Our trip to Volos began when our group came up with the classic dilemma: “Mountain or sea?” The answer was unanimous: “Both!” Our road trip to this historic port in central Greece was a combination of our two preferences. We enjoyed a stroll through the coastal city of Volos, while also exploring the quaint, traditional villages of lush Pelion.
With Volos as our base, we discovered new mountainous routes in an easy and relaxing tour that was facilitated by our choice to rent a car from Avis. During the three days of our trip we wanted to explore as much of Volos and Central Pelion as possible, so we needed a car that offered safe driving and fuel efficiency. With the comfortable and sturdy VW Tiguan SUV, we set off from Athens for a smooth journey to the city of Volos.
From Portaria to Makrinitsa
Our first stops were two famous traditional villages on the western slopes of Pelion. Arriving in Volos, we crossed the city and followed a road uphill through dense vegetation. This marked a symbolic transition, as we left the urban landscape behind to lose ourselves in the mountain path to the picturesque villages.
array(1) {
[0]=>
array(5) {
["file"]=>
array(24) {
["ID"]=>
int(390416)
["id"]=>
int(390416)
["title"]=>
string(8) "DSC00064"
["filename"]=>
string(19) "DSC00064-scaled.jpg"
["filesize"]=>
int(832605)
["url"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00064-scaled.jpg"
["link"]=>
string(36) "https://www.travel.gr/en/dsc00064-2/"
["alt"]=>
string(0) ""
["author"]=>
string(2) "17"
["description"]=>
string(21) " Alexios Souchoroukov"
["caption"]=>
string(0) ""
["name"]=>
string(10) "dsc00064-2"
["status"]=>
string(7) "inherit"
["uploaded_to"]=>
int(0)
["date"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-09 08:06:33"
["modified"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-22 07:29:37"
["menu_order"]=>
int(0)
["mime_type"]=>
string(10) "image/jpeg"
["type"]=>
string(5) "image"
["subtype"]=>
string(4) "jpeg"
["icon"]=>
string(58) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-includes/images/media/default.png"
["width"]=>
int(1707)
["height"]=>
int(2560)
["sizes"]=>
array(18) {
["thumbnail"]=>
string(69) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00064-150x150.jpg"
["thumbnail-width"]=>
int(150)
["thumbnail-height"]=>
int(150)
["medium"]=>
string(69) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00064-200x300.jpg"
["medium-width"]=>
int(200)
["medium-height"]=>
int(300)
["medium_large"]=>
string(70) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00064-768x1152.jpg"
["medium_large-width"]=>
int(768)
["medium_large-height"]=>
int(1152)
["large"]=>
string(70) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00064-683x1024.jpg"
["large-width"]=>
int(683)
["large-height"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00064-scaled.jpg"
["1536x1536-width"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536-height"]=>
int(1536)
["2048x2048"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00064-scaled.jpg"
["2048x2048-width"]=>
int(1366)
["2048x2048-height"]=>
int(2048)
}
}
["desc"]=>
bool(true)
["image_position"]=>
string(6) "center"
["image_link_to"]=>
string(0) ""
["open_link_in_new_tab"]=>
bool(false)
}
}
Soon we arrived at the village of Portaria, which has an aristocratic charm, with well-preserved buildings that display the unique Pelion architecture. The village maintains its authenticity and picturesque charm despite the tourist activity.
After a short walk through the village, we went looking for the famous Centaur’s Path. On the way to Makrinitsa, just a few meters after Portaria, a stone arch marks the beginning of the path. This is a unique, signposted route – thanks to its natural beauty and mythical tradition – that gently climbs to the highest point of Portaria. A magical landscape unfolds through dense beech, plane and chestnut trees. It’s a landscape that has inspired mythical stories. According to ancient writers, this was the home of the centaurs. These wild mythological creatures, half man and half horse, were a well-known theme in Greek mythology. They were often depicted in ancient Greek art, symbolizing primitive instincts.
