can be accessed by taking the local bus in the direction of Kala Nera.

The vintage train is part of the route that was built in the 1890s and once ran all the way to Volos, connecting the mountain villages of the Pelion with the metropolis. The narrow gauge steam train takes you through the gorges and forests of the Pelion, with a brief stop at the small village of Ano Gatzea where you may just have time for a drink in a cafe.

The old bridges of the Pelion train

Then it continues over the stone arches of Kalorama bridge and the metal De Chirico bridge with views over the sea and surrounding countryside, before arriving at the large mountain village of Milies. A steep walk up cobbled paths will bring you to the shady square of the village centre. Here you can sit for a drink at one of the cafes and visit the beautiful church and the museum if open.

On arrival at Milies station, passengers have the novelty of helping to turn the train around on its turntable, before the train continues on the return journey a few hours later. The Pelion train operates on weekends and leaves at 10am, returning in the afternoon, so it makes a full day’s excursion. You can buy tickets at the station ticket office for either direction, but in high season it may be best to pre-book in advance on the Trainose website .

Unfortunately the train was not running while we were there, so as an alternative we hiked up the path from Kala Nera to Argireika and then walking along the railway track to Milies. It was a wonderful walk with views over the countryside and sea, although very hot as we were there in June!

20. Makrinitsa – balcony of Mount Pelion

Another great day out is to visit the mountain village of Makrinitsa, which has a beautiful location set on the mountainside high above Volos. It’s a 35 minute drive via the nearby village of Portaria or you can take the KTEA bus to Portaria – Makrinitsa which runs several times through the day.

Makrinitsa is known as the Balcony of Pelion and when you get up there you can see why, with stunning views over the city and Pagasetic Gulf. There’s a parking area at the entrance to the village as you arrive from Portaria. Parking is limited so I’d arrive early, take the bus, or stay a night in the village as we did at the lovely Hotel Selina Centavrus , which has its own parking garage.

Enjoy views over Volos from Hotel Selina Centavrus Pelion in the mountain village of Makrinitsa

Stroll up the old cobbled street to the main square, which is surrounded by traditional mansions, with their stone tiled roofs and painted window decorations, set on the side of the steep hill. A typical house of the Pelion has three floors. The lower two floors are made of stone with small windows to keep you cosy in winter and an upper floor made of wood with more windows is mainly used in summer.

Relax in the main square of Makrinitsa

The main square is a charming location to sit under the shady plane trees for a drink or lunch and there are numerous restaurants in the town to have something to eat. We also took a look around the Byzantine Museum in the main square which houses beautiful icons and religious paintings collected from churches and monasteries in the area.

We visited many other mountain villages of the Pelion during our trip but Makrinitsa is the largest, most beautiful and most accessible from Volos, so if you only have time to visit one, it should be this one.

Stay at boutique Hotel Selina Centavrus Pelion in charming Makrinitsa

21. Kontos house – Theofilos museum of Anakasia

If you are driving up from Volos to Portaria or Makrinitsa, it’s worth stopping half way up the mountain at the Kontos House. It’s also known as the Theofilos Museum, and is tucked away in the village streets of Anakasia. This traditional 3 story house was built in the 19th century and its interiors are covered with paintings by the folk artist Theofilos Hatzimihail, who was a friend of the owner.

The 16 frescoes are beautiful examples of folk art, inspired by scenes from the Greek wars of independence and the gods of ancient Greek history. Theofilos was a talented folk artist who wandered around Volos and the Pelion for years at the end of the 19th century. He scraped a living by painting shops and interiors, was an eccentric lover of dressing up and inspired by Greek heroic past.

Unfortunately I was not able to photograph the frescoes as photography is not allowed inside the house, but they are very beautiful and the house has also been preserved to show the traditional interiors of the 19th century. The Museum is free to visit, but best to check if it’s open before you make a special trip.

Stay at the charming Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel situated on the central square of Portaria 

22. Dimini archaeological site

There are a number of archaeological sites around Volos and we drove the short distance to the west of the city to visit Dimini. The ongoing excavations there have uncovered a Neolithic settlement, set on a low hill with easy views towards the sea, which was the most likely source attack.

