Volos is a dynamic city of Greece, famous for its immense gulf
beneath a mount narrating epic events, a place deeply linked to the most
suggestive Hellenic mythology with a long and rich historic past and
situated in a scenic Mediterranean environment which always conquers the
visitor for its numerous natural attractions of an impressive
beauty.
That huge bay called
Gulf of Pagassitikós and the Mount Pelion have always been witnesses
and set of the history of that Greek centre, unique in its kind which will
surprise you for its mixture of new and old architecture, a vibrant nightlife,
excellent restaurants and a relevant Archaeological Museum which
exhibits rare finds very interesting telling and illustrating you all the
chronological stages in different eras of that animated Hellenic coastal
destination.
Located in the Greek
mainland at 326,0 kilometres north from the Capital Athens and at 215,0
kilometres south of another important city ; Thessaloniki, major
centre of the region Magnesia, it is currently the 5th largest
city and the 3rd largest port of Greece.
Its ancient history with its marked maritime profile are two components which make that site so attractive to the tourist which immediately has desire to visit it trying to discover all in its boundaries.
Its ancient history with its marked maritime profile are two components which make that site so attractive to the tourist which immediately has desire to visit it trying to discover all in its boundaries.
The current
conurbation has approximately 144.000 inhabitants and includes the areas of Volos,
Nea Ionia and Lolkos with other smaller suburbs in its immediate outskirts
and that is the result of an urban set mainly developed in a new plan mainly
developed in the 19th century and partially modified in the 20th century
due to a sad event consisting in a earthquake.
The local economy is
mainly based on manufacturing, trade, services and tourism. The city's
development was also closely related to the relevant establishment of
industrial estates, the renovation of the port which was further enlarged and
the increase of tourism incoming flows due to its strategic geographical
position and considerable point to reach by ferry several stunning Aegean
island.
Situated at the foot
of the epic Mount Pelion and flanked by stupendous beaches, that combination
sea and mountain is another marvellous incentive to decide to combine during a
stay different kind of outdoor activities and the proximity of the beautiful
Sporades archipelago is a further one offering an unique chance to visit an
authentic paradise also made by such sublime presence in the Southern
Mediterranean.
Volos in addition to
all that is also considered one of the best place to start to discover a corner
of the most beautiful and wild Greece offering several opportunities to explore
the territory around the Pelion Massif, a rugged land of forests and mountains
overlooking the sea with several paths leading to panoramic heights which offer
unforgettable views of the wonderful Aegean sea from another perspective.
At the bottom of a
huge gulf, the current centre occupies the site of the former and famous
Iolkos practically corresponding to that ancient settlement founded by Cretheus
beneath a mythological mountain.
Land of the Centaurs,
those places are linked to the mythology of Jason and the Argonauts
narrating epic events as the place of departure of several heroes and
very close to Dimini and Sesklos two of the most relevant
prehistoric sites of the entire country
The Greek city is
today after a new redevelopment of its agglomerations a site which was able to
give itself a new image combining to what remains of its historic heritage new
neighbourhoods and thanks to constant operations in terms of trade activities
it is currently one of the most important and largest commercial Hellenic
harbours with a very active incoming and outgoing traffic of ships on its
quays.
The harbour of that
busy centre is also a relevant connection by ferry to the islands of Skiathos,
Skopelos and Alónnisos (I wrote posts about those three splendid
islands) and other marvellous places and it had a further enlargement due to
that activity linked to tourism and maritime transport.
Volos has
significantly had a further increase in its industrial area in its immediate
outskirts which is today the productive hub of the municipality and in which
most of the population is occupied in different factories established in a
municipal territory which expanded a lot in the last decades.
Crossed by three
rivers which descend from the highlands ending and embracing an immense bay
such as the Anavros, Krausidonas and Xirias, they were
since many centuries ago the source of the first plan of irrigation of the
former community which used those waters for their cultivations.
They also played an
important role in the city plan which is separated by natural barriers created
by them which all rise from the Mount Pelion crossing the entire municipality
and creating an unique urban geography and all ending their courses in the gulf
at west.
