MAGNISSIA & PELIO - THESSALIA

MAGNISSIA
This prefecture is famous for the beauty of its nature and the archaeological sites.
Mount Pilio and the picturesque traditional villages, such as Makrinitsa, Zagora and many others, that are perched on its sides attract tourists all year round. Ski centres and sandy beaches as well as rich forests make Nagnisia a holiday destination that can satisfy all tastes.

Magnissia has witnessed economic and cultural growth ever since the ancient times. Remains of those eras are the ancient town of Dimitriada, Dimini and Sesklo.

VOLOS
Volos is the capital of Magnissia prefecture, a busy port and industrial centre. It is one of the biggest cities of Greece with approximately 120000 inhabitants and it is located at the foot of Mount Pilio where the ancient Iolkos stood and where the Centaurs lived according to Greek mythology.

agios ioannis village
Agios Ioannis is probably the best known sea resort of Magnisia. Its long white pebbled beach and the rich vegetation all around it are much appreciated by tourists.

tsagarada village
Tsagarada is among the villages of Pilio that attract many visitors. Tsagarada used to be a prosperous village with a Commercial School in the 19th century. Today only 720 persons live in the village with the huge plane tree and the water fountains. The visitor will admire the various churches scattered in the village’s four hamlets and will find it worth traveling 4km to nearby Xorychti, a picturesque village perched on a gorge. Walkers will find it worth waking all the way down to Mylopotamos beach.

makrinitsa village
Makrinitsa is one of the most beautiful villages of Pilio. Founded in the 11th century, it was later on inhabited by monks. It prospered during the 18th century and was one of the first areas of Thessalia that participated in the Greek Revolution. The various manor houses that are found in the village, the churches and the monasteries as well as the fountain “Krini” in the central square are worth visiting. Folk art and history enthusiasts will want to visit the Museum of Folk Art and History of Pilio.

portaria village
Stone and wood have been used to give Portaria its colour and picturesque character, which make it worth visiting. Located approximately 20km from Volos, therefore being closer to the big city than any other Pilio village, it has many castle houses and manor houses. During the 18th century home handicraft making prospered in this village. Today visitors will admire the water falls of Karavos, the churches and the manor houses.

chorefto village
Chorefto is a very small village, with approximately 90 inhabitants. It used to be a famous port for the ships that carried silk and wool. It has a sandy beach which attracts tourists. The large sea caves, located at Paleos Mintzelas are worth visiting. There, according to Greek mythology, the sea Nereid Thetis fell in love with Pileas.

zagora village
This is the biggest village of Pilio. It grew prosperous during the 17th and 18th centuries with silk cultivations and wool industries. The school of Ellinoscholio is located in Zagora. Built in 1776, damaged by a fire in 1942, it was later on restored by the Ministry of Education. The school used to have a very rich library. Only a few books remain today. The church of Agios Georgios, of Agia Paraskevi, the monasteries of Taxiarches and of Panagia tis Rasovas are worth visiting. As is the case with most villages in Pilio, visitors will have the chance to admire the beautiful manor houses and particularly the manor house of Fronimos, of Konstantinidis, of Prigos and of Retsos.
Only 7km away visitors will reach the village of Pouri, from which you can gaze at the sea all the way to the Sporades islands.