Volos is a coastal port city located in the Thessaly region of central mainland Greece. Set against the peak of Mount Pelion, Volos has beautiful beaches, historic sites spanning eras from ancient to Byzantine, and lively culture.

No.	Activity/Attraction	Description
1	Pelion Train Journey	Scenic train ride through Pelion
2	Volos Archaeological Museum	Explore local history and artifacts
3	Tsipouradika Experience	Taste the local tsipouro and meze
4	Anakasia Village	Visit a picturesque traditional village
5	Makrinitsa	Stroll in the “Balcony of Mount Pelion”
6	Seafront Promenade	Relaxing walk along the waterfront
7	Argonauts Avenue	Explore the main shopping street
8	Rooftop Bars	Enjoy drinks with a view
9	Day Trip to Skiathos	Discover a beautiful nearby island
10	Portaria	Visit a charming mountain village
11	Agria	Explore a coastal town
12	Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum	Delve into ancient Greek history
13	Pelion Hiking Trails	Hike through diverse landscapes
14	Traditional Cooking Classes	Learn to cook Greek cuisine
15	Beaches Near Volos	Enjoy the sun and sea at local beaches

Hikers also use Volos as a base to explore the villages and natural beauty of Mount Pelion. Whether you want to relax by the sea or venture into the mountains, these 15 attractions make Volos a great Greek getaway in 2024.

Wander through Old Volos

Name and Location: Old Volos is located right along the waterfront in the heart of the city.

History and Significance: A charming district with winding alleys featuring neoclassical mansions and traditional tavernas.

What to Expect: Stroll pedestrian streets to see historic churches, old warehouses, street art, and shops. Feel the Mediterranean pace of life.

Visitor Information: Explorable anytime. Ideal to wander in the evenings when locals come out.

Volos’ Old Town area features winding cobblestone walkways, colorful 19th century buildings, and charming family-run shops and taverns. Walk down the pedestrian street of Argonafton to see neoclassical mansions and stop for gourmet coffee along the way.

Pop into stores to browse handicrafts, antiques, jewelry, and artwork created by local artisans. The Old Town offers the best glimpse into Volos’ past and present.

Visit the Archaeological Museum

Name and Location: The Volos Archaeological Museum is located in the city center close to the port.

History and Significance: Houses significant artifacts found in the broader Magnesia region spanning the Bronze Age to Roman times.

What to Expect: View treasures like gold Mycenaean death masks, Cycladic figurines, Archaic terracottas, Hellenistic sculptures and mosaics.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30AM-3PM. Admission €4. Guided tours available.

To understand the long human history of the region, spend time at Volos’ Archaeological Museum. Marvel at intricate golden jewelry and metalwork excavated from ancient burial sites dating back to the Early Bronze Age.

See delicate pottery and household artifacts showing snapshots of daily life through different time periods. Don’t miss the extensive exhibit on the ancient city of Dimitrias, originally founded in 294 BC near present-day Volos.

Relax at a Seaside Café

Name and Location: Numerous seaside cafes line Volos’ waterfront promenade.

History and Significance: The area buzzes with locals and visitors enjoying coffee, drinks and light bites by the sea.

What to Expect: Sit at a cafe, order a frappe or Mythos beer and watch the ships, ferries and people walking by.

Visitor Information: Cafes open all day until late evening. Peak times are mornings and after siesta.

Volos has a beautiful waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and cafés that are perfect for an afternoon break. Sit at a table shaded by bright umbrellas and enjoy a strong Greek coffee or fruity cocktail.

For a light lunch, try mezedes starters like grilled octopus, fried sardines, or dolmades stuffed grape leaves that pair nicely with ouzo or local tsipouro liquor. Simply watching ships come and go from the port makes for a pleasant rest stop.

Hike in Mount Pelion Forests

Name and Location: Mount Pelion is located 20 km southeast of Volos rising up inland.

History and Significance: Covered in forests, mountain villages and mythical significance as home to centaurs. Crisscrossed with hiking trails.

What to Expect: Hikes ranging from easy to advanced. Experience nature, old monasteries, scenic views, traditional villages.

Visitor Information: Accessible by car or bus from Volos. Best season is spring to fall.

The wooded slopes of Mount Pelion offer countless hiking trails that let you take in gorgeous scenery. Easy paths near villages like Makrinitsa and Portaria wind past old monasteries and stone bridges, with options to stop at tavernas along the way.