Those waterways also
have a considerable historic and epic resonance as the river Anavros which is
very famous in mythology for Jason's pass subdividing the district of Nea from
the other of Demetrias. Krausidonas which runs through Volos forms a natural
green lung and it was the vital resource for the agricultural products
considered by the locals since the ancient times a donation of the Gods.
The third, Xirias flows in the largest urban nucleus through the area corresponding to Nea Ionia was identified as a symbol of life since the inception of the first settlement.
The third, Xirias flows in the largest urban nucleus through the area corresponding to Nea Ionia was identified as a symbol of life since the inception of the first settlement.
The typical
Mediterranean climate reaches high temperatures in summer season although not as
hot as in other Greek areas and not too low during the rest of the year with a
low humidity, favorable for all kinds of activities linked to agriculture
mainly active in the extra radius.
That micro climate is generated by two different compounds such as the breezes of the Mediterranean Sea and the winds coming from The Pelion mountain.
That micro climate is generated by two different compounds such as the breezes of the Mediterranean Sea and the winds coming from The Pelion mountain.
For a tourist
discovering Volos is a great surprise because it has a lot to offer, a
magnificent coastline, mountains and beaches so close each other, museums and monuments which
identify an ancient civilisation but many other things.
The images of the Aegean Sea unique and
astonishing surrounded by a suggestive aura and a special and magic atmosphere spread the epic memories of
mythological events which made great that country, a tastefully and varied
cuisine rich in flavours and numerous chances to practise different kind of activities
in its surroundings such as water sports, trekking, cycling and much more.
According to a 14th
century Byzantine historian who related a first chronological history of
several Hellenic centres, Volos was called in the past in different ways and
the most widely accepted theory of the origin of that denomination is that it
was a corruption of the Mycenaean Iolkos which was distorted over the
years before in Golkos later in Golos and subsequently in the
current name.
As in many places of
the world there are always debates and controversial opinions about the origin
of names. A further historic supposition is that the current denomination is
originated by the word Pholos which according to the mythology was a
powerful lord of the region.
Historically the
territory which includes city was well known in the ancient Greek times, Iolkos
and Pagasae were considered important areas of the former settlement
reached by a multitude of merchants and artisans landing in those places to
establish new relationships with the local colonists interchanging goods and
signing their first verbal contracts of cooperation.
Including the
district of Demetrias was a place very famous and called in ancient times Demetrias
Poliorcetes and it was founded by Demetrius, King of Macedonia and
for long time gamed to be a very active political centre.
All that confirms and certifies that there were different and more than important settlements which developed a relevant history in a specific territory corresponding to the current boundaries of the major centre of Magnesia.
All that confirms and certifies that there were different and more than important settlements which developed a relevant history in a specific territory corresponding to the current boundaries of the major centre of Magnesia.
Many are the epic
events protagonists in that land and narrating a history full of suggestive and
captivating stories.
The ancient Iolkos was historically the homeland of the hero Jason, who sailed with Argos accompanied by the Argonauts on board the ship Argo in an adventure searching the Golden Fleece to Colchis, a place linked to mythology, myths and also meeting point of important figures.
The ancient Iolkos was historically the homeland of the hero Jason, who sailed with Argos accompanied by the Argonauts on board the ship Argo in an adventure searching the Golden Fleece to Colchis, a place linked to mythology, myths and also meeting point of important figures.
Pagasae was
considered an important maritime site of the ancient Greece in which the
mentioned hero Jason started his first trips in the Aegean and furthermore
pretty famous during the period of Philip II of Macedonia who started
from there his military campaigns.
The Chronicles
which mentioned all the historic information of the city also said that
there was the presence of a small Kastrin, a fortress which could then
evolved in Volos starting from the half of the 800 and that is another
further detail part of a long and exciting ancient history.
Despite the territory
lived important periods during the first Hellenic times and also as active
centre during the first Roman Empire which absorbed the current centre in its
domains the importance of that site mainly grew in the 6th century when
under the influence of the Byzantines was developed a very relevant and
active trade port including it became a significant shipyard base well known
all around Greece.
The rule of the
Oriental Roman Empire with Constantinople ended in medieval times concretely in 1348 when that geographic area was occupied for a brief period
by the Serbian Monarch Stefan Dusan, a rule which endured
just 25 years due to the Ottoman invasion with the conquest of the city.
