Thessaly and Central Greece, Greece

Volos Beaches

Overview

Volos serves as the perfect gateway to the stunning beaches of the Pelion Peninsula, offering a unique holiday that blends lush mountain scenery with a diverse coastline. This exceptional setting provides a dual experience for beach lovers. You can choose between the calm, sheltered waters of the Pagasetic Gulf on one side of the peninsula and the wild, dramatic beauty of the Aegean Sea on the other. This variety makes the region an ideal destination for those who want to combine seaside relaxation with the exploration of traditional villages and verdant landscapes.

Among the area's top seaside destinations, there is a perfect match for every preference. For ultimate convenience, Anavros Beach is an organized beach located just a short walk from Volos city center. Further afield on the Pelion coast, you will discover the peninsula's most iconic postcard scene at Paralia Milopotamos, famous for its turquoise water and magnificent rock arch. For a more adventurous outing, Paralia Fakistra offers a secluded cove of untamed, scenic beauty, complete with a waterfall and sea cave. If a lively atmosphere is what you seek, the long, sandy shore of Agii Saranta Beach is a popular hub with vibrant beach bars. Additionally, many visitors are drawn to the picturesque pebbled bay of Damouchari, a famous filming location for the movie 'Mamma Mia!'.

The Pelion Peninsula's coastline is remarkably varied, featuring everything from wide, sandy shores to small, secluded coves with smooth white pebbles. Whether you are looking for the organized, family-friendly beaches along the Pagasetic Gulf or the more rugged and breathtaking shores of the Aegean, there is an ideal spot waiting for you. From bustling resorts to hidden gems, the region offers a wealth of choices for an unforgettable Greek beach experience. For more inspiration, explore our complete guide to the wonderful beaches of the Volos area.

FAQ

Is Volos a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Volos is an excellent starting point for a beach holiday, although the best beaches are not in the city itself but on the surrounding Pelion Peninsula. The area offers a unique combination of mountain scenery and beautiful coastlines, with beaches on both the calm Pagasetic Gulf and the wilder Aegean Sea. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to combine beach relaxation with exploring traditional villages and lush landscapes.

Can you swim in the sea right in Volos city?

While there are a couple of city beaches in Volos, such as Anavros, most locals and seasoned visitors recommend traveling a bit further out for the best swimming experience. The water quality is generally considered better and clearer the further you get from the main port. Beaches like those in Agria or Platanidia are popular nearby options easily reachable from the city.

What are the beaches like in Pelion, near Volos? Are they sandy or pebbly?

The Pelion Peninsula boasts a wide variety of beaches. You can find everything from long, sandy stretches to small, secluded coves with white and pink pebbles. Beaches on the Pagasetic Gulf side, like Kala Nera, are often calmer and more organized, making them great for families. The Aegean side features more dramatic and wild beaches, such as the famous Mylopotamos with its iconic rock arch and a mix of sand and fine pebbles.

What's the best time of year to visit Volos for a beach holiday?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in the Volos area is from June to September. During these months, the weather is warm, and the sea temperature is comfortable for swimming, often exceeding 22ยฐC (72ยฐF). July and August are the hottest and busiest months. For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, consider visiting in late spring (late May to early June) or early autumn (September).

How do I get to the beaches on the Pelion peninsula from Volos?

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the various beaches of Pelion, as it offers the most flexibility. The roads can be winding and narrow, especially on the eastern side. There is also a public bus service (KTEL Magnesias) that connects Volos with many of the coastal and mountain villages in Pelion, though schedules may be less frequent, especially for more remote beaches.

Are the beaches near Volos suitable for families with children?

Yes, many beaches in the area are family-friendly. The beaches along the Pagasetic Gulf, such as Kala Nera and Afissos, are particularly suitable for families as they typically have calmer, shallower waters and are often organized with amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas. These beaches provide a safer and more convenient environment for those with young children.

Which are the most famous 'Mamma Mia!' beaches near Volos?

One of the most famous beaches from the movie 'Mamma Mia!' in the region is Damouchari, located on the eastern coast of the Pelion Peninsula. This picturesque cove with its white and pink pebbles is where some scenes for the film were shot. It's a beautiful and popular spot, often visited by fans of the movie.

