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City in Thessaly, Greece
Photo: Pilotos, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Larissa (Greek: Λάρισα), has a population of 162,591 people (2011). It is the 4th largest city in Greece, and is in Thessaly, between Athens (355 km) and Thessaloniki (150 km). A lively agricultural and university town, it is visited by few tourists. Nevertheless, its sights and energetic cafe and bar scene make it worth a stop.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Built by the Macedonian King Philip V in 3rd century BC. It sits at the foot of the ancient Acropolis. The Acropolis during classical times held the temple of Polias Athena and during medieval times the Kastro (Castle). The theater is on the north end of the central district. It is not open to the public but can be well seen from along Elftheriou Venizelou Street.
Dating from the Roman period. Two rows of seats remain along with a portion of the stage. The site is not open but can be viewed from the streets nearby. It is near the center of town at the intersection of Ergatiki Protomagia and Tagmatarhou Velissariou streets.
Διαχρονικό Μουσείο Λάρισας
One of the 10 biggest museums in Greece, it exhibits archaelogical finds from the paleolithic period until the liberation of Larissa in 1881 by the Greek army. It is the only diachronic museum in Greece, which opened on 28 November 2015.
Contains a collection of modern Greek art (19th and 20th century, the website is in Greek language) the third largest art gallery in Greece.
Λαογραφικό Ιστορικό Μουσείο Λάρισας
Modern Orthodox Cathedral
Former Ottoman market building.
Ruins of the Larissa's Byzantine Cathedral.
Ottoman Mosque
Multiplex
Multiplex.
Just across the river from the town center and along the Pinios River. A nice place to cool down and relax with a large fountain and a statue of Hippocrates who is supposed to have been buried in Larissa.
They were relegated in 2026 and now play soccer in Super League 2, the second tier. Their stadium (capacity 17,000) is 1 km southwest of city centre.
A half-marathon from Tyrnavos to Larisa, it usually takes place in the first week of December.
5-km run in the streets of the city, usually in the last weeks of May.
Runners are required to cover about 10 km on unpaved roads that run through the fields in the west edge of the city. In June the weather conditions are extremely hot in Larisa but most people will forget the heat and enjoy the wide view of the Thessaly's lowland and the surrounding mountains.
Κιματοθραύστης
Νικόδημος
Nice old tavern with a nice backyard.
Open all day and known for its lamb and moussaka.
Often live music venue, mostly rock.
In centre of city.
In centre of city.
Near the train station.
In centre of city.
In centre of city.
In centre of city.
In centre of city.
In centre of city.
In centre of city.
On south side of city.
Traditional settlement in a small village. Offers a great view of the valley and plains of Thessaly.
A big mall with a lot of shops. Among others: Mediamarkt, Fokas. Also many cafeterias and places to eat, e.g. Goody's. Cinema too.
A mall with shops.
By international bus
There are buses connecting Larissa with some eastern European cities. FPtravel (Serbia, Hungary).
By regional bus
Interurban coaches (("KTEL" buses) in Greek) are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling.5). KTEL buses have free Wi-Fi and coffee.
By train
TrainOSE connect Larissa to other cities in Greece including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Volos.
By bicycle
Larissa is a flat city thus bicycle in a nice way to explore it. The city centre has many pedestrian streets. There are also some streets with bicycle lanes: Papanastasiou st., part of Kyprou st.
By car
Parking in the central district can be a challenge, especially on-street parking. There are parking lots scattered throughout town.
By bus
2), detailed info in the regional bus terminal (called "Astiko KTEL") or at its official website. Bus tickets can be bought from their mobile app (check official website for app store links).
By taxi
Taxis in Larissa, as everywhere in Greece are comparably cheap. You should not pay more than €4 if you hail a cab (silver colour) on the road to take you anywhere in the city.
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Nea Anchialos · Regional · VOL
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