A new short period
under the Byzantine Empire was culminated with the reconquest of that site of
Thessaly in 1402 in times characterised by continuous clashes
and fights but such conquest was not enough to re establish the former
activities and set previously developed because just 21 years later it was
occupied by the Turks once again.
Since then started
the long influence of the Ottoman Empire in a pretty hostile climate with a
multitude of riots and revolts and Volos was protagonist for a long time
becoming a focal point of national insurrections.
All that ended in 1832 with that famous Treaty of Constantinople, a notorious date which proclaimed a new independent Greek State which was incorporated in 1881 in the Hellenic Kingdom.
All that ended in 1832 with that famous Treaty of Constantinople, a notorious date which proclaimed a new independent Greek State which was incorporated in 1881 in the Hellenic Kingdom.
The modern centre was
built in the territory of the former old settlement which included the
mentioned areas of Iolkos, Demetrias and Pagasae. Those three former
centres despite different historic realities, origin and a marked own identity
formed in the course of a new era the axis of the current city you can see
nowadays.
Unfortunately the
city has not been very lucky to preserve all its rich historical patrimony due
to a devastating series of earthquakes and a terrible one in 1955
which destroyed many relevant monuments of the old centre.
The capital of
Magnesia was rebuilt so many times and today it is a pretty modern looking city,
one of that kinds of Greek centres recently made with an impressive number of
new buildings erected after those catastrophic natural disasters.
All that
generated that the city acquired a relatively aspect of new centre which began
to develop in the mid of the 19th century replacing the former Turkish inhabited quarters.
After the occupation
of Greece by the Ottoman Empire, Volos had a population of just 5000
inhabitants but it grew very rapidly in the next four decades. Traders, businessmen,
craftsmen and sailors started to populate the municipality coming from
the surrounding small town’s villages and hamlets.
In the 20s the
city was protagonist of an exodus characterised by a huge influx of refugees
especially from Ionia but also from the area of Pontus, Cappadocia,
Eastern Thrace and from the Bulgarian Black Sea due to the famous
Balkan wars which determined intense replacements and Diaspora of populations
in that corner of Europe.
The architectonic and
local urban setting is characterised by its grid of squares and streets, its
sense of neighbourhoods with imposing neoclassical buildings, the aged
industrial network of constructions, a number of green areas and most obviously
by the proximity of the Mediterranean and its harbour.
All those elements in
a large combination lend that centre its atmosphere and distinctiveness making
up one of the most interesting Hellenic centres of Thessaly.
The current urban
plan was largely established in 1882 shortly after the
liberation of Greece and it was greatly influenced by artistic concepts to
establish a neoclassical town, a project mainly focused to attract visitors who
wanted to see the change of a city protagonist of a very fast development and
on the marvellous Aegean Sea.
That former project
connected two sections of the historic centre such as the Castle
and Nea Magazia along a simple axis. It was however somewhat limited
given the full development possibilities of Volos.
The landing of
refugees in 1922 and much more the mentioned earthquake in 1955 were the cause of the construction of new houses and the restoration with
a different aspect of many buildings which gave the city its current
image.
Despite all that, the
city has many monuments and historic sites and attractions in its boundaries
and the visit is very interesting. You can start from Agios Nikolaos
which is the Cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas and it is one of the
local highlights.
Erected to pay homage to the Patron Saint of sailors that
Sacred building is situated on a large square and it was completed in 1934
representing a beautiful example of Religious Orthodox Temple.
You will notice in
its aspect and layout the traditional canons of the Greek Byzantine
architecture showing a belfry and a large courtyard developed in the late 19th
century and the set is also highlighted by a series of six arcades with columns,
three on each sides flanking an arched doorway on the ground floor surmounted
by a painting depicting the Saint.
The second floor is
composed by 10 arched windows subdivided in five on each side and two strong
stoned domed towers. Notable is also the presence in the central section of a
belfry which partially covers another bigger just behind it and it is in its
kind an authentic masterpiece by an Italian architect called Previsan.
That area is plenty
of lively cafes and bars and alongside that square you can find a lovely a park
which ends in proximity of the beach Anavros and next to that green lung
lays Agios Kontantinos,another Church dedicated to Saint Konstantin.
