Volos Greece is a coastal city in Greece which is located in the Magnesia unit in the Thessaly region of Greece. So in simple terms, like how the United States is divided into states, Greece is divided into regions called peripheries, which are then divided into regional units.
Volos is the capital of Magnesia and a large port city. It is located midway between Athens and Thessaloniki, on the eastern coast of Greece.
Why is Volos Greece a must-see on your next trip? Because it is a beautiful popular cruise port destination for many Mediterranean cruises.
So, on your Mediterranean cruise, you will explore Volos and other amazing cruise destinations like Athens Greece, and Santorini Greece.
A brief History Of Volos Greece.
The history of Volos Greece dates back to the 4th century BCE when it was still under the rule of Alexander the Great. Basically, Volos has been inhabited since ancient times, by Greek tribes.
The region where Volos is situated was known as Lolcos. This was also the home to the legendary leader Jason, the leader of the Argonauts.
The Argonauts are legendary heroes in Greek Mythology. They accompanied Jason, the rightful heir to the throne of Lolcos, to retrieve the Golden Fleece from afar of land so that he could reclaim his kingdom.
They went on an Argo ship to Colchis (Modern Russia) to bring the golden fleece back to Lolcos.
Volos was ruled by different empires over the centuries, after the fall of the Roman empire, but it wasn't until the 19th century, that the city became a major port city and an important center for trade and commerce.
What Is Volos Known For?
Volos is known for a couple of things that make it worth visiting.
- A major port city, where cruises dock on vacation.
- It is the Capital of Magnesia.
- Greek Mythology as it was the homeland of the legendary hero Jason.
- It is close to the Pelion Peninsula which is known for its natural beauty.
- Amazing local food.
Things To Do In Volos Greece.
Visit the Archaeological Museum:
If you love history and are a culture enthusiast, then a visit to the Archeological Museum is a must-do activity in Volos Greece. Here you will find well-preserved artifacts from various periods of ancient Greek history.
You can explore pottery, sculptures, and artifacts recovered from nearby excavation sites. The museum has a wide collection of artifacts from the Sesklo culture, a settlement from the Neolithic period to the Roman era.
The Neolithic period is the New Stone Age period. A period in human history, which is marked by a transition from the hunter-and-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural and domestication of animals lifestyle.
The Sesklo flourished in the area back then. Their settlements consisted of small, clustered houses made of mud-brick or stone. They practiced pottery, craftsmanship, and agriculture.
Hike To The Medieval Monasteries Of Meteora.
The medieval Hiltop Monastaries are not located exactly in Volos Greece. You will have to take a scenic drive through Thessaly to arrive at Meteora.
The Medieval Hilltop Monasteries of Meteora are a historical site that dates back to the 14th century. The 600 old monasteries were built on towering rock pillars because the monks believed they provided the perfect peaceful environment to connect with the divine.
Over time, 24 monasteries were built. They were originally only accessible by ropes, ladders, and pulleys, but they were later made accessible when stairs were carved into the rocks.
The Medieval Monasteries Of Meteora, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they played a major role in the preservation of Orthodox Christianity.
The climb up to the monasteries is strenuous so pack some comfortable hiking shoes. You might also be required to wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees to be admitted into the monasteries.
At the top of the pillars, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the entire surrounding area.
Visit The Beach.
One popular beach that you can visit is called the Alykes Beach. It is located near the city center. It is known for its crystal clear waters and a very relaxing atmosphere.
You can also enjoy some food at one of the local restaurants around.
Take A Drive Through The Pelion Peninsula To The Mt. Pelion And Visit The Traditional Greek Villages.
The Pelion Peninsula is known for its stunning natural beauty, lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking mountain views.
Along the way, you will discover different beautiful Greek Villages like Markinista, Portaria, and Tsagarada.
As you drive towards Mount Pelion, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea on one side and the Pagasetic Gulf on the other. Mount Pelion is steeped in Greek Mythology so you can enjoy some more history lessons here.
As you walk through the cobblestones, you can visit local ancient churches.
Enjoy Local Cuisine.
You can enjoy a variety of dishes from fresh seafood to delicious small plates known as mezes. Don't miss out on trying local favorites like tsipouro, a traditional Greek drink that complements the city's rich flavors perfectly.
Whether you're a food enthusiast or someone who loves to explore, Volos offers a wonderful culinary experience that will surely leave you craving for more.
Weather In Volos Greece and What Is The Best Time To Visit Volos?
Volos, Greece, experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Summer.
The summer months are from June to August, and the temperatures soar to the highs of 77 degrees to 97 degrees. This is Peak tourist season.
Autumn.
Autumn months are from September to November, and the temperatures range from (59°F to 77°F). This is one of the best times to take a Mediterranean cruise to Volos Greece because, the temperatures are milder, compared to the summer months.
Winter.
Winter months are from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 41 degrees to 51 degrees. Rainfall is frequent at this time and there may be occasional snow fall.
Spring.
March to May is the spring months, with temperatures ranging from 50 degrees to 68 degrees. This is when the warm sunny weather starts and increases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volos.
What Is The Population In Volos Greece?
Volos is one of the largest cities in Thessaly. Its population has been growing steadily due to different factors like its strategic location. Currently, Volos has a population of about 144,000, which keeps growing. The population is a mix of students, tourists, and locals.
Is Volos Greece Safe?
Volos Greece is considered generally safe for tourists. But it is important to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
How Far Is Volos Greece From Athens Greece?
Volos is located approximately 200 miles northwest of Athens, the capital of Greece, but the actual distance varies depending on the route and the mode of travel.
You can use a car, bus, or train to travel from Volos to Athens Greece. And it takes about 3 hrs 40 mins to drive from Athens Greece to Volos Greece.
Does Volos Greece Have An Airport?
Yes, Volos Greece has an airport. It uses Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL) which serves the city of Volos and the wider Thessaly region.
It is located approximately 19 miles from the city center. The airport offers domestic flights to Athens and some seasonal international flights.
How Far Is Volos From Santorini Greece?
Santorini Greece is a stunning Island in the Aegean Sea. The distance between Santorini Greece and Volos is quite far but it may vary depending on the mode of transportation used.
It is approximately 231 miles, about 13 to 15 hrs drive. The most common way to travel between Volos and Santorini Greece is by taking a flight. There are direct flights available from Nea Anchialos National Airport in Volos to Santorini International Airport.
Alternatively, if you prefer a scenic route, you can opt to take a ferry, but this typically takes 6 to 8 hours depending on the ferry schedule and route. It takes longer because it is an indirect route and because of all the stops in between.
Conclusion.
In summary, visiting Volos, Greece, is a wonderful experience that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. The friendly locals, tasty Mediterranean food, and beautiful views of the Aegean Sea make it a great place to visit.
Whether you're into history, relaxation, or adventure, Volos has it all. So, if you want an unforgettable Greek adventure, be sure to include Volos in your travel plans.
