Volos Airport Mini Guide
Why holiday in Volos?
It’s a good base for beginning an exploration of the Sporades Islands including
Skiathos,
Skopelos and Alonissos. Ferries go out daily from the port and it’s possible to island hop using them by staying overnight on each island. The city is also important to Greek mythology, being the site of ancient Iolcos, the home of Jason (of the Argonauts fame) and Mount Pelion, home of the centaurs.
How do I get to Volos?
Volos International Airport is about seventeen miles from Volos and has connections by bus, train and taxi to the city. Almost all flights here are seasonal holiday charters from Manchester and Gatwick. Year round scheduled flights operate from Athens and Crete so you can access the city at other times by taking a low cost airline flight from the UK to either destination.
What is the airport Like?
It’s still currently small, despite the implementation of the first phases of expansion and has limited facilities but the remaining four phases are expected to incorporate an increase in passenger amenities.
What can I expect when I arrive?
It often looks like a building site and your route through the airport can change from one week to another. The airport has tried to maintain some semblance of order but the information desk is often busy as passengers try to find their way around. Passport control is often rudimentary, depending on how busy the airport is and sometimes the baggage reclaim can take a while to get underway.
Hire car paperwork is completed at the desks at the far end of the arrivals hall and your car is usually parked just outside the terminal. There is currently a bus to the train station whilst work on the direct train link is completed and the bus continues on to Volos by the E95 main road. Taxis are plentiful at the airport and fares are reasonable into the city. There are no facilities for obtaining cash at the airport.
What about when I gohome?
Checking in is quick and simple despite the work going on although sometimes you’ll wonder whether your cases will make it to the plane. There’s only a small kiosk on the landside part of the airport selling pre-packaged food and drink plus Greek newspapers and confectionery. After security there is a small refreshments area with cold and reheated snacks plus drinks although sometimes this is closed when work is carrying on in the area.
There is currently no duty free facility here although the airport is planning one together with a good range of other shops when expansion plans have been completed. To be sure that you can eat, drink and avoid boredom, you are advised to bring a small lunch with drinks and a book or game to keep family members occupied.