You can walk around the low stone walls that trace the buildings of the settlement, with interpretation signs to explain the life and society that lived here. Any finds of ceramics or jewellery from this and other nearby sites are now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Volos.

The Mycean Tholos tombs

My favourite part of the visit was walking into the beehive shaped Mycean Tholos tomb which was constructed after the Neolithic settlement had been abandoned and would have been the resting place for a king or very important person.

The Tholos tomb within the main site is open to the sky, since its roof had long since fallen in. A short walk down the road is a second tomb which is intact. This was locked up but the curator kindly came to open it for us. It was truly impressive walking inside to experience the full height of the tomb.

If you are interested in archaeology and history, there are further archaeological sites near Volos that can be visited at Sesklo and the ancient city of Demetrias.

24. Drive out to Agria

If you’d like to explore a bit more of life in the Pelion, head out of Volos to the pretty seaside town of Agria, which is just a 20 minutes drive along the coast. The picturesque harbour is lined with fishing boats and traditional tavernas and we stayed there for a few nights after visiting Volos to explore more of the Pelion.

It’s a favourite place for locals from Volos to visit in the evening, to have dinner at one of the many of the restaurants lining the seafront and watch the sunset. There are numerous places to choose from but we had some delicious seafood at the Mastrali fish restaurant followed by an ice cream at the excellent Boukis ice cream shop next door.

Hotels in Volos

There are numerous hotels in and around Volos which make an ideal base to explore the city for a few days. The ones that we recommend for a pleasant break in Volos are;

Hotel Aegli Volos – contemporary hotel in Volos

Hotel Aegli is a mid range hotel right on the harbour front and close to the bus station, train station and port (useful if you are connecting with the ferries to the Sporades). Two neo-classical buildings from the beginning of the 19th century, combine to enclose a glass covered central atrium.

The 72 rooms and suites are contemporary in style, with views over the harbour and a buffet breakfast on offer. This would be an excellent choice of hotel for a city break in Volos if you want somewhere that’s stylish but very central.

Domotel Xenia Volos – 5 star resort hotel in Volos

We passed the large 5 star Domotel Xenia Volos hotel on our way to the beach in Volos. While Volos is not really a resort town, this is the closest thing you’ll get to a resort style hotel within the city. The hotel is located right on the seafront with views towards the Pagasetic Gulf, pleasant gardens and swimming pools, a spa and large car park.

You are just a short walk from the harbour front, shopping and restaurants of Volos and this would be an excellent choice of hotel for those who like to combine relaxation with sightseeing. It’s also ideal for families, with pools, beach and lots of facilities.

Stay at the elegant 5 star Domotel Xenia Volos

Hotel Argo – budget hotel in Volos

If you need a centrally located budget hotel, perhaps just for one night before taking the ferry, try Hotel Argo . It’s in the centre of town and walking distance to everything, with a 24 hour reception and helpful staff. The rooms are small but clean and comfortable.

If you’d like to explore more of the Pelion or stay a little further outside of Volos we recommend:

Selina Centavrus Pelion – boutique hotel in Makrinitsa

We stayed a couple of nights and really enjoyed our time Selina Centavrus Pelion in Makrinitsa. This boutique hotel is part of a small international group that aims to appeal to nomadic travellers and digital nomads. It offers a community and local connections as well as a great place to stay for a holiday. The decor here is stylish and contemporary, but with lots of reference in the wall murals and accessories to local crafts and traditions.

The hotel is made up of a collection of adjoining traditional houses, with its own parking garages. A short walk up the steep path above the hotel takes you to the central square of Makrinitsa. An excellent, healthy breakfast is on offer and the hotels also organises regular activities for their guests. Makrinitsa is a 35 minute drive from Volos so this makes a good second base to explore more of the Pelion.

Enjoy boutique Hotel Selina Centavrus Pelion in charming Makrinitsa

Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel – charming hotel in Portaria

Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel is a charming, small hotel in the shady square in the centre of Portaria, which is a good alternative village to stay instead of Makrinitsa. The village is a 30 minute drive up the mountain from Volos, so this would make a good base to explore some of the Pelion villages, once you have seen the sites of Volos.

