Volos

Volos (Greek: Βόλος) (Population: 144,449 2023]) is the 5th largest city (and 3rd largest port) in Greece, situated in Thessaly, almost in the middle of the distance between Athens (326 km) and Thessaloniki (219 km). Volos is an industrial city with a large port - but there are a few hidden gems here that you might find as you pass through to islands or Pelion.

Volos Halal Travel Guide

History of Volos

Modern Volos is built on the area of the ancient cities of Demetrias, Pagasae and Iolkos. Iolkos was the homeland of ancient Greek hero Jason who boarded the ship Argo accompanied by the Argonauts and sailed in the quest for the Golden Fleece to Colchis. Demetrias was established by Demetrius Poliorcetes, King of Macedonia, in 293/92 BC. In 197 BC Romans annexed Demetrias.

To the west of Volos there are the Neolithic settlements of Dimini with a ruined acropolis, walls and two beehive tombs dated between 4000-1200 BC and Sesklo with the remains of the oldest acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), as well as the foundations of a palace and mansions, among the most typical examples of Neolithic civilisation.

During Byzantine empire, emperor Justinian I in 551 fortified Palea hill. In 1423 Ottomans annexed Volos. Volos during the Islamic Ottoman empire was a hamlet, build on the hill in Palea neighborhood. The hill was fortified with walls. Today just a few parts of the walls can be seen near the Tsalapata building.

After its annexation to Greece from the Islamic Ottoman Empire in 1881, it had a population of only 4,900 but rapidly grew within the next 4 decades. Houses were built outside the walls and the main area of Volos by the sea was built up. Merchants, businessmen, craftsmen and sailors moved to Volos from the surrounding area. In the 1920s there was a large influx of refugees in Volos, especially from Ionia, but also from Pontus, Cappadocia and Eastern Thrace. In the 1920 census, Volos had 30,046 inhabitants but according to the 1928 census, its population had grown to 47,892.

How is the Climate in Volos

Volos, unlike other towns of the Thessalian plain, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with can-be-hot-but-bearable summers (though a little bit humid) and mild winters. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit the city itself, Winter is the time to be on the Pelion mountain villages, and Summer should definitely be dedicated to the numerous beaches of the region on the Pagasetic gulf and the Aegean Sea.

Being privileged to be situated on the foothills of Mount Pelion and the mythical mountain of the centaurs, and bounded by Goritsa Hill to the Southeast, Volos sports nice weather all year long, with the sea and mountain breezes dominant in all city areas.

Travel as a Muslim to Volos

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Volos

Volos Airport (IATA Code: VOL) is in Nea Anchialos, about 30 km Southwest from the city. TUIFly operates every Wednesday and Saturday from 28/04/18 - 13/10/18 (Flights to/from Brussels), Transavia operates every Friday (Flights to/from Amsterdam through Kefalonia), Condor operates every Saturday from 28/04/18 - 27/10/18 (Flights to/from Munich) and EasyJet operates every Wednesday and Saturday from 27/06/24 - 01/09/24 (Flights to/from London).

It also operates weekly charter flights during the summer, directly from Amsterdam and the UK and Germany.

There is a bus connecting airport and Volos Bus Station. Buses are waiting to pick up travelers after a plane lands. The cost from the airport to Volos Bus Station is 5 €. Travellers of charter flights are transferred to their accommodation by their tour agency.

If you have a vehicle and the airport parking area charge is free.

By international bus

There are buses that originate in Serbia or Hungary and go to Volos, and also buses that start from Athens and stop on the highway close to Volos (at Velestino exit).

By regional bus

Buying KTEL tickets from a more central location|Frustratingly and the KTEL coach station is not particularly central in Volos. However it is now feasible to buy tickets in person at two, more central, locations. Marked only by small signs, and sold at a small till in a cafe and a sweet shop, you can buy KTEL tickets at Iasonas 16 (at Σερραίος – Tυρόπιτες, which is open from morning until evening) and Iasonas 84A (at Ξηροί Καρποί Τσιαπάρας, which is open usual shop opening hours.)}}

Generally, intercity coaches ("KTEL" buses) ( KTEL Volou) are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling. This is doubly true for travelling to Volos from Athens, where the train takes five hours or even more as opposed to four on the coach. With the train you have to switch in Larissa, but the views you get along the way from the mountains is for tourists often worth a while.

