Where to Stay in Larissa: The Best Areas and 18 Hotels

Larissa is one of Thessaly's largest cities, boasting a vibrant student life, extensive shopping centres, and the Pinios River flowing through its heart. While it serves as a transit city for many, being almost in the centre of the country, it's also a worthwhile destination in its own right, especially if you're interested in excursions to Tempi, Mount Olympus, or Pelion.

Depending on the purpose of your trip, the choice of area varies considerably. The city centre around the main square gives you immediate access to shops and restaurants, while the Pinios riverbank offers a quieter stay with riverside walks. Apartments near the centre are suitable for those who desire more space and independence, such as students, families, or business travellers staying for several days.

Below, we analyse four areas of the city, highlighting their pros and cons, along with 18 accommodations catering to different budgets and needs, from basic rooms to more comfortable apartments and hotels with additional amenities.

What to See and Do in Larissa

Larissa is one of Europe's oldest inhabited cities, with traces of life dating back to the Neolithic era. The ancient theatre, located atop the Acropolis hill, was relatively recently discovered and offers good views of the city and the Pinios River. Nearby, there's a second, smaller theatre, which is rare for a Greek city. This excavation significantly altered our perception of Larissa as an ancient city, demonstrating its importance as an urban centre in Thessaly since classical times, with its own coinage and active political life.

The Pinios River flows through Larissa, and its banks, particularly around the Alkazar bridge, are a popular spot for walks, runs, or cycling. Alkazar Park, the city's largest urban park, is an excellent choice for a break from city centre strolling, especially on hot days. In summer, many residents head to the riverbank in the evening for coffee or drinks, as the river's coolness provides a welcome contrast to the city centre heat.

In the city centre, the main square and Papanastasiou Street host most of the shops and cafes. The presence of university students from the University of Thessaly lends the city a lively atmosphere that lasts well into the night, particularly around the bar-lined streets near the centre. Larissa's market, with its old shops and narrow passages, is worth a morning stroll when it's most bustling with locals doing their shopping.

Gastronomically, Larissa is famed for its 'Larissa crisps' (a type of fried vegetable snack) and its grill houses. Many visitors combine their trip with a taste of local Thessalian produce, such as cheeses and meats. In the neighbourhoods surrounding the central market, you'll find several old shops selling sausages and local cured meats. In recent years, more modern restaurants have also opened, blending tradition with new culinary ideas.

The city's location places it near many attractions; Tempi is about 30 km away, Mount Olympus approximately an hour's drive, and Pelion a little over an hour. Many choose Larissa as a base precisely for this reason, combining a city stay with day trips. The Vale of Tempi, with the Pinios River winding between Mount Olympus and Ossa, is one of the region's most stunning routes, perfect for a short escape, even for just a day.

Getting around Larissa is easy, as the city is relatively flat, and the centre can be comfortably explored on foot or by bicycle. The railway station connects it directly to Athens, Thessaloniki, and Volos. The city also has a network of urban buses serving neighbourhoods further from the centre, which is useful if you're staying slightly outside the city's core.

The best time to visit is spring and autumn, as summer temperatures in the Thessalian plain can be quite high, while winter can be rather cold for outdoor excursions. If your trip involves an excursion to Mount Olympus or the mountainous villages around Thessaly, spring, with its milder temperatures and fresh green countryside, is an ideal choice.

The Best Areas to Stay in Larissa

1. City Centre (Main Square), The Most Practical Base for Walking, Dining, and Transport

Larissa's city centre, around the main square and Papanastasiou Street, is the most convenient area for those who want everything close at hand, from shops to cafes and restaurants. It also offers the best connections to the railway station and intercity buses. In the evenings, the area is quite busy, making it appealing to younger travellers and those seeking a lively atmosphere. It is also the area with the highest concentration of accommodation options, offering hotels of all categories just a few minutes' walk from the square.

