Nea Anchialos - town in Magnesia, Thessaly, Greece

Nea Anchialos (Greek: Νέα Αγχίαλος) (Population: 7,411) is a small seashore town 18 km southeast of Volos, in Thessaly, almost in the middle of the distance between Athens (305 km) and Thessaloniki (230 km).

Thanks to its picturesque, charming nature, clean seaside, the coexistence of peacefulness and the cosmopolitan life and mainly the clean environment and the hospitality of the local people, have made the town one of the biggest tourist resorts of the area. Nea Anchialos has dense vegetation, full of pine trees, vineyards, olive trees, almonds trees.

Nea Anchialos is a seashore city 18 km southeast of Volos, almost in the middle of the distance between Athens (305 km) and Thessaloniki (230 km). Two little hills, Kokkinovrahos and Mavrorahi, rise west-northwest, which attribute to the town its exquisite view of the clear waters of Pagassitikos bay and reveal the excellent laying out.

The beautiful coasts of Nea Anchialos extend to 20 km. There is a variety of beaches with the unique reddish sand (appropriate for sand-baths for people suffering from rheumatism). There is also golden sand as well as cliffs and pebbles. Small bays and ports, which are formed in certain areas, offer indisputably clear water, ideal for swimming, fishing and sea sports.

Understand

History

The modern town is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Pyrasos (Πύρασος), and is associated with the nearby city of Thessalian or Phthiotic Thebes (Θῆβαι Φθιώτιδες/Θεσσαλικαἰ), near the modern village of Mikrothivai.

Homer provides us with information about Pyrasos in his list of ships (Iliad B.695). According to Strabo (IX.435), who discusses its topography, as "well-harboured Pyrasos".

Until the construction of Demetrias by the Macedonians, it was the main harbour on the Pagasetic Gulf. It was besieged and captured by Philip V of Macedon in 217 BC, and the city became a Macedonian colony.

Following Philip's defeat by the Roman Republic, in 189 BC the city was moved from the inland site of the old Phthiotic Thebes back to Pyrasos (Nea Anchialos) and became capital of the restored Phthiotic Achaean League. In Late Antiquity, it became part of the province of Thessalia, of which it was the third-most important city and main harbour. The city's prosperity from the 4th through the 6th centuries is attested by the number of its Early Christian monuments, but was brought to an end in a great fire in the late 7th century that destroyed the city. The city was rebuilt and apparently continued to be of some note—its bishop is last mentioned in the 8th/9th century—but never recovered and was eventually eclipsed by the nearby port city of Almyros.

Nea Anchialos (meaning "New Anchialos") was founded in 1906 by Greeks who fled the Black Sea town of Anchialos (modern Pomorie in Bulgaria) after massive anti-Greek riots, provoked by the Greek-Bulgarian struggle in Macedonia.

Climate

Nea Anchialos, unlike other towns in Thessalian plain, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with can-be-hot-but-bearable summers (though a little bit humid) and mild winters. Spring and autumn are the best to visit the city, winter is the time to be on the Pelion mountain villages, and summer is definitely dedicated to the numerous beaches of Nea Anchialos and its suberbs.

Get in

The location of Magnesia, in central Greece and a short distance from Athens and Thessaloniki makes it easy and convenient access for visitors with all means of transportation.

The airports in New Anchialos Skiathos and Magnesia in the world and the port of Volos between Europe and the Balkans to Asia and North Africa.

By car

The geographical location of Nea Anchialos is in central Greece with a short distance from Athens and Thessaloniki makes it easy and convenient access for visitors. The Web Our guide will give you the necessary instructions for the best route.

From the E75 highway from Athens or Thessaloniki, turn right at the exit "MIKROTHIVES. Pass Mikrothives and in 5 km you will reach the Nea Anchialos.

Greece has a very bad road safety record in Europe. Driving is often fast and aggressive and the cities are congested, particularly Athens.

Driving licences issued by EU member states are recognised in Greece. Licences from the US, Canada, Australia and Japan can be converted to Greek ones without a driving test, provided the applicant is in possession of a residence permit. Cost is €58.

