3 Best Sights in Volos, The Sporades

Local finds from the region's rich history are displayed in this neoclassical building from 1909. Artifacts like jewelry, pottery, clay statuettes, household utensils, and agricultural tools dating back to the neolithic period are presented in eight halls. The most popular items are entire tombs transported from nearby excavation sites, which include both skeletons and grave offerings. A few neolithic dwellings from Dimini and Sesklo have been reconstructed outside the museum.

The east side of Volos butts up against the pine-forested Goritsa Hill, which rises about 650 feet above the town, is accessible by hiking trails, and provides panoramic views. At the top is the church of Zoodochos Pigis, erected atop of a temple on what was the summit of the ancient city's acropolis. But it's the church of Panagia Tripa di Gorista at the bottom, built inside a natural cave thought to be sacred since ancient times and once dedicated to Zeus, that remains the favorite.

Industrial development in the region during the late 19th century necessitated the building of a railroad linking Volos to the picturesque Milies, 27 km (17 miles) east. Constructed  by Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, father of the famous painter Giorgio de Chirico, it was wrecked by retreating German troops and subsequent earthquakes, so today only the latter half of the line remains open, connecting Ano Lechonia with Milies. The train itself, an old-school steam locomotive nicknamed "Moutzouris" ("smudgy") chugs along at a tepid 19 km (12 miles) per hour, which is the perfect speed for taking in the stupendous views of the Pagasitiko Bay. Trips normally take 1½ hours each way, stopping for 15 minutes in Ano Gazea.