Ancient Dimini was a neolithic village which has been excavated and uncovered. Of particular interest are the well preserved House N, where a pot was discovered beneath the floor with the burnt remains of a child (an ancient resident as opposed to a more recent one!) and the Tombi grave, similar to that at Mycenaea, which is buried deep into the ground near the fortified town, but with a caved in roof. Shade is spare, so make sure to visit early in the morning. Adjacent to these ruins, and to be opened soon (although how long this has been the case is not said!) are some Mycenaean ruins, which include a large palace. These ruins, whilst not open yet, can be viewed from behind a limit, and are expected to be part of the as-of-yet-undiscovered ancient city of Iolkos, the home of Jason (of Argonaut fame!) There is an interesting audio guide tour available for free in both Greek and English.
* Sesklo is a more impressive site in terms of its location, but is less impressive in terms of the remains. It's far larger, and is perched on top of a hill from where it can see all around the local area. It was either a local trading partner, or the main rival to nearby Dimini. Archaeologists aren't sure. Worth a visit, but it's not as interesting as Dimini.
* The Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos 1 Athanasaki Str., Τ.Κ. 38001, Volos telephone: +30 24210 25285 fax: +30 24210 28563 email: protocol@igepka.culture.gr, open Tuesday - Sunday: 08:30 - 15:00, admission full: €2, reduced: €1; for free admission days see web site [wiki=2760a441adb2027144c6bd297a408682]http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3271[/wiki], is one of the best smaller museums in Greece and should on no account be missed.
* At first glance, Volos City Center doesn't seem particularly interesting for the traveller, but a walk in the town streets might change your first idea. Ermou street is a long paved road parallel to the promenade, Argonafton str, offering a wide variety of shops for any taste, plus a selection of "hidden" bars and cafes, especially around St.Nikolaos Square, the city cathedral, dedicated to patron saint of the sailors, St. Nicholas. There is a seaside park between the university "Papastratos building" and "Agios Konstantinos" church on the promenade. Anavros Park starts directly behind Agios Konstantinos and extends to the east all the way till Anavros beach, an open municipal strand, offering clearwater to the swimmer during the summer (and winter for the brave).
* For those that have a car, there is also Alykes municipal beach, a 5-minute-drive from the center to the southwest, in the more easygoing Alykes district of Volos, having cafes and bars offering sunbeds on the sand during late at night, where you can enjoy your cocktail and take a swim as well. The municipal beach in Alykes has an entrance fee of € 1 during the day, offering a lifeguard, showering facilities, clothes-changing chambers and a beach bar. You can easily go to Alykes with city bus (blue bus) number 6 from the city hall.
There are acceptable beaches towards the southern end of the city at Anavros. To get there, follow the coastal promenade south from Argonafton St or park in the roads behind the city hospital. Most locals, however, head to beaches the other side of the giant cement works on the outskirts of the city, to beaches at [wiki=4c7685e9f7652aa14d98551a438fa9b4]Agria[/wiki] (20 mins by bus) or further down the coast. Generally, the water is clearer and cleaner the further away from Volos' port. But, Anavros is acceptable and many many locals do swim there. But seriously, if you do have a car and you want to go to a beach, it is well worth getting out of the city limits and beyond - some of the best beaches on the Greek mainland can be found on [wiki=346257a715f6d8d8b57ba8cff7a5b879]Pelion[/wiki].
There are several cinemas in Volos. Films are shown in original language with Greek subtitles, whereas cartoons are dubbed. In the summer make sure you get to one of the open air cinemas (Θερινό σινεμά).
*Village cinemas [url=http://www.villagecinemas.gr/index.asp?a_id=63&parent_id=46],]Gianitson (Γιαννιτσών) 29, Tel: 8011009191, 2108108080. Has 4 halls, so you can choose between 4 films.
*Metaksourgio (Greek: Μεταξουργείο) [http://www.provoles.gr/[/url], every Friday at 21:30, 2.00€. Art movies.
*Achillion (Greek: Αχίλλειον) on Iasonos street.
You'll most definitely want to take the opportunity to visit the close mountain villages of [wiki=673c5271d3b0fe61b8f4982b7bf66025]Portaria[/wiki] and [wiki=cb2b2fe005305be8437970458d83b991]Makrynitsa[/wiki], offering you a splendid specimen of the renowned traditional architecture of the Pelion mansions. The city view from Makrynitsa is magnificent.
One of the greatest secrets that the Greeks have kept from the world, [wiki=e7899f2f7abbede8f262c33552ca84e1]Mount Pelion[/wiki], is close to Volos. It can easily be reached by bus or car. Pelion has wonderful beaches, fantastic hiking routes, and pretty villages. There are far fewer tourists than there should be, simply because it is a peninsular and not an island.
The nearby [wiki=841879e12b105c01b923e0bcb958846f]Sporades Islands[/wiki] are great during the summer. Ferries and hydrofoils connect Volos with the islands.
There are nice, close(ish) beaches at
*[wiki=4c7685e9f7652aa14d98551a438fa9b4]Agria[/wiki], approximately 20 mins bus journey from the centre (board a blue and white astiko bus on Iasonas street in the centre.) Approximately €1.50 for a single ticket.
*[wiki=cd042aabb367c239fca228627bfd6ed1]Kala Nera[/wiki], approximately 45 mins bus journey from the centre (board a green iperastiko coach on Iasonas street in the centre.) Approximately €1.70 for a single ticket.