There is frequent bus service from Athens Liossion Station to Volos about 15 times a day (cost is about €20), as well as from Thessaloniki bus terminal "Macedonia" to Volos about 10 times a day (about € 12). Volos is also connected with daily direct routes to Patras, Ioannina, Larissa, Trikala, Karditsa and to many more places in continental Greece via Larissa. Interurban Bus Terminal is opposite to "Volos info center" near the City Hall and the Railway Station and the Port, on a major hub. Note that if you buy the return ticket, it is cheaper than buying two separate tickets, though the return leg must be completed within one month.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Volos

Trains (OSE) connect Volos to other cities in Greece via Larisa. Travelling with ordinary trains can be cheaper, although a little bit slower, whereas choosing a faster Intercity train will cost the same amount of money, or even more than a KTEL bus. The train from Athens, whilst travelling through some of the most attractive parts of the nation, takes roughly five hours and involves a change at Larissa. Most local residents travel from Athens by intercity coaches. If you are travelling from Thessaloniki or elsewhere in the northern parts of Greece then trains are often quicker then a bus. The historic Volos station GPS 39.364250,22.937109, built in the 1880s and is located just west of the downtown.

By ferry

There are ferry services to Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos.

How to get around in Volos

Travel on a Bus in Volos

Bus routes in and around Volos

• Νο 1 Anavros - N. Ionia (Αναυρος-Ν.Ιωνία)
• Νο 2 Ampelokipi (Αμπελόκηποι)
• Νο 3 Anavros - N. Dimitriada - N. Ionia (Αναυρος-Ν.Δημητριάδα-Ν.Ιωνία (ΜΕΤΚΑ))
• Νο 4 Ano Volos (Ανω Βόλος)
• Νο 4 Katichori, Stagiates, Ag. Onoufrios (Κατηχώρι, Σταγιάτες, Αγ.Ονούφριος)
• Νο 5 Agria, Lechonia, Platanidia (Αγριά, Λεχώνια, Πλατανίδια)
• Νο 6 Alykes, Agios Stefanos (Αλυκές, Άγιος Στέφανος)
• Νο 7 Ali Meria (Άλλη Μεριά)
• Νο 8 Dimini (Διμήνι)
• Νο 9 Chiliadou (Χιλιαδού)
• Νο 10 Melissatika (Μελισσάτικα)
• Νο 11 Cemetery (Κοιμητήριο)
• No 15 Anavros - G. Dimou - Palia (Άναυρος - Γ. Δήμου - Παλιά)}}

There are twelve bus lines going around the city (tickets cost €1.10 for inner city routes, whilst using inner city buses for close destinations outside Volos costs €2.90), detailed info in the regional bus terminal (called "Astiko KTEL"), directly adjacent to the Interurban Bus Terminal ("Yperastiko KTEL").

For going further away around Volos, you can use the Interurban Bus Terminal ("Yperastiko KTEL").

Best way to travel in Volos by a Taxi

Taxis in Volos, as everywhere in Greece are comparably cheap. You should not pay more than € 7 if you hail a cab (silver colour) on the road to take you anywhere in the city. Note that taxi meters have two rates - rate 1 applies from 5am till midnight, and rate 2 and the double rate, from midnight to 5am. Taxi fare fraud is rather rare but it could still happen, so make sure the rate is correct. If you feel you have been overcharged, ask for a receipt (they are obliged to give one) and take the plate number and then phone the tourist police to report the driver on 171. Expect to pay € 1 or € 2 extra if you take a taxi from the bus station and the train station or the port, and a surcharge if you call for a taxi service on demand. Note, also that the minimum charge is 3.39 euros. Groups of three or four could consider using a taxi to go sightseeing around Volos, Pelion [for example. It's more expensive but more comfortable, and in some cases quite cost-effective. Prices

How to travel around Volos on a bicycle ?

Most of Volos is quite flat, that makes it very easy for cycling, and a lot of local residents do cycle. Especially the waterfront is the best area for cycling. Generally, cycling is a recommended way to move around. Volos recently has developed a network of bicycle lanes, however the lines are often blocked with parked cars and hardly anybody use them.

Halal Friendly Walking Tours in Volos

Several streets at the center of the town have been recently pedestrianized, mainly around Ermou Street and St. Nicolas church. Along the pedestrianized streets there are a lot of cafe places. The waterfront is also an excellent area for walking. When the weather is good it's packed with people walking around and enjoying the sun.

