No.	Activity/Attraction	Description
1	Ancient Theater	Historical site with cultural significance
2	Folklife and Ethnological Museum	Museum showcasing local culture and history
3	Agia Paraskevi Thermal Springs	Relaxing thermal spa experience
4	Mount Ossa National Park	Nature exploration and hiking
5	Cuisine in Ypati Village	Gastronomic experience in a traditional village
6	Birdwatching at Lake Karla	Nature and wildlife observation
7	Wineries around Tyrnavos	Wine tasting and vineyard tours
8	Central Municipal Market	Local shopping and culinary delights
9	International Olympus Festival	Cultural and arts festival
10	Nea Anchialos Beaches	Beach activities and relaxation
11	Paddling around Pineios River	Water-based adventure and sightseeing
12	Old Town	Historical and cultural exploration
13	Archaeological Museum	Insight into local archaeological findings
14	Cretan House	Cultural and craft learning experience
15	Jewish Cemetery	Historical and cultural significance
16	Mavrovouni Monastery	Historical and spiritual site

2024 is an excellent time to visit Larissa. The city is making improvements like a new archaeological museum and additional bike paths to enhance the visitor experience. Plus, annual events like the International Olympus Festival bring energy to the city.

For a uniquely Greek experience, here are 15 of the top things to do in Larissa, Greece in 2024:

Marvel at the Ancient Theater

Name and Location: The Ancient Theatre of Larissa is located on the southeastern slope of the Frourio hill in the city center.

History and Significance: The theater was built in the 3rd century BC with a capacity of 10,000 spectators. It hosted theatrical performances, political gatherings and more.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and admire views of the city. Occasional concerts and events are held here.

Visitor Information: The theater is open daily to visitors. Admission is free.

In the heart of Larissa sits one of the largest ancient theaters in all of Greece. This impressive ruin dates back more than 2000 years and once held seating for up to 10,000 spectators. Visitors can climb up the stone tiers for views overlooking the city and Mount Ossa.

Displays explain key details about the theater’s construction and use during Roman times. Attending a performance or movie screening here during the summer is a special treat.

Tour the Folklife and Ethnological Museum of Larissa

Name and Location: The museum is located in Larissa city center in the old Tsettsa Mansion.

History and Significance: Founded in 1988, it documents local customs and culture with over 15,000 artifacts.

What to Expect: The museum brings local history and traditions to life through exhibits of costumes, textiles, farming tools and recreations of workshops.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission is €3. Guided tours available.

To understand the local culture of Thessaly, spend some time at this excellent museum in downtown Larissa. Exhibits spotlight regional folk traditions with recreated rooms and tableaus showing historic domestic life.

Displays cover trades like farming and weaving, along with costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, and religious artifacts. Guided tours provide extra insight into the stories behind the collections.

Relax at Agia Paraskevi Thermal Springs

Name and Location: The springs are located 3 km northwest of Larissa near the village of Agia Paraskevi.

History and Significance: Used since ancient times for their therapeutic mineral waters, the springs were renovated into a modern spa in 2000.

What to Expect: Visitors can soak in hot springs pools, get hydrotherapy and enjoy the tranquil setting. There is also a cafe and sports facilities.

Visitor Information: Open daily year-round. Day passes start at €7. Book ahead as it can get crowded.

Just six miles outside Larissa near the small town of Koutouki lies a popular bathing spot: the Agia Paraskevi thermal springs. Since ancient times, people have soaked in these healing mineral waters thought to have therapeutic properties.

The renovated modern spa makes use of four natural springs and also offers massage, sauna, and mud treatments. Spend a day pampering body and mind in the tranquil setting.

Hike through Mount Ossa National Park

Name and Location: Located just south of Larissa, Mount Ossa is the highest peak in Thessaly at 1,978 meters.

History and Significance: The mountain was named after a Titan in Greek mythology and is ecologically protected.

What to Expect: Hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult with rewarding views from the summit of surrounding forests and the Aegean Sea.

Visitor Information: Stop by the Mountain Refuge at Stomio for info. Best months are May-October. Proper hiking gear recommended.

Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to explore Mount Ossa National Park just north of Larissa. Crisscrossed with hiking trails, this mountainous park offers superb vistas of the Thessalian plain from its granite peak.

Follow trails through pine and beech forests past scenic spots like Karitsa Gorge and Ioannina Alpine Refuge. More adventurous hikers can summit Mount Ossa itself after an eight-hour trek.

Try Authentic Cuisine in Ypati Village

icon name=”thumbtack” prefix=”fas”]Name and Location: Ypati is a traditional village on the slopes of Mount Ossa, 25 km south of Larissa.

History and Significance: Known for its local cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients from the region. Famous for its red peppers.

What to Expect: Family-run tavernas serving meat on the grill, wild greens, cheese and vegetable pies, house wine and more. Relaxed village vibe.