array(1) {
[0]=>
array(5) {
["file"]=>
array(24) {
["ID"]=>
int(390425)
["id"]=>
int(390425)
["title"]=>
string(14) "Lamda Volos-16"
["filename"]=>
string(25) "Lamda-Volos-16-scaled.jpg"
["filesize"]=>
int(1079687)
["url"]=>
string(74) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-16-scaled.jpg"
["link"]=>
string(40) "https://www.travel.gr/en/lamda-volos-16/"
["alt"]=>
string(0) ""
["author"]=>
string(2) "17"
["description"]=>
string(34) "Makrinitsa / Alexios Souchoroukov"
["caption"]=>
string(0) ""
["name"]=>
string(14) "lamda-volos-16"
["status"]=>
string(7) "inherit"
["uploaded_to"]=>
int(0)
["date"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-09 08:09:19"
["modified"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-22 07:32:39"
["menu_order"]=>
int(0)
["mime_type"]=>
string(10) "image/jpeg"
["type"]=>
string(5) "image"
["subtype"]=>
string(4) "jpeg"
["icon"]=>
string(58) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-includes/images/media/default.png"
["width"]=>
int(2048)
["height"]=>
int(2560)
["sizes"]=>
array(18) {
["thumbnail"]=>
string(75) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-16-150x150.jpg"
["thumbnail-width"]=>
int(150)
["thumbnail-height"]=>
int(150)
["medium"]=>
string(75) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-16-240x300.jpg"
["medium-width"]=>
int(240)
["medium-height"]=>
int(300)
["medium_large"]=>
string(75) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-16-768x960.jpg"
["medium_large-width"]=>
int(768)
["medium_large-height"]=>
int(960)
["large"]=>
string(76) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-16-819x1024.jpg"
["large-width"]=>
int(819)
["large-height"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536"]=>
string(77) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-16-1229x1536.jpg"
["1536x1536-width"]=>
int(1229)
["1536x1536-height"]=>
int(1536)
["2048x2048"]=>
string(74) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-16-scaled.jpg"
["2048x2048-width"]=>
int(1638)
["2048x2048-height"]=>
int(2048)
}
}
["desc"]=>
bool(true)
["image_position"]=>
string(6) "center"
["image_link_to"]=>
string(0) ""
["open_link_in_new_tab"]=>
bool(false)
}
}
Leaving behind the path and its myths, we arrived within minutes at Makrinitsa, which is built amphitheatrically, almost vertically on the slope, as if overlooking the city of Volos from above. Cars do not move within the village, so we parked in an outdoor lot and followed the central cobblestone path where we received an unexpected and warm welcome. Irini and Zoi, two charming locals, interrupted their afternoon stroll and spontaneously spoke to us about the history, the great prosperity, and the significant production their land once enjoyed. Their words conveyed nostalgia, if not a hint of lament, but for us, it was the most authenticintroduction and familiarization with the place.
array(1) {
[0]=>
array(5) {
["file"]=>
array(24) {
["ID"]=>
int(390435)
["id"]=>
int(390435)
["title"]=>
string(8) "DSC00139"
["filename"]=>
string(19) "DSC00139-scaled.jpg"
["filesize"]=>
int(720819)
["url"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00139-scaled.jpg"
["link"]=>
string(34) "https://www.travel.gr/en/dsc00139/"
["alt"]=>
string(0) ""
["author"]=>
string(2) "17"
["description"]=>
string(21) " Alexios Souchoroukov"
["caption"]=>
string(0) ""
["name"]=>
string(8) "dsc00139"
["status"]=>
string(7) "inherit"
["uploaded_to"]=>
int(0)
["date"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-09 08:12:59"
["modified"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-22 07:34:56"
["menu_order"]=>
int(0)
["mime_type"]=>
string(10) "image/jpeg"
["type"]=>
string(5) "image"
["subtype"]=>
string(4) "jpeg"
["icon"]=>
string(58) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-includes/images/media/default.png"
["width"]=>
int(1707)
["height"]=>
int(2560)
["sizes"]=>
array(18) {
["thumbnail"]=>
string(69) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00139-150x150.jpg"
["thumbnail-width"]=>
int(150)
["thumbnail-height"]=>
int(150)
["medium"]=>
string(69) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00139-200x300.jpg"
["medium-width"]=>
int(200)
["medium-height"]=>
int(300)
["medium_large"]=>
string(70) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00139-768x1152.jpg"
["medium_large-width"]=>
int(768)
["medium_large-height"]=>
int(1152)
["large"]=>
string(70) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00139-683x1024.jpg"
["large-width"]=>
int(683)
["large-height"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00139-scaled.jpg"
["1536x1536-width"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536-height"]=>
int(1536)
["2048x2048"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00139-scaled.jpg"
["2048x2048-width"]=>
int(1366)
["2048x2048-height"]=>
int(2048)
}
}
["desc"]=>
bool(true)
["image_position"]=>
string(6) "center"
["image_link_to"]=>
string(0) ""
["open_link_in_new_tab"]=>
bool(false)
}
}
In a good mood, we walked along the stone paved paths, admiring the vastness of the village, the traditional Pelion architecture and the size and quality of the villas, which, as we were told, testify to the economic and cultural development of the village, especially during the 18th century. From the main road we made our way to the central square with its impressive large plane trees, the church of St. John the Baptist built in 1806 and the marble fountain. Due to its breathtaking view of Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf, this square is also known as the “Balcony of Pelion”. As the sun set, the colors of the sky combined with the invigorating coolness to create an ideal end to the first day of our road trip.
