Endless mountain slopes delivering massive spectacular views of the coast and the whole lush forest area
Imagine yourself as Jason gathering Argonauts for a long journey to Colchis for the Golden Fleece by standing next to a replica of an ancient ship berthed at the Volos port. Step slightly outside of Volos for the ruins of a Neolithic village of Dimini, first occupied around 4800-4500 BC. Drive a bit further west to Sesklo village to glimpse the Sesklo Civilisation, the first Neolithic culture in Europe, oldest fragments going back to between 7510 and 6190 BC. Seek out the rustic wooden Monastery Church of Panagia Portarea, which has vivid frescoes.
Choose among many attractions around the area of Mount Pelion outside of the city. Here you can drive to high-altitude villages in leafy forests, and the best beaches on mainland Greece. Set on an expedition past gorges, waterfalls and orchards growing plums and firiki, a small, oval apple that originated in Egypt. Pick up the Centaurs’ Path, a cozy trial over mountain streams crossed by little wooden bridges on green slopes shrouded by beech, plane, chestnut, oak and maple trees, with Gulf views and Volos below.
Visit one of the best villages around the slopes of Pelion, Portaria, that faces the Pagasetic Gulf. Part of Portaria’s allure is its architecture, with noble mansions that have colourful window frames and door ways painted in the Pelian style. Spiral around this region with other villages, like Makrinitsa, Milies, Vizitsa and Chania, and also Agios Ioannis and Horefto, if you want to stay closer to the sea. Jump on a small old fashioned train that starts from Ano Lehonia Railway Station and travel through beautiful mountain scenery and sea views to the town of Milies.
One of the best known local dishes of the region is ‘spetsofai’, which is a spicy sausage in red sauce which is usually washed down with a glass of wine. Choose between plenty of Tsipouradika restaurants all around Volos, which take their name from Thessaly’s regional drink, Tsipouro, a brandy made from pomace left over in wine presses. Try stuffed squid, fried shrimp with tomato sauce and feta, steamed mussels, bonito, anchovies, sardines, red mullet, pickarel, swordfish and grouper, all with fresh salad at Tsipouradika establishments.
Conquer Mount Ossa that offers spectacular views to Mount Olympus, the coastline and all around Thessaly area. Extend your journey for a grand finale with a trip to Mount Olympus, the gods’ bench.
Nestled at the foot of the Pelion mountain range in Greece, the port of Volos has a long and fascinating history. Legend has it that the great Argonaut, Jason, sailed from this very port in search of the Golden Fleece. But there is another, lesser-known legend that surrounds this ancient harbor.
According to local lore, the waters around Volos were once home to a fearsome sea monster known as the Triaina. This beast was said to have the head and torso of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and the tail of a serpent. It was known to emerge from the depths of the sea and attack passing ships, dragging sailors to their watery graves.
One day, a young hero named Philoctetes arrived in Volos on his way to join the Trojan War. He heard of the Triaina's reign of terror and decided to put an end to it. Philoctetes built a massive net out of ropes and chains and attached it to the back of his ship.
As the Triaina emerged from the water, Philoctetes sailed toward it at full speed. At the last moment, he pulled up his ship and the net, ensnaring the monster. He then used his strength to drag the beast onto the shore, where he vanquished it.
In honor of Philoctetes' bravery, the people of Volos erected a statue in his likeness at the port. To this day, sailors passing through the waters surrounding Volos make offerings to the hero and his triumph over the Triaina, hoping for a safe journey through these treacherous seas.
The legend of Philoctetes and the Triaina is a reminder of the courage and strength of the ancient Greeks, and the power of the human spirit to conquer even the most fearsome of beasts. As ships continue to pass through the port of Volos, they carry with them the legacy of this hero and the enduring mythology that surrounds this ancient harbor.
