Thessaly Car Hire

Guide of Thessaly

Geography

Thessaly is a geographic and administrative region of northern Greece. Larissa is the capital of the region. For reference, Thessaly extends south from Macedonia to the Aegean Sea.

The region comprises mountains - including Mount Olympus - fertile plains, and coastline. It is part of the Thessalian Plain and the Titarisos valley.

Climate in Thessaly

In Thessaly, the climate varies by location. Most of the region has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, but some parts, like Larissa, have a cold semi-arid climate. In the north of the region, there is a humid subtropical climate, which is a rare climate subtype found on the European continent.

The warmest month of the year is July, with an average temperature: 32℃. January is usually the coldest month, with average temperature 10℃. The best time to visit Thessaly is in spring or autumn when temperatures are usually in the 20s and there isn’t much rain.

Culture

Thessaly takes its name from the an ancient Greek tribe called the Thessaloi. However, before this, the region was known as Aeolia and appears in Homer’s Odyssey. The hero of this story visited the kingdom of Aeolus, which was the former name of Thessaly.

Thessaly was under Ottoman rule for four and a half centuries before becoming part of the modern Greek state in 1881. The region is famous for being the site of the battle between the Titans and the Olympians and, according to legend, Jason and the Argonauts launched their search for the Golden Fleece from the Magnesia Peninsula, which occupies the east side of Thessaly.

Things To Do in Thessaly

There are lots of things to do in Thessaly from touring vineyards, to hiking mountains and visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of the top things to do in Thessaly is to visit Meteora, the spectacular cluster of Byzantine monasteries that perch on the sandstone cliffs.

Mount Olympus stretches along the boarders of Macedonia and Thessaly At 2,917 metres above sea level, it is the tallest mountain in Greece.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can visit in Thessaly is the Kusum Mosque. Located in Trikala, this 16th-century Ottoman mosque has a square prayer hall, an 18-metre long semi-spherical dome, and it set only surviving mosque in the city of Trikala.

If you like hiking, hit the trails in Pelion, which stands between the Aegean Sea and the Parasitic Gulf. Here you can enjoy mountain hikes, beach days and strolling between traditional villages.

For a relaxing day amongst picturesque scenery, head to Lake Plastira, one of the largest artificial lakes in Greece. Here, you can enjoy a whole host of actives including horse riding, kayaking, hiking and, of course, just taking it easy.

Eating Out in Thessaly

Thessaly is the agricultural centre of Greece and where most of the country’s fruit and vegetables are grown. Restaurants make the most of this wonderfully fresh produce by incorporating it into their menus. So, you will have lots of opportunities to try the local cuisine.

A typical meal consists of organic local meat, fresh vegetables and a traditional Greek salad. Some other items on the menus to look out for include the local sausages with are flavoured with spices and the local feta cheese and mizithra and galotiri cheeses.

All across Thessaly, you’ll find food trucks called “kantina”. At these meals on wheels vendors, you can try gyros, kebabs and other meat-based snacks.

To sample lots of local specialities, head to a taverna and order a meze lunch. You’ll get to enjoy a lovely selection of vegetables, meat and fish, olives, cheese, olive oil, and incredibly fresh bread.

When it comes to drinks, it would be remiss not to sample the local wine and un-aged brandy for which the region is famous.

Some of our favourite restaurants and cafes in Thessaly include Kimatothrafstis, Adamos, Kitrina Gantia, Kelesidis Sweets, and Ta Palia Kalamakoia.

Transport

Airport

The nearest international airport to Thessaly is Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL / LGBL) in Volos. The distance from Nea Anchialos National Airport to Thessaly is 43.7 miles (70.4 kilometres). From the airport, you can catch a shuttle to Volos and then change to catch a bus the rest of the way to Thessaly. Alternatively, you can get a taxi to Volos and then a train or bus to your final destination in Thessaly. You can also take a taxi to Thessaly, but this will cost you hundreds of euro. Renting a car is another option which allows you to make your own way there are your own pace.

The next closest airpot to Thessaly is Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG / LGTS) which is 132 miles (213 kilometres) away. To get to Thessaly from Thessaloniki International Airport, you can take a combination of shuttle, bus, and train. You could also rent a car, which would be the fastest option.

Getting Around Thessaly

To get from one town to the next in Thessaly, you can use public transport, including trains and buses. There are also taxis and private buses in operation too in the region.

If you want to explore the Plain of Thessaly with its picturesque farmlands and grasslands, hiring a car is a great idea, especially if you are short on time or you are part of a group. Renting a car is Thessaly is very popular among honeymooning couples who can enjoy spontaneous picnics and walks en route. Renting a car to get around Thessaly is also very popular with families with young children as it gives them the freedom to make as many stops as necessary to keep everyone happy and comfortable. Whatever your reasons may be, Enjoy Travel has got your car hire needs covered!