Thessaly

Thessaly is a periphery in Greece. More broadly, it is one among the thirteen peripheries that constitute the Hellenic Republic of Greece. Thessaly is further subdivided into four prefectures, and its administrative headquarters is based at Larissa. For those looking for a historic tour or a rare vacation away from the typical tourist hotspots, this state could provide the most wanted break.

Thessaly is a plain surrounded by mountains – Pindus, Ossa, Othrys and Agrafa.

Civilization in this part of the world dates back to prehistoric times, a fact testified by the archeological remains unearthed from the different parts of the periphery. But the charm of Thessaly is not about its heritage alone, but also its natural splendors, ancient constructions, villages, monasteries, churches, and beaches. Hence the primary responsibility on the tourist will be to chart an itinerary that touches almost all the relevant places in the state, in an intelligent way.

As mentioned earlier, the core of a trip of Thessaly is its scenic country sides, villages, and wilderness. One such place worth mentioning is the rock formations in Meteora and the city of Kalambaka at its foothills. If possible, take a climb to the top of the rock towers and spend some time in the 24 odd Byzantine monasteries up there, each of which is more than 600 years old. These places lie in the Trikala prefecture.

At the middle of the Thessaly plain lies Larissa. Museum of Hippokrates, the traditional houses at Tabakika and at the fortress, the park of Alcazar, the archaeological museum, the picture gallery and the cultural – historical museum are some of the must visit sites in the prefecture. Also, it is worth taking a short tour to its hamlets – Agiokambos, Aghia, Ambelakia, and Farsala. The town of Larissa is modern and cosmopolitan, and boasts all the modern amenities and facilities for a prospective tourist.

Kardista offers a rare mix of ancient and the modern. The city is modern with well laid out streets, but the real attraction is its villages, country sides, mountain slopes, and the Byzantine monuments scattered all around the place.

Finally, Magnesia prefecture lies to the eastern end of Thessaly and hence is home to some of the best beaches in the state. Most tourists might have heard about Volos, the major city in the prefecture, but again the real splendor of the place is its villages, mountain slopes, rivers, and forests. If you are a person looking for some unspoilt beauty, try spending more time away from the cities.

Thessaly is linked by railway and road transport. Nearest international airport is at Athens.