Visitor Information: Visit on weekends when more tavernas are open. Check hours in low season.

Foodies should take a day trip west of Larissa to sample the mouthwatering local cuisine of Ypati village. Family-run tavernas in this charming hillside village serve regional specialties like patsouma (tripe soup), manestra pasta, and tiropites pies.

Everything is prepared from the freshest, often homegrown, ingredients. Schedule your visit to attend Ypati’s annual June Cherry Festival, celebrating the village’s famous crop.

View Rare Birds at Lake Karla

Name and Location: Lake Karla is 20 km north of Larissa near the village of Mavrovouni.

History and Significance: An important wetland ecosystem and protected reserve since 1990 with over 200 bird species.

What to Expect: Birdwatching, walking trails and educational activities. Common sightings include ducks, herons, grebes and migratory raptors.

Visitor Information: Free access. Visit the information center to learn more and get a bird checklist. Best times are spring and fall migrations.

Larissa provides easy access to Greece’s second largest lake: Lake Karla. A short drive north of the city, this wildlife haven attracts over 200 species of birds that nest in the reeds or stop during seasonal migrations.

Rarities like the Dalmatian pelican and pygmy cormorant can be spotted, along with herons, terns, ducks, and more. Guided boat tours provide the best vantage points for birdwatching and photography opportunities.

Tour Wineries Around Tyrnavos

Name and Location: Tyrnavos is a town 23 km northeast of Larissa known as Greece’s “wine capital.”

History and Significance: The area has a long history of winemaking dating back to the 6th century BC. Tyrnavos produces many native Greek grape varieties.

What to Expect: Guided winery tours, tastings and insight into traditional winemaking methods. The wineries produce agiorgitiko, limnio, roditis and assyrtiko wines.

Visitor Information: Wineries are open year-round. Check individual websites for tour schedules and reservations.

North of Larissa near Mount Olympus lies Tyrnavos, one of Greece’s premier winemaking areas famous for its Tsipouro brandy. Schedule a trip here to tour family-run vineyards producing wines and spirits from local grapes.

Most wineries offer tours explaining their traditional production methods, followed by tastings paired with local food. September’s Tsipouro Festival is especially lively, with live music and plenty of brandy sampling.

Shop Local Ingredients at Central Municipal Market

Name and Location: Larissa’s Central Market is located in the center of town close to Frourio Hill.

History and Significance: A lively market operating since 1911 selling fresh produce, meat, cheese and local goods. A local institution.

What to Expect: Stalls selling local fruits and vegetables, aromatic spices, olives, honey and handmade crafts. A glimpse of daily life.

Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday mornings year-round. Get there early for the best selection.

To see the incredible variety of Thessalian ingredients, head to Larissa’s bustling Central Municipal Market. This indoor market overflows with stalls selling mounds of colorful fruits and vegetables, just-caught seafood, artisanal cheeses, regional honeys and jams, cured meats, and more.

It’s the perfect place to grab supplies for a Greek picnic. Don’t forget to also check out the souvenir shops upstairs.

Attend the International Olympus Festival

Name and Location: Held annually every June and July in Larissa. Performances take place in venues around the city.

History and Significance: Estabished in 1987, this is one of Greece’s oldest summer arts festivals featuring music, dance, theater and visual arts.

What to Expect: High quality performances by artists from Greece and globally. Concerts, exhibitions, lectures, workshops and masterclasses.

Visitor Information: Festival schedule and tickets available on the official website. Most events are free.

Between June and August each year, Larissa celebrates the mythic Mount Olympus with a world-class arts festival. The International Olympus Festival brings opera, symphonic concerts, theatre, and gallery exhibitions to venues across the city.

International artists perform alongside talented Greeks. With free kids’ concerts and open masterclasses too, it spotlights both classics and contemporary works for all ages to enjoy.

Sunbathe on the Beaches of Nea Anchialos

Name and Location: Nea Anchialos is a seaside town 20 km southeast of Larissa on the Aegean coast.

History and Significance: A popular beach destination with swaying palm trees, tavernas and a relaxed vibe.

What to Expect: Sandy beaches, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, watersports rentals, restaurants and beach bars. Good for families.

Visitor Information: Beach access is free. Peak season is July-August.

Relax Greek-style by spending a day at one of the beaches near Larissa. Just 12 miles south, the coastal village of Nea Anchialos has both sandy and pebbly shores along the Pagasetic Gulf.

The lively main Psatha Beach boasts water sports and beach clubs. For more seclusion, head to sparsely crowded Agiokambos Beach tucked beneath pines. The shallow waters make these beaches perfect for families.

Paddle Around Pineios River

Name and Location: The Pineios River flows through the Thessaly plains near Larissa.

History and Significance: A lush, ecologically important river system and natural habitat for birds and fish.

What to Expect: Guided kayak and canoe trips along the river to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural scenery. Peaceful paddling.

