Thessaly

🗺️ Overview of Thessaly

  • Location: Central Greece, bordered by Macedonia to the north and Central Greece to the south.
  • Capital: Larissa
  • Main Cities: Larissa, Volos, Trikala, Karditsa
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

📍 Top Places to Visit in Thessaly

1. Meteora

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Famous for: Monasteries built on towering rock pillars
  • Activities:
    • Visit 6 active monasteries
    • Rock climbing and hiking trails
    • Sunset viewpoints (great for photography)
  • Nearby town: Kalambaka

2. Pelion Peninsula

  • Mythical home of the centaurs
  • Combines beaches and mountains
  • Key villages: Makrinitsa, Tsagarada, Portaria, Milies
  • Activities:
    • Hiking old stone paths (kalderimia)
    • Swimming at Mylopotamos or Agios Ioannis beach
    • Riding the Pelion narrow-gauge steam train

3. Mount Olympus (Southern Slopes)

  • Bordering Thessaly (mainly in Macedonia)
  • Home of the Greek gods
  • Base town: Litochoro (north of Thessaly but accessible)
  • Activities: Trekking, climbing, nature walks

4. Volos

  • A vibrant coastal city
  • Great base for trips to Pelion
  • Attractions:
    • Archaeological Museum
    • Waterfront tsipouradika (local taverns offering tsipouro with meze)
    • Ancient city of Demetrias

5. Lake Plastira

  • Artificial lake near Karditsa
  • Serene nature setting
  • Activities: Horse riding, canoeing, hiking, and biking
  • Perfect for eco-tourism and off-the-beaten-path travel

🧭 Suggested Itinerary (5–7 Days)

📅 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1–2: Meteora (Kalambaka)

  • Explore monasteries, sunset view, light hikes

Day 3–4: Pelion Villages & Beaches

  • Stay in Tsagarada or Portaria
  • Visit beaches, go hiking

Day 5: Volos

  • Explore the city, archaeological sites, enjoy tsipouro

Day 6: Lake Plastira

  • Nature day: kayaking, forest walk

Day 7: Trikala or Larissa

  • Relaxing last day in a modern Greek city

🧿 Local Experiences

  • Tsipouro & Meze in Volos – A must-try culinary tradition
  • Traditional architecture in Pelion villages
  • Local festivals – Many small towns celebrate with music and dancing in summer
  • Rural Thessalian cuisine – Goat cheese, spetzofai, pies, and local meats

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Kalambaka – For Meteora views
  • Volos – Urban experience and access to Pelion
  • Tsagarada / Makrinitsa – Cozy guesthouses and mountain retreats
  • Karditsa / Lake Plastira – Countryside B&Bs and eco-lodges

🚗 Getting Around

  • Best by car: Renting a car offers maximum flexibility
  • Public transport: KTEL buses connect main cities and towns
  • Trains: Connect Larissa to Athens and Thessaloniki (via OSE)

🌿 Travel Tips

  • Wear good shoes for Meteora and Pelion hikes
  • Respect monastery dress codes (modest clothing)
  • Try local cheeses and wines – Thessaly is rich in agricultural produce
  • Spring and fall are less crowded and more temperate