Places to Visit and Things to Do in Volos
Volos is 200 miles (300 km) north of Athens. Most tourists make a short stop on their way to Skiathos or Skopelos. What a mistake! Volos is a fantastic destination in itself!
Greece is famous around the world for its cuisine, culture, and incredible beaches. Granted, the islands are absolutely incredible. They get all the attention they rightfully deserve.
However, continental Greece is equally impressive and far less touristy. We have traveled around the country in search of new exciting places. That’s how we discovered Volos.
Walk along the City Center
Volos lies on the Mediterranean Sea. The city center is there, in front of the gulf. Thus, a walk around the waterfront is mandatory. In particular along Argonafton Street.
The center is very traditional. Mostly built in the past 80 years, it’s a great place to experience Greek life. You will see locals going about their everyday life.
You can walk along the marina to the port. Volos epicenter is pedestrian Ermou Street, three blocks from the sea. All types of shops, bars, and restaurants line Ermou.
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The best place to experience Volos’ city life is in on the square in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. The church is the most important in the city.
The 1930s church is beautiful. It’s a three nave temple with a huge dome and a bell tower. The inside of the temple has frescoes, and a marble altar.
There are several coffee shops, bars, and restaurants around the temple. Locals visit to socialize, pray, and chill. Go visit at night too. The church looks wonderful illuminated.
Learn History in the Archeological Museum
The Athanasakio Archaeological Museum is a half an hour walk from the cathedral. If you are tired, take bus 1 from the center and you’ll be there in no time.
The 1909 museum is one of the oldest in the country. The neoclassical building is an attraction in itself. The park around the museum is lovely. Philolaos Tloupas iconic sculptures are here, in front of the sea.
The museum’s collection includes artifacts, coins, jewelry, weapons, and lots of gold. Our favorites are the tombs. We always grab a bite in front of the sea, at Isalos Beach Club.
Spend Some Time on the Beach
Volos has a super nice urban beach. Anavros Beach is next to the museum. In fact, the park in front of the museum is called Anavros.
The beach is a combination of sand a tiny sea shells. Though not that big, there’s lots of space. There are even some tall trees that provide shade.
The water is crystal blue and calm, perfect for children. You can eat facing the sea. The weather in Volos is fantastic all year round, so you can visit even in winter.
Visit the Church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni
Our favorite spot in Volos is the Saint Konstantinos Park. We always go there, sit under an ancient tree and admire the sea. The National Independence Heroes Monument is to the north.
The Church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni presides over the park. It faces the sea and looks amazing at nights, illuminated in all of its glory. Go inside and prepare to be dazzled.
Mosaics and frescoes cover the walls. If you are lucky, you can attend a concert of an orthodox ritual. The church is pretty much alive, so be respectful.
Get Lost on the Streets of Old Volos
We love hanging around Old Volos. Do not confuse it with the center. Volos Old Town (Palea) is to the northwest, behind the port and the city hall. The train station is here.
You will recognize it from its old buildings and cobbled narrow streets. Its epicenter are the ruins of the Byzantine Palea Castle. You will see the remains of fortresses and walls.
Today, Old Volos is full of restaurants and bars. Our favorite restaurant is Veggera, in front of the archaeological park near the train station. The food is delicious!
Visit a Unique Museum
The Tsalapatas brothers opened their brick and tile factory in 1926. It exported top quality products until 1978. Greek bank Piraeus reopened it in the late 90s as a museum.
If you are into architecture you will love the Rooftile and Brickworks Museum N & S Tsalapatas. The place is huge. Today, it homes interactive displays and exhibits the full brick and tile production system.
The museum is perfect to visit with children. If you are into shopping, Volos’ best mall is nearby. You can go back to the center through the old pedestrian mall next to the mall.
Have a Cocktail in a Cinema
If you’ve been to Greece before, you know that Greeks are crazy about movies. Not only that, but there are fantastic cinemas all around the country. Cinemas are the best place to hang with the local crowd.
Cine Achilleion is one of the oldest and best in the country. The building opened in 1925 as a theater. It has never stopped working. You can have cocktails while watching a movie.
For an outdoor experience head to Exoraistiki, in front of Konstantinos Park. The place is huge and has very comfortable chairs. You can watch a movie while listening to the waves.
Party the Night Away
The University of Thessaly has a campus in the city, so there are students everywhere. For a fun night out all you have to do is head to the Old Town.
In particular to the area south of Grigoriou Lampraki Street. The Tropicana Street is the most popular beer bar. For an impressive wine selection go to Sinapi nearby.
The Rock Bar has the best cocktails. To dance head to White Club. For live music go to The Lab, next to the brick museum. However, for awesome views go to Sanctus. The rooftop venue faces the Cathedral.
Go on a Day Trip to Makrinitsa and Portaria
Volos is at the foot of impressive hills full of tall trees, fresh air, and superb ottoman mansions. You can take public bus 04 from the center and get to Portaria in under an hour.
Locals call Makrinitsa the balcony of Mount Pelion. The area is famous for its treks under ancient trees. If you are into architecture you will love the churches and palaces that dot the area.
We strongly recommend spending at least a couple of nights up on the mountains. Our favorite hotel in Makrinitsa is the 1822 Makrinitsa Suites. In Portaria we always stay at the Archontiko Naoumidi.
Where to Stay in Volos
Our favorite hotel in Volos is the Aegli Hotel in the seafront. The historic hotel is from the 1930s. The rooms have been refurbished and have modern day conveniences. The best rooms have sea views.
The best 5 star hotel in Volos is the Domotel Xenia Volos. The contemporary property is on the coast, near Agios Konstantinos and Eleni Church. The indoor pool and spa are stunning.
Though the Volos Palace Hotel looks old, it’s actually from 2004. The grand hotel faces the center’s park and sea. You can walk everywhere. The rooms are comfy and big.
How to Get to Volos
We always go to Volos by train. It leaves from Athens train station and arrives in the center of Volos. It’s a 5 hour journey and you have to change trains in Larissa.
Buses take 4 hours to connect Athens to Volos. From Thessaloniki to Volos train take a bit under 3 hours. Buses take 2 hours.
Volos is the departing port for ferries to Skopelos and Skiathos. There are ferries all year round. These take approximately 2 and a half hours to reach both islands.
You can also rent a car and drive.
