This is the most important in the region, dating from 1909. It features collections from prehistory to Roman years, such as ceramics, statues, bone tools and weapons. A collection of Neolithic figurines, clay models and vases, as well as gold jewellery are on display. Coins from Thessaly and other parts of the ancient Greek world are on display. A Mycenaean model of a chariot from the 13th Century BC, a gold necklace from ancient Pelinneon (3rd century BC) and representation of a tomb from the Protogeometric period (1050-900 BC) are also on display.
Τhe region around Volos has many different museums and information centers to visit, and Lake Karla itself has three or four that are noteworthy: the Centre for Wild Orchids in the village of Kerasia, the Elias Lefousis Museum which is on the same property as the Orchid center, the Museum of Lake Karla’s Civilization in Kanalia, and the Information Centre for the Lesser Kestrel also in Kanalia. It is best to call ahead to make sure that these small museums are open when you visit, as most are ‘by appointment’.
Located 30km southeast of Volos, the winery is an enjoyable stop as you approach Lake Karla, coming from Athens. The Apostolakis family vineyard follows old winemaking practices, inspired by Thessaly’s traditions. The Apostolaki tsipouro, a potent clear spirit made from distilled grapes, stands out for its excellent taste and quality.
The wine festival in Nea Anchialos, which began in 1960, has become one of the region’s most celebrated traditions. Crowds of locals and visitors gather to enjoy themselves and sample the local wines, honouring the ancient tradition of regional winemaking.
The heart of winemaking in Magnesia is to be found in ther area of Nea Anchialos, where the largest part of the vineyard is located. Fans of organic wine can rejoice as the wines produced here are made following traditional methods and strictly forbidding the use of pesticides and fertilizers. A little towards the west in Microthebes, you’ll find the Timblalexi estate, which cultivates Roditis-Savvatiano grapes.
The forest is the area’s most admirable emblem because of its beauty and rich varieties of flora and fauna. It has been promoted to a national forest by the European Union as it is one the best organized forests in the country, offering a broad range of alternative activities such as hiking, rafting and rappel. On the side that’s near the sea, there are thickly forested slopes, gorges and cliffs. Check out our birdwatching section in Lake Karla to learn about all the bird species flourishing here.
Kouri Forest, located around 1000 meters northwest of the town of Almiros in an area around 1150 acres in size (once as large as 20,000 acres). The lowland oak forest has a rare ecosystem by nationwide standards. The forest is covered mainly by fluff oak (Quercus pubescens) that’s around 160 years old, while Quercus ithaburensis var. macrolepis and Quercus pendunculiflora are also found there. Within the forest are two ponds, an outdoor chess board sized at 9 sq.m., a restaurant, cafeteria, and playground.
South of the city of Farsala lies the scenic Farsala Forest, one of Greece’s 19 officially designated aesthetic forests. It occupies the northern slopes of Prophet Elias hill, covering 345 hectares. It mainly consists of pine and cypress trees as well as islets of natural vegetation. It is characterized as a suburban grove and it is an important recreational area for residents.
Starting from the lush beauty of Mavrovouni, with its picturesque natural lakes and thick vegetation and reaching all the way to the Aegean sea, the area provides wonderful organized opportunities for hiking, mountaineering and climbing. This was also the countryside royal residence, the royal estate of Polydendri.
Mavrovouni is located between the plain of Thessaly and the Aegean Sea. Its northern shores are thickly forested while its southwestern slopes are covered in scrub. Two rare species of eagles survive here, the golden eagle and the snake eagle. 364,540 acres of the area are in the care of the Mavrovouni Special Protection Zone.