The Gulf of Volos – also known as the Pagasitic Gulf – is a terrific, protected sailing ground of crystal clear, warm and safe waters lying to the west of the Pelion peninsula with access via the Evia Channel and on then to the West Aegean Sea and the islands of the Sporades. This area of Greece is called Magnesia. Amaloupolis is the port that lies between St. Nicholas Island and the mainland on the western side of the gulf, making it a good base from which to explore the lovely coastal towns, secluded bays and unspoilt beaches of the coastline.

The Pelion peninsula is something of a hidden gem and remains largely unexplored by tourists despite the beauty of its lush, orchard-covered slopes leading down to the sea. Mount Pelion rises to a height of 4822 feet (1470 meters) in the center of the peninsula and is said to have been the home of the Centaurs. These days it is popular with walkers and hikers, and there is also a narrow-gauge railway running between Volos and Ano Lehonia that will appeal to train spotters. Modern-day Volos (known in those days as Lolkos) was the port from which Jason of mythology and legend set out in his ship, the Argo, with his crew of Argonauts, in search of the Golden Fleece.

Volos today is a lively and cosmopolitan university town, the 5th largest in Greece, with a good museum and folk art center. It is home to (reputedly) over 400 tsipouradhiko – serving mezze washed down with tsipouro, the local hooch. Be sure to visit at least one, before heading on to one of the city’s nightclubs.