Volos Mini Guide
Where is Volos?
Volos is a port city on the coast of Thessaly. It’s almost unique amongst Greek cities in being entirely constructed since 1955 when a devastating earthquake destroyed nearly the whole of the city. Today its importance rests as the export point for the products of Thessaly and the transport links it has with other countries and islands around the Aegean. There’s not much of a beach near Volos with the closest, three miles away in Alykes being the municipal beach for the city. The attraction of Volos lies in its mythological history, being the birthplace of Jason and lying at the foot of Mount Pelion, home of the centaurs.
How do I get to Volos?
There’s an airport, Nea Anchialos, found 17 miles away from Volos which accepts seasonal charter flights from across Europe including flights from Gatwick and Manchester. In the winter, the only way to reach it is by scheduled flight from
Athens or
Crete. You’ll need to make a connection at these airports but the budget carriers have flights to them all year round. There are good connections from the airport into Volos by train, bus or taxi.
What can I see in Volos?
The sights of Volos are different to many cities
in Greece because of the destruction by the 1955 earthquake. Still, some old buildings remain including the city Cathedral of St Nikolaos. There are a number of parks in the city too including one, Anavros, with a freshwater bathing area. Other than that you can take a ferry to the nearby Sporades Islands including Skopelos, Skiathos and Alonissos. Skopelos is where the film, ‘Mamma Mia’ was shot and is a great day trip. If you’ve got a car you can also head out of the city and into the countryside of Thessaly or climb to the top of Pelion and admire the view out over the city and the sea.
What should I buy to take home with me?
Along with Kos, Volos claims the origin of Ouzo and Tsipouro, both very strong drinks. Available in a variety of forms in the city including ouzo flavoured food products, the drinks make unusual gifts for friends.
What should I eat in Volos?
Volos follows the tradition of Greek restaurants in being named for what food they serve so Tsipouradiki will serve mainly fish, Psistaries serve grilled meat and the Greek version of take away restaurants, Souvlatzidika will sell kebabs and filled pita bread.
What do people do in the evenings in Volos?
Often the locals will congregate in the parks and barbecue or just sit and drink whilst they watch the children play. Later the women and children will go home and the men retire to a coffee shop or ouzo bar to talk and play backgammon. There are a number of cinemas in the city which proves a popular entertainment, especially in the winter.