The rooms are traditional and comfortable, but the hotel has a strong reputation for its local cuisine and also has a car park nearby, which is a big benefit since parking can be tight in the mountain villages. Even if you don’t stay here, we can highly recommend it as a stop for lunch or dinner to taste some regional dishes.

Map of Volos and the Pelion peninsula

You can find all the places mentioned in this article in this handy map of Volos and the Pelion .

How long should I stay in Volos?

I would recommend at least 2 full days to explore Volos, to see the main sites and soak up the atmosphere of the harbour and square. For exploring the city itself you don’t need a car. Indeed it’s quite difficult to park in the centre of Volos, although residential areas have free parking.

You may like to hire a car and take a third day to explore some of the areas that are close to the city, such as Makrinitsa, Alykes beach or the archaeological sites. All can be reached by public transport or by hiring a bike.

After spending 2-3 days in Volos, we highly recommend you add some additional days to explore other places in the beautiful Pelion peninsula. Alternatively, take the ferry to the Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos.

How to get to Volos

Flights – there is an airport at Volos which is mainly used for summer charter flights. If you can get a direct flight from the UK or other European location, perhaps for a 7 day break, you could spend some of the time in Volos and the rest exploring other parts of the Pelion peninsula. Alternative airports in Greece are Athens (4 hours by bus) or Thessaloniki (3 hours by bus).

Bus – assuming you are already in mainland Greece, bus is probably the best way to reach Volos. We took the inter-city bus from Athens, which runs several times a day and takes 4 hours, with a rest stop at the service station at the halfway point. The inter-city bus from Thessaloniki to Volos also runs regularly and takes around 3 hours. Both buses can be booked online in advance at the KTEL website or tickets can be bought on the day at the bus station. Look out for the buses that run direct which are the quickest.

Train – you can also travel to Volos from Athens by train and from other towns within the region of Thessaly. Because the train does not go direct to Athens, but requires a change, the journey is longer and also a bit more expensive.

Ferry – Volos is linked with numerous ferries from the Sporades islands and there is an international airport on Skiathos, so this is an alternative way to reach Volos, especially if you want to combine city sightseeing with island beaches. Ferries between Volos and the Sporades islands are operated by Hellenic Seaways, Anes Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins .

You may also enjoy What to wear on a Mediterranean cruise – my 6 top tips Driving in Zante – what to see when you hire a car in Zante, Greece

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, news and reader offers

Barbara Compton

Friday 27th of August 2021

Excellent - but worth also visiting the markets - separate fruit and vegetable and clothes markets - Wednesdays and Fridays

Heather Cowper

@Barbara Thanks for the tip - we did manage to catch the organic farmer's market on Saturday with lots of lovely local fruit.

Wednesday 18th of August 2021

Heather this is such a great article! As a Volotian, I reckon you couldn't have described my city better or include more information about the city and its surroundings than you already did. Definitely sending this link, from now and onwards, to anyone asking me about holidaying to Volos.

Anastasia x

Thanks Anastasia, it was great to have you show us around Volos

Volos Greece

Discover volos.

• City of Volos
• County of Magnesia
• Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Sites

• Fthiotides Thebes

Business & Services

• Real Estate
• Local Business

The city of Volos

Volos is the capital city of the region of Magnesia. It was built at the foot of the mountain of Pelion, and is 325km from Athens, and 216km from Thessalonica. The population of Volos is approximately 205,000.

The ancient city "Dimitrias", which is situated a little further out from where Volos is today, was established in the 3rd century BC by the Macedonian king "Dimitrios the Sieger".

By the middle of the 6th century AD, it was the centre for shipbuilding. At the town of "Palaia" (Old) the castle of Volos was built. It was here that a market square was created and trading of products began by the people of Pelion and the valley of Thessaly.

To protect the market from raiders, a small fortress was built. This was known as the "Kastrin" (Little castle). This fort, through the years, was under the leaderships of Byzantine leaders and Ottoman leaders during the Turkish occupation. In 1665 the fortress was attacked, for the last time, by the Venetian navy under the leadership of Morosini.

