Volos: The Hidden Gem of Greece

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti kanete?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menu, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste giatro]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ochto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (gia ....)]

Volos is believed to be built near the site of ancient Iolcos, a city mentioned in Greek mythology as the home of Jason and the Argonauts. Archaeological findings, including the Neolithic settlements of Sesklo and Dimini, offer insight into the area's early history, dating back to 6000 BC.

During the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BC), Iolcos thrived as a significant center due to its strategic location. The remnants of Mycenaean palaces and tombs discovered in the area emphasize the city's importance in ancient trade and culture.

Volos and its surroundings played a crucial role during the Hellenistic and Roman times. The city of Demetrias, established by Demetrius Poliorcetes in 294 BC, became a major hub. Under Roman rule, it continued to flourish as a vital port and commercial center.

Throughout the Byzantine era, Volos experienced various invasions but maintained its significance. With the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century, the city became an important administrative and military center, blending Byzantine and Ottoman cultural influences.

Volos played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century. The city was liberated from Ottoman control in 1881, becoming part of the modern Greek state. This era marked a period of rapid economic growth and urban development.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Volos emerged as a major industrial hub. The establishment of factories, railways, and the port facilitated trade and migration, transforming the city's social and economic landscape.

Today, Volos is a vibrant city combining its rich historical past with modern advancements. The Archaeological Museum of Volos, traditional Tsipouradika (ouzo bars), and the University of Thessaly contribute to the city's unique cultural and educational landscape.

Volos is located in Thessaly, Greece, and is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL), approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rental car, or a bus to reach Volos. Alternatively, Athens International Airport (ATH) is about 330 kilometers away, and you can take a bus, train, or car from Athens to Volos. The city is also connected by rail, with regular train services from Athens and Thessaloniki. Additionally, Volos has a port, making it accessible by ferry from nearby islands and other coastal cities in Greece.

Volos is a compact city with a well-developed public transportation system. Buses are the primary mode of public transport and cover most parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or on the bus. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For a more flexible option, car rentals are available from various agencies. Bicycles can be rented for short distances, especially along the scenic waterfront. Additionally, walking is a pleasant way to explore the city center and its attractions.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Volos. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in more remote areas. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange services are available at banks and dedicated exchange offices. Tipping is customary in Greece, usually around 5-10% of the bill in restaurants.

Volos is generally a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as the train station and the port can be busier and may attract pickpockets, so stay vigilant. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. The local police station and medical facilities are well-equipped to handle emergencies. Volos General Hospital is the primary medical facility in the city. Pharmacies, known as 'farmakeio,' are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees, and speak in hushed tones. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Kalimera' (good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite. Always use both hands when passing items to someone, as a sign of respect.

To experience Volos like a local, visit the local markets such as the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Greek goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss trying the local tsipouro, a traditional Greek spirit, at one of the many tsipouradika (tsipouro bars) along the waterfront. For a unique experience, take a day trip to the nearby villages of Pelion, known for their picturesque scenery and traditional architecture.