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
The port is in an industrial area close to town but too far to walk.
Cruise organized shuttles are 7 Euro, and leave about every 45 minutes.
Taxis will cost no more than 10 euro one way, returning from town even less, if they turn the meter on. So with two or more persons sharing a cab, this is your best and most comfortable bet.
Printable map to take along.
Buses and taxi's drop you off at a pretty and long seafront promenade, lined with cafes and yachts. The promenade is so spacious that in 2012 the Guinness Book of records mentions that over 6500 Greeks danced the Sirtaki here together at the same time.
Just behind the boulevard you will find a large pedestrianized shopping area covering many blocks.
The Volos Archaeological Museum: contains a rich store of finds from the Bronze Age, pottery of the 8th and 5th century BC, and 6th and 5th century sculpture. For example, its collection of Hellenistic grave stelai from Dimitrias is unique; their well preserved paintings are considered among the most important examples of ancient Greek art.
Municipal Gallery housed in the Town Hall, it comprises a fine collection of paintings, sculpture, and engravings by modern Greek artists. Home of the folk historian Kitsos Makris with works by Theophilos, Christopoulos, Byzantine icons, wood carvings and pottery.
The churches of Agios Konstantinos, Agios Nikolaos, Metamorphosis and the chapel of Agia Triada. At Anakasia, the Theophilos Museum with frescoes by the great folk artist. At Alli Meria, the Velentza bakery with wall paintings by Theophilos.
Volos tourist office is located opposite the bus station in Palea district.
Getting around
Taxi drivers are happy to negotiate fees for tours of the city and trips to Makrynitsa, a pretty village about 15 miles away. You should pay no more than 50 if you negotiate well.
Nearby places
The Meteora Monastery – once an amazing aerie retreat for medieval monks - is one of the most spectacular sights to be seen during a call at Volos. It dates from 1356 and sits hundreds of feet up on soaring sandstone rock faces. At one time, there were 24 monasteries and church buildings. The only way to transport goods to that location was to hoist them in large nets, while people scrambled up dizzying 120-foot-high rope ladders to gain access, an act of religiousfaith in itself.
Food and shopping
The area by the main harbor, dotted with small yachts and cheerfully painted boats, is the best place to enjoy lunch-with-a-view and some retail therapy. One block inland is Iasonos Street, which offers a wide variety of shops.
Money
Euro
Staying connected
The little terninal/customs building offers free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.