Advantages:

• Immediate access to shops and restaurants
• Good connections to the station and intercity bus terminal
• Many accommodation options for every budget

Disadvantages:

• Noisy in the evenings, especially Friday and Saturday
• Free parking is harder to find

Recommended Accommodations:

1. Metropol Hotel
A central hotel with consistent quality, close to shops and restaurants. A good choice for business trips or short stays in the city, with direct access to pedestrian streets and the main square, without the need for taxis or buses.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

2. Acropol Hotel
A simple, functional hotel in the centre, suitable for those seeking budget accommodation without straying far from the city's main attractions. The rooms cover basic needs for one to two nights without unnecessary expenses.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

3. Grand Hotel
A hotel with more history in the city, offering comfortable rooms and a central location, ideal for walking to sights and shops. Suits travellers who desire a bit more space than a standard city hotel room.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

4. Diethnes
Affordable accommodation in the centre, a good solution for travellers looking for simple, clean lodging without unnecessary expenses. It is located a few minutes from the city's central points and main transport links.

• Average cost: approximately 50€ per night

5. Hotel Achillion
A central hotel offering simple, functional accommodation, suitable for a short stay or business trip. Its location facilitates movement to all points of interest in the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 58€ per night

6. Finikas
An affordable hotel in the centre of Larissa, with basic amenities, suitable for travellers who want to stay close to the main square without high accommodation costs.

• Average cost: approximately 52€ per night

2. Pinios Riverbank and Alkazar, For Riverside Strolls and a Quieter Stay

The area around the Pinios River and Alkazar Park is greener and quieter compared to the city centre, offering paths for walking and cycling along the river. It remains close to the main square, so you don't lose easy access, but you gain a more peaceful environment, especially in the mornings and early afternoons. Many accommodations here offer views of the park or river, making them attractive to those who want to escape the hustle and bustle without sacrificing centrality.

Advantages:

• Walks along the Pinios
• Quieter environment than the city centre
• Close to Alkazar Park

Disadvantages:

• Slightly further from central shops
• Fewer nightlife options

Recommended Accommodations:

7. Park Hotel
A hotel near the park and the Pinios, a good choice for those who want a morning stroll by the river before heading to the city centre. The rooms are simple but meet the needs for a short or medium-length stay.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

8. Olympus Terra Boutique Hotel
A boutique accommodation with a more refined aesthetic, suitable for couples who desire something different from typical city hotels. The decor and atmosphere stand out from the more conventional options in the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

9. Dionisos Hotel
A functional hotel in a quiet location, convenient for medium-length stays with easy access to the centre. It suits travellers who prefer less noise in the evenings.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

10. Esperia Hotel
A simple hotel with basic amenities, a good option for travellers seeking an affordable solution near the Pinios riverbank, with easy access to the centre via a short walk.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

3. City Centre Apartments, More Space and Independence for Longer Stays

If you're travelling for several days or desire more space than a typical hotel room, apartments in the centre of Larissa are a good solution. Many are within walking distance of the main square, offering cooking facilities and, in several cases, free parking – a useful feature for families or those travelling by car. Many of these apartments are in renovated buildings, with modern equipment and good insulation, factors that make a difference for stays exceeding three or four days.

Advantages:

• More space and independence
• Many with free parking
• Good value for longer stays

Disadvantages:

• Fewer services compared to a hotel
• Requires communication with the owner for check-in

Recommended Accommodations:

11. Efanton 2 - Larissa
An apartment near the centre, suitable for small families or couples who want more space and their own kitchen. A good choice for a comfortable stay of a few days.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

12. Elario studio - Larissa
A small studio with basic facilities, a good option for short to medium-length stays in the city centre, with easy access to shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: approximately 45€ per night

13. Larisa, Park view apartment
An apartment with park views, close to the centre, convenient for those who want tranquillity without losing easy access to the city's main attractions.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

14. Design downtown suite (K2) Larissa
A more modern apartment in the centre, with refined decor, suitable for couples or travellers who want something more unique than a standard hotel room.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

15. LA Larissa Luxury Apartments Peneus
An apartment with a more luxurious aesthetic, suitable for couples who desire a bit more comfort in the centre, with living space and a kitchen equipped for daily use.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

16. Larissa Downtown Apartment With Parking Larissa
An apartment with free parking in the centre, useful for those travelling by car and wishing to avoid the city centre's parking challenges.