By bus

Long distance buses travelling to Nea Anchialos terminate at the bus station at the local port. Nea Anchialos is connected on regular basis to Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Ioannina.

Local buses connect Nea Anchialos with Volos and Almyros almost every 20 minutes.

For more information contact the local bus station KTEL at the phone number: 24280 76733

By train

Nea Anchialos has regular rail connection from/to Athens or Thessaloniki to Volos and from there by bus or taxi to Nea Anchialos.

For more information contact the train stations.

By plane

From abroad, Nea Anchialos is connected with regular and charter flights.

The Nea Anchialos - Volos Airport (IATA: VOL) is the main attraction of tourists and most important transportation hub in central Greece.

18 km away from the city is the city of Nea Anchialos and 26 km from Volos, is easily accessible from the motorway E75. One can get a bus from the airport terminal or a taxi to come in Nea Anchialos.

Volos has one of the most modern regional airports in Greece. The airport is 18.5 km from Nea Anchialos and 36 km from the city of Volos.

Ryanair with Frankfurt (Hahn) - Milan (Bergamo) and Brussels.

The “Nea Anchialos-Volos Airport” is the only of Central Greece and only 10 minutes away from the centre of Nea Anchialos.

If you take a taxi you will pay approximately €25 (including the luggage). You can also take the bus at Nea Anchialos port. Please advise your hotel of your departure.

Get around

On foot

Nea Anchialos is extremely compact and covering it on foot is not a problem. A lot of pedestrian streets and specially the of the sea side are waiting for you to discover the beauty of the city.

By bus

The frequent buses schedule connecting Nea Anchialos with Almyros gives you a cheap opportunity to visit Volos. The bus drive is 15 minutes.

There are very frequent bus schedules to Volos every day almost every 20 min. The bus stop is at Nea Anchialos port and you can buy tickets inside the bus. If your destination is Athens or other major city you better reserve a seat and get a ticket at the bus station located in the center of the city. Buses to Volos start at 05:30 and the last return bus is at 09:45.

By taxi

There are many taxis in Nea Anchialos. If you need a taxi during your stay the best way is to contact your hotel to call it for you.

Don’t take a taxi “without reason.” You can go by foot to most of the important places of Nea Anchialos and Volos. Nea Anchialos Taxi Station - Phone: +30 24280 76340

By car

If you do not have a mean of transportation, you might want to rent a car. There are many car rental companies. Ask your hotel.

See

Nea Anchialos Archaeological Site Fthiotides Thebes, one of the most significant centers of Early Christian Eastern Roman Thessaly, was developed at the area where today's city of Nea Anchialos spreads out. The most important findings of the area are extant parts of early Christian churches, chronologically dated around the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Among the relics of these Early Christian churches and other public buildings and baths of the city, prominent are the splendid mosaics found preserved in rather good condition. Nine basilicas have been found, these include:

• Basilica A, a three-aisled basilica from the late 5th/early 6th century, dedicated to Saint Demetrius, which served as the cathedral church.
• Basilica B, or "Elpidios Basilica", also dating roughly to the late 5th/early 6th century.
• Basilica C, also known "Church if the archiereus Peter" based on a mid-6th century inscription, although it dates to the late 4th/early 5th century. It features "elaborate floor mosaics and is part of a vast ecclesiastical complex".
• Basilica D, a 7th-century cemetery church outside the city walls. The remains of the ancient theatre and a Hellenistic stoa can still be seen. Most of the finds are in the Archaeological Museum of Volos, with a few in the Archaeological Museum of Almyros.

