About Volos

Volos is one of Greece’s largest and most captivating Greek cities, located in the heart of the country and home to one of the busiest ports. Set at the innermost edge of the Pagasetic Gulf, the city stretches along the coastline at the foot of Mount Pelion, where the freshness of the sea blends seamlessly with the fragrant mountain air, legendary home of the mythical Centaurs. Steeped in history and mythology, Volos is famously known as the starting point of Jason’s legendary voyage with the Argonauts, one of the most celebrated stories of ancient Greek mythology. The city’s rich past and prosperity are reflected in its distinctive architectural character. Elegant mansions, impressive public buildings, museums, early 20th-century industrial landmarks, and historic churches together create a vibrant urban landscape that highlights Volos’ unique blend of heritage, culture, and modern life.

It is estimated that from the late 19th century onwards, more than 50 industrial buildings were constructed in Volos, including tobacco warehouses, foundries, brickworks, and other facilities. Many of these buildings began to be restored in the late 1980s through the collaboration of the Municipality of Volos and the University of Thessaly, and several of them now house spaces dedicated to culture, entertainment, and leisure. Beyond the city’s polished façade, in neighborhoods such as Palia, the Castle of Volos (the medieval core of the city), and the refugee districts of Nea Ionia, visitors can experience moments filled with retro charm and nostalgia.

It is in these areas that Volos’ most distinctive form of social life was born: the unique “tsipouradiko ritual.” This tradition traces its roots back to the refugees who arrived in Volos in 1922, whose midday habits are still reflected today in the most authentic way in these historic neighborhoods. You sit, you drink, you don’t order food – the small plates (mezedes, or “peinasmata”) arrive on their own, and the more 25-ml glasses of tsipouro that stack up, the more refined the flavors become.
The more mainstream version of this tradition can be found along the seaside, where tables are set for passers-by, offering a taste of this beloved local custom in a more contemporary setting.

For more tourist information, please visit:

Visit Thessaly: visitthessaly.gr/volos

Visit Greece: visitgreece.gr/volos

Municipality of Volos: dimosvolos.gr