What to see in Volos

Volos tourist office has plenty of useful information about Volos, plus a free town map, a free Volos travel guide and many more. Volos tourist office is located opposite the bus station in Palea neighborhood.

• Archaeological site of Ancient Dimini - Dimini GPS: 39.36138, 22.89299 Opening Hours: Tues - Sun: 8.30AM - 4.30PM, Mon: closed. €2 per person, students free. Ticket includes free entry to archaeological site at Sesklo Ancient Dimini was a neolithic village which has been excavated and uncovered. Of particular interest are the well preserved House N, where a pot was discovered beneath the floor with the burnt remains of a child (an ancient resident as opposed to a more recent one!) and the Tombi grave, similar to that at Mycenae, which is buried deep into the ground near the fortified town, but with a caved in roof. Shade is sparse, so make sure to visit early in the morning. Adjacent to these ruins, and to be opened soon (although how long this has been the case is not said!) are some Mycenaean ruins, which include a large palace. These ruins, whilst not open yet, can be viewed from behind a limit, and are expected to be part of the as-of-yet-undiscovered ancient city of Iolkos and the home of Jason (of Argonaut fame!) There is an interesting audio guide tour available for free in both Greek and English.
• Archaeological site of Ancient Sesklo | Sesklo GPS: 39.3557, 22.8412 Take the road to Sesklo and then look for the turn-off to the left that goes down the hill before the start of Sesklo (it is signposted, but keep an eye open for them. € 2 per person, students free - entrance included in tickets to Dimini (and vice versa.) Sesklo is a more impressive site in terms of its location, but is less impressive in terms of the remains. It's far larger, and is perched on top of a hill from where it can see all around the local area. It was either a local trading partner, or the main rival to nearby Dimini. Archaeologists aren't sure. Worth a visit, but it's not as interesting as Dimini.

• Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos - 1 Athanasaki Street GPS: 39.35178, 22.96132 ☎ +30 24210 25285 +30 24210 28563 Opening Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday: 08:30 - 15:00 Full: €2, Reduced: €1; for free admission days see website This is one of the best smaller museums in Greece and should on no account be missed.

• Brickworks Museum N. & S. Tsalapata - Μουσείο Πλινθοκεραμοποιίας Ν. & Σ. Τσαλαπάτα - 39.365144, 22.931993 ☎ +30 24210 29844 - 3€, reduced: 1,5€ - It is a rare example of surviving industrial plant in the Greek area. It belongs to the Network of Thematic Technological Museums of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation (PIOP). The Brickworks Factory was founded in 1926 by brothers Tsalapata. The total area amounts to 22,000 sq.m. In this factory manufactured various types of bricks and tiles. It employed, on its peak operation, 250 people and the installed capacity in machinery reached 300 horsepower. The Brickworks Factory N. S. &. Tsalapata shut down to 1978. The grinders, presses and the koftires the clay tanks, wagons and furnace Hoffmann reconstruct the production process.
• Volos Town Museum - Μουσείο της Πόλης του Βόλου | Φερών 17 GPS: 39.364021, 22.935759 - A museum about Volos town history.

• At first glance, Volos Downtown doesn't seem particularly interesting for the traveller, but a walk in the town streets might change your first idea. Ermou street is a long paved road parallel to the promenade, Argonafton str, offering a wide variety of shops for any taste, plus a selection of "hidden" bistros and cafes, especially around St.Nikolaos Plaza and the city cathedral, dedicated to patron saint of the sailors, St. Nicholas. There is a seaside park between the university "Papastratos building" and "Agios Konstantinos" church on the promenade. Anavros Park starts directly behind Agios Konstantinos and extends to the east all the way till Anavros beach, an open municipal strand, offering clearwater to the swimmer during the summer (and winter for the brave).

What to do in Volos

Swim

There are acceptable beaches towards the southern end of the city at Anavros. To get there, follow the coastal promenade south from Argonafton Street or park in the roads behind the city hospital.

There is also Alykes municipal beach, a 5-minute-drive from the center to the southwest, in the more easygoing Alykes neighborhood of Volos, having cafes and bars offering sunbeds on the sand during late at night, where you can enjoy your cocktail and take a swim as well. The municipal beach in Alykes has an entrance fee of € 1 during the day, offering a lifeguard, showering facilities, clothes-changing chambers and a beach café. You can easily go to Alykes with city bus (blue bus) number 6 from the city hall.

