Experience in Volos, Greece by Christina

What is it like to live in Volos? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Human_scale city, pleasant harbor on Pagassitikos golf, flat enough to allow anybody walk and/or use a bike.

Safe place, day and night.

Nice sandy beaches accessible even on foot. Pilion mountain, with its wonderful forests, waterstreams and its ~70 traditional villages, accessible by bus (30-90 minutes ride).

What is the student lifestyle like in Volos?

Most students prefer to share everyday's life with colleagues.

People all round always help if needed, they aren't however very motivated to make new friendships with the students.

How much does it cost to live in Volos?

House rental from 140 euro (20-30 m2 without furniture) up to 450 euro (30-45 m2 with furniture). Good food 12-18 euro/day. Bus tickets (in the city) 0,6 euro/ride or 40 euro/month (student card).

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Volos? Is there any advice you can give?

There are many appartments. Few of the them provide however a really good equipment, sufficient for somebody that would like to carry in only personal belongings. Ask if bed+bath linen are provided (blankets, sheets, towels etc). Ask also how they can be washed, dried and ironed, if you don't like to have half of the room space constantly occupied.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Volos is well known for the food shops called "tsipouradika". They serve the local white snap called "tsipouro" with appetizers (at most fish and see_fruits). Pay attention, if you are not used to alcohol.

Ready_to_eat cooked dishes of the traditional greek gastronomy, delivered in the shop or at home, are available in several points in the city (mean cost 4-7 euro/good portion). If you like cooking, the prices in the supermarkets are really reasonable, especially for fruits, salads and all local white cheeses (feta, anthotiro, manouri)

What places would you recommend visiting in Volos?

In the city: "Tsalapatas" brick+tile old factory, the archaeological museum, the swimming beaches at the two city ends.

In the suburbs: The neolithic settlement of Dimini and the old train climbing from Agria to Milies. These two are really "must do".

In ~30 minutes distance: The traditional villages of Stagiates, Portaria, Makrinitsa (direction mountain's high), as well as the coast's villages from Kato Gatzea to Afissos.

If you have more time: All Pilion area from Keramidi at North to Trikeri at South.

Is it good to eat out in Volos? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

The are many good spots, for all appetite and cost preferences. Discovery is always a real pleasure.

Is the nightlife good in Volos? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is not the strong point of Volos. Few places, poor quality, disproportionate prices. Only few really good events every year.

What advice would you give future students heading to Volos?

The wonders of Volos are not actually IN but CLOSE TO the city. Give yourself the time to visit Mount Pilion all over. It is of an incredible variety and beauty. You will probably come again and again later in your life.