Larisa
Introduction
You will find Larissa serving as the capital of both the Thessaly region and the Larissa regional unit. As a principal agricultural centre and a national transport hub, the city provides you with essential connections by road and rail to the port of Volos and the cities of Thessaloniki and Athens.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by acknowledging the deep historical roots of this settlement, which dates back to the Neolithic period. You can explore a location whose name translates to "stronghold" in ancient Greek and served as the head of the Thessalian League during both the Hellenistic and Roman eras.
For your safety while navigating the capital of Thessaly, keep the following information in mind:
- Dial 112 in case of an emergency.
- Locate the University Hospital on the southwest side of town or the Larissa General Hospital on the northeast side of town if medical assistance is required.
Getting there
You can reach Larissa by air via Volos Airport or the nearby airport in Thessaloniki, which provides year-round international service. From the Volos airfield, you can take a bus to the local station before transferring to a train or another bus for your journey to the city. For those traveling from other parts of Greece, interurban KTEL coaches offer frequent and convenient connections from both Athens and Thessaloniki. These regional buses provide amenities such as coffee and Wi-Fi.
Trains connect Larissa to major hubs including Athens, Volos, and Thessaloniki. You can choose between standard trains for a slower pace or faster Intercity trains. For international travelers, bus services also link the city to several Eastern European destinations.
Getting around
You can navigate the central district primarily on foot, as many streets in the commercial center are pedestrianized and locations are situated just a few minutes apart. For those preferring to cycle, the flat terrain makes it an enjoyable way to explore the city, with dedicated bicycle lanes available on Papanastasiou Street and parts of Kyprou Street.
The city features an efficient public transport system, with more information available at the regional bus terminal or via their official website. If you choose to travel by car, be aware that finding on-street parking in the central district can be challenging, though various parking lots are scattered throughout the town. Taxis are also available; look for silver vehicles and ensure the meter is set to the correct rate based on the time of day.
Where to stay
You can find a wide variety of accommodations throughout Larissa, with most hotels situated in the city center. If you are traveling by car, be aware that finding parking in the central area can be difficult.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from several options:
- Budget-friendly stays like Achillion Hotel Larisa, Avra hotel, GR Louis Larissa Hotel, Helena Hotel Larisa, and Pantheon Hotel.
- Mid-range selections including Asteras Hotel Larissa, Dionissos Hotel Larissa, Grand Hotel, Hotel Metropol, and Park Hotel Larissa.
- Upscale options such as Divani Palace Larissa and Grecotel Larissa Imperial.
Food & drink
You can find a wide variety of dining options throughout the city, ranging from traditional taverns serving meat dishes to grill houses called psistaries that offer grilled meats, salads, and french fries. For those seeking international flavors, you can choose between Italian or Chinese restaurants, while local souvlatzidika provide quick meals like souvlaki. Many establishments are concentrated along Filellinon Street on the north side of the central district. While most taverns, psistaries, and restaurants close during the day and open late in the evening, fast-food chains remain open all day long.
Your choice of beverage depends on the season and your preference for local traditions:
- During the cold weather, you can enjoy tsipouro, a potent and famous Greek drink known for its high alcohol concentration.
- In the summer months, you can find many bars downtown where you can enjoy tsipouro, ouzo, or wine.
- You can spend your summer evenings in the lively atmosphere of Frourio square or visit the numerous pubs surrounding Neapoli square.
What to see and do
Explore the layers of history in the city center, where you can view two ancient theaters and several religious sites. The first theater, built by a Macedonian King, sits at the foot of an acropolis that once housed a temple and later a medieval castle; it is visible from Elftheriou Venizelou Street. Nearby, a second theater from the Roman period remains partially intact. You can also visit the Diachronic Museum of Larissa on Mezourlo Hill to see archaeological finds spanning from the Paleolithic period to the 19th century, or explore modern Greek art at the Municipal Art Gallery - G I Katsigras Museum. Other historical landmarks include the Ottoman Bedesten, the ruined Basilica of St. Achillios, and the Yeni Tzami mosque.
Experience local culture through various activities and landmarks:
- Relax by a large fountain and a statue of Hippocrates in Alkazar Park along the Pinios River.
- Watch films in their original language at multiplex cinemas like Victoria Cinemas or Village Cinemas.
- Join the community for a weekly night ride with cyclists who gather at the Central Square on Thursday nights during the summer months.
- Participate in local running events, such as the Gyros tis Larisas or the Ippokratios Agonas Dromou, which offers views of the Thessaly lowlands and surrounding mountains.
Three days in Larisa
Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Thessaly. You can explore the local surroundings and settle into the atmosphere of the region while staying near Papanastasiou Street or Kyprou Street.
Day two, you can travel through the area to experience the history of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. You can also take time to see the local sights and learn about the legacy of the Thessalian League.
Day three, you can enjoy a final day exploring the city before your departure. You can choose to relax or visit nearby locations as you prepare for your next destination.