After this attack, they started to build small stores for the products, which were mainly cereals, from the valley of Thessaly. These stores started to spread around the port. Eventually small houses for the traders started to be built around the east side of the castle.

After 1830, a large number of villagers and craftsmen from the villages of Pelion and from the new state of Greece and other Hellenistic centres started building houses and workshops around the port. This was the beginning of large-scale trading in the area, which was continuously getting bigger and bigger.

When Thessaly joined in with the Greek state, a large trading market started, and by the end of the century there was an explosion in trade and industry. This resulted in the port of Volos becoming the second biggest trade port in Greece after Piraeus. With the port continuously expanding, the rail operation developed to connect Volos with the rest of Greece.

This became the fastest and cheapest means of the transportation of both products and people, and helped in Volos becoming a very rich city.

In turn, this increase in wealth also helped building and development in the area and work started on many neoclassic buildings and churches, such as Agios Konstantinos, Agios Nikolaos and the church of Metamorphosis. The railway station and many workshops were also constructed during these prosperous times.

This development took place at a fast rate and many industries started establishing themselves. Textile, ore and ceramic industries started and led to more wealth and power. The steam train of Pelion "Moutzouris-Smudgy" was built by the Italian engineer Evaristo de Kiriko, and connected the previously unapproachable villages with the port of Volos. Again, this led to an increase in trades and markets.

In 1922, after the disaster in Asia Minor, many refugees fled and headed to Volos, where they found new homes and began a new life. They also contributed in trading and developments in the city. A very important landmark in the city's development was the big earthquake in 1955 when almost the whole city was destroyed. The city was rebuilt and is how you see it today.

Volos is a very lively city, and its port connects with the North Sporades, and has connections with ports all over the world. The rail lines connect it with the rest of Greece and more recently the airport at Anhialos. Today Volos is a big industrial centre and has the third largest port in Greece.

Volos consists of the municipalities of Neas Ionias and Iolkos. Volos has a very famous and high-quality open market, which is on level with any other markets throughout cities in Greece.

Volos is a very lively and pleasant city. One thing you must do is to visit one of the fish tavernas, "tripouradika", and enjoy fish titbits and tsipouro. Once you have experienced this, you will forever have this picture in your mind and heart.

One of the most important sites in Volos is the archaeological museum "Athanassakio". It was built in 1907 on the east side of the city at Anavros. They exhibit a large number of findings, such as Palaeolithic and Neolithic objects from the prehistoric hamlets of Sesklo and Dimini.

They also have on display a very rich and interesting variety of objects such as gold coins, jewellery, painted grave pillars, ceramic and bronze vessels from the area of Thessaly and ancient Greece.

The tour of the whole area includes visits to archaeological places like Neolithic hamlets Sesklo and Dimini, the ancient city of Iolkos, Ferres, Pagases, Dimitriada and Fthiotides Thives.

At only a short distance from Volos you can visit and see the traditional villages of Anakasia, where you can visit and see the mansion of Kontos that is decorated with frescos by the famous painter Theofilos. Portaria and Makrinitsa are also two other villages you can visit, which connects the past with the present day.

In Makrinitsa you can visit the mansion of Topali, which operates as a folklore museum of art and history. All over the place you will find charming monasteries and churches. During the year, there are many cultural and religious festivals that take place and include exhibitions, concerts and theatre plays.

You will be able to find a great selection of hotels and accommodation in the city of Volos. For the best hotel deals and lots of special offers for hotels in Volos where you can search through many hotels, simply click here !

Local Business in Volos

MERRYLAND PARK

Merryland Park provide a huge selection of childrens plastic toys and playsets for playgrounds, schools and the house.

MUNICIPALITY

• Useful Phone Numbers
• Information center "VOLOS INFO"
• Rooms to let
• Archaeological sites
• The train of Pelion
• Traditional restaurants "Tsipouradika"
• Touristic information links
• Urban routes
• Suburban routes
• MARINE TRAFFIC

Search form

Tourist information center volos info.