Also that Religious
building has many elements linked to the classical and traditional architecture
taking inspiration by the ancient Constantinople. The central body consists in
a facade with a very interesting layout highlighted by five arched portals
flanked by two curved windows on the sides and all beneath a red brick roof.
Over it you can
admire an additional block consisting in a large gable element within its
centre three arched windows and n its sides was developed another brick roof
and symmetrical curved windows covering the entire space of the second floor.
One of the highlights of that Church is also the high and imposing bell tower presenting a belfry with three windows and covered by a small red roof.
One of the highlights of that Church is also the high and imposing bell tower presenting a belfry with three windows and covered by a small red roof.
The University of
Thessaly has preserved a number of old industrial warehouses and other
buildings in several places of the city to be used as current seats of academic
faculties. One of them is Papastratos located along the promenade
hosting a company store of snuff which is also the administrative site of the
local university.
Athanasakeion
Archaeological Museum is one of the
emblematic local symbols for the relevant patrimony of founds which displays.
That visit is extremely recommended because inside it you can admire great
collections and exquisite finds discovered in the early 20th century and
all what was found during archaeological excavations in Thessaly attesting the
endless patrimony the city boasted during its ancient times.
The exhibition offers
the visitor the chance to be delighted by the view of magnificent items
consisting in jewelry, household utensils and agricultural tools original from
the Neolithic settlements of Dimini and Sesklo.
Another interesting
section displays relevant ancient clay statuettes and a wide variety of
objects from the Geometric period, a time of great heroic events
highlighted by the epic times linked to the Argonaut expedition
and the famous Trojan War.
During the visit you
can also see some statues and uncommon jointed statuettes from the classical period,
rare relief works of a specific Hellenistic period with their colours very
well preserved as well as reliefs from the early Christian and Byzantine times.
Another fascinating space of that exhibition includes the presence of tombs
transported from the archaeological sites in which they were discovered along
with human skeletons.
Venizelou commonly known as street Iolkou or also denominated Kartali
by locals is a busy artery perpendicular to the promenade while Ermou is
as long pedestrian paved hallway among of the liveliest in the entire city.
Those two places are the beating heart and core of the vibrant local social
life with several people enjoying a walk and with a presence of many bars and restaurants,
ideal places to have a break, sitting and enjoying a good meal accompanied by a
cool drink.
Argonafton is another interesting street offering a wide variety of shops for any
taste and a good selection of cafes to have a pleasant stop during your visit.
Between the mentioned pedestrian Ermou and Kartali it is a pleasure to continue
along the coast and where you can also see a replica of the famous ship Argo.
Approximately 15
minutes walking from the harbour through the centre you can reach the lively Plateia
Eleftherias ,Freedom Square, an ideal place to enjoy its lively and
bustling atmosphere and considered one of the main and favourite meeting points
by locals.
Another highlight of
the Capital of Magnesia is its Railway Station considered by many people
as one of the most beautiful Hellenic Railway Complexes and it was once a point
of departure for the train of Pelion.
It consists in a
scenic and charming building painted in an ochre tonality with a central body
and two annexed lower buildings developed on its sides. Very attractive is the
front side developed on two stories, on the ground floor you can see a set of arched
doorways while on the second a symmetrical line of charming ample rectangular doors.
The most attractive architectonic part is that corresponding to its red sloping
roof with a very scenic triangular gable section bordered by beautiful diagonal
and horizontal decorations.
In the western side
of the city you can visit the iconic sites of the Neolithic settlements
and one of them is Dimini famous for the rests of an Acropolis walls,
some very ancient buildings and two relevant beehive tombs dated between
4000-1200 BC. It is probably one of the most rich places of the entire
Thessaly in terms of founds boasting an immense historic value.
Of relevant
importance is also Sesklo with the fabulous remnants of a famed
ancient Acropolis well known all around the country and probably dating
back 6000 BC. In that place you can also admire the rests of the former
foundation of a palace and mansions typical examples of the Hellenic
architecture in that period.
If you rent a car
in approximately 10/15 minutes driving from the city centre to southwest or by
the blue City Bus number 6 from the Town Hall in about 35/40 minutes you
can enjoy a great attraction consisting in the beautiful Alikes a
fantastic site highlighted by a superb beach in one of the districts more
trendy and tolerant in that area.
