Volos and the Pelion Peninsula

The Pelion Peninsula is located in the Thessaly region of Greece, about four hours drive north of Athens.

It is known for its rich mythology, beautiful landscapes, and traditional villages. It’s often associated with the myth of the Centaurs, mythical creatures that are half man, half horse.

Pelion serves as a perfect destination for both summer and winter holidays, offering visitors sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a network of mountain trails for hiking and exploration. The peninsula’s geography is diverse, featuring rugged mountains that sweep down to the sea, covered in dense forests of beech, oak, maple, and chestnut trees.

The villages of Pelion are famous for their traditional architecture, with stone houses and cobbled streets, exuding a unique charm and historical ambiance. Among the most notable villages are Makrinitsa, known as the “balcony of Mount Pelion” for its breathtaking views, and Tsagarada, with its ancient plane tree.

The region also boasts pristine beaches like Mylopotamos and Agios Ioannis, popular among tourists for swimming and relaxation.

Year Round

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3-4 days

Historic Center

What to expect

Language: Greek, but most people in tourist areas speak English ( and more)

Currency: Euro

Credit Cards and ATMs: You can find ATMs all over Greece. Every major town and city has them, even in mini marts, travel agencies and some hotel lobbies.  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and in fact, it is illegal for taxis, hotels and any business working in tourism not to accept them.

Plugs: The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. For many people, appliances and devices will work fine, but if you are from the USA, you will need a dual-voltage styling iron or hair dryer.

THINGS TO DO IN VOLOS
things to do in Volos
things to do in Volos
thjngs to do in Volos
things to do in Volos

Volos, a coastal port city at the foot of Mount Pelion, serves as the gateway to the Pelion peninsula. This vibrant city blends modernity with tradition, characterized by its bustling waterfront, archaeological sites, and neoclassical buildings. It’s famous for its tsipouro (a strong distilled spirit) and meze culture, inviting visitors to enjoy leisurely dining experiences in its numerous tsipouradika (taverns serving tsipouro and small dishes).

Volos also holds historical significance, with roots stretching back to ancient times, evidenced by nearby archaeological sites like Dimini and Sesklo.

Pelion and Volos are places where mythology, nature, and tradition blend harmoniously, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking both beauty and myth.

Where to stay in Athens

The Historic Centre is centred around the Acropolis, which rises in the middle of the city in all its glory. Visitors can stay comfortably in any of the neighbourhoods surrounding The Acropolis, as these areas are relatively flat, close together, and easy to explore on foot.

This article explains the different neighbourhoods and our hotel suggestions, as well as a section on the Ports and areas near the airport.

Which hotels have the best Acropolis Views?

There are many hotels with great Acropolis views, although rooms there will come at a premium.

Check out:

Electra Metropolis

360 Degrees

Zillers Hotel

Many also have rooftop bars and/or restaurants and breakfast areas that have amazing views, so you can save money by utilising them all.

A for Athens

Athens Was

Grande Bretagne

Where to stay as a family or group

There are some hotels that have family rooms, interconnecting rooms, and some even have 2-bedroom apartments.

They all include a great breakfast too, which can really add up when travelling with a family.

Have a look at:

 Athens Gate

Grecotel Pallas Athena

The Gem Society

There are also self-contained apartments that we recommend, although these usually don’t include breakfast.

Aunties Home in Plaka

Met34

Mythos Luxury Suites

NS Place

How long should I stay in Athens

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. There is a LOT to see and do and many amazing day trips nearby as well.

  • many archaeological and historical sites including the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus and more
  • more Museums per capita than any European city
  • amazing shopping – the best in Greece!
  • the food scene is on fire – there are thousands of bars, cafes, traditional tavernas and restaurants, some of which have Michelin ratings
  • a year-round calendar of festivals and events

We recommend a minumum of 3 nights in Athens, but many people say they wish they had more.
If you allow 4 or 5 you can do a day trip or two.

What are the top things to do in Athens?

There is so much to see and do.

The main categories of activities and attractions are:

  • Archaeological and historical sites
  • Athens Neighbourhoods
  • Food Tours
  • Cooking Classes
  • Shopping
  • Surrounding view points:
    • Mt Lycabbetus
    • Areopagus Hill
    • Philopappos Hill
    • Nymphs Hill
    • National Observatory of Athens
  • Markets
  • Cultural Centres
  • Museums
  • The Riviera
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
What are the best day trips from Athens

There are a lot!

The ones we consistently recommend are:

Delphi

Cape Sounion

Corinth 

The Saronic Islands

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