Are there organized beaches with sunbeds and beach bars near Volos?

Yes, you can find many organized beaches with full amenities. Beaches like Agios Ioannis, Papa Nero, and Kala Nera are well-developed with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and tavernas. Alykes beach, very close to Volos, is also an organized municipal beach. However, the region is also famous for its 'wild' and unorganized beaches, so you can easily find a spot to lay your own towel.

People Also Ask

What's the difference between the beaches on the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea side of Pelion?

The main difference is the character of the sea and landscape. The beaches on the Pagasetic Gulf (the inner side of the peninsula) are generally sheltered, with calm, warm, and shallow waters, making them very relaxed. The beaches on the Aegean Sea side (the outer coast) are more exposed, with deeper, often cooler, turquoise waters and can be wavier, especially on windy days. The Aegean coast is known for its more dramatic, wild beauty.

Are there any hidden gem or secluded beaches I should visit?

Absolutely. The Pelion coast is full of hidden coves. Fakistra is a stunning, small beach nestled between cliffs, often cited as one of Greece's most beautiful. Tzasteni, in the south of Pelion, is a tiny, picture-perfect bay. Reaching these beaches often requires a short walk or navigating a dirt road, but the reward is a more private and pristine environment away from the crowds.

Is it better to stay in Volos city or in a village closer to the beaches?

This depends on your holiday style. Staying in Volos offers a vibrant city atmosphere with many restaurants, bars, and cultural sites, and you can take day trips to the beaches. Staying in a coastal village in Pelion, like Agios Ioannis or Kala Nera, puts you right on the beach for a more relaxed, resort-style vacation. Many travelers choose to split their time or use Volos as a base for exploration.

What is the water temperature like for swimming in the summer?

During the peak summer months of July and August, the sea temperature in the Volos area and Pagasetic Gulf is very pleasant, typically ranging from 24ยฐC to 26ยฐC (75ยฐF to 79ยฐF), and can sometimes get even warmer. The swimming season comfortably lasts from May through to November, with water temperatures staying above 20ยฐC (68ยฐF) during this period.

Is the nightlife better in Volos or in the beach towns?

Volos has a more vibrant and diverse nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and 'tsipouradika' (traditional taverns) that are busy year-round. The beach resorts in Pelion, such as Agios Ioannis and Kala Nera, have a more relaxed, seasonal nightlife with charming beach bars and waterfront tavernas that are perfect for a lounge evening. For more intense nightlife, Volos is the better choice.

How does the beach experience near Volos compare to the Greek islands like the Sporades?

The Volos and Pelion area offers a unique 'mountain-and-sea' experience that differs from a typical island holiday. While the Sporades islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos) are easily accessible by ferry from Volos and are famous for their stunning beaches, Pelion combines its beautiful coastline with lush forests, hiking trails, and traditional mountain villages. It's an ideal destination if you want to enjoy both the beach and mountain nature in one trip.

I'm a solo traveler interested in adventure. What are the best beaches for me?

For adventurous solo travelers, the eastern coast of Pelion is fantastic. Beaches like Mylopotamos and Fakistra offer stunning scenery and are great for exploring. The area also offers opportunities for hiking between beaches, for example, the coastal path from Damouchari to Fakistra. The wilder nature of the Aegean coast provides a sense of adventure, and you can also find activities like sea kayaking or exploring sea caves.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Volos: Weather Today

๐Ÿ“… Friday, July 25, 2025
Today is an excellent day to visit the beach in Volos. The sun will be strong, so remember to apply sunscreen, as the UV index will reach 8. The air temperature will be a high of 37.5 ยฐC. The sea temperature is 28.4 ยฐC, ideal for swimming. Expect very little cloud cover. The wind will be light, but there may be stronger gusts at times. The waves will be low, making for calm waters.
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Air

Low / High26.6ยฐC/37.5ยฐC
Feels Like (High)40.9ยฐC
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Sea

Sea Temperature28.4 ยฐC
Wave Height0.3 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:22/20:47
Sunshine Hours13.0 hrs
UV Index8.25
Cloud Cover1%
๐Ÿ’จ

Wind

Speed12.3 km/h
Gusts30.6 km/h
DirectionS

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