Alikes is packed by
cafes and bars offering sun beds in the sand during the afternoon and at night
it is an ideal place in which you can enjoy a drink and swimming in the
turquoise waters of the Aegean. The municipal beach has an entry fee during the
day, offering a lifeline, irrigation facilities, clothes changing compartments
and also a beach bar.
That beach is a sort of Eden with wonderful light
sands lined by tempting crystalline waters and with a magnificent view of a
stupendous bay surrounded by scenic heights which complete an astonishing
natural frame.
A short distance from
the core of Volos, just 6,0 kilometres away it is another must to visit
the traditional village of Anakasia so famous for the spectacular Balcony
of the Aegean Sea offering a magnificent and stunning maritime view.
That
denomination for such marvellous view point is more than appropriate and
perfect because from there you can admire one of the best mesmerising images
the Greek coastline offers.
In Anakasia next to
the main square you can visit the house of Yannis Kontos, a beautiful
mansion dated 1830 which containing a series of allegorical
frescoes made by the famous naïf and folk painter Theophilos
Chatzimichail who spent most of his life in the mountains of Pelion massif.
That house was originally a three-story building originally erected in Sachnisias,
a local architectonic movement and belonging to the family Hadjianastassiou.
Once there worth a
visit Theofilos Museum a rich exhibition which pays homage to the
mentioned painter Theofilos Catzimichail focused in two distinct themes. On one
hand the animal with hunting scenes depicting wild animals and the other
referring to a series of allegorical frescoes regarding the war of
independence of Greece.
The painter started
his works in 1912 producing his paintings from the main hall of
the second floor and preparing his first mural inspired by his
favourite hero of the Greek Revolution of 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis.
At the bottom of the
wall you can see painted subjects from scenes of hunting and nature
depicting birds, flowers, fountains, plants, reptiles and other fauna figures.
You will notice the expression of the lines of the bodies transmitting the
artistic passion and enthusiasm of that artist to accentuate and exalt the
shapes of his favourite figures.
At the top of the
wall the artist immortalised the scenes of the Greek Revolution and in a
solitary wall beside the ladder painted Yannis Kontos on his horse.
In another wall is also represented the classical and mythological Greece with images inspired by the Gods of the Mount Olympus with the beautiful and iconic Aphrodite, the Goddess of wisdom Athena, the God of the war Mars and Mercury the famous messenger divinity. In another mural was created the location of the house in which was established the former Anakasia.
In another wall is also represented the classical and mythological Greece with images inspired by the Gods of the Mount Olympus with the beautiful and iconic Aphrodite, the Goddess of wisdom Athena, the God of the war Mars and Mercury the famous messenger divinity. In another mural was created the location of the house in which was established the former Anakasia.
The works of such
artist belong to the early stage of the works of the artist to a period of his
young age and he was strongly influenced by Byzantine art, taught by his
grandfather who was a hagiographer.
That character lived in the Pelion region
for 30 years leaving a huge project in the prefecture of Magnesia
but unfortunately the man died in a fire in 1930.
Theophilos Chatzimichail apart his great artistic activities also inspired different kind of events in particular the famous Pelion Carnival celebrations and various school activities which organised events linked to such iconic figure.
Theophilos Chatzimichail apart his great artistic activities also inspired different kind of events in particular the famous Pelion Carnival celebrations and various school activities which organised events linked to such iconic figure.
Once there you most
definitely take the opportunity to visit also the nearby villages of the
mountains which are other relevant attractions, One of them is Makrynitsa
Portaria offering a splendid specimen of the renowned traditional
architecture of the mansions developed all around the that mountainous space.
The view around Makrynitsa are absolutely superb and stunning and that nice
little centre is arranged in terraces and surrounded by green heights packed by
pines, chestnut trees, olive groves and Mediterranean scrubs.
The houses of the
village are for the most part old and very traditional as Xiradakis house
which is one of its most typical and pure architectonic examples and now used
as a Hotel.