Come to Volos Info for tourist information and various brochures. We can help you by offering you free services such as:

• find forms for the region
• to obtain maps
• to have access to the internet for your communication
• get information about your stay and your travels.
• to find out what's going on in the area
• to let you know about tourist attractions and attractions
• to organize your visit together in our place.
• you will find Lambraki & Shekeri, opposite the KTEL of Magnesia

Tel and Fax .: +3024210-30930, +3024210-30940 Email: [email protected] , [email protected] Website: www.volosinfo.gr

Working hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 Saturday & Sunday 09:00 to 15:00

• City of Volos
• Citizen guide
• Quality of life
• Quality Policy
• Electronic Services
• Live Meetings
• Calls for Proposals
• Departments
• Useful links
• Applications
• Intercity bus routes
• Marine Traffic

© 2019, City of Volos

• Terms of use
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy

• Destinations
• Hotels Offers
• Tourist Information
• Traveller’s tales Blog
• Video Gallery
• φαγητό/Διασκέδαση
• Live Cams Greece
• Terms of Use

Volos: The modern city with the unique charm

Αρχική σελίδα > Προορισμοί > Volos: The modern city with the unique charm

See also these...

Enter your email address to to inform you for our news

Privacy Overview

VOLOS INFORMATION CENTRE

BIKE or HIKE in Pelion Greece

Start your vacation here.

Volos Info Center is located to the entrance of the city close to the Central Bus Station.

Visit us and find:

– Free maps  and leaflets about the city of Volos and Pelion mountain

– Information regarding touristic services

– Directions about parking areas, public transportation,  taxi and more.

– Free distribution of promotional material  brochures about activities, accommodation, sailing and many other facilities & attractions around the area

+ Free Wi-Fi

Accessible for disabled people.

Let’s find together what’s going on in the area and organize your visit together.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

Volos info Center is a public municipal information office free of charge.

Str Labraki & Sekeri, 1, Volos (38334)

[email protected], +30 2421030930 – 40

Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00

Related posts

Road trip to the Little Train of Pelion

Boat Tour “Poseidon’s Cave”

Mini boat tour at East Pelion

Day road trip to Meteora

Error: Contact form not found.

Privacy Overview

Volos Greece

The City of Volos in Thessaly: The city of Volos is located at the foot of the peninsula of Pelion in the center of Greece. It is situated at an approximately equal distance between the country's capital, Athens, and the second major city, Thessaloniki. The city of Volos is the politic and economic capital of the prefecture and has a population of 71,000 inhabitants. Volos is the main export centre of Thessaly. The city of Volos was founded in the mid 19th century. It is a lively town. The city has an important waterfront which is lined with many pastry shops, cafes-bars, restaurants and mezedopolia.

The waterfront is also the place where local people go for a stroll which is a walk before or after dinner. The place gets really crowded during Friday and Saturday nights. The surrounding streets are also of interest as they are bustling with life. The streets are very commercial with many shops. The municipality has made a lot of efforts to transform Volos into a pleasant city, with many paved streets that cross the city.

The port of Volos is also very active with daily schedules to the islands of the Sporades: Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos. Volos is a necessary stop on your way to Pelion which is situated just next to it. From Volos, you can sea the Pelion villages perched on the pine-covered mountains. It is an agreeable spectacle especially by night when only their lights can be seen.

The town of Volos is also interesting from a cultural point of view. There is the Archaeological Museum of Volos which contains findings from the surrounding areas that date from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period. The Municipal Gallery also is of interest. It is housed in the Town Hall and exhibits a collection of paintings and sculptures by Modern Greek artists.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT PELION

• Share this page on Facebook
• Share this page on Twitter
• Copy the URL of this page

Arrest of Virginia tourist in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition prompts plea from Gov. Youngkin

RICHMOND, Va. -- Governor Glenn Youngkin (R - Virginia) is one of three American governors who've signed a letter on behalf of Americans who are facing prison sentences of up to 12 years in the Turks and Caicos Islands on charges they illegally carried ammunition during recent trips to the popular, upscale tourist destination about 600 miles (965 km) southeast of Miami.

Three of the five arrests have prompted pleas for mercy from the governors of Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

In a letter Tuesday to the islands' governor, they said the three men charged from their states maintained they inadvertently took ammunition with them on vacation. They did not have firearms.

