VOLOS, SESCLO, DIMINI...

Volos (325 km. from Athens) is the capital of the prefecture. Thanks to its privileged position at the foot of Mt. Pelion on the Pagasitic gulf, it is a good base for enjoying the sea, and the natural beautty of Mt. Pelion. As for the derivation of the word "Volos", which according to a Byzantine historian of the 14th century was called "Golos", there are several theories; the most widely accepted is that it represents a corruption of the Mycenaean lolkos. Founded in the mid 19th century, modern Volos is a cheerful, lively town, soundly laid out with pleasant broad streets. The waterfront is an ideal spot for a stroll. A modern coastal avenue bustling with life, is lined with pastry shops, cafes and restaurants. From the suburb of Ano Volos, built up the slopes of Pelion, the town below take on another dimension. Volos harbour is particularly active. It is the main export centre of Thessaly and the scene of much commercial and passenger traffic to the Sporades.

Sightseeing
The Volos Archaeological Museum (tel.: 24210 28.563): contains a rich store of finds from the Bronze Age, pottery of the 8th and 5th century BC, 6th and 5th century sculpture. For example, its collection of Hellenistic grave stelai from Dimitrias is unique; their well preserved paintings are considered among the most important examples of ancient Greek art.
Municipal Gallery: (tel.: 24210 25.760): Housed in the Town Hall, it comprises a fine collection of paintings, sculpture and engravings by modern Greek artists. Home of the folk historian Kitsos Makris (tel.: (24210) 37.119) with works by Theophilos, Christopoulos, Byzantine icons, wood carvings and pottery. Pelion's old-fashioned train: This little train which used to connect Volos with Milies has been put back into service over a short portion of the old urban line. It would be running on special occasions. The churches of Agios Konstantinos, Agios Nikolaos, Metamorphosis and the chapel of Agia Triada. The Treis lerarches and Kyriazis libraries. At Anakasia, the Theophilos Museum with frescoes by the great folk artist. At Alli Meria, the Velentza bakery with wall paintings by Theophilos. Seasonal Events : During the last ten days of August, the Balkan Crafts Fair held in the Municipal Theatre with dancing and music from all the Balkans.

The lush area around Volos is scattered with interesting archaeological sites which history buffs will find very rewarding, while the summer resorts bordering beautiful beaches abound in picturesque tavernas offering local delicacies. The azure sea is ideal for bathing.

Driving on the National Road to Larissa, will lead you to the prehistoric settlement of Dimini (6.5 km) with a ruined acropolis, walls and two beehive tombs dated to between 4000 - 1200 BC; Sesklo (13.5 km) with the remains of the oldest acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), as well as the foundations of a palace and mansions among the most typical examples of neolithic civilisation. A bit further to the west lies the village of Velestino (17 km), birthplace of the revolutionary poet Rigas Ferraios, built on the site of the ancient city of Pherai.

Near the coast road heading southwest of Volos, you'll spot a pine wooded area containing the ruins of ancient Dimitrias (4 km), the important city founded by Dimitrios Poliorkitis in the 3rd century BC. In this particularly extensive archaeological site there are ruins of a temple, palace and theatre with incomparable acoustics. Portions of the city's circuit wall can be seen on a hill to the right of the road. The famous grave stelai adorning the Archaeological Museum in Volos were discovered in the towers still standing on the acropolis. A little to the east, at Pefkakia, are the scant remains of a Mycenaean settlement identified as the Homeric city of Neleia. The road then passes by Nees Pagases (5 km), a summer resort today with good facilities for tourists built on the site of ancient Pagasai, en eminent commercial centre of the 5th century BC and port of ancient Pherai.

Maratho (13 km) and Chrysi Akti (15 km) further south are renowned for their crystalline waters and the fresh fish served in their tavernas. The main road continues along the shore, passing Nea Anhialo (18 km), in a position formerly occupied by Ancient Pyrrasos. Its little museum contains neolithic and early Christian finds.

Continuing on you come to Mikrothives (25 km) which took its name from Thebes. There are ruins of the old city – walls, temple, theatre and a stoa – on the nearby hill. At Almiros (35 km), the centre for farming in the area, you can visit the Archaeological Museum, while the Kouri park, the ruins of Ancient Alos and the monastery of the Panagia Xenia at Orthris are other sites in the vicinity worth investigating. The seaside village of Amaliapolis (57 km) near Cape Almiros is a very popular holiday spot.

One of the largest villages in the Almiros area is Sourpi. Its tavernas sewe delicious "kokoretsi", a treat made of liver and lights, spit-roasted. As you proceed along the coast road, which cuts through the southern section of Magnesia past extraordinarily picturesque scenery, it is worth stopping at Pteleos (60 km), a historic village with more olive groves, and at its port, Pigadi, a quiet fishing hamlet with sparkling waters and an abundance of fresh fish; at Ahilio (67 km), an idyllic bay with a long beach, and an ideal sanctuary from the August heat; and Agios Dimihios, a village on the Malliac gulf bordered by golden beaches. Finally, the village of Kanalia (26 km) surrounded by almond trees is well worth of visit. Every March there is an almond blossom festival. Here also there is a thriving bronze handicraft industry.

Organized tours: The travel agencies in the area organize day trips to the prehistoric sites of Dimini and Sesklo, Meteora, Dion, and Delphi.

Sports: Water sports: Speed boats for waterskiing, windsurfers, pedalos and canoes are available for hire at the organized beach of Alikes (Nees Pagases), the Volos Yacht Club at Anavro, Kala Nera, Kato Gatzea, Milina, Afissos, Amaliapolis, Pteleos and the Volos Municipal Beach.

Skiing: At the Agriolefkes ski centre at Hania, Pelion; tel.: 24210 99.136

Mountain climbing: At the facilities of the Mountain Climbing Association of Volos at Hariia with marked paths and refuges with overnight accommodation and food.

Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis: At the National Athletic Centre of Volos (nea Dimitriada), the gym of the Gymnastics Association of Volos, the Municipal Athletic Centre of Volos, the National Stadium of Almiros, the Municipal Gym of Velestino and at organized beaches.