In that site you can also visit the Palace of Topali which
is a museum devoted to folklore, art and history very interesting to visit to
discover and learn more about local culture and traditions. In the
surroundings there are also beautiful small Churches and very interesting
tiny old Monasteries scattered along the local mountainous slopes.
In the vicinity you
can admire a beautiful natural environment highlighted by splendid vegetation
with many streams of clear cold water flow across it forming small
waterfalls and tiny lakes. In the upper part of the village there
are several streets and lanes leading to approximately fifty stoned
fountains with spring water and that presence are another of the major
attractions of the entire area.
The Pelion Massif
is a rugged territory packed by of forests and wild mountains dominating the
blue waters of the Aegean Sea and it is a distinctive land related to epic events,
linked to legends and considered a place frequented by Gods.
In the case of Mount Pelion it was for many people a haven and meeting point of their most venerated divinities which from its summit were always ready to create legendary and mythological episodes checking from its summit what happened around the local gulf and acting depending of their moods.
In the case of Mount Pelion it was for many people a haven and meeting point of their most venerated divinities which from its summit were always ready to create legendary and mythological episodes checking from its summit what happened around the local gulf and acting depending of their moods.
Apart all that it is
also a territory characterised by its immense beauty which makes it as one of
the most scenic and striking places of the entire Greece. In the upper area
there are also ski resorts and traditional villages with beautiful houses while
descending from its slopes you will meet a series of beach resorts all located
in succession along the coastline.
All that is situated
in a very limited geographic space in an area full of attractions and ideal
destination for all the tourists who coming to visit that city can take the
wonderful chance to visit the region and moving in a few kilometres from the
coast to wild, picturesque and evocative mountainous plateaus situated above that
immerse gulf which from there shows all its detailed conformation and beauty.
The city also reaches
an extreme popularity also for a curious and peculiar event linked to recent times.
Volos decided to implement a new currency based on the old system of barter.
That alternative system was called TEM introduced in the municipality
and it was a popular initiative which has since grown into a network of more
than 800 members in a community struggling to pay their things in Euros
amid the financial crisis affecting the country.
From jewelry to food,
clothing and electrical items, everything is available with that local currency
and it functions as an exchange of goods and if you have them or services to
offer you can earn credit.
One euro equals at one TEM and you can use your savings to buy anything else which is offered through the network leading to exchanges more original than the same goods. That is a new version of the old barter organisation established in the ancient Greece.
One euro equals at one TEM and you can use your savings to buy anything else which is offered through the network leading to exchanges more original than the same goods. That is a new version of the old barter organisation established in the ancient Greece.
The town is also
popular for sport events and it hosted the Olympic Football Tournament in occasion of Athens Olympic Games 2004 and some
matches were played in the Panthessaliko Stadium. It was also
supposed to host in 2013 the XVII edition of Mediterranean
Games but due to the economic crisis in Greece that assignment was
cancelled.
This city of the
mythological heroes Peleus and Jason was also the birthplace of some
prominent artists as famous painter Giorgio De Chirico and Vangelis,
famous musician group Aphrodite's Child so it is a centre which also
produced figures linked to other more contemporary arts.
The traditional
gastronomy is a cocktail of the most traditional Greek and Mediterranean
cuisine with influences of Middle Eastern flavors. The Capital of Magnesia is
well known for its variety of Mezedes, similar to Spanish tapas and a
wide selection of fish and seafood of notable quality ideal to start a
succulent meal.
You can taste and
enjoy excellent prawns and
delicious marinated mackerel with onions and fresh mussels
with tomato and cheese.
The famous Moussaka is naturally another
superb gastronomic highlight and very traditional is also a plate called
Tiganita prepared with main ingredient zucchini. Grilled fish
is another delectable section of the local cuisine with the protagonists
tastefully Bakaliaros which is a supreme cod or try the excellent Kalamari,
squid prepared in different styles.
The famed and
appreciated Tzatziki sauce is often present accompanying different specialities
and one of them is the famous Gyros consisting in meat combined
to a fragrant pita bread adding tomato, onions and that sauce.
Another one is
the very appreciated Kleftiko which is lamb prepared in a special style,
before the meat is marinated then baked in the oven and the process is ended
adding garlic and lemon and it is often combined with the popular Souvlaki famous
grilled vegetables and meat skewers.