New information about Virginia dad Tyler Wenrich charged in Turks and Caicos

“The punishment here is just absurd,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt told NewsNation's “Morning in America” during an appearance on May 7. He suggested the U.S. consider banning travel to the islands.

Here's a look at the arrests and their fallout:

WHO ARE THE FIVE PEOPLE FACING CHARGES?

One of the men, Ryan Tyler Watson, of Oklahoma, went to the Turks and Caicos with his wife and other couples to celebrate several people’s 40th birthdays, his sister, Jessica Byrd, said on a GoFundMe page she set up to raise money for his legal defense.

As Watson and his wife were heading home in April, airport security found four rounds of ammunition that had been unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip, according to the page. Watson’s wife, Valerie, was released and returned home. He made bail, but remains on the islands, with a hearing scheduled for June.

The Turks and Caicos government has identified the three other men as: Michael Lee Evans, 72, of Texas; Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania; and Tyler Scott Wenrich , 31, of Virginia.

'Honest mistake' could land vacationing Virginia father in prison

Evans had a court hearing in April and has pleaded guilty to possessing seven 9mm rounds of ammunition, and Hagerich pleaded guilty to possessing 20 rounds of rifle ammunition and was scheduled to be back in court on May 3, according to an April 26 news release from the Communications Directorate. The release said Evans and Hagerich were also on bail.

The fifth American, Sharitta Shanise Grier, 45, of Orlando, Florida, was arrested Monday during a routine search at the airport, the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police said in a news release posted to X on Thursday. She was charged with one count of possession of ammunition and was due back in court in July, the release said.

WHY ARE THE AMERICANS FACING 12 YEARS IN PRISON?

The British territory significantly tightened its gun laws in 2022 following a jump in gun violence and weapons trafficking. The strict penalties were meant to protect the community by deterring gun crimes, the government has said.

In gun and ammunition cases, courts have sentencing discretion for “exceptional circumstances,” but they cannot limit punishment to a fine with no prison term, the country's Court of Appeal ruled in February. That means the Americans may not get 12 years in prison, but they also likely won't be able to pay a fine and return home.

WHAT HAS THE TURKS AND CAICOS GOVERNMENT SAID?

A woman who answered the phone Thursday for the Office of Premier C. Washington Misick, the head of Turks and Caicos' government, said she could not comment on any pending cases. She declined to give her name, but took a message that was not immediately returned. An email to the office was also not immediately returned.

The country's former premier, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, defended tougher gun penalties in a May 13 editorial in the local Sun newspaper.“The mandatory 12 years may appear harsh to persons, but in this climate, deciding what is just, is not easy,” she wrote, noting the country was experiencing "senseless killings in broad daylight, violent gangs and innocent bystanders being shot and sometimes killed in their own home.”

WHAT HAVE OFFICIALS IN THE U.S. SAID?

The U.S. State Department has urged travelers to the Turks and Caicos to exercise increased caution because of crime, including avoiding walking alone at night.

It has also warned them to be vigilant about guns and ammunition in their luggage.

In bulletins issued in September 2023 and April, it alerted travelers of the potential 12-year sentence and told them to carefully check their bags for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons.

“If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody,” the September alert said.

In their letter on Tuesday, the governors of Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Virginia called on Turks and Caicos to reconsider the charges against Hagerich, Wenrich and Watson and expedite their release.

Doing so will “create the necessary recognition of your laws that will impact the future actions of travelers and continue our mutual interest in justice and goodwill between our jurisdictions,” the letter said.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida questioned why Americans would travel to the islands now in a post-Wednesday on X that included a news story about Grier's arrest.

The post urged the State Department to demand the release of the Americans.

Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for in-depth coverage of this important local story. Anyone with more information can  email [email protected] to send a tip .

Do you know about a good news story happening in your community?  Click here  to email WTVR.com and the CBS 6 News team.

SHARE on social media to SPREAD the WORD!

Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Now signed up to receive the headlines newsletter..

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

With Extensive Planning, and Treats, 2,500 Show Dogs Descend on New York

The world’s top-ranked canines travel to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show mostly by car and plane. They don’t exactly travel light.

