Volos: a guide to the port city, tsipouro and the gateway to Pelion
Volos, a port city between Athens and Thessaloniki, is the jumping-off point for Pelion and the Sporades, and a pleasant city in its own right: a long waterfront, a museum and tsipouro culture.
- Volos is the natural base for Pelion: mountain villages such as Makrinitsa are a short drive away.
- Ferries from Volos reach Skiathos (1.5–2.5 hours), Skopelos (2–4 hours) and Alonissos (about 4 hours), according to Ferryhopper.
- The city is famous for its tsipouradika, taverns serving tsipouro with small seafood plates.
Use Volos as a one- or two-night stop on the way to Pelion or the islands. If you drive from Athens, you can add a day at Meteora.
Volos, Greece: where is it?
Volos is a port city in Thessaly on the Pagasetic Gulf, roughly halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki. Mount Pelion rises above it, and ferries leave its port for the Sporades. In myth, Jason and the Argonauts set off from this area in search of the Golden Fleece.
Things to do in Volos
- The waterfront: a long seafront promenade with cafés and tavernas. On the water stands a replica of the Argo, the city's symbol.
- Archaeological Museum: finds from the region, including nearby Neolithic settlements.
- Tsipouradika: Volos's culinary signature. These taverns serve tsipouro, a grape spirit; each small bottle comes with a little dish, usually seafood or fish. Note that seafood isn't kosher; kosher-keeping visitors can enjoy the atmosphere and order vegetable dishes.
Sights information is based on Greek Trip Planner.
Volos and Pelion: the gateway to the mountain
Volos is the most convenient base for Pelion. Makrinitsa, known as "the balcony of Pelion", sits on the mountain above the city with views over the gulf, and from there you can continue to other villages and beaches. More: Pelion guide, Pelion beaches and where to stay in Pelion.
Volos to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos ferries
According to Ferryhopper:
| Destination | Crossing time | Summer frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Skiathos | 1.5–2.5 hours | up to 4 a day |
| Skopelos | 2–4 hours | several a day |
| Alonissos | about 4 hours | 2–3 a day |
Times depend on the vessel (fast or conventional), and frequency drops out of season. The islands: Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos.
Volos and Meteora: can you combine them?
Yes. Meteora is about two hours' drive from Volos, so it works as a long day trip or on the way north. See the Meteora guide and how to get to Meteora.
How to get to Volos
The drive from Athens takes about three and a half hours. In summer there are sometimes flights to the small regional airport (Nea Anchialos), and you can also arrive by train or bus. Car hire: car rental in Greece.
How long to stay?
One or two nights cover the waterfront, the museum and an evening at a tsipouradiko. If you are exploring Pelion, you will probably sleep on the mountain and come into town for an evening.
FAQ
How do you get from Volos to Skiathos? By ferry: according to Ferryhopper about 1.5–2.5 hours, with up to four sailings a day in summer.
What is a tsipouradiko? A tavern serving tsipouro, a grape spirit, with small dishes, usually seafood. It is Volos's culinary tradition.
How far is Volos from Meteora? About two hours by car, so a day trip is possible.
Should I stay in Volos or Pelion? Pelion for nature and villages; Volos for city life, restaurants and ferries to the islands.