Next Stops: Milies, Vyzitsa, and Pinakates
Influenced by the undeniable beauty of the previous two villages, we were eager to discover more villages in the Pelion hinterland. The next day, we took a leisurely drive along the coastal road outside of Volos, passing through the coastal villages of Agria, Kato Gatzea, and Kala Nera – ideal for coffee, swimming, and eating. The most representative image of the trip was the view of the successive bays. Leaving the seaside destinations behind, we began an uphill drive through dense vegetation to the first mountain village on our route, Milies.
The exploration of the natural landscape of Pelion with olive trees, apple trees and chestnut trees was enchanting. Access to the village was easy despite the mountainous road, and in our case, choosing this particular car made the trip much more comfortable and relaxing. In central Pelion lies the large village of Milies, and nearby are two other traditional villages, Vyzitsa and Pinakates. Three hidden treasures amidst lush vegetation, characterized by the charm of a mountain village, Pelion architecture and a welcoming atmosphere. Built successively, the three villages offer unique sea views.
Hiking trails have been created between the villages, providing an additional opportunity to explore the natural landscape where both mind and spirit find peace. It was relaxing to stroll through the cobblestone streets and observe the almost uniform two- and three-story villas with their towering architecture, small windows and gray stone roofs. We couldn’t resist sampling the local delicacies and stopping at the central square, shaded by ancient plane trees – a precious source of shade and coolness – next to the church and traditional cafes. These three villages, with their similarities and their differences, were rightly a notable stop on our journey.
The historical sites in Milies are also noteworthy and are evidence of the village’s great intellectual and economic development. The central square is dominated by the distinctive Church of the Archangels, whose exterior resembles a traditional Pilion house without obvious religious symbols. Another iconic place is the railway station, where the historic “Pelion Train” ends its route. The railway was the brainchild of Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico and its first journey was in 1903 between Volos and Milies. The legendary “Moutzouris” remains a historical landmark. It still runs today, but only on certain days, departing from the village of Ano Gatzea.
