Thessaly

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THE SOUL OF HELLENISM

Between the mountains of Epirus and the blue magnificence of the Aegean, amid the bushes and trees of Thessaly plain, perched on the massive slopes of Olympus and Oeta Mountains, where the battle between the Gods and the Titans took place, the countryside of Thessaly will leave you speechless. Above the region of Central Greece, lovely Thessaly unveils its mysteries with the most enigmatic way. Bordered with the vastness of the Aegean Sea, Thessaly is a truly inspiring region where even Lord himself would wander how could possibly all these landscapes of extreme natural beauty coexist so harmonically. Rightfully deserving the title of the heart of Greece, as its location is the center of the mainland, Thessaly is a miniature replica of the country with majestic islands, magnificent mountains, impressive religious monuments, quaint mountain villages and excellent hospitality. With a rich heritage in legends, myths and tales, hosting Mount Olympus, the home of the Twelve Olympians, Pelion Mountain, the homeland of the Centaurs and Nymphs, the Meteora Monasteries, with their breathtaking pinnacles attesting to the battles between the Titans and the Gods, and so many other mythical personas like Achilles, the mythical hero of the Trojan Wars, Jason and its Argonauts that sailed from the coasts of Thessaly in quest of the Golden Fleece; undeniably, myths have left their mark in Thessaly floating in the air with glory. Although Thessaly may have far fewer miles of drop-dead-gorgeous coastline than the southern magic of the country, visitors should undoubtedly bring their hiking boots and their swimming suits to discover the mysterious, unseen face of the mountains, the folkloric villages, the lush valleys and the emerald beaches that will make up for it. The land changes abruptly from the delicately shaded green of the idyllic olive and orange groves near the shore to the tremendous solidity of the bare mountains inland. Whether you choose Larissa, Magnesia, Karditsa or Trikala, the region of Thessaly is full of surprises and a plethora of exciting experiences for the travellers to adore. Drowned with diverse sceneries and spectacular landscapes, all of them are worthy of your visit for their own mysteries. From the snowy alpine peaks of Pindus Mountain and the indented coastline of Pelion to the magical power of calmness of Plastira Lake, an area of immense natural beauty that you will instantly fall in love with, and the spiritual miracle of Meteora, one the symbols of Orthodoxy in the Byzantine era, suspend in the air high above the clouds on the plain of Thessaly and the beautiful islands of Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiathos, where the pine trees reach all the way to the sea,it is definite that just few words cannot describe the spectacular identity of this region. Favoured from nature lovers, Magnesia promises unforgettable experiences. Green mountains blend harmoniously with the blue of the sea uncovering quaint villages reminiscent of another area, of total genuineness and authenticity. With rich mythology, age-old history, endless natural beauty and opportunity for various activities is a paradise that every lover of traveling should know. The majestic mountain of the Centaurs with the stunning villages of Pelion, the perfect combination of the green mountain landscape and the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, is an absolute expression of a four-seasons-destination while the Olympic city of Volos, one of the most enchanting cities of the country, is definitely a must-visit together with the pristine islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. Mostly mountainous, Trikala is a haven for adventurers. This region is one of the most breathtaking regions of the Greek mainland with a plethora of destinations. From remote villages with traditional architecture and vivacious cities to elevated mountain peaks surrounded from verdant fir forests and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Trikala region is a must. Aspropotamos villages, the monasteries of Meteora, the mountain resorts of Elati and Pertouli and the city of Trikala should not be missed! As for Karditsa, nature is stunning in this place filled with verdant greenery in spring and autumn. The artificial lake of Plastira surrounded from Agrafa Mountains is the protagonist of the show while the thermal springs of Smokovo are of the most important famous since the Ottoman occupation. However, the top one destination of Karditsa are the mysterious mountain slopes of Agrafa, hiding secrets since the dawn of time. No one could ever forget, however, lovely Larisa as the scenery alternates from the blue vastness of the sea to blinding green of the mountains. Larissa’s coastline is crowned from the majestic mountain of Kisavos bounded from several kilometres of beaches. Nonetheless, Larissa’s countryside is equally impressive; worth visiting Ambelakia settlement with its traditional mansions and its stone fountains, Rapsani village perched at the foot of Olympus mountain and the Tempi mountains with its almighty beauties. Jason and the Argonauts launched their search for the Golden Fleece from the peninsula of Magnesia. Will you find yours in mainland Thessaly? A region of sheer beauty with majestic mountains and flowing rivers, Thessaly is all packed up for travellers all year round; from the prehistoric cave of Theopetra, the byzantine monasteries of Meteora and the fairytale lake of Plastira to the verdant Vlach villages of Aspropotamos, the mythical villages of Pelion, the beautiful city of Trikala and the mountainous villages of Elati and Pertouli, Thessaly hides some of the most beautiful regions of the country. The lavish abundance of natural beauty, the variety of landscape, the beauty of changing seasons, the ideal geographical position, the rich history and culture promise a one-of-a-kind travel experience all year round.