Thessaly Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Thessaly, Greece with this helpful and informative travel guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Thessaly

Located in Greece, Thessaly is a region known for its stunning landscapes, mountains, and ancient history. It’s home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural wonders in Europe with a unique blend of both ancient and modern culture.

List of Places to Visit in Thessaly

Thessaly is home to several places to visit. Here is a list of some must-see attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Archaeological Museum of Volos: This museum houses artifacts from different periods of Thessaly’s history, including Neolithic times, the Bronze Age, and the Byzantine period.

  2. Meteora Monasteries: These six monasteries cling to sheer cliffs above the Plain of Thessaly. They offer a glimpse into the Byzantine era and boast impressive collections of religious art and manuscripts.

  3. Archaeological site of Dion: This is the site of a long-abandoned Greek city that’s been reconstructed, and it’s located at the foot of Mount Olympus.

Natural Attractions of Thessaly: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Olympus: Standing tall over the top of Greece, Mount Olympus is the perfect place for hiking and mountaineering.

  2. Pelion: This mountain range offers beautiful beaches and dense forests, making it ideal for hiking and camping.

  3. Lake Plastira: This artificial lake is famous for its emerald green waters and lush surroundings. It’s perfect for water activities like boating and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Thessaly

Thessaly offers many hiking and biking trails that are perfect for adventure lovers. Here are some of the best:

  1. Meteora Trails: These trails provide breathtaking views of the Meteora Mountain, and hikers can explore the monasteries’ interiors.

  2. Enipeas Canyon Trail: This trail runs along the Enipeas River near Mount Olympus is perfect for experienced hikers looking for an adrenaline rush.

  3. Pelion Trails: The Pelion mountain range has many trails that pass through dense forests and beautiful villages.

Best Things to Do in Thessaly: Activities and Tours

Apart from the famous attractions and natural wonders, Thessaly also offers many activities and tours.

  1. Rafting in the Pinios River: Get an adrenaline rush by rafting through Pinios River, which is located in the heart of Thessaly.

  2. Drive the Pelion Scenic Route: Drive along Pelion’s scenic route to explore picturesque fishing villages and stunning beaches.

  3. Visit Heracles’ birthplace: Visit the town of Leivithra to see the cave where Heracles was born.

Week-Long Itinerary for Thessaly

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Thessaly:

Day 1-2: Explore Volos and visit the ancient ruins of Demetrias.

Day 3-4: Head to Meteora and explore the monasteries and hiking trails.

Day 5-6: Visit Mount Olympus for hiking or visit the beach resort of Platamonas.

Day 7: Visit Lake Plastira and enjoy water activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Thessaly

Thessaly is famous for its delicious food and drink scene.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tsipouro: A strong alcoholic drink made by distilling autumn fruits and served as an aperitif in most taverns.

  2. Spetzofai: A popular dish made with rustic sausage and spicy peppers.

  3. Pitas: made with feta cheese, spinach, and herbs wrapped in phyllo pastry.

Local Beverages

  1. Raki: traditional grape brandy of the region.

  2. Wines: Thessaly has many vineyards and produces several types of wine.

Where to Stay in Thessaly: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Thessaly offers many options for accommodation to fit all budgets.

Here are some options:

  1. Melanthi Traditional Hotel: Located in traditional village Portaria, this hotel provides panoramic views of the Volos Gulf and Pelion Mountain.

  2. Archontiko Naoumidi: Located in Trikala Village, this hotel is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to explore the surrounding area and has its own horse riding club.

  3. Hostel Meteora: Located in Kalabaka, this hostel is perfect for budget travelers, and it’s close to the Meteora Monasteries.

What to Buy in Thessaly: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Touloumotyri Cheese: This cheese is very popular in the region and can be used in several dishes.

  2. Ouzo: A Greek anise-flavored liquor.

  3. Olive oil soap: Made from traditional methods and is perfect for skin care.

Local Culture and Customs of Thessaly

Thessaly has a rich cultural history, and its customs are unique to the region. Locals also celebrate many cultural events and festivals. Some of these customs include:

  1. Hellenic Folklore Festival: This festival is held in Volos and celebrates the region’s traditional music and dance.

  2. Tsipouro Festival: This festival is held in Trikala and celebrates one of the region’s traditional drinks.

Best Time to Visit Thessaly

The best time to visit Thessaly is from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Thessaly

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries.
  3. Try local drinks and dishes.

Don’t:

  1. Litter.
  2. Touch or remove ancient items from historical sites.
  3. Be rude to locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Thessaly

Thessaly is a safe region for travelers, and there are no significant safety concerns. However, travelers should take the usual precautions and be careful when hiking or exploring natural areas.

Health in Thessaly

Healthcare facilities in Thessaly are good and meet European standards. It is advisable for travelers to have adequate travel medical insurance before visiting Thessaly.

Getting to Thessaly: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Thessaly

The nearest airports are Nea Anchialos National Airport and Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos.’ Travelers can get flights to these airports from several international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Thessaly

Travelers can take a bus from Athens to Thessaly from KTEL Athens. There are also several intercity bus routes that connect Thessaly with other regions in Greece.

Other Options

Travelers can travel to Thessaly by train. The region is also connected with other regions in Greece by rail.

How to Get Around in Thessaly

Travelers can get around the region by public transport, which includes Bus and train. Taxis are also available for local transport, especially in urban areas like Volos and Trikala.

Where to Go Next from Thessaly: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions to Thessaly include:

  1. Ski resorts: The region around Thessaly offers several excellent ski resorts.

  2. The Pelion Peninsula: Located near Thessaly and famous for its beautiful beaches and mountains.

Conclusion

A trip to Thessaly, Greece is an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders and experience the unique blend of ancient and modern cultures. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and make it an unforgettable one.

Volos view from Makrynitsa, Pelion Volos view from Makrynitsa, Pelion View of The Moni Rousanou and Moni Ayou Nikolaou in Meteora View of The Moni Rousanou and Moni Ayou Nikolaou in Meteora


    Magnesia
    Trikala (region)