Thessaly

Thessaly is a periphery in Greece — one among the thirteen peripheries that constitute the Hellenic Republic. It is further subdivided into four prefectures, with administrative headquarters in Larissa.

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

Civilization here dates back to prehistoric times, a fact testified by archaeological remains unearthed across the periphery. But the charm of Thessaly is not about its heritage alone — it's also about its natural splendours, ancient constructions, villages, monasteries, churches and beaches.

Don't miss

• Meteora — the impossible monasteries balanced on rock pinnacles, in the Trikala prefecture.
• Mount Pelion — beech and chestnut forests, mythical home of the Centaurs, with cobbled mountain villages like Makrinitsa and Tsagarada and beautiful beaches on both Aegean and Pagasetic sides.
• Volos — the lively port city famous for tsipouradika, where every glass of tsipouro is served with a free meze.
• Larissa & Trikala — laid-back inland cities with great food.
• Sporades islands — Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos are easily reached from Volos.

Plan an itinerary that touches as many of these places as possible — Thessaly rewards the slow traveller.