Larissa, Greece

Larissa, surrounded by lush valleys and some of the most imposing mountains in Greece, is in close proximity of many interesting destinations in the region (Mount Olympus, Mount Kissavos, Meteora, Lake Plastira, Pilio, among others) suitable for daily trips.

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Larissa is mentioned in Book II of Iliad by Homer and it was used by Socrates as an example for teaching philosophy statements.

It is the capital and largest city of the Thessaly region, the fourth-most populous in Greece and capital of the Larissa regional unit.

Legend has it that Achilles was born here. Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine", died here. The name Larissa is in origin a Pelasgian word for "fortress". However, according to Greek mythology, is Larissa, the nymph of the local spring, for whom the town was named.

Traces of Paleolithic human settlement have been recovered from the area. The area around Larissa was extremely fruitful, it was agriculturally important and in antiquity was known for its horses.

Larissa was a polis (city-state) during the Classical Era. In 196 BC Larissa became an ally of Rome and was the headquarters of the Thessalian League. It is frequently mentioned in connection with the Roman civil wars which preceded the establishment of the Roman Empire.

Today Larissa, the fourth largest Greek city, is an important commercial, agricultural and industrial center of Greece and a national transport hub, linked by road and rail with the port of Volos, the cities of Thessaloniki and Athens. It hosts the Hellenic Air Force Headquarters and NATO Headquarters in Greece. It has the third largest in the country Institute of Technology.

It occupies the first place among Greek cities into green coverage rate per square-meter urban space and the first place with the highest percentage of bars-taverns-restaurants per capita in Greece.

The First Ancient Theater of Larissa, built in the early 3rd century BC, was in use for six centuries. It is in present-day the hallmark of the city and the most important tourist monument in the area, is under a program of excavation and the incessantly maintenance work, taking place by local authorities.

Larissa is a city where ancient history and long tradition in agriculture (since the soil of the area is also exceptionally fertile) meet the modern way of living.

This vibrant city offers not only Archaeological sites of great importance but also idyllic spots to take leisurely walks and to enjoy the delicious traditional Thessalian cuisine.

Larissa’s busy commercial centre is developed in an extensive network of pedestrianized streets.

Discover the city’s bursting night-life in its numerous bars, night clubs, and interesting music scenes.

The region has unique natural beauty, with wooded mountains, large fertile plains crossed by Pinios River, and various beaches.

There are many beautiful and interesting settlements all over the region which are also worth seeing. The hamlet Agia, built on the slopes of Mt. Ossa, the historical village of Ambelakia and the region of Tempi, one of the most picturesque places of the country, are some of them.

How to visit Larissa

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Larissa during multiday private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Larissa.

We have developed several tours that visiting this beautiful place. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

Last updated on: 27 August 2019

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From 28 April 2019 we added a new tour that cover in 15 days south part of Greece mainland, so called Peloponnese. We will visit all main attraction of Peloponnese peninsula and see castles, ancient places, beaches. Some of the towns we going to visit: Corinth, Epidaurus, Kalamata, Methoni, Monemvasia, Mycenae, Mystras, Nafplio, Sparta. A few of places are UNESCO. Ask us now to set a schedule, especially at September and October, where is not so hot there! Here is the page of this tour with more details: Greek Peloponnese round tour in 15 days. Visit all main attraction of Peloponnese peninsula and see castles, ancient places, beaches. This is Peloponnese where located Sparta, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Monemvasia.

From 1 Feb 2019 we load on our site the description of new place: Monemvasia, Greece. We have visited this beautiful place few times and we definitely like to be there, and we are welcome you to have a trip there with us!

Monemvasia is a town and a municipality in Laconia, Greece. The town is located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese. The island is linked to the mainland by a short causeway 200m in length. Its area consists mostly of a large plateau some 100 meters above sea level, up to 300 m wide and 1 km long, the site of a powerful medieval fortress. The town walls and many Byzantine churches remain from the medieval period.