More challenging routes ascend into pine and fir forests with panoramic views of Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf. With its network of trails, Mount Pelion is a nature lover’s paradise.

Visit the Volos National Theater

Name and Location: The National Theater is located in central Volos on Iasonos Street.

History and Significance: A prestigious venue built in 1891 hosting performances of theater, music, opera and more.

What to Expect: Attend excellent concerts, dramas, and dance shows in a beautifully ornate theater.

Visitor Information: Tickets and schedules available on website. Box office open Tue-Fri 10AM-2PM.

This magnificent theater was built between 1889 and 1893 in a Neoclassical design and is considered one of Greece’s grandest. Carefully restored to its original splendor, the theater has superb acoustics that enhance musical performances and operas.

Visitors can tour the lavish interior when shows are not taking place to admire the frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, velvet seats, and timeless elegance. Checking out a concert or play here is a must.

Sail to Skiathos and Skopelos

Name and Location: Day trips by ferry to the islands depart from Volos port.

History and Significance: Skiathos and Skopelos are part of the Sporades islands chain, known for their picturesque beaches and villages.

What to Expect: A scenic sailing through the Pagasetic Gulf to explore charming island towns, nature and crystal blue waters.

Visitor Information: Day trips run in summer, approx 2-3 hours each way. Book ahead online.

Volos sits directly across from the gorgeous Sporades Islands, making them easy to visit on a day sail. Full-day and multi-day cruises are available taking you to islands like Skiathos, known for its pristine beaches, and Skopelos, featured in Mamma Mia.

Explore winding village streets, stop for swims in secluded coves, and savor fresh seafood at waterfront tavernas during your island escapes.

Learn About the Sea at Argo III Ship Museum

Name and Location: The Argo III Museum is located right on Volos’ waterfront.

History and Significance: An interactive museum focused on Greek maritime history, boats and shipping traditions.

What to Expect: Climb aboard historic vessel Argo III, exhibitions of ship models, sailor stories, films and hands-on displays.

Visitor Information: Open daily except Mondays, 10AM-3PM. Admission €3, kids free.

Step aboard the full scale replica of the legendary Greek mythical ship Argo at this indoor/outdoor museum. Interactive exhibits detail the construction and mythic voyages of Argo as one of the world’s first ships.

Climb on the deck, visit the cabins, and view artifacts like pottery recovered from modern shipwrecks. Kids will especially love touring this educational and engaging museum built to represent an ancient Greek vessel.

Sample the Street Food

Name and Location: Street food carts can be found in spots around Volos like the port.

History and Significance: Quick, tasty Greek street foods like souvlaki, bougatsa pastries and koulouri bread rings.

What to Expect: Grab a snack as you explore like fresh-grilled souvlaki skewers, spanakopita and sweet bites to go.

Visitor Information: Look for popular street food vendors often frequented by locals. Cash only.

Some of Volos’ tastiest cuisine can be found at its street food stalls and markets. Grab a gyro to go from a food cart, or sit down for pita souvlaki and grilled meat skewers at a souvlatzidiko carry-out joint.

The bougatsa – flaky pastries filled with cream – are especially scrumptious. For fresh ingredients to cook yourself, shop at the Central Market Hall and Outdoor Municipal Market in the city center.

See a Concert at the Apollo Theater

Name and Location: Apollo Theater is located near the Archaeological Museum in Volos.

History and Significance: A historic theater built in 1927 hosting concerts and performances in an intimate setting.

What to Expect: See talented Greek artists perform rock, pop, jazz and more in a classy old theater with great acoustics.

Visitor Information: Check website for schedule. Tickets available on site before shows. Cash only.

Built in 1906, the splendid Apollo Theater near the Old Town underwent renovations in the early 2000s to emerge even more magnificent.

With superb acoustics, the theater hosts orchestral concerts, operas, ballets and musicals, especially during the summer Volos International Festival. Tickets are very affordable, making it easy to experience a stellar performance at one of Greece’s most beautiful theaters for less.

Go Water Sports at Platanias Beach

Name and Location: Platanias Beach is located just west of Volos city center.

History and Significance: A family-friendly organized beach with water sports offerings.

What to Expect: Swimming, beach chairs and umbrellas, beach bar. Rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, sailing and more available.

Visitor Information: Beach open June-September, lifeguards on duty. Water sport rentals around €10-20/hour.

On hot summer days, head to the long stretch of Platanias Beach right outside Volos to soak up sun and get your adrenaline pumping.

