Larissa: A weekend in the Thessalian capital

Λάρισα
If you have visited it you will definitely want to go back, if you haven’t yet, plan your trip for the next weekend. The city of Larissa, built on both banks of the Pinios River, makes for an excellent travel destination. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and city attractions, Larissa attracts visitors from all over the world. In this article, we will discover everything you need to enjoy the city.

The city of coffee

Coffee is an important part of social life in our country. However, Larissa has the honour of being called “the city of coffee”. Surely your question would be why? So to answer you, the reason is because it is the city with the most cafes in proportion to its population, which amounts to 148,562 permanent residents and more than 1,600 cafes. Inside and outside the city centre the choices are numerous. It is no coincidence that Larissa has been the starting point for major cafés – success stories of recent years. You’ll find everything from traditional cafes to themed cafes, all so well thought out, with an aesthetic that will blow you away. To start your day in the most beautiful way you can visit Las Ramblas. In a very beautiful part of the city, opposite the First Ancient Theatre, the city’s trademark, you will find the Climax, where you will enjoy your coffee. It is also suitable for relaxing in the evening hours for drinks and food.
Aerial view of the ancient theatre of Larissa and part of the city

Alcazar Park

Like every city, Larissa has its own park, the Alcazar Park, a real natural jewel. Located on the banks of the Pinios river, it is an ideal place for relaxation, since for the people of Larissa it is a place for walking and recreation. You will see it embellished with large pedestrian streets, playgrounds, a landscaped lake, cycle paths and an open-air theatre, the famous “Garden Theatre”, where summer theatre performances are held. In the park you will also find the National Resistance Monument.

Cycling in the city centre

Park O.S.E.
What will really impress you in Larissa is the number of pedestrian streets you will find in the city centre, which helps residents and visitors alike to enjoy the city without the noise of cars. Apart from the leisurely stroll along the pedestrian streets, Larissa residents have put cycling into their lives for good. The absence of uphill roads favours the use of bicycles for commuting, as long as the distances in the city are short.
If you find yourself in Larissa and want to live this experience, you can proceed to rent a bicycle. At Cycling Hellas you can find many affordable bicycle options. Another suggestion is Rebike.gr, so that you don’t leave any of your minutes unused in the city.

Sightseeing

View of the historic city centre
Larissa has many archaeological sites that bear witness to its rich history. The most important archaeological site of the city is the Ancient Theatre, which was built in the 3rd century BC and is one of the best preserved ancient theatres in Greece. The entire historical centre is an archaeological gem. Exploring it you will find the Great Ottoman Bath, the Bayrakli Mosque and continuing along the route the Yeni Mosque.

The Katsigra Municipal Gallery is also worth your visit. It was founded in 1983 and is one of the most important galleries in Greece. It houses 750 paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries, over 400 sculptures, paintings and engravings. You will find it at 2 G.Papandreou Street in a beautiful, modern building.

Hotels in Larissa

Are you planning to visit Larissa and looking for the perfect hotel for your stay? Whether you are a business traveller or just visiting the city for leisure, Larissa offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.

Where to stay

If you want to be close to the sights, restaurants and shops, hotels in the centre of Larissa are the ideal choice. You’ll be able to easily walk to the main square, the ancient theatre, and other major attractions. Many of these hotels offer a variety of amenities, such as restaurants, bars, and gyms. For those looking for a luxurious stay in Larissa, there are many excellent hotels to choose from. The Larissa Imperial is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the city center. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, as well as a variety of facilities and services including a restaurant, bar, spa, gym and swimming pools.
The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, as well as a variety of facilities and services including a restaurant, bar, spa, gym and swimming pools.
Other luxury hotels in Larissa include Divani Palace Larissa and Olympus Terra Boutique Hotel.
For those looking for a more economical option, Comfort Suites & Rooms is a simple hotel offering well-appointed rooms with all the necessary amenities. The Metropol Hotel is another budget hotel located in the city center and will meet your every expectation.
So if you are looking for a destination to escape and enjoy, we can tell you with confidence that in this city you have so much to do that you won’t be bored for a moment.