Folklore Museum George Dionyssiou You can visit the private folk museum of folklore "To Aletri” of George Dionyssiou, a local folklorist and author of several books, who has created it since 1982 at his ground floor of his house. The collection includes traditional rural life objects, costumes, utensils, tools, photos, etc. and traditional occupations. Address: 15, Agiou Georgiou Str. Nea Anchialos - Tel: +30 2428077733

Volos Archaeological Museum The museum, one of the most significant Greek museums of a prototypal layout, a donation by Alexios Athanasakis, was built in 1909. Neolithic findings from the settlements of Sesklo and Dimini are exposed in its rooms, clay figurines, geometric period utensils from the castle of Volos, from Pefkakia, Neapoli and the greater Thessalian territory, classical sculptures, rare articulated figurines, relieves of the Alexander of Dimitrias period. Exhibits of exceptional importance are the rare written steles, preserving 3rd century BC elements of Ancient Greek Painting on marble. Open all year 08:00 to 15:00 (closed on Mondays)

Neolithic settlements of Dimini-Sesklo Visit the Neolithic settlements in the areas of Dimini and Sesklo which were inhabited by the 5th millennium BC. Automatic guided tour in Greek and English. Open Tu-Su 08:30 to 15:00. Tel: +30 2421085960

Do

Buy

The city’s shopping area is in the center at Ellinikis Aeroporias street. There is not a big shopping area, as Nea Anchialos is located between two big cities and the major shopping stores are located in Volos, where you will find a huge variety of branded clothes, shoes etc.. Though, here you can find good quality bargains! Every Tuesday morning there is an extensive flee market next to the church at 30th Iouliou Str.

Oil - Olive Oil: The Anchialos, thanks to climate and topography, produces oil and olives, which boast distinctive flavor and quality. The high nutritional value and unique taste of olives and olive oil Anchialos to have established it as an integral component of the Mediterranean diet.

Wine and Tsipouro: The Anchialos has a long tradition in wine production over the centuries. The Agricultural Cooperative "Demeter" was founded in 1918 and has operated since then continuously. You can buy the local wines from local distributors.

Jam - Sweet: Nea Anchialos grown without the use of fertilizers, a large variety of fruits of excellent quality. The wonderful fruits are the raw material for the famous jam and preserves the women of Nea Anchialos make with exceptional skill.

Pottery: Ultimate original creativity and artistic completeness of the pottery in Nea Anchialos. The variety of shapes and their quality is remarkable. The local artists usually work with no organized facilities but with a special skill using the traditional method of wheel or mold.

Eat

Nea Anchialos habbits - Tsipouro

The history begins in the 1920s, when the 'Tsipouradika' were few and the productions of traditional alcohol drink "Tsipouro" was being at small quantities. Then it was when the 25ari (small bottle 0,25 ml of Tsipouro drink) was established with accompany of appetizers, mostly seafood, such as octopus, crawfishes and many other tastes.

The tradition says that refuges from Asia Minor brought with them the habit of Tsipouro drink, accompanied with seafood appetizers. In our days, every different tsipouro should be accompanied with different appetizer. This is a traditional ceremony which maintained years ago. The 25ari is a small bottle with tsipouro for a small glass.

Tsipouradika can be found in every corner of Nea Anchialos and Volos city, so the visitor can seat at one of the many tsipouradika of the town and simply enjoy tsipouro drink and the appetizers proposed and served. It is worth to visit Tsipouradika and feel the special atmosphere that have.

Nea Anchialos specializes in "Tsipouradika" (also called "Ouzeri") where ("Tsipouro") (local Greek spirit) is served with a huge variety of fish & sea food tidbits. There are plenty of "Tsipouradika" along the waterfront near the port. The choices for eating are Tsipouradika where seafood is served, Taverns where mostly meat dishes are served, Restaurants where Greek dishes can be found , Psistaries (Grill houses) where the main dish is grilled meat, Fast Food choices are local “Souvlatzidika” where souvlaki and “gyros” is served. People in Greece usually eats late in the evening (21:00 - 24:00), during day most of Taverns, Psistaries and Restaurants are closed. However Tsipouradika and Fast Food are open all day long.

Greek Tavernas in Nea Anchialos with the Greek traditional drinks tsipouro-ouzo.

Ouzeri-Tsipouradiko.

