Many people choose to holiday on the Greek islands but the mainland is also a great destination. Visit Thessaly and you will find natural landscapes, a heritage rich in myth and legend and the ever-present Greek hospitality.
Mount Olympus is a national park and it personifies the homeland. The highest Greek mountain, it is a cherished site and the mythological home of the Greek Gods. You can climb the mountain using one of three routes. Always use an official guide and enjoy this unique experience when you visit Thessaly.
Thessaly is also known for the famed Meteora Monasteries. Six huge monasteries remain out of the original twenty-four and they are perched on high cliffs resulting in one of the most magical sights in Greece.
The nearest large town is Kalambaka. A trip to Meteora can be arranged with a guided tour or you can take a bus from Thessaloniki or a train from Athens. Please be aware of the dress code before starting your trip.
The capital of Thessaly is Larissa. This beautiful city was European Capital of Culture in 2021. It is a cultural hub with five museums, a fantastic ancient theatre and monuments that date back to the Ottoman Empire.
Larissa also boasts exceptional cuisine with local restaurants and tavernas serving specialities like Batzina, Kelaidi and the beloved Greek dessert, halvas.
Karditsa is another wonderful city that you can explore when you visit Thessaly. Surrounded by mountains and forests, this part of Greece is vastly different from the usual sun drenched beaches.
A trip to this part of Greece will yield a special time. Karditsa is a good base from which to explore some of the hidden villages and historic sites in the area.
Lake Plastira was created in 1959 by damning the river. Full of natural beauty, flora and fauna, you can go cycling, kayaking, rock climbing or riding around the 70 kilometre long shores of this charming lake. Along the way there are delightful villages and carved into rock is the Monastery of Panagia. There is a good choice of local accommodation.
The region of Thessaly extends to the Aegean Sea with sandy beaches that are ideal for relaxing. Popular beaches are Mylopotamos, Agios Ioannis and Mourtias. Mylopotamos and Mourtias are small and picturesque but if you want facilities, Agios Ioannis is a better choice.
Visit Thessaly and you can have the holiday of a lifetime. Impressive mountains, an abundance of ancient monuments, museums, great food and wonderful sandy beaches on the Aegean coast.
