In the heart of Greece, nestled between the embrace of Mount Olympus and facing Mount Athos, lies the coastal region of Larissa — a truly unique destination boasting 70 kilometers of coastline and more than 30 beaches.

This easily accessible region is just 3 hours from Athens, 1.5 hours from Thessaloniki, 40 minutes from the city of Larissa, and only 10 minutes from the Vale of Tempi. It is also located 40 miles from Skiathos, 60 from Alonissos, and 30 from Halkidiki.

As part of a press trip held from May 20–22, a team of journalists representing 14 leading Greek media outlets visited key landmarks and attractions across the wider area.

The coast of Larissa is a destination that combines mountain and sea in an unspoiled, effortlessly natural environment. Its gorges, lakes, hiking trails, and the Pinios River delta — home to herons and diverse wildlife — offer countless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Traditional villages scattered along the slopes of Mount Kissavos, the thermal springs of Kokkino Nero, the former royal estate at Polydendri, local landmarks, monasteries, hermitages, and centuries-old churches of Mount Kelliou all add depth to this remarkable setting.

Visitors can also enjoy local tastings of renowned regional products — apples, chestnuts, cherries, and kiwifruits — along with the area’s wild herbs, experiencing a harmonious coexistence of agricultural life and tourism.

All this is generously offered by the local people, who welcome guests into their accommodations and properties, providing warm hospitality and authentic experiences in serene, uncrowded environments.

A visit to the Holy Monastery of Timios Prodromos in Anatoli revealed a living heritage: founded by Saint Damianos the Confessor in the 16th century, it is home to 23 nuns who cultivate, produce, and sell their own products.

Next stop — the picturesque village of Melivoia.

A stroll through enchanting Metaxochori, the “Village of Artists.” Once known as Retsiani or Melissi, Metaxochori lies just 1.5 km from Agia and is famed for its silk production. Perched at 300 meters altitude and 36 km from Larissa, it is a traditional settlement with ancient roots; Roman and Hellenistic funerary stelae have been found here, and it is said that Saint Kosmas of Aetolia preached to the villagers in 1765.

 

 

 

A tour continued along Agiokampos Beach — the second-longest beach in Greece — by inflatable boat.

 

 

Kokkino Nero
The village’s name comes from its famous red mineral spring. The carbonated, iron-rich water owes its color to natural mineral salts and is believed to have therapeutic qualities.

Pinios Delta
A landscape of exceptional beauty. Visitors can explore by small boats or canoes along the river, surrounded by wetlands, wild olive groves, cultivated olive orchards, pastures, coastal dunes, and riverine forests — all forming an intricate ecosystem of the Pinios Delta.

Ampelakia: The Balcony of Kissavos
Ampelakia is a traditional settlement in the prefecture of Larissa, located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ossa at the entrance of the Vale of Tempi. The village is famed for its grand mansions, a testament to its prosperous past, built on the wealth generated from dyeing silk threads red using the madder root (Rubia tinctorum).

 

The journey continued through the Vale of Tempi — a place of breathtaking natural charm — before arriving at the historic Chani tis Kokkonas inn, where significant archaeological discoveries have been made, revealing remains of a Hellenistic complex with both ritual and workshop areas, as well as a Byzantine church and guesthouse.

A stop followed at the renowned Dougos Winery and a tour through the historic wine village of Rapsani.

Rapsani

Magical journeys often begin with a book and a glass of red wine — and when combined with cobbled alleys, panoramic views of the Tempi Valley and the coast, they lead straight to Rapsani, the ideal destination.

Built 500 meters above sea level on the fertile slopes of Mount Olympus, Rapsani is a true gem of a village. Written references to it appear as early as the 15th century. Even today, Rapsani thrives and continues to make history — the summer retreat of novelist M. Karagatsis (the pen name of Dimitrios Rodopoulos), who often drew inspiration from its charm.