5 SENSES _ Discovering Thessaly. A colourful spring journey in the digital age

From ancient monuments, the vast plain, picturesque mountain villages to underwater museums and digital educational experiences, Thessaly is a destination that combines the past with the future. As the colourful palettes of flowers spread like brushstrokes on the canvas of the Thessalian land and the light of the spring sun embraces every corner of the lush park of Alcazar in Larissa, in the shadow of the hill of Agios Achilleios is the ideal place to start your morning stroll around the city before descending beyond the railway station to the Folklore Historical Museum to admire the local tradition through ceramics, textiles and over 25.000 objects made from the 15th to the mid-20th century. Virtual tours and computer games for children add a modern twist to the visit. With a bicycle as your companion, tour the most “smart” city in Greece, Trikala, for a picnic by the Lithaios River, a walk up to the Castle and the alleys of the old town. You won’t even notice that the city lights that just came on are being operated remotely, and you might see a bus driving past, automated using 5G, testing for tomorrow. Be transported to the past while looking to the future in Kalambaka. Through 3D projections at the Centre for Digital Projection of the History and Culture of Meteora, travel millions of years ago, to witness the creation of the landscape of Meteora, and tour the monasteries and the sacred rocks with breathtaking views. “Dive” the wreck of Peristera in Alonissos thanks to the NOUS underwater camera system and virtual diving. Explore the wreck and its secrets from the comfort of land, experiencing a unique underwater experience without even getting wet.

Cycling in Trikala © Municipality of Trikala

 

The imposing rocks of Meteora emit a sense of devotion and blessing

 

Ancient Amphitheatre of Larissa. Eternal heritage preserved through the centuries

 

The melodies of spring spread in the Thessalian air with the twittering of birds, and the chirping of water as it flows, free from the “shackles” of ice, in the streams and rivers, to the rhythm of the new life that surrounds it. The sounds of the flute and the clarinet will magically transport you to the slopes of Kissavos and the picturesque villages of Karditsa and Trikala. Artistic music, rebetiko and more modern songs create a euphoric mood as you wander around the Thessalian cities.

 

 

 

The wind blows gently, carrying the scents of nature awakening to the spring touch, inviting every soul to let go in the embrace of rebirth. Oregano and thyme, the intoxicating scent of flowers in the whitewashed courtyards of the houses and the paved squares of the villages and the sea freshness that is uniquely intertwined with the refreshing note of the lemon blossoms and the blossoming orange and almond trees that stand like white visions.

 

Among the lemon trees of Thessaly, nature gives us a sense of renewal

 

The colours and smells of the wildflowers highlight the beauty of the plain

 

Oregano blooms and lets its fragrances spill out into the countryside. Used in many recipes of the Greek cuisine

 

Experience tradition through a taste journey that switches from Lenten delicacies to unique Easter dishes. Fluffy freshly baked pies with wild greens, aromatic herbs and crispy handmade pastry will accompany the days of fasting. On the day of Lazarus, taste the famous Lazarakia, cookies with honey, figs, grapes and herbs. On the day of Lambria, roast lamb or goat on the spit, kokkoretsi and red eggs complete the tradition. The tsipouradika of Volos are waiting for you to taste the unique delicacies by the sea.

 

Women bake cookies for the soul of Lazarus from Saturday morning, which they call “Lazarakia”.

 

Traditional handmade pie made with pure materials of the Thessalian land

 

Delicious traditional chewy brioche with the red egg in the middle. Its weave is said to represent the Holy Trinity in Christianity

 

In the tsipouradika of Volo you can enjoy a good meze with tsipouro while admiring the harbour

 

Combine the 5G experience in Larissa, Volos, Karditsa and Trikala to connect to advanced navigation and exploration apps across Thessaly. Discover the mythical beauty of Pelion, following the footsteps of the Centaurs on the homonymous path. Discover the gorge of Kalypso with its waterfalls and its magnificent landscape and walk along the Pinios River, enjoying the rich natural beauty of the area. Take a tour of Lake Plastira, immerse yourself in the dreamy green villages of Elati and Pertouli, where the stone monotoxic bridges and the lush green nature form a beautiful palette of colours, inviting you to an unforgettable experience of exploration.

 

The artificial lake Plastira is located in the prefecture of Karditsa

 

Ο Pinios river at sunset. Its sources are located in Pindos

 

Rafting on the river Lithaio .The river is the jewel of the city of Trikala © Municipality of Trikala