Alli Meria – Anavros

The start of our hike is located in the center of Alli Meria, close to the city of Volos. We find the parking area which is located next to the bus stop. For the first part of our route, we follow secondary asphalt roads until we enter a paved alley, which is connected to the dirt road. Very soon we find the beginning of the trail, next to a small ryral hut.

We now go through low and thorny vegetation until we enter a stand of pines. A short mountain col leads to the next dirt road. The road passable for the first section, until it turns to be more uneven. We finally reach to a closed gate that we overrun it via an opening in the fence. Then, we continue from on the alley.

The most interesting part of our walk is now in front of us and this is the archeological site of Goritsa. This is an area with natural fortification because of the hilly relief, from which one can easily supervise the gulf of Pagasitikos. Moreover, this hill can be supplied with fresh water from the nearby fountain. The natural advantages of the location persuaded the Macedonian King Philippos 2nd to establish, in the middle of 4th B.C., an important city. Although the city had a high strategic role, its name still remains unknown and it was inhabited only for 150 years. Today, we can see the fortification remains and the ruins of the big fortress which was used for the defense of the most assailable part of the city (highlighted as Promachonas 14). This fortress is a highly complex construction, consisting of two semicircular towers, connected with impressive stone walls.

After visiting the fortress, we continue our route on an obvious trail until we reach at the top of the small hill where we see the church of Zoodochos Pigi. One can visit this church also by car from the settlement of Anavros.

Following earth paths and alleys, we arrive at the edge of the city of Volos, next to the National Stadium. Our route finishes in the entrance of the sSwimming Center.

Regarding the marks of our route, it’s important to mention that only the first section is to some extent well-indicated with red marks while the last part till Anavros is less densely marked.

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