Live music can easily be combined with your holidays in Magnesia.

Volos has excellent spaces that host eminent Greek and foreign musicians and singers, such as:

The Volos Municipal Theatre, with a capacity of 1000 spectators that has one of the greatest scenes in the entire Balkans.
The open-air Volos Municipal Theatre "Melina Mercouri"
The open-air Nea Ionia Municipali Theatre

Musical performances and concerts also take place in Magnesia's cultural centers and odeons, as well as in many outdoor spaces during the summer months. In every festival music has a leading role.

In June, the European Music Festival is organized in Volos, a weekend full of music events in the city's pedestrian areas and squares. What's more, in Agios Lavrentios, in Pelion, you will find the Music Village, which is a community that exchanges music ideas through seminars, concerts and other musical events. Acclaimed artists are here to transmit their knowledge and experience to those who crave to learn a bit more about music in an idyllic landscape. More information can be found at www.music-village.gr .

You do understand that your vacations in Magnesia will be the most melodic ever...

More information concerning music events in Volos can be found in the municipality of Volos in the number 24 213 50100.

One of the most beautiful sights in Magnesia is the train of Pelion, widely known as Moutzouris.

The train of Pelion started its journey in the early 20th century and covering a 13 km distance, it united the city of Volos with Lechonia. A few years later, the line expanded to Milies village, with a total length of 29 km. The train’s wagons were pulled by steam engines and that's why it took the nickname "Moutzouris".

During the first few decades of its operation, the train helped in the region's development, but it was gradually substituted by car and in 1971 it ceased working. On residents' initiatives, the legendary "Moutzouris" started traveling again in 1996. Since then it travels from Ano Lechonia to Milies for purely tourist purposes, with stops in the villages Gatzea, Pinakates and Argyreika.

The route taken by train is simply breathtaking. The journey lasts for about an hour and a half, during which Moutzouris passes through 11 main bridges and several smaller ones, before it reaches Milies village. The most impressive of all is the five-arched bridge "Chalorema», with a height of nearly 23 meters. Moreover, be sure to check the metal bridge "De Chirico", which is named so to honor the designer of the railway line, Evaristo de Chirico, father of the famous painter Giorgio de Chirico. Indeed, Giorgio de Chirico has included the train of Pelion in some of his works.

Traveling with the train of Pelion is a must that you need to cross off your list when you find yourself in Magnesia for vacations. Simply wonderful!

Zerelia lakes are only 4 km from Almyro.

These twin lakes are actually craters created by a meteorite fall almost 8 000 years ago. Zarelia lakes were originally thought to be of volcanic origin, but recent geological research reveals their true identity. In particular, fused zirconium was identified, which in order to melt requires much higher temperatures than volcanic.

Zerelia lakes are the only ones in Greece that have been created by a meteorite. Both have a round shape. The larger has a diameter of 250 meters and a depth of nearly 8 meters, while the smaller has a diameter of 150 meters and a depth of no more than 6 meters.

In the lakes' region, prehistoric and modern settlements have been identified after excavations.

Undoubtedly, Zerelia lakes are a unique phenomenon in Greece that you have to see first hand.

Next to the city of Volos is the ancient city of Demetrias.

Dimitriada was founded in 294 BC by the Macedonian Demetrios the Conqueror, to which it owes its name. Demetrius united the small settlements of the area and created a powerful political and economic center. Dimitriada developed into a major trading port until 168 BC, when the entire Macedonian kingdom was conquered by the Romans and led gradually to decline. During the 3d and 4th century AD, it experienced a small glimpse of glory but after the 6th century, it is finally abandoned and Volos rises as the dominant in the region.

Today the archaeological site of Demetrias occupies hundreds of acres where significant findings have been revealed. When the visit you can admire among others:

• The Macedonian palace of Demetrias
• The ancient theater
• The ruins of the Roman aqueduct

At the archaeological site of Demetrias, the famous colored funerary written columns were discovered that are now exposed in the Archaeological Museum of Volos. It is worth visiting, if you want to see for yourself a bit of history of the region.

Approximately 15 km from Volos lies the archaeological site at Sesklo.