To participate in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Vitellozzo, a French bulldog from Croatia, was driven to Budapest, flown to Warsaw and then to Chicago (for another show). The final leg was a road trip to New York. Vitellozzo slept most of the journey. Credit... Clark Hodgin for The New York Times

Supported by

• Share full article

By Christine Chung

Christine Chung pet a lot of dogs to report this story.

• Published May 13, 2024 Updated May 14, 2024

Follow live updates on the 2024 Westminster Dog Show.

The A-listers who traveled to New York this past weekend, gathering for the biggest event of their careers, arrived by car and driver, or on planes surrounded by entourages. They didn’t even carry their own passports, much less pack their kibble or squeaky toys.

Each and every one of them, though, is a very good dog.

Some 2,500 top-ranked dogs are in New York City to compete in this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show . Breed judging, the marquee event, will begin on Monday, while several hundred other dogs have already battled it out in events testing agility, obedience and the ability to dive the farthest off a dock.

Getting into the show takes years of training and effort. Getting to the show requires extensive organizing by owners and handlers, who plan hours- or days-long road or plane trips, pack thousands of dollars worth of gear — grooming tables, industrial-strength hair dryers, leashes, collars, toys, kibble and more — and pray that neither delays nor cancellations disrupt their itineraries.

Treats are nonnegotiable.

“I try to stock up on healthy, single-ingredient treats such as freeze-dried duck or freeze-dried liver,” said Shell Lewis, 71, who came to New York with a Russell terrier and a Cairn terrier. On show days, however, her dogs receive “something special and high value.”

“It involves a drive-through McDonald’s to pick up two sausage biscuits — I eat the biscuits, they get the sausage,” she said.

Here’s how a few show dogs, and their entourages, traveled to Westminster.

Taking to the road

In the United States, accumulating titles at local, regional and national dog competitions require constant driving, with long journeys the norm. Most dogs, their trainers say, are used to the road.

Ms. Lewis drove 14 hours from Geneva, Ill., for Spangle, her 2-year-old Russell terrier, to compete in the agility event (Alas, Spangle was knocked out in the preliminaries.) Ms. Lewis also brought along Nora, her 7-year-old Cairn terrier.

“They haven’t learned to drive yet,” said Ms. Lewis, “but they are excellent travelers.”

Krysthel Moore and Quinnzel, her Border collie, who with a 15-foot jump made it to the finals in dock diving, drove eight hours from their home in Quebec. Quinnzel snoozed most of it, Ms. Moore, 40, said.

Quinnzel barely notices a change in surroundings, Ms. Moore added. “She doesn’t care where we are, she just likes to be close with me.”

Some attendees car-pooled to the show. Jenni Nieft and Kris Dunlap, who met at a dog show three years ago, drove from Wyoming for more than two days with Rowan, an 85-pound Bracco Italiano, and 52-pound Keeva, a Weimaraner. Both dogs will compete in breed judging on Tuesday.

“They start young, they’re crate-trained, they just get used to it,” said Ms. Nieft, 53, who added that on road trips, exercise and bathroom breaks are crucial. “We gear the trip around their comfort.”

Driving was the only transit option: Some dogs, like Rowan, are too big to fly, as commercial airlines have limits on weight and carrier size.

The dogs don’t travel light, as Jamie Goodrich, 41, elaborated. Traveling from Central Square, N.Y., north of Syracuse, she packed her 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan with two crates, two folding chairs, three gallons of water, emergency kits for both dogs and humans, two suitcases of human clothes, three leashes, days of kibble, grooming equipment — various brushes, clippers, a water mister, a table, scissors — and an electric fan.

“Oh, and the dog,” she said of Aero, her Akita who will compete in breed judging on Tuesday. (The fan keeps Aero from overheating backstage.)

Traveling by plane

Other dogs flew to New York, which required compiling myriad documents, getting vaccination shots in order, and fielding a minefield of varying airline policies and restrictions on breed and weight.

Janice Hayes, a 42-year-old professional handler from Palm Springs, Calif., flies regularly to show dogs. Buddy Holly, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, won the top prize at last year’s Westminster (“He has more miles than all of us,” Ms. Hayes said).

