Car Hire Volos - Mini guide to Volos
In the heart of mainland Greece, at the foot of Mount Pelion, is Volos. Home to the third largest port in the country, Volos is an important industrial centre with a dynamic European city feel. With its active cultural life and varied leisure, shopping and entertainment opportunities, Volos has something for everyone.
Known as "the pride of mountains", Mt. Pelion is the number one destination for visitors to Volos. Its shady landscape, stunning shoreline, beautiful villages and churches combine to create a unique atmosphere. Volos’ grand Town Hall was inspired by Mt. Pelion, in the belief that the atmosphere of the city is determined by that of the mountain.
In town, the main roads parallel to the seafront are the heart of the shopping district with modern and old-fashioned stores side by side. Street markets are a daily affair throughout the city and the fish market on the wharf is particularly worth a look. Also on the seafront, the Archaeological Museum is located in a neoclassical building dating from 1907, whilst Anavros Park opposite displays many works by modern sculptors.
Volos, with its many nightclubs, discos and bars, has an intensely active nightlife. Modern international restaurants coexist beside traditional tavernas and the towns many "tsipouradika" bars. Here the visitor can sample the local schnapps distilled from the grape stalks, pips and skins.
The lush area around Volos holds many hidden treasures. Inland, the nearby prehistoric settlement of Sesklo is home to the oldest acropolis remains in Greece (6000 BC), as well as the foundations of its ancient palace. Alternatively, take the coast road and visit the town of Sourpi surrounded by bountiful olive groves. Its famous taverns serve delicious "kokoretsi", a treat made of liver.
Volos has a small airport which receives charter flights from key European destinations (London Gatwick twice weekly). Volos is also serviced by train, with regular departures from Athens via Larissa (6 hours) and Thessalonica daily. The port of Volos accommodates all types of pleasure craft, ferries and hydrofoils from other major Greek ports.
