












Holiday in Thessaly
Region in Greece — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇷
Country
Greece
Type
Region
Best time to travel
March–June, September–November
Budget/day
55–95 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Thessaloniki or Athens and rental car. Meteora from Thessaloniki 3 hours, from Athens 4 hours.
About Thessaly
Thessaly is a region of contrasts in central Greece, ranging from the vast Thessalian plain — the breadbasket of the country — to the breathtaking Meteora rocks and the lush Pelion peninsula. This diversity in a compact area makes Thessaly one of the most varied regions for travelers seeking more than just beaches and islands. The Meteora monasteries, perched on massive sandstone pillars, are the undisputed highlight and one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece. But Thessaly offers much more: The Pelion peninsula between Volos and the Aegean Sea is a green paradise with chestnut and beech forests, where traditional stone villages like Makrinitsa, Tsagarada, and Vizitsa overlook the Pagasetic Gulf as the "balcony of Pilion." The combination of mountain hiking and beach days at hidden coasts like Fakistra or Mylopotamos is unique. Volos, the port city on the Pagasetic Gulf, is considered the culinary capital of Thessaly: The Tsipouradika (Tsipouro taverns) serve free meze plates with fresh fish and seafood with every glass of the aniseed spirit — a ritual not to be missed. Larissa, the capital of Thessaly, surprises with an ancient theater in the city center and a vibrant nightlife. The Tempi Gorge between Olympus and Ossa, the mythical Lake Karla, and the thermal springs of Smokovo complete the offerings. Thessaly is ideal for travelers who want to discover the unknown Greece away from the tourist trails.
Top 5 highlights in Thessaly
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Meteora Monasteries
The monasteries perched on mighty sandstone pillars are one of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world.
Pelion Peninsula
The lush green peninsula offers stone mountain villages, chestnut forests, hidden beaches, and the Pilion narrow-gauge railway.
Volos
The lively port city on the Pagasetic Gulf is known for its Tsipouradika (Tsipouro bars with meze).
Lake Plastira
The artificial mountain lake at 800 m altitude offers a dreamy backdrop for hiking, horseback riding, and relaxation.
Trikala
The charming town at the foot of the Meteora rocks has a beautiful old town area (Varousi) and is the cultural heart of Thessaly.
Hotels in Thessaly
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Thessaly
Recommended travel time
March–June, September–November
Summer
Hot in the plain, 32–38 °C, pleasant on Pelion
Winter
Cold, 0–8 °C, snow in the mountains, skiing possible
How much does a holiday in Thessaly cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30–50 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
55–95 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
120–220 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Thessaly
Compare thousands of package holidays to Thessaly and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Thessaly
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Meteora and Pelion can be perfectly combined for a round trip – plan for 4–5 days.
Visit Meteora at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting conditions.
In Volos, you must visit a Tsipouradiko – order Tsipouro and get free meze with it.
The Pelion villages of Makrinitsa, Tsagarada, and Vizitsa are the most beautiful – stone houses and plane trees.
In winter, Pelion offers skiing at the Agriolefkes ski lift – a hidden gem for skiers.
Food & drink in Thessaly
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Thessaly?
Plan your Thessaly holiday now with our free tools.
