Walks in the harbor, nature at its best, and appetizers with a traditional aroma. This trilogy can easily describe what your weekend in Volos will be like. What you may not expect is that Volos is one of the places you cannot “fit” in 48 hours, so you will definitely return. Volos is located between Athens and Thessaloniki, combining what we call the mountain and the sea (ed. you can’t go to nearby Pelion), while the islands of the Sporades are right next to it. So how can it not be considered an ideal destination for all seasons? This quaint town has an ancient history as the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts, and there are hidden gems here you can discover in a weekend.
Volos and its port
From the first moment, on the first day you set foot in Volos, you can’t help but go for a walk at the port. The marina extends from the ferry port to the University of Thessaly, and the coast continues even further. There you will see fishermen and paddlers. The marina will immediately win you over, even with one of its features. It is a car-free area, which means that many pedestrians walk there day and night undisturbed. You can also enjoy your coffee overlooking the sailing boats in one of the cafes located there. You will walk, enjoy the scenery, or even the sunset as fishing boats and sailboats come and go.
Ride… in the old days
In every city, there is a neighborhood with a scent of the past that differs from the rest of the city’s functional parts and seems to “keep character”. So in Volos, today’s Old district, or simply Old, in the western sector of the city, with its neoclassical buildings, is worth a walk. There you will see the castle of Volos built in the middle of the 6th century AD, admire the Roman baths, walk to the square of Agioi Theodoroi, and forget today.
Volos without tsipouradika is not possible
You will have heard that you cannot go to Volos without stopping at tsipouradika. Tsipouradika is completely traditional there. They are restaurants that serve tsipouro with appetizers to suit every taste. From fresh fish and seafood to other Greek traditional dishes. Open at any hour of the day, tsipouradika are everywhere, as it is a tradition for locals to go at least once a week.
A walk in Pelion
The second day of your stay can either be spent again in Volos or taken a little further to the mountains. And specifically in Pelion. And this is another reason why Volos stands out. Although a seaside town, in a short time, can take you to the most idyllic mountain landscapes. In Pelion, you will see what we call the genuine traditional settlements. You will drink your coffee with a unique view, walk on picturesque cobbled streets, and taste local Pelion recipes. And all this is only an hour away from Volos.
Where to stay
Volos has accommodation to suit all tastes, whether more traditional or more modern. The same happens with prices that are for all budgets. If you are planning to visit the area during a long weekend such as Ash Monday or Easter, make sure to book in advance.
You also always have the option to make your one-night stay in Pelion if you want something more traditional in accommodation. You will find stone guesthouses and accommodation offering unique views and homemade breakfasts.
Find a free weekend and pack your bags! It is 327 km away from Athens, which is about 3 hours…
Frequently Asked Questions
The main attractions in Volos include walks along the harbor and marina, exploring the Old Town district with its neoclassical buildings and historic castle from the 6th century AD, visiting traditional tsipouradika restaurants, and enjoying the scenic waterfront with fishing boats and sailboats. You can also take a day trip to nearby Pelion mountain to experience traditional settlements and mountain landscapes.
Volos is located strategically between Athens and Thessaloniki, combining both mountain and sea experiences. The town offers access to the nearby Pelion mountains with their idyllic landscapes, while also providing easy access to the Sporades islands. This unique combination of coastal beauty, mountain scenery, and island proximity makes it suitable for year-round visits with diverse activities for every season.
Volos has an ancient and rich history, most notably as the mythical home of Jason and the Argonauts from Greek mythology. The town also features historical landmarks such as the Castle of Volos, which was built in the middle of the 6th century AD, and Roman baths that can be explored in the Old Town district.
Tsipouradika are traditional restaurants in Volos that serve tsipouro (a Greek spirit) combined with a variety of appetizers and dishes. They range from fresh fish and seafood to other Greek traditional dishes. Visiting tsipouradika is considered an essential part of the Volos experience, as locals traditionally visit these establishments at least once a week, making them a vital part of the local culture and dining tradition.
Volos is approximately 327 kilometers away from Athens, which takes about 3 hours to reach by car. The town offers accommodation for all tastes and budgets, ranging from traditional to modern options. You can also choose to stay in Pelion, where you will find stone guesthouses and accommodations with unique views and homemade breakfast services. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during holidays like Clean Monday or Easter celebrations.
