Where is the Thessaly Region of Greece?
The Thessaly Region of Greece is located in the middle eastern part of Greece. Central Macedonia Region is to the north, the Aegean Sea is to the east, Central Region is to the south, and Epirus Region is to the west.
The Sporades islands are also part of the Thessaly Region, except for Skyros, which is part of the regional unit of Evia in the Central Region.
It is the 3rd largest region of Greece.
The capital city is Larissa.
The five main areas are:
– Karditsa
– Larissa
– Trikala
– Sporades
– Magnesia
These five areas are further divided into smaller municipalities, such as:
– Volos
– Nea Ionia
– Elassona
– Farsalla
– Kalambaka
What does the Thessaly Region of Greece have to offer?
There are three airports:
– Nea Anchialos (26 km from Volos)
– Skiathos
– Skyros (flights from Athens and Thessaloniki only)
And one port:
– Volos
Agriculture
The region of Thessaly represents 40% of the total agricultural production in Greece.
– Grain, Corn, Rice
– Cattle, Sheep, Goats
– Nuts (Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts)
– Olives and Olive Oil
– Katiki Cheese, Feta Cheese
– Sausages (from Karditsa)
– Honey
– Tobacco
– Vegetables
– Citrus Fruit
– Figs
– Apples (Pilio is home to the PDO-certified Zagora apples)
– Plums (from Skopelos)
– Grapes (Limniona is a local grape)
– Wine (see wineries below)
– Tsipouro (made from distilling grapes; produced in Tyrnavos)
Mountains
Thessaly is bordered by high mountains on three sides. To the north, bordering Macedonia, is the Olympus mountain range. Within this mountain range is Mount Olympus – the highest mountain in all of Greece.
To the east is Mount Pelion and the Aegean Sea. Mount Pelion forms a peninsula that looks like a hook. According to Greek mythology, Pelion was where the Centaurs lived – the creatures that were half-men half-horses. Visitors will find many beautiful beaches in this area (beaches are listed below). Pelion also has many wonderful villages in the mountains that are worth a visit.
To the south, bordering the Central region of Greece, is Mount Parnassus. This limestone mountain looks down upon Delphi, and in the winter becomes the largest ski center in Greece.
To the west, along the border of the Epirus region, lies the biggest mountain range of Greece. The Pindos mountain range is approximately 100 miles long (160 km) and stretches from the Greek-Albanian border to the northern Peloponnese.
Beaches
Popular beaches in Thessaly are along the eastern side of this region. They include Mylopotamos Beach, Papa Nero Beach, Agios Ioannis Beach, Fakistra Beach, and Mourtias Beach. Larissa, the largest town of Thessaly, also has some nice beaches – beaches in Larissa
The Sporades Islands – Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos, and Skyros
The Sporades islands are very green and lush, with an abundance of pine trees. There are many beautiful beaches and hiking hills for nature lovers. They are located between the island of Evia and Mount Pelion.
The most popular island (especially for the younger crowds) is Skiathos, while Skopelos (of Mamma Mia fame) and Alonissos have more of a family atmosphere. The least known island is Skyros (you can find information on Skyros here).
Tourism
Beside the Pindos mountain range to the west, enormous pillars of rock rise 313m (1027 ft) from the ground. On the very top of these huge rock formations are monasteries that were constructed in the fourteenth century. This is Meteora, (inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988), and is by far the most popular tourist destination in the Thessaly region.
Six out of twenty-four monasteries remain today. Until the seventeenth century, the only way to bring people or necessities up to these monasteries was by way of baskets and ropes. Today, they are accessible by staircases and pathways that have been cut into the rock formations.
Restaurants
There are many excellent restaurants and places to eat, especially in popular areas such as Volos, Larissa, Kalambaka, and Karditsa.
Wineries
Dougos Winery
Dougos Winery is located at the foot of Mount Olympus. Managed by siblings Thanos and Louiza Dougos, the varieties cultivated are both Greek- Xinomavro, Krassato, Stavroto, Limniona, Roditis, Assyrtiko- and French- Syrah, Grenache rouge, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc. Tours and tastings are available with a reservation.
Patistis Vineyard and Winery
Patistis Vineyard and Winery is a family-run organic winery in Argalasti, Pelion. Andreas and Konstantinos Patistis grow Assyrtiko, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah varieties. Tours and tastings are available.
Arlekinon Chora Winery
Arlekinon Chora Winery is a boutique organic winery, run by father and son, Aristotle and Konstantinos. Located at the foot of Mount Narthakio (ancient Fthia area), this winery has been certified organic since 2003. Tours and tastings are available.
Meteoro Winery
A modern winery founded in 2004 in Thessaly by Bill & Artemis Tsina. Greek and foreign varieties, such as Muscat Hamburg, Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Xynomavro are cultivated. Tsipouro (distilled spirit) is also made here. Tours and tastings are available.
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See some of our Thessaly region recipes here.
Do you have a recipe from this region that you love? Share it with us!