Everyone knows Greece: there’s Athens, Mount Olympus, Santorini, Mykonos, the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the list goes on. In addition to these world-famous sites, there are lesser-known destinations that truly capture the wonder and beauty of Greece, which is, of course, full of archaeological wonders and incredible food. One of these hidden gems is the oft-overlooked Larissa (sometimes spelled as Larisa), which is actually Greece’s fifth-largest city, according to 2021 data from Statista. Although Athens is also one of Europe’s oldest cities (and an underrated spot for a perfect ancient Greek getaway), Larissa can offer many comparable experiences without all the crowds of the capital.
Larissa’s history spans over 10,000 years, making it a wonderful treasure trove of art, culture, history, and natural beauty that has stood the test of time. Larissa is the capital of the fertile Thessaly region, which is also home to other important Greek sites like Meteora, one of the awe-inspiring, monastery-topped rock formations in the country, and Mount Olympus, where legends say that the Greek god Zeus and his fellow gods ruled from the misty peak. The rich agricultural traditions and long history of Thessaly have shaped Larissa into a vibrant, historical city known for its regional Greek flavors.
Find ancient wonders in the heart of Greece in Larissa
Larissa is in the heart of Greece, between the capital of Athens and the seaside city of Thessaloniki, Greece’s underrated, second-largest city, where you can also experience a quintessential Greek getaway. Athens is a three-and-a-half-hour train ride to the south, while Thessaloniki is about 90 minutes north along the picturesque coast. Both cities actually take slightly longer to reach via car, so luckily, no driving is required if you’d like to visit. Not only is Larissa an ideal stopover between the two powerhouse cities, but it’s also an intriguing destination in its own right.
The site of Larissa has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period. It’s littered with ruins from several empires, from the Greeks to the Romans to the Macedonians to the Ottomans. The modern city was built upon and among these leftover pieces, with an ancient amphitheater carved in a hillside near a bustling pedestrian walkway, busy roundabouts circling ornate churches and ruined temples, and more. This layered history is especially evident on the hill of Agios Ahillios, overlooking the town, where “amongst the old monuments, Larisians build their day-to-day life,” according to Visit Greece. For a crash course in all things Larissa, expansive views, and some excellent traditional restaurants, travelers should start their explorations on Agios Ahillios.
The best eats and sites to see in Larissa
