If you love the arts, you will surely find something interesting while vacationing in Magnesia.
Start your art wandering from Volos and the Art Center "Giorgio de Chirico", which owes its name to the great Italian painter born in Volos. In the building's halls, the Alexander Damtsa collection is exhibited, including over 500 works by Greek artists, mainly from the 19th and early 20th century. The "Giorgio de Chirico" Art Center also hosts various temporary exhibitions.
Afterwards, head to Chryssoula Zogia gallery. The famous Greek painter was born in Volos in the early 20th century. After passing away in 1992, her house and her works were given to the Municipality of Volos. Today the magnificent two-story red house that once was the residence of the Voliotissas painter is open to the public.
Leaving behind the city of Volos does not mean you are leaving behind the arts.
Your next stop should be the museum Theophilus in Anakasia. Here is a 19th century mansion where the famous painter Theophilos (Hadjimichael) left his artistic touch, by decorating the lobby's walls. The frescoes you can see today are an excellent artwork and it’s definitely worth a look.
Reutning to Magnesia, you will find the municipal gallery in Almyros village, hosting 65 works of the painter Thanassis Akrivopoulos.
Yet, the big "surprise" in the art-world comes from Pelion. In each of the traditional villages, special spaces hosting art exhibitions have been created and wait for you to discover them.
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.
![Pelion Train - "Moutzouris" in Magnesia](/media/k2/items/cache/5d70c749d4b013a00f488741d52bdcfd_M.jpg "Pelion Train - "Moutzouris" in Magnesia")
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.