array(1) {
[0]=>
array(5) {
["file"]=>
array(24) {
["ID"]=>
int(390451)
["id"]=>
int(390451)
["title"]=>
string(8) "DSC00245"
["filename"]=>
string(12) "DSC00245.jpg"
["filesize"]=>
int(933744)
["url"]=>
string(61) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00245.jpg"
["link"]=>
string(34) "https://www.travel.gr/en/dsc00245/"
["alt"]=>
string(0) ""
["author"]=>
string(2) "17"
["description"]=>
string(21) " Alexios Souchoroukov"
["caption"]=>
string(0) ""
["name"]=>
string(8) "dsc00245"
["status"]=>
string(7) "inherit"
["uploaded_to"]=>
int(0)
["date"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-09 08:21:47"
["modified"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-22 07:44:19"
["menu_order"]=>
int(0)
["mime_type"]=>
string(10) "image/jpeg"
["type"]=>
string(5) "image"
["subtype"]=>
string(4) "jpeg"
["icon"]=>
string(58) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-includes/images/media/default.png"
["width"]=>
int(0)
["height"]=>
int(0)
["sizes"]=>
array(18) {
["thumbnail"]=>
string(61) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00245.jpg"
["thumbnail-width"]=>
int(1)
["thumbnail-height"]=>
int(1)
["medium"]=>
string(61) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00245.jpg"
["medium-width"]=>
int(1)
["medium-height"]=>
int(1)
["medium_large"]=>
string(61) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00245.jpg"
["medium_large-width"]=>
int(1)
["medium_large-height"]=>
int(1)
["large"]=>
string(61) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00245.jpg"
["large-width"]=>
int(1)
["large-height"]=>
int(1)
["1536x1536"]=>
string(61) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00245.jpg"
["1536x1536-width"]=>
int(1)
["1536x1536-height"]=>
int(1)
["2048x2048"]=>
string(61) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC00245.jpg"
["2048x2048-width"]=>
int(1)
["2048x2048-height"]=>
int(1)
}
}
["desc"]=>
bool(true)
["image_position"]=>
string(3) "top"
["image_link_to"]=>
string(0) ""
["open_link_in_new_tab"]=>
bool(false)
}
}
Exploring Volos
On the third day we visited the city of Volos, exploring its historical and modern side. Located in a privileged position between the Pagasetic Gulf and the charming Pelion, Volos presents the image of a densely populated urban center with more recent buildings, a few preserved pre-war structures, and restored industrial buildings. These testify to the significant growth of the city and its development into a major commercial port and an important industrial center, especially in the second half of the 20th century.
array(1) {
[0]=>
array(5) {
["file"]=>
array(24) {
["ID"]=>
int(393108)
["id"]=>
int(393108)
["title"]=>
string(7) "lamda 3"
["filename"]=>
string(11) "lamda-3.jpg"
["filesize"]=>
int(174573)
["url"]=>
string(60) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lamda-3.jpg"
["link"]=>
string(97) "https://www.travel.gr/en/how-to-travel-en/advertorial/volos-to-central-pelion/attachment/lamda-3/"
["alt"]=>
string(0) ""
["author"]=>
string(2) "24"
["description"]=>
string(21) " Alexios Souchoroukov"
["caption"]=>
string(0) ""
["name"]=>
string(7) "lamda-3"
["status"]=>
string(7) "inherit"
["uploaded_to"]=>
int(393106)
["date"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-22 07:48:10"
["modified"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-22 07:48:28"
["menu_order"]=>
int(0)
["mime_type"]=>
string(10) "image/jpeg"
["type"]=>
string(5) "image"
["subtype"]=>
string(4) "jpeg"
["icon"]=>
string(58) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-includes/images/media/default.png"
["width"]=>
int(1024)
["height"]=>
int(1536)
["sizes"]=>
array(18) {
["thumbnail"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lamda-3-150x150.jpg"
["thumbnail-width"]=>
int(150)
["thumbnail-height"]=>
int(150)
["medium"]=>
string(68) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lamda-3-200x300.jpg"
["medium-width"]=>
int(200)
["medium-height"]=>
int(300)
["medium_large"]=>
string(69) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lamda-3-768x1152.jpg"
["medium_large-width"]=>
int(768)
["medium_large-height"]=>
int(1152)
["large"]=>
string(69) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lamda-3-683x1024.jpg"
["large-width"]=>
int(683)
["large-height"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536"]=>
string(60) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lamda-3.jpg"
["1536x1536-width"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536-height"]=>
int(1536)
["2048x2048"]=>
string(60) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lamda-3.jpg"
["2048x2048-width"]=>
int(1024)
["2048x2048-height"]=>
int(1536)
}
}
["desc"]=>
bool(true)
["image_position"]=>
string(6) "center"
["image_link_to"]=>
string(0) ""
["open_link_in_new_tab"]=>
bool(false)
}
}
A stroll through the historic district of Palia gave us a chance to admire the iconic train station and visit the remarkable Volos City Museum. It’s housed in the three-story former Papantou Tobacco Warehouse, which has been in operation since 1920. The museum’s exhibits familiarize visitors with the history and identity of the city and the wider region. Our walk continued along the pedestrianized Argonauton coastal road to the next distinctive industrial building, Papastratos, which now houses the University of Thessaly.