• Average cost: approximately 62€ per night

4. Outside the Centre, More Comfortable Options, For Those Seeking More Peace and Comfort

Just outside the city centre are some of the city's more comfortable hotels, featuring larger rooms and more space around them. This isn't the most convenient option if you want to walk everywhere, but it suits those travelling by car or preferring a quieter environment away from the city centre's hustle and bustle. Many of these hotels also have event halls, making them a popular choice for business meetings or family events in the area.

Advantages:

• Larger rooms and more space
• Quieter environment
• Easy car access

Disadvantages:

• Requires transport to the centre
• Fewer dining options within walking distance

Recommended Accommodations:

17. Grecotel Larissa Imperial
A larger hotel with more amenities, suitable for families and travellers who want a more comfortable stay slightly outside the city centre's activity, with spacious rooms and communal areas.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

18. Divani Palace Larissa
A hotel with larger rooms and event spaces, a good choice for business trips and for more comfortable family stays, with easy access to the city's ring road.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

19. Elektra's Apartment#2, 1ος, διαμέρισμα στο κέντρο της Λάρισας με δωρεάν Parking και Πρωΐνό Λάρισα
An apartment with free parking and breakfast, a good option for those who want a combination of apartment independence and small hotel-style amenities, in a quiet part of the city.

• Average cost: approximately 68€ per night

20. LA Larissa Luxury Apartments Stelve
An apartment with a more modern layout, suitable for couples or small families who want comfort and quiet, with easy access to the city's main roads.

• Average cost: approximately 72€ per night

Practical Tips Before Booking

• Stay close to the centre if you don't have a car. The main square and Papanastasiou Street are easily covered on foot, without needing transport.
• Consider an apartment for stays longer than three days. It's usually more cost-effective than a hotel and offers cooking facilities.
• Ask about parking if you arrive by car. Parking can be difficult in the compact city centre, but it's easier outside it.
• Use Larissa as a base for excursions. Tempi, Mount Olympus, and Pelion are all about an hour's drive away.
• Avoid summer if you can't stand the heat. The Thessalian plain gets quite hot in the summer months, with spring and autumn being more pleasant times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Larissa if it's my first time?

The city centre around the main square is the most practical choice, as you'll have shops, restaurants, and station connections nearby.

Which area is best for a quiet stay in Larissa?

The Pinios riverbank and the area around Alkazar Park offer a more peaceful environment, without being far from the city centre.

Is an apartment better than a hotel in Larissa?

Yes, especially if you're staying for more than two or three days, as you get more space and cooking facilities at a better price.

Is Larissa a good base for excursions to Tempi or Mount Olympus?

Yes, Tempi is about 30 km away and Mount Olympus approximately an hour's drive, so many choose it for precisely this reason.

Do I need a car in Larissa?

Not necessarily if you stay in the centre, as the city is flat and convenient for walking. For excursions outside the city, a car is very helpful.

When is the best time to visit Larissa?

Spring and autumn have milder temperatures, while summer heat in the Thessalian plain can be intense.

The Verdict

If you want everything close by and to experience the city's pulse, the city centre around the main square is the safest bet. For a quieter stay, the Pinios riverbank is a better fit. Those staying for longer can opt for a city centre apartment for more space. Finally, if you prefer larger rooms and peace away from the hustle, it's worth checking out the more comfortable options just outside the centre.

Also see our guides on where to stay in Patras and accommodation in Sparta.