Discovering the Heart of Greece

Larissa, often overshadowed by Greece’s popular islands and historical sites, is a city that radiates charm and culture. Here are ten compelling reasons why this city should be your next destination.

Café Culture

Larissa is known as the city of coffee in Greece, not only because of the nationwide chains that originated here, like Mikel, Bruno, and Sicily, but also for its sheer number of cafes. With a café for every 119 people, from the Post Office Square to Sapka Square (commonly known as Central Square) and the ancient theater, your perfect coffee spot is always within reach.

The Fortress

In the heart of Larissa, pathways ascend to the hill of the fortress, passing by numerous Paleo-Christian, Byzantine, and Ottoman monuments, including the Bezesteni, the baths, and Saint Achillios. At the top, the ‘Acropolis’ of Larissa offers a modern café with a spacious courtyard under the trees, providing stunning views over the Pineios River and the iconic Larissa horse sculpture.

Ancient Theater

At the foot of the hill, at the end of Venizelou street, lies the first Ancient Theater of Larissa. One of the largest Hellenistic theaters, it was built in the 3rd century BC and recently unearthed, revealing 21 rows of seats.

Pineios River Festival

Every June, life in Larissa shifts to the Pineios River’s banks, transformed into a vibrant hub. The festival, started 18 years ago, features concerts, street theater, art exhibitions, local product markets, sports activities, and river walks, rekindling the locals’ connection with their river.

Alcazar Park

One of the greenest walks in the city, a stroll in Alcazar is rejuvenating. The park, the largest urban forest in the area, includes open sports fields, an outdoor theater hosting concerts and performances in summer, and, of course, more cafés.

Museums and Monuments

The pride of Larissa is its Diachronic Museum, situated on Mezourlo hill. The exhibits, derived from excavations in Larissa, Trikala, and Karditsa, narrate Thessaly’s history. For contemporary Thessalian art, visit the Municipal Gallery in Neapolis. The Folklore Museum offers a glimpse into local traditions, while the Bezesteni showcases the covered fabric market of the Ottoman era in a charming 16th-century stone building.

Bicycle-Friendly Streets

Beyond the fortress hill, Larissa is a flat plain, ideal for cycling, with an extensive network of bike paths. Local cyclists have mapped out the best routes for exploring the city on two wheels.

Fabulous Tavernas

Whether it’s traditional tavernas at the fortress, tsipouradika (places serving tsipouro and small dishes) in the city center, or brunch in the pedestrian streets and squares, Larissa is a haven for food lovers. You can enjoy Greek cuisine at Elia and Kapari and in Akamatra at the fortress, fantastic brunch at Las Ramblas and Estrella, excellent burgers at Brothers In Law in the Post Office Square, and snacks with cocktails at Bukowski.

Beaches

Larissa has its own beaches, a welcome relief given that it’s the warmest city in Greece. During summer, life moves half an hour outside the city to the coasts of the Larissa region, to Agiokampos and Velika, where beach bars line the shore and parties last all day.

Mountain Villages

On one side is Mount Olympus with picturesque villages like Rapsani and Krania, and on the other is Kissavos with historic settlements like the scenic Ambelakia. Furthermore, many naturalistic destinations of Thessaly are within a short drive: Mount Pelion about an hour away, the Pierian villages of Olympus such as Old Panteleimonas and Skotina, and to the west, Lake Plastira and Meteora for superb weekend getaways.

In conclusion, Larissa is a city that combines history, culture, nature, and modern living, making it a must-visit destination in Greece. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a café aficionado, Larissa has something special for you.