Volos

Get in

thumb|300px|Volos viewed from Makrynitsa, Pelion

See

thumb|200px|Archaeological site of Ancient Dimini

thumb|300px|Archaeological Museum of Volos thumb|300px|Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos

thumb|300px|Brickworks Museum N. & S. Tsalapata 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).

Buy

The main shopping district is along and around Ermou St.

English books can be bought at main bookstores: Foreign papers and magazines:

There is a good food market every Friday.

For washing your clothes: Other interesting local shops:

Eat

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.

Drink

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.

Sleep

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

Go next

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.