
Holidays in Coastal Larissa
In recent years, Larissa coastline is high on the list of the emerging tourist destinations. In this beautiful "corner" of Greece, mountain’s blinding green masterfully marries sea’s deep blue, creating an image which seems to have sprung from an imaginative painter’s canvas!
Larissa coastline is crowned by the majestic Kissavos Mountain and bounded by successive beaches, which form a beautiful, vast, several kilometers long, coastline. The most popular tourist attraction in the area is Agiokambos. In this beautiful village, “Xerxes' steps”, the Castle which overlooks the harbor and the arched footbridge, built during the Turkish occupation, are witnesses of past times. From the port of Agiokampos, the excursion boats which make daily trips to the rugged coastline of northern Pelion, the sea caves in Veneto, and the magical "secret" beaches which unfold between Horefton and Kamari, start.
Equally beautiful is Velika; Melivia’s seaport. The castle of Velika which dominates a hill in the northern part of the settlement is an important attraction. Velika offers all comforts to its guests, as it has several beach bars and numerous restaurants with varied gastronomical proposals. If you are an outdoorsy, you can follow the beautiful trail which starts in Velika, crosses a lush natural environment and leads to Melivia.
Apart from the coastal settlements which are famous among tourists during summer months, traditional villages of the county are also of great interest. Worth visiting Abelakia landmark settlement spreading in the northwestern slopes of Kissavos. The narrow streets, the stone fountains and the old mansions, among which the mansion of George Mavros (Schwartz), create a scene which will take you to bygone times! An important attraction is the church of Agios Georgios with the beautiful temple. If you love exploring, you should visit the church of Prophet Elias, which towers just outside the village and enjoy the view of Peneus or Pineios valley and the coast of Pieria.
Continue your journey with a visit to Rapsani which is lazily perched at the foot of Mount Olympus. The narrow streets, the scattered fountains and the beautiful square compose a dreamlike scene! Major attractions of the area are the monastery of Panagia Glykofilousa, the monastery of Agion Theodoron and the chapel of Agios Ioannis Profromos. It is worth attending the Festival of Wine and Vine held annualy in late August.
You can also dedicate one day to visit the historic town of Larissa, which unfolds on both banks of Peneus River. There, you will have the opportunity to admire important sites of great archaeological interest; most of which are dominated by Frourio hill (hill of Fortress); as well as numerous Byzantine and Ottoman monuments scattered around the town. Major attractions include, among others, the monument of Hippocrates, the impressive fountains which dominate both the central Square and the Tachydromeio (Mail) Square; "Sculptural River"; and the Monument of Larissa Jews Holocaust. During your walk in the city, your attention will be spurred by the listed buildings of Averof Agricultural School, the Youth Information Centre and Thessalikos Railway Station. Larissa also has a remarkable network of bicycle paths ideal for those who love cycling tours. A green oasis in the city is the Alcazar Park which is ideal for relaxation and tranquility.
If you love adventure, in the wider area, you can indulge in numerous activities such as rafting, canoe-kayaking, paragliding, cycling, horseback riding and hiking in the trails of Mount Olympus, Kissavos and Mavrovounio. If you love excursions, do not miss Calypso’s canyon, with its beautiful waterfalls, which unfolds over Kokkino Nero and Karitsa villages. The canyon offers various alternative tourism activities.
In Larissa coast, the majestic mountains meet in perfect harmony with the sea, creating a "corner" of unsurpassed natural beauty which has nothing to envy of the popular island destinations of Greece!
In Larissa coast, from Agiokambos to Velika, a series of beautiful, successive beaches, some sandy and others pebbly, covering all tastes unfolds. Agiokampos beach, Sotiritsa beach and Velika beach have organized departments and are considered to be the most tourist ones. The beaches are clean, with cool waters and deepen abruptly.
If you prefer quieter dives, the ideal choice is the beautiful Rakopotamos beach, unfolding near Agiokambos after Polydendri village. The beach has an organized department. Equally beautiful is the beach of Buka.
If you love wind surfing, ideal for you are the beaches of Stomio and Velika. On the eastern edge of Kissavos Mountain you will find some smaller beaches, such as Palouria, Koutsoupià, Kokkino Nero and Platià Ammos. An alternative option is to swim in the crystal clear waters of Calypso’s canyon lake.
Visiting
- Peneus or Pineios River Delta
- Polydendri Forest
- Agion Anargyron Monastery
- The Monastery of Ioannis Theologos
- The Monastery of Timios Prodromos
- Agios Panteleimon Monastery
- Karitsa Village
- Skiti Village
- Agià Village
- The Folklore-Historical Museum of Larissa
- Larissa Central Public Library
- The Municipal Gallery- G.I. Katsigras Museum
- Larissa Municipal Conservatory
- The Contemporary Art Centre of Larissa
- Larissa "ARISTEUS" Observatory
- Tirnavos
Τasting
- Halvas Farsalon
- Tyrnavos Local Wine
- Tyrnavos Raki
- Apples from Agia
- Feta Cheese from Elassona
How to get there
From Athens
Travelling by car
To reach Larissa city, you can drive from Athens (352 km distance - 3 hours and 10 minutes ride) via the National Highway from Athens to Thessaloniki.
Travelling by bus
You can also take the Intercity Bus (KTEL Bus of Larissa) from the Intercity Bus Station of Liosia in Athens (3 hours and 50 minutes ride). The central station of Larissa is located on the corner of Georgiadou and Olympus Street.
For more information on the bus routes of KTEL of Larissa click here.
Travelling by train
You can also take the train of OSE (National Railway Organisation) from Athens. The ride is approximately 4 hours long.
For more information on the train schedules of OSE click here.
From Thessaloniki
Travelling by car
To reach Larissa from Thessaloniki, you will drive via the National Highway from Thessaloniki to Lamia (152 km distance - 1 hour and 35 minutes ride).
Travelling by bus
You can also take the Intercity Bus (KTEL Bus of Larissa) from the Intercity Bus Station of KTEL of Macedonia in Thessaloniki (1 hour and 55 minutes ride). The central station of Larissa is located on the corner of Georgiadou and Olympus Street.
For more information on the bus routes of KTEL of Larissa click here.
Travelling by train
You can also take the Intercity Train of OSE (National Railway Organisation) from the Intercity Railway Station of Thessaloniki. The ride is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long.
For more information on the train schedules of OSE click here.
Transfer within Larissa
For your transportation within the city of Larissa use the municipal buses.
For more information on the bus routes of Larissa click here.
Medical Care
During your stay in Larisa, you can be served for health issues:
General Hospital of Larisa which is located in the area of Mezourlo, Tel: (+30) 2413 501000
Useful phone numbers
Police Station of Larisa Α’: (+30) 2410 683137-8
Police Station of Larisa Β’: (+30) 2410 683146, 683142
Fire department of Larisa: (+30) 2413 509300
General Hospital of Larisa: (+30) 2413 501000
Larisas Train Station: (+30) 2410 236250
Intercity Bus Station of Larisa: (+30) 2410 537737
RadioTaxi: (+30) 2410 661122, 661414
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