Magnesia (Magnisia). The prefecture of Magnesia is a region with many riches: history, mythology, cultural traditions, a lively artistic community, wonderful nature, hospitable people and a modern tourist infrastructure. Magnesia has a coast on the Pagasitic Gulf and the Aegean Sea, and along with the islands of the Northern Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos) which also belong to the district of Magnesia, it offers a unique variety.
There are hotels, rooms to rent, traditional residential areas, campgrounds, recreation centers. Every visitor can find a place to stay and spend a wonderful vacation.
Capital of Magnesia is the city of Volos. One of the most famous regions of Magnesia is Pelion (Pilion). The airports of Skiathos and Volos (near Anchialos) connect Magnesia with the rest of Greece and Europe. There are very good connections to other parts of Greece by road, rail and ferries. One can easily take public transport or international airports to travel to this prefecture.
Magnesia stives for a balance of the knowledge of antiquity and contemporary culture. Achilles, Jason, the Argonauts and the Centaurs are some of the figures from the rich mythology and history of the region.
The Ancient Theatre of Demetrias, the museums, the Neolithic settlements of Sesklo and Dimini, the admirable Byzantine and Post-Byzantine churches are of high historic value.
All this, combined with traditions (the marriage ceremony, a dance which symbolizes the rebirth of nature, the local carnival, etc.), the contemporary artistic creativity (the International Centre for Skopelos Photography, artistic happenings of the great municipalities) makes a visit to this region an experience with great variety.
The name Magnesia the prefecture probably owes is derived from the former residents who were called Magnites. Magnis was the son of Aelos. Excavations from the Neolithic period are located in Sesklo and Dimini. It’s worth mentioning, during the Turkish occupation the inhabitants move to the mountain villages of Pelion.
Text: Jorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer