The region of Larissa is a major transport and service hub for Thessaly with the main railway route connecting Athens and Thessaloniki passing through the city of Larissa. The region is famous for the fertile plains used for agriculture. The city of Larisa occupies the east bank of the River Pinios and is a modern bustling city with university students hanging around the noisy pedestrian streets and the main squares. The coastline of Larissa is the perfect antidote for the high temperature in the summertime with many hotels.

With a coastal line of 50 km length, it is easy to understand that the prefecture of Larissa has some beautiful villages and beaches, that become pole of attraction for tourists, especially during summer months. Indeed, there are more than 20 beaches, some of which are well organized and with tourist infrastructure, while others are... completely natural. 

The region has also amazing paths, ideal for tours, hiking and numerous outdoor activities. The areas of Kissavos, Olympus and Mavrovounio are a known meeting point for climbers, who begin there their travel up to the mountains. The region Vrissopoules has become famous enough because it's the shortest way to reach the highest point of mount Olympus, a fact that every climber loves and desires. 

The inner villages of the prefecture have a rich cultural tradition and the last few years they have started to attract more and more visitors, not only from the close prefectures, but also from other Greek cities and abroad. 

With easy access and many attractions, but also with an incredible natural environment, Larissa is ready to welcome you...
 

Larisa has been inhabited for over 8000 years, and its fascinating past is only gradually being revealed. During the years of the Persian wars the inhabitants fought alongside the foreign invaders against the Greeks. The region was conquered by the Macedonians under Philip II and then the Romans. Later the region became part of the Byzantine Empire and in suffered from raids throughout its history. Larissa remained under the power of Turks until 1881, when liberated by the Greek army. In 1941 both the region and the city of Larissa suffered great damage from the bombing of Italian airplanes.

Larisa is a region situated in the east part of Thessaly. The neighbouring regions are Pieria, Kozani and Grevena to the north, Trikala and Karditsa to the west, Fthiotida and Magnesia to the south, facing the Aegean Sea to the east. The region spans an area of 5.381 sq. km. and a total population of 284.420 inhabitants. The capital city of the region is Larissa. The region of Larissa has two of the tallest mountains in Greece, Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa while the river Pineios flows between them but most of the land of the region is the fertile plain of Thessaly.

The Valey of Tembi, a historical and scenic valley where the River Pinios flows between two of the highest mountains in Greece, Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa, was sacred to the gods in ancient times. Throughout history the valley has been a pathway into Greece for merchants and invaders, from Persian King Xerxes in 480 BC to the Germans in the Second World War. Nowadays, is one of the most scenic parts of Greece and also popular with walkers and cyclists. Along with the mountainous part of Larissa, there is the coastline of the region facing the Aegean Sea which is a famous summer resort visited by both the locals and foreigners.

The prefecture of Larissa has a long coastal line, with attractive settlements and villages. Especially during summer months, many are the tourists who choose these areas for their vacation. Rakopotamos, Agiokambos, Kato Sotiritsa, Velika, Koutsoupia, Kokkino Nero, Stomio, Mesagala - Kastri Loutro are some of the most known coastal villages, all of which have beautiful beach to swim.

The mountains of the prefecture (Olympus, Kissavos) and the close areas are ideal for climbing, hiking and various outdoor activities. 

For the ski lovers, there is a ski center operating at Vryssopoules, at the mount Olympus. Penios, the famous river that flows in Larissa is offered for rafting and canoe cayak. 

Some of the famous Greek traditional products are produced in the prefecture of Larissa, so if it happens to be there, taste and buy: "halva" from Farsala (local candy), ouzo from Tyrnavos, apples and pears from Agiokambos, wine and kiwis from down Olympus and frumenty and embroideries from Ambelakia.  

By car, the city of Larissa is 360 km from Athens and 186 km from Thessaloniki. You can reach it by train from both cities. 
OSE Athens: +30 210 5240601-8
OSE Thessaloniki: +30 2310 598120

For travels in the prefecture of Larissa, there are bus itineraries on daily basis. The city of Larissa is connected via bus with many Greek cities, such as Trikala, Kozani, Ioannina. 
There's also a railway connecting Larissa with Thessaloniki, Volos and Athens. 

Police of Larisa: +30 2410 683100
Hospital of Larisa: +30 2410 230031-3
Bus services in Larisa: +30 2410 537777
Railway in Larisa: +30 2410 236250