-
In addition to cyclists – bicycles are a popular means of transportation in the city – and carefree pedestrians, we realized the importance of the easy access to the sea and the tranquility that it brings. The extensive route along the Pagasetic Gulf leads to the famous “Kordoni”, a long concrete pier from which we had a different perspective of the city and the Pelion rising above it.
The Return
At the end of the trip, a short drive through downtown, we could not help but think about the contrasts between nature – the mountains and the sea – and moments of relaxation and tranquillity in a lively urban environment with both modern and historical features. The destination lived up to the initial expectations of our group, and the decision to rent a car from Avis made our trip more comfortable and carefree. To overcome the melancholy of returning home, we promised to immediately plan our next exploratory trip, taking advantage of Avis’ constantly updated offers.
array(1) {
[0]=>
array(5) {
["file"]=>
array(24) {
["ID"]=>
int(390466)
["id"]=>
int(390466)
["title"]=>
string(14) "Lamda Volos-13"
["filename"]=>
string(25) "Lamda-Volos-13-scaled.jpg"
["filesize"]=>
int(704570)
["url"]=>
string(74) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-13-scaled.jpg"
["link"]=>
string(40) "https://www.travel.gr/en/lamda-volos-13/"
["alt"]=>
string(0) ""
["author"]=>
string(2) "17"
["description"]=>
string(54) "Women's Agritourism Cooperative / Alexios Souchoroukov"
["caption"]=>
string(0) ""
["name"]=>
string(14) "lamda-volos-13"
["status"]=>
string(7) "inherit"
["uploaded_to"]=>
int(0)
["date"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-09 08:26:20"
["modified"]=>
string(19) "2024-08-22 09:56:02"
["menu_order"]=>
int(0)
["mime_type"]=>
string(10) "image/jpeg"
["type"]=>
string(5) "image"
["subtype"]=>
string(4) "jpeg"
["icon"]=>
string(58) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-includes/images/media/default.png"
["width"]=>
int(1707)
["height"]=>
int(2560)
["sizes"]=>
array(18) {
["thumbnail"]=>
string(75) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-13-150x150.jpg"
["thumbnail-width"]=>
int(150)
["thumbnail-height"]=>
int(150)
["medium"]=>
string(75) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-13-200x300.jpg"
["medium-width"]=>
int(200)
["medium-height"]=>
int(300)
["medium_large"]=>
string(76) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-13-768x1152.jpg"
["medium_large-width"]=>
int(768)
["medium_large-height"]=>
int(1152)
["large"]=>
string(76) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-13-683x1024.jpg"
["large-width"]=>
int(683)
["large-height"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536"]=>
string(77) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-13-1024x1536.jpg"
["1536x1536-width"]=>
int(1024)
["1536x1536-height"]=>
int(1536)
["2048x2048"]=>
string(74) "https://www.travel.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lamda-Volos-13-scaled.jpg"
["2048x2048-width"]=>
int(1366)
["2048x2048-height"]=>
int(2048)
}
}
["desc"]=>
bool(true)
["image_position"]=>
string(6) "center"
["image_link_to"]=>
string(0) ""
["open_link_in_new_tab"]=>
bool(false)
}
}
A Small Gastronomic Guide:
A wide variety of homemade jams, liqueurs and pasta is sold by the women’s agritourism cooperative of Portaria. Our favorite was the chestnut jam.
The sweets from the “Hesperides” Women’s Agritourism Cooperative of Vyzitsa are exquisite and fragrant.
A visit to Volos is synonymous with a visit to its famous tsipouradika (taverns). We recommend “Ouzeri Karakatsanis 1969” (8 Dorylaiou, Nea Ionia), “Ta Voliotika” (94 November, Volos) and “To Filaraki” (54 Krokiou, Volos).
Information:
Volos City Museum: vmoc.gr
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 09:00 – 14:00, Wednesday & Friday 18:00 – 21:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:30 – 13:30, Closed on Mondays
Pelion Train: hellenictrain.gr
Edited by: Christos Tsoutis
Text by: Evangelia Petta
Photography/Video: Alexios Souchoroukov/Spyros Dafnis