Most local residents, however, head to beaches outside of the city on the other side of the giant cement works, to beaches at Agria (20 mins by bus), or Platanidia. You can easily go to Agria and Platanidia with city bus (blue bus) number 5 which starts from the Bus Station and passes through Iasonos and Polymeri str. Generally and the water is clearer and cleaner the further away from Volos' port.

If you do have a vehicle and you want to go to a beach, it is well worth getting out of the city limits and beyond - some of the best beaches on the Greek mainland can be found on Pelion.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Volos

The main shopping neighborhood is along and around Ermou St.

Halal Restaurants in Volos

No Halal restaurants found

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Volos

Volos - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Volos, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Volos. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Volos and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Volos. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Volos. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inVolos: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Volos.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Volos: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Volos, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Volos.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Volos, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Volos, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Volos and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Volos, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Volos, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Volos without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Volos is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Volos.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Volos is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Volos, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Volos Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Volos

eHalal Group Volos is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Volos. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Volos.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Volos ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Volos. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Volos, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Volos

There are many hotels in Volos. Most are in center near the sea. Car parking could be hard to find in the center of Volos.

• Aegli Hotel - Αίγλη | Argonafton 24 GPS: 39.36030, 22.94467 ☎ +30 24210 25691 - Comfortable hotel, with good breakfast provided.
• Kalloni hotel - Καλλονή | N. Pagases ☎ +30 24210 88240
• Park hotel - Παρκ - Deligiorgi str. GPS: 39.35769, 22.95340 ☎ +30 2421 036511
• Domotel Xenia Volou Hotel - - 1, Plastira Street, 38221, Volos GPS: 39.35307, 22.95712 ☎ +30 24210 92700 - A five star hotel situated near the waterfront, ten minutes walk to the south of the centre.
• Volos Palace | Xenofontos & Thrakon Streets GPS: 39.36370, 22.93941 Behind the city hall, near the waterfront and train station ☎ +30 24210 76501 - Very nice new hotel with breakfast buffet, restaurant. Modern, comfortable rooms, half of which have a sea view. Helpful staff, most of whom speak English.

Medical Issues in Volos

• Volos Hospital - GPS: 39.3527, 22.9619

Telecommunications in Volos

Internet

There are many internet cafes, mostly used for playing online games. Most cafes have free WiFi access, as does Public (on Ogl).

Postal Services in Volos

• Volos Post Office - Dimitriados Str. GPS: 39.35962, 22.94869 Opening Hours: Daily 08:00-20:00 Greek Post is the best way to send items, postcards etc abroad.

There are also courier services in Volos.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Volos

• Agria, East of Volos center, separated by Goritza hill, with a lot of fish taverns and summer cafe. Approximately 20 mins bus journey from the centre (board a blue and white astiko bus on Iasonas street in the centre.) Approximately €2.90 for a single ticket.
• Nees Pagases South of Volos center. Has some cafes and a beach for swimming.
• Ano Volos and Alli Meria, Anakasia, Agios Onoufrios North of Volos center.

Iperastiko (intercity) coach stops are harder to spot than the Astiko (innercity) stops. Don't just wait at a bus shelter, instead look out for a blue sign saying KTEL Iperastiko at the top of the pole by the side of the road. Tickets can be purchased on the bus from a conductor, and only one-way tickets are available.

You'll most definitely want to take the opportunity to visit the close mountain villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa, offering you a splendid specimen of the renowned traditional architecture of the Pelion mansions. The city view from Makrinitsa is magnificent.

One of the greatest secrets that the Greeks have kept from the world, Pelio|Mount Pelion, is close to Volos. It can easily be reached by bus or car. Pelion has wonderful beaches, fantastic hiking routes, and pretty villages. There are far fewer tourists than there should be, simply because it is a peninsula and not an island. Of particular interest in the region are skiing in nearby Chania (Magnesia)|Chania or taking the steam train from nearby Platanidia|Ano Lechonia to Milies.

The nearby Sporades Islands are great during the summer. Ferries and hydrofoils connect Volos with the islands.

There are nice, close(ish) beaches at

• Kala Nera, roughly 45 mins bus journey from the centre. Approximately €4.92 for a single ticket.

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