You can also
try the famed and exquisite Saganaki, fried cheese which often accompanies
other foods including seafood and a variant is called Garides
Saganaki which consists in shrimp combined with Feta cheese and a tomato
sauce adding to all that spicy spices.
The Spetsofai is an old local
recipe consisting in a rich stew combining sausages, spices, tomato, onion, garlic
and pepper and considered one of the distinctive plates of the entire region.
Many are the salads
typically Mediterranean including the famous and full of flavour including the
iconic Kalamata olives. Many of them are prepared with red onion,
lemon juice, rocket or lettuce and the Bulgur a kind of cracked wheat.
The Tonosalata is another one, a delectable tuna salad and also very
renowned is the Taramosalada containing boiled potatoes, olive oil,
lemon juice, salt, fish, roe and breadcrumbs.
Also Pasta is present due to the Venetian influence in the Greek islands and the Hellenic coastline. The Pastisio is a sort of lasagna made by maccheroni with tomato sauce and a meat ragu.
Greek cuisine
offers an infinite list of delicious specialities and in Volos you can find
almost everything, including about desserts and bakery such as
Baklava, Finikia, Loukoumades, Amygdalopita among others. Definitely a vast
choice of a great traditions and a vast range of flavours and aromas will
delight you during a stay.
Greece offers an ample range of fine wines in every region, including Magnesia. The Hellenic grapes cultivated in hilly plateaus are robust and they contain those healthy and complete compounds typical of a sunny Mediterranean climate.
A warm sun, the
breeze of the Aegean and a perfect altitude generate perfect climatic
conditions to produce superb wines and they have many similarities in colour,
texture and body with the Italian wines from Apulia, Calabria and Sicily.
They are very
versatile wines and including some of them are excellent for cocktails. Onomasia
Proelefsis Poiotitos and Onomasia Proelefsis Eleghomeni are
the appellation of those grapes planted in all the territory, including in the islands.
The first denomination is classified as premier or quality supreme while the
second is a sort of classification which recognizes the original product of a
determined area similar to the traditional denomination Doc confirming
the real and true provenance and origin of the product.
There are excellent
red wines highly appreciated, the list is pretty long but very suggested are
some of them such as Naoussa, Kouros, Nemea, Makedonikos, Amethystos, Xinomavro
and Agioritiko among others.
About the whites very recommended are
Agioritiko, Kretikos, Moschofilero, Athiri which are some of the most
prestigious characterised by an aromatic flavour, a great straw tonality and
all very appreciated.
Also worth a mention
a local fine Chardonnay and a Rose called Roditis of
excellent level. A special one pretty loved for its aromatic flavour is the
Retsina, a white wine flavoured by pine resin produced by Savatiano
grapes.
A typical local
beverage is the Tsipouro a kind of brandy sometimes flavoured with anise
and served with the traditional Mezedes.
Nea Anchialos Airport is located approximately 30,0 kilometres from the city.
Many companies provide international flights from and to Volos and also to and
from Heraklion and Mykonos. There are during summer weekly
charter flights operations connecting the Capital of Magnesia to important
European cities.
There are projects
ongoing airport expansion and a rail connection to the city airport to turn on
some routes and bus services connecting the airport and the Bus station of
Volos.
Another way to reach
that Greek city from abroad by plane is landing to the nearby island of
Skiathos a great option for an unforgettable stay a destination which
offers domestic and international flights and from there taking a ferry in a
trip which endures about 3 hours or by another option consisting by hydrofoil
service you can reach the harbour of that centre in approximately 1 hour.
Volos is a perfect
destination if you are planning to combine Sporades Islands and the wonderful
beaches along that immense gulf beneath a mount narrating epic events of the
ancient Hellenic world and the mountainous interior which will surprise you.
You will discover
there something special and different aspects of a magnificent territory
embraced by sea and mountains enjoying a lively coastal city and its immediate
surroundings and you will be definitely delighted by a multitude of attractions
in a wonderful environment which will conquer you at first sight.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in Volos
Hotel Volos Palace
Hotel Domotel Xenia Volou
Hotel Aegli
Hotel Filoxenia
Hotel Kipseli
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Thanks a lot to read and note.