Day trips from Larissa: 6 destinations for a single day

From Larissa, a day trip is almost routine: all the important destinations in Thessaly and Pieria are within a 100 km radius. You can leave at midday and still have a whole afternoon ahead of you.

Six options covering mountains, sea and history.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

Before we go into details, here’s a summary of what each destination means in terms of kilometres, hours and euros. The table helps you choose quickly depending on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Round trip cost*
Volos	60 km	50 minutes	1.80 €	20 €
Pelion	90 km	1 hr 20 min	1.80 €	28 €
Kalabaka	80 km	1 hr 5 min	—	22 €
Litochoro	85 km	1 hr	3.60 €	30 €
Platamonas	70 km	55 minutes	3.60 €	26 €
Paralia Katerinis	95 km	1 hr 10 min	3.60 €	33 €

*Estimate based on petrol at 1.92 €/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and tolls in both directions. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as a guide.

The destinations one by one

1. Volos — 60 km, 50 minutes

The first destination we recommend is Volos. The distance from Larissa is 60 km and the driving time is approximately 50 minutes, with 1.80 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 20 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The tsipouradika in Palaia and on the promenade
• The port with views of the Pagasetic Gulf
• Starting point for all of Pelion in 30-60 minutes

For food, the local “rule” is simple: tsipouro with a variety of meze served with each round. Ideal for a one-night culinary escape. Tip: in tsipouradika, the meze comes with the tsipouro and changes with each order.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Domotel Xenia Volos, Aegli Hotel Volos, Volos Inn Hotel. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Volos.

2. Pelion — 90 km, 1 hr 20 min

If you want something that works in every season, add Pelion to your list. The distance from Larissa is 90 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 20 min, with 1.80 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 28 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Stone villages such as Makrinitsa, Portaria, Tsagarada
• Aegean beaches: Mylopotamos, Fakistra, Damouchari
• The Moutzouris steam train in summer

For food, the local “rule” is simple: spetzofai, tsitsiravla and tsipouro with meze. Ideal for a two or three-day break combining mountains and sea. Tip: roads in Pelion are winding — allow double the time indicated on the map.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Xenia Palace Portaria, Valeni Boutique Hotel & Spa, Stevalia Hotel & Spa. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Pelion.

3. Kalabaka — 80 km, 1 hr 5 min

One of the most reliable options is Kalabaka. The distance from Larissa is 80 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 5 min, with no tolls. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 22 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Meteora and its six accessible monasteries
• Sunset from Psaropetra rock
• Kastraki with stone houses beneath the rocks

For food, the local “rule” is simple: cooked dishes and local Thessalian cheeses. Ideal for a two-day break with history and views. Tip: the monasteries have different closing days — check before you go.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Konaki of Meteora Boutique Living, Mirabilis Boutique Hotel, Epavlis Meteora Suites Hotel. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Kalabaka.

4. Litochoro — 85 km, 1 hr

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Litochoro. The distance from Larissa is 85 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr, with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 30 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Starting point for the paths of Mount Olympus
• The Enipeas gorge and the thermal baths
• 10 minutes from Plaka Litochoro beach

For food, the local “rule” is simple: meats and cooked dishes with views of Mount Olympus. Ideal for mountains and sea in one weekend. Tip: reservations are needed for mountain refuges, especially in July and August.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Robolo Boutique Hotel by H&T, Hotel Mirto, Palio Litochoro The Countryside Lodge. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Litochoro.

5. Platamonas — 70 km, 55 minutes

For something different, try Platamonas. The distance from Larissa is 70 km and the driving time is approximately 55 minutes, with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 26 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Byzantine castle above the sea
• Long organised beach
• Base for Olympus and Thessaloniki

For food, the local “rule” is simple: tavernas with fish on the promenade. Ideal for family holidays with easy access. Tip: the castle is lit up at night and the view from above is worth a stop.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Cronwell Platamon Resort All-Inclusive, Olympus Thea Boutique Hotel, Hotel Morfeas. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Platamonas.

6. Paralia Katerinis — 95 km, 1 hr 10 min

Among our favourite destinations is Paralia Katerinis. The distance from Larissa is 95 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 10 min, with 3.60 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 33 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Large organised beach with a Blue Flag
• Pedestrian street with cafes and restaurants
• 30 minutes from Olympus and Dion

For food, the local “rule” is simple: souvlaki, ice cream and fish tavernas. Ideal for a family weekend with children. Tip: Dion with its archaeological site is an ideal combination for a morning excursion.

Where to stay: good options we have checked are Panorama Inn Hotel, Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa, Lucia Hotel Paralia. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Paralia Katerinis.

Practical advice for car travel

Travelling by car from Larissa has a great advantage: freedom. You are not dependent on timetables, you can stop wherever you want, and the cost is shared. However, there are some points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long distances, we're talking about 10-22 € each way, so double that for a round trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, an average car spends about 13-14 € every 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and fuel, and more on bank holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep anti-skid chains in the boot and check road conditions before setting off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and three-day breaks, book a room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — good options in popular destinations sell out first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination completely changes character depending on the month. Coastal options are at their best from mid-June to mid-September, when the sea is warm and beach bars are open. In spring, the same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without waiting.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March they offer fireplaces, snow and the highest demand, while in summer they offer cool temperatures, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, full lakes, and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer an early morning departure to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time spent in the car is the first thing that tires them out. For couples, mountain two-day breaks outside of bank holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your trip

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can tolerate in the car, then choose a destination from the table. This is the surest way to avoid regretting it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before worrying about food and activities: in popular destinations, good accommodation sells out first and prices rise closer to the date.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points for the day — one attraction and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these types of getaways often arise from spontaneous stops in villages and at views you hadn't planned. Finally, always check tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

What to bring with you

For short getaways, one small bag per person is usually enough, but there are things that make a difference. Comfortable walking shoes are essential: even in a town, walking on cobbled streets and uphill can be tiring with the wrong footwear. A light windbreaker is useful almost all year round, especially in mountainous and coastal destinations where the temperature drops significantly at night.

Practical items: power bank, car charger, reusable water bottle, a small first aid kit with painkillers and plasters, and sunscreen regardless of the season. If you are travelling with children, add snacks, wet wipes, and a toy or tablet for the journey.

In winter, for mountain routes, keep anti-skid chains or snow socks, an ice scraper, and a blanket in the boot. You won't need them most of the time, but the one time you do, they'll save the day.

How to book accommodation at the right price

Accommodation prices in Greece are dynamic, so the timing of your booking matters more than the choice itself. The rule that works: for summer islands, book from February to April; for mountainous destinations, from October to November; and for three-day breaks, at least six weeks in advance, because demand surges then.

Always read recent reviews, not just the overall rating. Accommodation with an 8.6 rating and recent comments about cleanliness and a quiet room is a better choice than a 9.2 with three-year-old reviews. Focus on three points: soundproofing, breakfast, and parking — these are the three that don't show up in photos.

Finally, choose an option with free cancellation even if it's a few euros more expensive. On road trips, the weather often changes plans, and flexibility is worth more than the small discount of a non-refundable rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Larissa on this list?

It's Volos, with 60 km and approximately a 50-minute drive.

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Volos: approximately 20 € for a round trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Pelion, with approximately 1 hr 20 min of driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in tolls in total?

It depends on the destination: in our list, tolls range from zero to 3.60 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Which day trip is the most gastronomically enjoyable?

Volos with its tsipouradika. An hour's drive and a table that lasts all afternoon.

Can I visit Pelion and the sea on the same day?

Yes. Portaria or Makrinitsa in the morning and Agios Ioannis or Damouchari in the afternoon, with 40 minutes in between.