• Galaxias, 2, Diamandopoulou Str (On the beach front), +30 2428076232. Restaurant-Taverna-Ouzeri
• Giousouri, Maltezou Str (At the beach park), +30 2428077534. Authentic Ouzeri - Tsipouradiko
• Maistra, 75, Ellinikis Aeroporias Str (at the city centre), +30 2428076762. Authentic Ouzeri - Tsipouradiko
• Finistrini, Kasneti Str (At the beach), +30 2428077541. Authentic Ouzeri-Tsipouradiko

Restaurants - Tavernas.

• Alexandros, Stavridi Dimarchou Str (At the beach), +30 2428076752. Restaurant-Taverna
• Daidalos, Maltezou Str (On the beach front), +30 2428076816. Restaurant-Taverna
• Galaxias, 2, Diamandopoulou Str (On the beach front), +30 2428076232. Restaurant-Taverna-Ouzeri
• Galini, 2, Diamandopoulou Str (On the beach front), +30 2428077538. Restaurant-Taverna-Ouzeri
• Manos, 52, Eleftherias Str (On the main street), +30 2428076576. Taverna
• Mina, 24, Papadopoulou Str (In the city), +30 2428076092. Taverna
• Nikos, 1, Diamandopoulou Str (At the beach front). Restaurant-Taverna-Ouzeri

Drink

Most of the cafés and bars in Nea Anchialos on the beach front of the town. There is no need to know the number or name.

The city is like a “big family.” Just ask someone for help, and they’ll gladly point you in the right direction!

When we are talking about the nightlife in Greece we mean intensive nightlife till the morning. For many locals the nightlife begins at 18:00-19:00 and finishes at 06:00 in the Morning!

Get mixed with locals and enjoy your favorite drink or cocktail in bars or clubs of Nea Anchialos where drinks & “mezedes” hang-out, and the music theme changes nightly. Many “live” happenings throughout summer.

Sleep

• Laodamia Hotel, 2a, Diamadopoulou Str (from National High way E75 (from Athens or Thessaloniki ) turn right at “Mikrothives” Exit; pass Mikrothives and see Nea Anchialos at 5 km.; 2 blocks before traffic lights turn right towards the beach), 39.27467°, 22.81889°, +30 2428078800, info@laodamia.com. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. 100 metres from the beach, within walking distance of tourist services, shops and restaurants. 28 beautiful rooms on three floors. 24-hour reception. The property is open all year round. From €85
• Protessilaos Hotel, 8, kasneti Str (from National Highway E75 (from Athens or Thessaloniki ) turn right at “Mikrothives” Exit; pass Mikrothives and see Nea Anchialos at 5 km; 2 blocks before traffic lights turn right towards the beach), 39.27436°, 22.81893°, +30 2428078780, info@protessilaos.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Overlooking Pagasitikos Bay. Free Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the privacy of their rooms. The hotel also features a TV lounge with fire place, a meeting room, a cafeteria and a bar, as well as a lovely terrace. From €45

Cope

Pharmacy Each pharmacy in Nea Anchialos has a notice on the door showing which are open out of normal hours and their addresses and phone number.

Banks There is only an Agricultural Bank of Greece branch in Nea Anchialos. Though there are three ATM points for your convenience. Bank opening hours are Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 14:30, Friday 08:00 to 14:00

Post Ellinikis Aeroporias Str. (City Centre). Phone: +30 24280 76208

Go next

Mount Pelion Pelion the mountain of the Centaurs was chosen by The Twelve Olympians Gods as a summer residence. Today thousands of tourists from all over the world visit it all year round. Here the visitors can taste the delicious fruits of Pelion, the famous sweet candied fruits and preserves, as well as the strong flavors of the local cuisine. Architectural villages adorn the slopes of Pelion built on a densely forested region with abundant waters springing up from everywhere.

Meteora A must-see while you are in the area is Meteora which is a 150-km drive. Meteora is an area in Thessaly and Kalampaka is the city under the rock towers of Meteora. The thing that makes Meteora so special is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. The monasteries, the amount of peaks to climb and the paths for hiking brings in Meteora the whole year many tourists.

Skiathos Island Visit the island of Papadiamantis and tour at the streets where Mama Mia was filmed. Discover the island's beauty and its emerald beaches.