VolosMainland Greece · Greece

All About Volos

Volos is one of the largest cities in Greece and a gateway to the Sporades group of islands (Skryos, Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos). The seaside city is a vibrant escape for summer and winter vacations and offers spectacular landscapes, plenty of history, as well as lively vibes. It is also a land of legends: known for its role in the famous Argonauts expedition and for the mountainous area of Pelion nearby, once home to the fabled centaurs of Greek mythology. Sitting in a natural harbor in the Pagasetic Gulf, Volos is the main port of Thessaly and lies at an equal distance between Athens and Thessaloniki. It combines both wonderful beaches and verdant mountains and also has a wonderful waterfront full of cafés, bars, restaurants, and the famous ‘tsipouradika’ (where Greek mezes are served with tsipouro).

A walk through the town will reveal intriguing buildings, public mansions, and historical churches. Wherever you look, you will find the symbol of Volos — the Argo — the mythical ship that carried Jason and his crew in search of the golden fleece. To the west of the city, you will find the archaeological sites of Sesklo (dating back to 6000 BCE) and Dimini (from the late Neolithic period). The Archaeological Museum of Volos houses findings from the surrounding areas dating back to the Bronze Age and the Municipal Gallery housed in the Town Hall is also worth a visit. Make sure to take a trip to Pelion while you are in Volos to explore its rustic mountain villages and dense forests bursting with unique wildlife.
 

Routes and Ferries to Volos

Volos is the gateway to the Sporades and ferries cross from the port to the island group on a regular basis. You can book your ferry tickets to Volos with Ferryscanner and sail from Skopelos (3-4 hrs), Skiathos (2.45 hrs), Alonissos ( 4.55 hrs), and Evia (5.30 hrs) with Seajets. There are several daily crossings to and from each destination, so you can book your ferry tickets to Volos and visit from any of the Sporades islands.

Additionally, you can fly to Volos airport from several European destinations during the summer, as well as from Athens International Airport. Upon arrival, you will need to arrange transport to the port, which is about 25 km from the airport. Volos can also be reached from Athens (3.5 hrs) and Thessaloniki (2 hrs) by car, bus or train.
 

Port of Volos

The port area of ​​Volos is right next to the city center and has three piers. Two of them are for commercial activities and the main pier is for passenger ferries. Both conventional and high-speed ferries run to and from the Sporades islands and the port area is a bustling mix of tourists and locals coming together to enjoy some time in this lovely city.
 

Best Beaches

There are many lovely beaches near the city of Volos and plenty of coves for swimming, diving, and sailing. Stay close to the city or venture towards Pelion and discover pristine beaches backed by verdant mountains wherever you go.

Anavros Beach

If you wish to stay close to the center, Anavros beach will serve your needs as it is only 15 minutes away. The sandy beach is a popular resort and has clean waters, meriting it a Blue Flag distinction. Sunloungers, umbrellas, showers, and locker rooms are available, as well as many welcoming taverns, pastry shops, and coffee houses.

Mylopotamos Beach

Worth the drive to Pelion, Mylopotamos Beach is a stunning white pebbled beach sunk into a sheltered cove surrounded by pine trees. A scenic path leads down to the beach, where you’ll find a beach bar and some rustic taverns serving fresh fish right on the waterfront.

Agios Ioannis Beach

This popular beach is 52 km east of Volos and draws crowds because of its fine sand and crystalline waters. An incredible beauty spot, it has achieved world acclaim as one of the best beaches in Greece and you will find all of the usual amenities to make your visit an unforgettable one.

Platanias Beach

Platanias is a picturesque seaside village 61 km away from Volos and is popular with anglers and watersports fans. The long stretch of sand attracts many beach lovers and you can also sail from here to the island of Skiathos or follow a small coastal trail to the amazing little beach of Mikro next door.

Potistika Beach

This is a stunning beach to the southeast Pelion that wows visitors with its exotic beauty and wild geology. The fine sandy beach is dominated by huge rocks in the water, which split the coast into larger and smaller ones. A favorite for all age groups, you will not find a more beautiful setting in which to swim or simply relax.

Fakistra Beach

This exquisite little bay is well worth visiting if you want something different, just 50 km away from Volos on the northeast side of Pelion. You will need to descend a 200-meter trail down to the beach but will not be disappointed by its wild beauty and turquoise waters. To the north end of the beach lies the sea cave of Panagia Megalomata, which is full of stalactites, and just above it is another cave once used as a secret school during the Ottoman occupation.
 

Places to Visit

Volos is a city that can be explored on foot as many streets have been pedestrianized and apart from its lively restaurants and coffee shops, there are several places of interest you should visit. Bike routes have been laid out to allow residents and visitors to make the most of the city’s layout and there are many well-established hiking trails if you wish to experience the surrounding areas.

The Promenade

Take a walk or cycle along the long city waterfront; a popular pastime for the townsfolk. The car-free marina begins at the ferry port along to the University of Thessaly and on the way, you will encounter a replica of the original Argo ship. You may catch a concert or performance going on in the summer months and it is a great place to enjoy the sunset while watching the fishing boats come and go.

The Athanasakeio Archaeological Museum

When you enter the neoclassical Archaeological Museum, you will learn about the rich heritage of the area, with exhibits such as artifacts from Sesklo and Dimini, rare 3rd-century paintings, amphoras from the Panathenaic Games, and silver coins. A Mycenaean model of a chariot from the 13th century BCE is also on display, and a representation of a tomb from the Protogeometric period (1050-900 BCE).

The Museum of Industrial History

Discover more about the city’s industrial past at an old factory that has been redesigned to show visitors how bricks and tiles used to be produced. The interactive museum offers a fascinating insight into the town’s historical identity and you will find steam engines, rail cars, operating models, and a huge Hoffman kiln, all of which bring the past back to life.

The Archaeological Settlements of Sesklo and Dimini

The prehistoric settlement of Sesklo lies about 8 km west of Volos on the Kastraki hill and is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. Check out the excavations revealing a 5th-millennium site of small houses and narrow streets, where many clay objects and stone tools have been unearthed. Neolithic Dimini can be found 5 km from Volos and the site reveals evidence of an organized Neolithic community, as well as a Mycenaean settlement, thought to be ancient Iolkos, the homeland of Jason.

The Volos Railway Museum

Also known as the Thessaly Railway Museum, you will find it at the beautifully designed Volos Railway Station, built in 1882. One of the oldest buildings still standing in the city, you can discover some rare exhibits there relating to the railway industry and learn more about the importance of rail travel through the years in the region.

The Old Town

The oldest part of town, also known as ‘Palia’, is famous for its restaurants, which range from traditional taverns to modern gastronomy hubs, as well as its unique nightlife. Despite its name, the area attracts the young crowd, and it’s a great place to feel the pulse of a city dedicated to fun, great cuisine, and lively entertainment.

Pelion

You really can’t visit Volos without making a trip to Pelion; an area of superb natural beauty just an hour away by road. The diverse landscape will transport you back to a bygone era, with traditional mountain villages boasting splendid views over the Pagasetic Gulf. A walk through the forests will reveal an abundance of fruit trees, old stone bridges, and you may even spot a wild deer if you are lucky. The vintage train station at Milies is set deep within a forested area and the village square at Tsagarada has a thousand-year-old plane tree for shade. This fairytale region is one of the most scenic in Greece and its beaches are also truly exceptional.
 

Transportation Around Volos

The best way to get around Volos is on foot, by bicycle, or with a motorbike and car rentals are also available throughout the city. Buses leave from Volos for almost all of the villages in Pelion as well as for the most popular beaches and you will find taxis in all of the village squares and tourist spots.