Agria
Agria: the closest getaway for Volos residents and for every visitor!
If you pass by Volos, there are so many things to see, to taste, to enjoy… Nice mansions and manor houses, industrial complexes, the statue of “Argo” and the ship of the same name in a prominent position at the port. And, of course, the amazing tsipouro and mezes (alcoholic spirit and little dishes) that you will certainly taste! However, leaving the capital of the prefecture of Magnesia without paying a visit to the close-by Agria, would be such a shame.
The little town of Agria, on the shore of cove Agria, borders the Pagasetic Gulf, and is only 7km away from Volos. It is considered a suburb of the capital of Magnesia, and it is also an ideal destination for the Volos residents for lunch, for a walk, or for a swim during the summer. It is the first village of Mount Pelion; it is a verdant place, full of olive and fruit trees, with long beaches and many tourist amenities. It is known for the olive and vinegar production, the famous lemonade soft drink EPSA, and the wonderful tsipouro and mezes taverns.
Shortly after the annexation of Thessaly by Greece, Agria was rapidly developed because of the construction of the coast road and the railway line connecting the villages of south-western Pelion with Volos. The rail contributed to the exportation of black olives and fruit out of the cove by sea. Both Volos and Agria’s population was enhanced after 1922, when refuges from Asia Minor and East Thrace settled there. Alongside the population growth came industrial evolution during the 20th century.
It is a place full of life all year long, but mainly during the summer months. A great deal of little taverns by the sea, restaurants, tsipouro taverns, cafés, and bars offer visitors unique gastronomic delicacies and moments of relaxation. Especially in spring and summer, Agria floods with people, because of folklore and cultural events, such as Fish Night and the international music festival Evmelia. In Fish Night, visitors are offered plenty of complimentary fish and the well-known local food kakaviá (fish soup); this fine meal is completed with a traditional celebration accompanied by folklore orchestras. If you plan on going to Agria in July, don’t miss out on it. The international music festival "Evmelia" is organized the last few years in Porfirogenis Foundation, artistically directed by the eminent pianist from Volos, Dino Mastroyiannis. It takes place every April and the audience loves it; there one can enjoy soloists and Greek or international ensembles.
Do hop on the little train, the old tram with the open carriages that crosses the coast road of Volos – Agria. Starting point is the station in Anavros beach, Volos, and it traverses Agria, passes by the little taverns by the water, and finishes at the historic station at the center of Agria. It is a 25-minute route, and in the summer it runs at request to OSE (Hellenic Railways Organisation). After you enjoy your ride, spend some time at the village’s churches; especially the chapel of Timios Stavros (True Cross), which carries an ornate iconostasis, and the one of Virgin Mary, which is built on a rock.
You must be hungry after all the wandering around. All the smells from the sea food, the French fries, the spetzofai (traditional dish with sausages), the boubari (meat dish), the rooster in wine sauce, the boiled goat, and all these outstanding dishes will lead you to the right direction: the numerous taverns and tsipouro taverns, waiting to satisfy your every gustatory need! After the food, go ahead and taste a delicious sweet alongside your coffee! Agria has plenty of cafés that offer exceptional desserts, among which spoon sweets. The latter, along with local honey, mountain herbs, and remarkable products of the land of Magnesia, such as tasteful fruit, chestnut, walnut and aromatic jams, are sold in various little shops and well-known confectioneries of the village. Thus, you can retain all the tastes of Agria for a long time, until your way leads you to it again. One is certain: you will want to visit it afresh!