Visitor Information: Tours can be booked through local companies like Outdoor Greece. Some experience recommended.

For outdoor adventures, head to the Pineios River winding past Larissa. This extensive river provides routes perfect for kayaking, rafting, and open canoeing. Paddling trips cater to all levels, from calm excursions to whitewater rapids further upstream.

Along the way, admire views of Mount Olympus, stop on sandy banks for a swim, and watch for wildlife like turtles and herons. Local outfitters handle trip arrangements.

Walk the Old Town’s Charismatic Streets

Name and Location: Larissa’s Old Town is centered around the Frourio Fortress in the city.

History and Significance: A charming district with examples of Ottoman and neoclassical architecture from Larissa’s days as an important trading center.

What to Expect: Strolling the pedestrian streets you’ll find historic churches, small museums, shops and cafes perfect for people watching.

Visitor Information: The Old Town can be visited independently any time. Ideal in the mornings and evenings.

Much of Larissa’s charm comes from strolling its atmospheric Old Town streets. This historic quarter below the fortress remains lively with pedestrian alleyways leading past small shops, cafes, and flower-filled balconies.

Top sights include the imposing Metropolis Church and the ancient Frourio Fortress. At night, outdoor tavernas and bars create a festive vibe. It’s the best area for aimless wandering while soaking up local life.

See Ancient Treasures at the Archaeological Museum

Name and Location: Larissa’s Archaeological Museum is located in the city center on Raidestou Street.

History and Significance: Established in 1988, the museum displays important artifacts spanning 6,000 years of regional history.

What to Expect: Highlights include Neolithic tools, Bronze Age pottery, mythological statues and Byzantine icons. Guided audio tours available.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission is €2. Closed on public holidays.

When it opens in 2024, Larissa’s new Archaeological Museum will be the city’s premiere cultural institution. The modern museum will display important finds from the greater Thessaly region including tomb artifacts, delicate gold jewelry, statues, mosaics, and more.

One prized piece is the marble Gorgon pediment thought to be from the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. Exhibits will showcase the area’s rich history from prehistory onwards.

Learn Traditional Crafts at Cretan House

Name and Location: Located in central Larissa in a restored 19th century mansion.

History and Significance: A cultural center offering workshops in pottery, woodcarving, embroidery, candle making and more. Celebrates Greek folk art.

What to Expect: Hands-on creative workshops guided by expert instructors. Make crafts and learn about techniques passed down through generations.

Visitor Information: Check the calendar online for workshop schedules. Advance booking required.

Gain insight into Greece’s traditional arts and crafts with a visit to this hands-on museum. Also known as the Museum of Cretan Ethnography, this facility aims to preserve historic folkways from Crete and across Greece.

Visitors can watch demonstrations of techniques like pottery making, embroidery, spinning, and basket weaving. Exhibits cover subjects like agricultural practices, costumes, musical instruments, and food preparation.

Pay Your Respects at the Jewish Cemetery

Name and Location: The old Jewish Cemetery of Larissa is located on Papanastasiou Street.

History and Significance: Contains over 600 tombstones, some dating back to the 16th century. A reminder of the once thriving Jewish community.

What to Expect: A small, poignant cemetery overgrown with vegetation. An important memorial site. Also known as Beth Chaim meaning “House of Life”.

Visitor Information: The cemetery can be visited any time. Be respectful when inside.

An important part of Larissa’s cultural heritage is explored at the old Jewish cemetery, parts of which date to the 16th century. The graves here memorialize Jewish residents who once thrived in the city before WWII devastated the community.

Guided tours explain the symbolism of the elaborate tombstones and provide an overview of the Jewish history in Larissa and Thessaly. It’s a moving and educational experience.

Venture to the Mavrovouni Monastery

Name and Location: Located atop Mavrovouni Hill 10 km northwest of Larissa.

History and Significance: A 10th century women’s monastery with a striking church featuring frescoes and ecclesiastical relics.

What to Expect: Visit this serene hilltop monastery for scenic views. See relics and icons, wood-carved altar and frescoed chapels. Gift shop onsite.

Visitor Information: Open daily. Dress conservatively and show respect. Donations welcomed.

On the outskirts of Larissa rises the impressive Mavrovouni Monastery, worth the short drive to visit. Dating from the 16th century, this cliffside monastery offers beautiful vantage points over the Thessalian plain and Mount Olympus.

Visitors can explore the fresco-filled Katholikon church and small museum exhibiting Orthodox religious artifacts. Stop for a coffee or meal at the monastery’s cafe to soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Conclusion

From its ancient ruins to nearby Mount Olympus, Larissa provides easy access to many quintessential Greek attractions. The city’s bustling energy combined with its laid-back outdoor life encapsulates both urban and rural sides of Greece.

Don’t miss experiencing Larissa’s famous cuisine and spirited festivals too. With new attractions like the Archaeological Museum opening in 2024, the city continues to grow as a worthwhile Greek destination.