Buddy Holly is now retired, but made the trip again this year to bask in his final moments as reigning champion and to accompany three other show dogs. Britney and Spotify, also petit basset griffon Vendéens, are being shown, as is Hayden, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Because of their sizes, the three petit basset griffon Vendéens fly in crates and in the luggage hold. Hayden flew in the cabin.

Getting to the airport hours in advance is one of Ms. Hayes’s travel strategies, as is booking a seat on the side of the plane overlooking the plane’s hold — watching the dogs being loaded offers welcomed reassurance that the dogs too are en route.

Dozens of dogs traveled from abroad to compete in this year’s show. Anel Vazquez Franchini and her dog Khaleesi, a 5-year-old bearded collie, flew from Mexico City.

“We don’t have a lot of bearded collies here. It’s easy to win when you don't have competition,” said Ms. Vasquez Franchini of Mexico’s dog shows. The Westminster show, she said, is a coveted chance for Khaleesi — or Kaly, for short — to really prove herself.

The requirements for animals to travel internationally differ by country and can change frequently. Beginning in August, dogs entering the United States must be microchipped and be vaccinated against rabies.

Dogs living within the European Union who wish to travel internationally — or whose humans make that decision for them — must have their own pet passport . This document, issued by veterinarians, contains microchip registration, vaccine history and ownership information. It is mandatory for re-entry into the E.U.

Vitellozzo, a 2-year-old French bulldog living in Croatia with his handler, Valentina Zupan, has such a passport. He’s a seasoned international traveler — this is his second time in the United States.

While flying, Vitellozzo doesn’t need tranquilizers or other medication, said Ms. Zupan, 32. His crate fits under the airplane seat and he slept for most of their journey, which included driving to Budapest, flying to Warsaw, then to Chicago for another show, and then driving to New York.

Sharing rooms and beds

Hosting the dogs and their humans overnight are the hotels closest to the show venue, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

“Big dogs, small dogs, fancy dogs, regular dogs, it’s a lot,” said Raquan Williams, a front-desk clerk at the sold-out Four Points by Sheraton in Flushing. “We love it.”

In addition to nightly rates over $200, hotels generally charge a one-time pet fee that can run more than $100. Most Westminster handlers and owners share rooms with their dogs.

“My dogs take up a whole bed. I am lucky if I get to sleep at the top,” said Patty Berkovitz, 69, who with her partner Jack Florek, and two Irish Wolfhounds, Rowan and Brody, are staying at Hilton Garden Inn in Long Island City. Rowan and Brody will compete — against each other — in breed judging. All four creatures are in one room, and each of the dogs weighs more than 160 pounds.

With such large bedfellows, Mr. Florek, 71, joked that the key strategy was getting into bed before the dogs, something he neglected to do Friday night.

“I was the little spoon,” he said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a photo caption with this article misidentified two terriers. Spangle, a Russell terrier, is pictured on the right, not left. Nora, a Cairn terrier, is on the left.

How we handle corrections

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Inside the Westminster Dog Show

Here are more good reads about good dogs..

Up Close and Personal:  The Westminster Dog Show is a flurry of activity, but stopping to take a close look reveals what makes breeds unique .

Behind the Curtain:  We spent the leadup to the final event at the 2020 event backstage at Westminster. This is what we saw .

Becoming a Judge:  For these canine experts, an invitation to pick the Westminster winners is an honor — and a serious responsibility. Here’s what it takes to do the job .

Quiz:  Do dogs really look like their owners? Put the theory to the test by trying to guess which prize pup belongs to which human .

Advertisement

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.  

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”   

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.  

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.  Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.  

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.  

  Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.   

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX   

Source: INRIX  

Top Destinations 

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Travel Trends   

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:  

• Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips  
• Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips  
• Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan   
• Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves  
• Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours  
• Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe  
• Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific  

  Travel Agent Survey  

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:  

• Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips  
• 77% of agents say ocean cruises  
• 70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations  
• 67% of agents say river cruises  

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology   

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.   

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.   

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology 

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.