Hair / Greece

In the middle of the eastern coast of mainland Greece, in the Pagasitic Gulf on the shore of the Aegean Sea, lies Volos. Today, this city is one of the most modern ports in Greece, visited by over 100 cruise ships annually during their voyage through the Mediterranean Sea. To the west of the city are the villages of Dimini and Sesklo, where archaeological surveys have discovered some of the oldest Neolithic settlements in Europe. About 10 kilometers northeast of the city, in the slopes of Mount Pelion, lies the village of Makrynitsa, offering stunning views and where local merchants sell locally produced honey, herbs, or ceramics.

What to taste in Volos?

The coastal promenade is lined with moored yachts and charming restaurants offering freshly caught fish and seafood. Gourmets should try:

Boubari – sausages stuffed with rice and beef, served with potatoes
Pastitsio – minced lamb with macaroni
Spanakopita – spinach pie
Tsipuro – a traditional drink, brandy made from grape pomace, often served with seafood.

Why will you love Volos?

You will love the town for its unique combination of sea, mountains, and rich history. Volos offers a vibrant atmosphere of a modern port, a beautiful coastal promenade, delicious gastronomy, and proximity to picturesque mountain villages at the foot of Mount Pelion. The surroundings invite you to explore nature, swim in the crystal-clear sea, and discover ancient monuments.

Practical tips:

Official language: Greek, but English is also spoken in tourist areas
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Opening hours: In the city of Volos, they vary depending on the specific establishment, but generally in Greece, shops open in the morning around 9:00 and close between 20:00 and 22:00, with some smaller shops possibly having a midday break.
Public transport: Mainly includes buses, which are the most accessible means of transport both in the city and its surroundings. The port is located close to the city, but it is too far to walk. It is advisable to use the shuttle service provided by buses, which depart approximately every 45 minutes. A taxi service is also available, which is the most convenient when traveling with two or more people.
Weather: Volos has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and humid winters (averaging 10 – 15 °C) and hot sunny summers (exceeding 30 °C). The main tourist season is from May to September.

The most interesting from the history of Volos:

The area of today's Volos was settled as early as the Neolithic period, around 6,000 years BC. In the 8th century, the city was attacked several times by Bulgarians, and in the 14th century, it fell under Serbian rule. From 1423 until the first half of the 19th century, the country was part of the Ottoman Empire, but it took another 50 years after the war of independence before Volos was finally annexed to Greece in 1881. From the mid-19th century, the city grew, but in 1955, a large part of it was leveled by a devastating earthquake.