Rent equipment to go windsurfing and waterskiing in the bay, or take lessons at the Volos Water Sports Center if you’re a beginner. There are also beach bars and fast food spots along the sand when you need to refuel after working up an appetite in the sea.

See the Volos PhotoBiennale Exhibition

Name and Location: Held at multiple venues in Volos including the PhotoBiennale Center.

History and Significance: Established in 2009, this is Greece’s major photography event held every two years.

What to Expect: See captivating work by Greek and global photographers at this world-class exhibition. Art, culture and creativity.

Visitor Information: Typically held April/May. Check website for schedules, locations, free talks/events.

Volos hosts Greece’s only international photography festival every other June, bringing in artists from around the world. The main exhibition takes place in a historic tobacco warehouse converted into galleries.

Don’t miss out on talks, workshops, contests, and satellite exhibits throughout the city. Even in off years, Volos dedicates resources to the arts, with photography galleries and public art displays.

Try Volos Brewery Beers

Name and Location: Volos Microbrewery located 15 minutes drive south of Volos.

History and Significance: An innovative local microbrewery crafting unique Greek craft beers.

What to Expect: Tour the brewery, learn about the beer making process and sample their IPAs, lagers and ales.

Visitor Information: Open Saturdays for tours and tastings. Book visit in advance online.

Sample locally brewed craft beer from Volos at the brewery’s indoor taproom or its huge outdoor garden space. Sit beneath the wisteria vines with a tasting flight of unfiltered and fruit-infused brews, along with Greek bar snacks like cheese, sausages and fried chickpeas.

Free brewery tours run on Saturdays and Sundays if you want to learn about the beer making process. This industrial-chic hangout makes a great evening outing.

Go Olive Oil Tasting

Name and Location: Olive oil farms in villages around Volos like Makrinitsa and Portaria.

History and Significance: Extra virgin olive oil is a key Greek agricultural product, integral to Greek cuisine.

What to Expect: Tour olive groves and production facilities. Taste and learn to appreciate high quality olive oils.

Visitor Information: Many places open for tours and tasting. Car rental helpful to reach farms.

The lush groves around Volos produce some of Greece’s finest extra virgin olive oils. Tour area olive presses and farms to find boutique olive oils, like those from Kolymvari and Agria, to sample and purchase.

Many small producers now offer tastings and workshops about olive oil varieties and production methods too. Take home a few bottles and olive-based products to savor the flavors of Volos and Thessaly.

Visit the Alatza Imaret Turkish Baths

Name and Location: The Hamam is located in the Plagia area of Volos.

History and Significance: Recently restored 15th century baths featuring traditional hot bathing areas.

What to Expect: Relaxing thermal bath experience. Change rooms, showers, sauna, baths and massage available.

Visitor Information: Open daily 10AM-10PM. Book treatments in advance. Admission starting from €15.

After long days of sightseeing, relax at this beautifully restored 16th century hamam, or Turkish bath. Wind down in the hot and cold pools, then enjoy a soothing massage and body scrub.

The historic building, with its high domed ceilings and marble basins, transports you to the Ottoman era. Make time to also savor Turkish coffee and baklava in the tranquil garden café after your rejuvenating spa session.

Take a Day Trip to Meteora

Name and Location: The famous monasteries of Meteora are located about 1.5 hours northwest of Volos.

History and Significance: Historic monasteries dramatically perched atop rock pillars and peaks. An important religious site and geological marvel.

What to Expect: Visit several monasteries to see exquisite Byzantine art and architecture with stunning views.

Visitor Information: Daily bus tours from Volos available. Or drive/take train and taxi yourself.

The Meteora monasteries sit just over an hour northwest of Volos but are worth a day trip to see these remarkable clifftop religious sites. Dating between the 14th and 16th centuries, six Eastern Orthodox monasteries were built atop towering sandstone pillars that rise over 400 meters into the sky.

Hike up to tour the exquisite Byzantine churches and mosaics. Their remote mountain setting makes Meteora one of Greece’s most breathtaking places.

Conclusion

With its excellent museums, charming pedestrian streets, scenic port setting, and art scene, Volos provides the ideal base to delve into culture. Day trips on Mount Pelion or out to gorgeous islands like Skiathos immerse you in beautiful landscapes.

The nearby Meteora monasteries should not be missed either. Volos has something for travelers seeking ruins, nature, nightlife, or traditional Greek relaxation. Use this list to experience the best of Volos and the surrounding region in 2024.