Useful information

The area of Volos

HISTORY

The area of Volos is one of the oldest populated corners of the Ancient Helladic land. The first known pre-historic settlements date back to the 7th millennium BC. The most important neolithic settlements in the area are Sesklo and Dimini. During the Mycenaean era, ancient Iolkos was founded, the most important economic and cultural centre of the time, while during the Classical period (C6th BC) Pagases flourished. At 295-92 BC, the Macedonian king, Dimitrius the Besieger, founded and named a city after him, Dimitriada, which turned out to be a powerful military station of the Macedonians. When the Romans occupied Dimitriada, the city continued its successful presence during those days as well.

At the end of the 6th AD, due to the Slavic attacks, the citizens of Dimitriada looked for safety on the hill of Agioi Theodoroi. In the 14th century, the place-name Volos is encountered for the first time. In 1423 the Turks occupied the castle of Palea. Gradually, the coastal towns were abandoned and around 1600 the last residents moved to Pelion, around the area of Ano Volos. During the Turkish occupation, all financial and cultural activities took place in Pelion’s mountainous villages, which were enjoying many special privileges. In the 18th century, Pelion evolved into one of the most significant centres of Hellenism. In 1881 Volos and the wider Magnesian territory joined the recently liberated Greek state.

Thereafter the development of Volos was rapid. The artisan tradition that had been cultivated in the villages of mount Pelion, the new inhabitants that arrived, via the port, to the city from all around the world, advanced the city’s commerce and industry and attracted investors from other areas. Consequently, economic growth went hand in hand with cultural advancement until the Second World War that caused a temporary halt in all advancements. The contemporary city of Volos has grown to be a very important commercial centre. Its port is currently the third largest in Greece in terms of transportation of people and goods. Tourism, trade, industry and the high standards of local services are currently the focus of its financial and social growth. At the same time, the operation of an innovative, modern university, in conjunction with a major artistic infrastructure, and a vibrant cultural scene has gradually turned Volos into a Greek and European business and cultural metropolis.

For more information click here.

VENUE

Volos is located at the center of mainland Greece at a distance of 325 km from Athens and 207 km from Thessaloniki. Participants can reach Volos by car, train, bus or aeroplane (international flights only). In particular:

BY ROAD

Volos is connected to Athens and Thessaloniki via the main highway E75 .

Main distances:
Athens- Volos 325km 3h 40min
Thessaloniki- Volos 207km 2h 20min
Igoumenitsa- Volos 307km 4h 20min

INTERCITY BUSES

Volos Station: (0030) 2421033254, (0030) 2421025527, (0030) 8001135555
Address: Sekerh & Zaxou
web: www.ktelvolou.gr
email: ktelvol@otenet.gr

The distance from the Volos bus station to the Conference Venue (and most of the hotels) is about 2 km. You can reach the city centre by taxi or bus (opposite the station, line 2) or on foot (approximately 20 min).

You can find the updated routes of Volos intercity bus lines here.

INTERCITY TRAIN

Telephone: 24210-23644 24210-23424
web: www.ose.gr
email: press@osenet.gr

The distance from the Volos railway station to the Conference Venue (and most of the hotels) is about 2 km. You can reach rich centre by taxi or bus (2nd Noembriou str, line 5) or on foot (approximately 20 min).

BY AIRPLANE
Participants from outside Greece need to fly to Athens (ATH) or Thessaloniki (SKG) or Volos (VOL) International airports.

Volos Airport (VOL)

Volos Airport is open from March to October and offers regular and economic links to cities across Europe. There is a bus or taxi connecting the airport to the city centre of Volos.
For more information click here.

CITY MAP

The Conference will be held at the seaside premises of the University of Thessaly (UTH) in Volos. It is located on the eastern edge of the port, which was built in 1926 and was purchased by the University of Thessaly in 1985.

For the Volos city map click here.

WEATHER IN VOLOS

In October, the weather is usually mild and sunny in Volos. However, sudden rainfalls are frequent. Temperature ranges from 15 to 25 Celsius.

For a detailed weather forcast click here.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Volos offers a range of attractions, such as archaeological sites, museums, art collection centers and churches.
For more information click here.

Additionally, Volos is very close to the traditional and picturesque villages of Pelion Mountain, which are worth visiting.
For more information click here.

At the same time, not far away from Volos, the Sporades islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Allonisos) offer natural beauty, clear blue and sandy beaches, good accommodation and traditional food.
For more information click here.

For further information about the area of Volos click here and here. For information about the University of Thessaly click here.

FACILITIES

The organizing committee can provide the conference participants with child care services for kids from 4 to 12 years of age for a small amount of money. Please let us know of such requests at least 15 days before the beginning of the conference.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Greece area code 0030 plus the number.

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