Making the most of Volos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Although close to town, the port is in an industrial area and is too far to reach on foot.
Cruise-organized shuttles cost 7 Euro and run about every 45 minutes.
A taxi costs no more than 10 euro each way, or even less for the return journey from town if the driver uses the meter. For two or more people sharing a cab, it is the best and most comfortable option.
A printable map to take with you.
Buses and taxi's set down passengers on a long, pretty seafront promenade lined with cafes and yachts. It is so spacious that the Guinness Book of records noted that, in 2012, over 6500 Greeks danced the Sirtaki there together at the same time.
A large pedestrianized shopping area stretches over many blocks immediately behind the boulevard.
Volos Archaeological Museum has a rich collection of Bronze Age finds, pottery from the 8th and 5th century BC, and 6th and 5th century sculpture. Its unique Hellenistic grave stelai collection from Dimitrias, for example, includes well preserved paintings regarded as among the most important examples of ancient Greek art.
In the Town Hall, the Municipal Gallery holds a fine collection of paintings, sculpture and engravings by modern Greek artists. It is also the home of folk historian Kitsos Makris, with works by Theophilos and Christopoulos, Byzantine icons, wood carvings and pottery.
At Anakasia, visit the Theophilos Museum for frescoes by the great folk artist, while Alli Meria has the Velentza bakery and its Theophilos wall paintings. Volos also has the churches of Agios Konstantinos, Agios Nikolaos and Metamorphosis, plus the chapel of Agia Triada.
The Volos tourist office stands opposite the bus station in the Palea district.
Getting around
Taxi drivers readily negotiate fares for city tours and trips to Makrynitsa, a pretty village about 15 miles away. If you negotiate well, pay no more than 50.
Nearby places
Dating from 1356, Meteora Monastery is one of the most spectacular sights on a call at Volos. Once an amazing aerie refuge for medieval monks, it stands hundreds of feet above on soaring sandstone rock faces. There were once 24 monasteries and church buildings. Goods could reach the site only by being hoisted in large nets, while people scrambled up dizzying 120-foot-high rope ladders, an act of religious faith in itself.
Food and shopping
For lunch-with-a-view and retail therapy, head to the main harbor area, dotted with small yachts and cheerfully painted boats. Iasonos Street, one block inland, has a wide variety of shops.
Money
Currency: Euro
Staying connected
Free WiFi is offered in the little terminal/customs building.
Opening Hours and
Public Services are open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops open Monday to Friday from 9am – 1.30pm, then again from 5pm – 9pm; their Saturday hours are 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets trade Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Most Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores have no official opening hours and are usually open from dawn until well after midnight during the summer months.