Thessaly
The fertile plain of Thessaly in Central Greece is surrounded by high mountains: the Pindus Range to the west, Olimpus (Olimbos) to the north, Ossa, Pelion (Pilio) and Othris to the east, and Trimfrestos to the south. The River Pinios, flowing down from the western slopes of the Pindus, cuts Thessaly in two and passes through the Valley of Tempi to meet the sea.
The region’s capital, Larissa, is an important industrial centre and traffic node (road and rail), but offers little of touristic interest. The main port, Volos, situated on Pagasiticos Bay, is largely modern, due to repeated destruction by earthquakes. However, there is a pleasant seafront with cafes and restaurants, and frequent ferry services for the Sporades (see the information on the Greek islands). Close by, on the slopes of Mount Pelion stand the pretty villages of Makrinitsa and Vizitsa, noted for their traditional architecture, and the winter sports centre of Hania.
Mount Olympus, home of Zeus and the immortal gods and land of the Centaurs, is Greece’s highest mountain, standing 2917m (9570ft). Walking tours depart from the village of Litohoro, where one finds hostels, hotels and tavernas.
To the west, above the Pinios Valley and the town of Kalambaka, just as the Pindus Range begins to form, stand the incredible cliff-top monasteries of the Meteora. Perched upon bizarre vertical rock formations of up to 300m (984ft) high, a total of 24 monasteries, some with beautiful Byzantine frescoes, were founded here during the 15th-century. Several are open to the public (accessed by a series of steep steps carved into the rocks), notably Megalo Meteoro and Varlaam Monastery.
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