Right next to the namesake village on Kastraki hill you will find the oldest prehistoric settlement that has been discovered in Greece and one of the oldest in Europe. It appears that the settlement was first inhabited in the 7 millennium BC. However, only few findings survive today; mainly tools and some clay figurines. During the next millenia, the settlement grew rapidly in size and culture. It consists of approximately 800 houses that are built upon stone foundations and their walls are made of brick. Excavations have revealed impressive findings from this period. Be sure to notice the ceramic vases with painted decoration and the tools made of obsidian, which probably came from Milos and indicate commercial relations between the settlements.

Although less impressive than other famous archaeological sites, Sesklo is worth visiting because of its high significance.

The archaeological site at Dimini is 4 km from Volos.

It is a leading archaeological site across Thessaly. One of the most organized settlements of the Early Neolithic period (5 000 BC) was found here and it consisted of 30 to 40 houses, hosting approximately 300 residents. An impressive feature of the settlement for the time it existed is that it had stone enclosures that demarcated the space.

During excavations for the further study of the area, an earlier Mycenaean settlement came to light and it is suspected to be the ancient Iolkos. Thus, the archaeological site at Dimini acquired even greater importance and attracted many visitors.

Taking a walk in the area you can see:

• The Neolithic settlement mentioned above
• Ruins of a Mycenaean palace
• The Mycenaean tomb "Lamiospito"
• The Mycenaean tomb "Tuba"

A visit to the archaeological site at Dimini is definitely worth it, especially if you combine it with a visit to the Volos Archaeological Museum which houses some of its findings.

Pelion Ski Centre is located in "Agriolefkes", at an elevation of 1471 m. Although, it is rather low for a ski centre, this is exactly what makes it even more special. Visitors have the chance to ski and snowboard on 5 excellent tracks.

The fact that it is only 27 km away from Volos and the short distance between Chania and the rest villages of Pelion, make the Pelion ski resort a highly attractive destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

In Pelion Ski Center you will also find a chalet, where you can enjoy coffee, hot drinks and snacks. If you lack ski equipment, worry not! Renting is also an option, while specialized trainers are here to teach you the tricks of winter sports, depending on your level.

More information about Pelion ski center can be found at www.pelionski.gr and telephone 24820 74048.

Thanks to Pelion, Magnesia is an ideal destination for those who love winter sports. As soon as snow falls, everyone takes the road leading to Pelion Ski Centre, one of the most beautiful in Greece, to enjoy ski and snowboard.

The breathtaking beauty of the area is ideal for a multitude of other activities. Amazing trails amidst nature invite you to hike the mountain of Centaurs. The high peaks and cliffs are ideal choices for those who love hiking and climbing. The daring ones see the beauty of the Pelion villages on a mountain bike, while for the ordinary cyclists, the city of Volos with its wonderful bike trails is a great choice.

If you wish, you can also go horse-riding. Horses and specialized trainers await for you in several places in Magnesia, to enjoy a lovely walk and discover the natural beauty of the area.

Apart from the beautiful Pelion, Magnesia has lovely sea and beautiful beaches. Here you can engage in all your favorite water-sports, windsurfing, water-ski, kite, or even scuba diving.
Whatever you like you can enjoy it in a beautiful landscape, in Magnesia.

Amaliapolis beach (also known as Mitzela) is in the seaside village of Amaliapolis.

The village and the beach were called Mitzela, until the wife of King Otto, Queen Amalia, passed by. Impressed by the natural beauty of the landscape, she ordered the preparation of a street-plan for the settlement that respected the region's natural landscape. Since then, it bears the name Amaliapoli (=city of Amalia) to honor her.

Besides the great swim, in Mitzela you will find excellent restaurants with fresh fish and amazing Greek mezedes. A good idea for a quite swim is also Kikinthos, the opposite island, with its nice beach.

Damouhari beach is located near Tsagarada, in the region of Magnesia.

It is paved with pebbles and has extremely clear waters. Damouhari beach is organized with sun beds and umbrellas and is divided into two bays, each with its own beauty. The ruins of a Venetian castle stand between the two bays and you can explore them in between dips.

Righ next to Damouhari beach, you will find the namesake village where quaint taverns await for you to taste wonderful Greek mezedes and appetizers.