Nea Anchialos

Understand

History The modern town is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Pyrasos (Πύρασος), and is associated with the nearby city of Thessalian or Phthiotic Thebes (Θῆβαι Φθιώτιδες/Θεσσαλικαἰ), near the modern village of Mikrothivai. Homer provides us with information about Pyrasos in his list of ships (Iliad B.695). According to Strabo (IX.435), who discusses its topography, as "well-harboured Pyrasos". Until the construction of Demetrias by the Macedonians, it was the main harbour on the Pagasetic Gulf. It was besieged and captured by Philip V of Macedon in 217 BC, and the city became a Macedonian colony. Following Philip's defeat by the Roman Republic, in 189 BC the city was moved from the inland site of the old Phthiotic Thebes back to Pyrasos (Nea Anchialos) and became capital of the restored Phthiotic Achaean League. In Late Antiquity, it became part of the province of Thessalia, of which it was the third-most important city and main harbour. The city's prosperity from the 4th through the 6th centuries is attested by the number of its Early Christian monuments, but was brought to an end in a great fire in the late 7th century that destroyed the city. The city was rebuilt and apparently continued to be of some note—its bishop is last mentioned in the 8th/9th century—but never recovered and was eventually eclipsed by the nearby port city of Almyros. Nea Anchialos (meaning "New Anchialos") was founded in 1906 by Greeks who fled the Black Sea town of Anchialos (modern Pomorie in Bulgaria) after massive anti-Greek riots, provoked by the Greek-Bulgarian struggle in Macedonia.

Climate Nea Anchialos, unlike other towns in Thessalian plain, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with can-be-hot-but-bearable summers (though a little bit humid) and mild winters. Spring and autumn are the best to visit the city, winter is the time to be on the Pelion mountain villages, and summer is definitely dedicated to the numerous beaches of Nea Anchialos and its suberbs.

Getting there

The location of Magnesia, in central Greece and a short distance from Athens and Thessaloniki makes it easy and convenient access for visitors with all means of transportation. The airports in New Anchialos Skiathos and Magnesia in the world and the port of Volos between Europe and the Balkans to Asia and North Africa.

By car The geographical location of Nea Anchialos is in central Greece with a short distance from Athens and Thessaloniki makes it easy and convenient access for visitors. The Web Our guide will give you the necessary instructions for the best route. From the E75 highway from Athens or Thessaloniki, turn right at the exit "MIKROTHIVES. Pass Mikrothives and in 5 km you will reach the Nea Anchialos. Greece has a very bad road safety record in Europe. Driving is often fast and aggressive and the cities are congested, particularly Athens. Driving licences issued by EU member states are recognised in Greece. Licences from the US, Canada, Australia and Japan can be converted to Greek ones without a driving test, provided the applicant is in possession of a residence permit. Cost is €58.

By bus Long distance buses travelling to Nea Anchialos terminate at the bus station at the local port. Nea Anchialos is connected on regular basis to Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Ioannina. Local buses connect Nea Anchialos with Volos and Almyros almost every 20 minutes. For more information contact the local bus station KTEL [1] at the phone number: 24280 76733

By train Nea Anchialos has regular rail connection from/to Athens or Thessaloniki to Volos and from there by bus or taxi to Nea Anchialos. For more information contact the train stations.

By plane From abroad, Nea Anchialos is connected with regular and charter flights. The Nea Anchialos - Volos Airport (VOL IATA) is the main attraction of tourists and most important transportation hub in central Greece. 18 km away from the city is the city of Nea Anchialos and 26 km from Volos, is easily accessible fr

Getting around

On foot

Nea Anchialos is extremely compact and covering it on foot is not a problem. A lot of pedestrian streets and specially those by the sea side are waiting for you to discover the beauty of the city.

By bus The frequent buses schedule connecting Nea Anchialos with Almyros gives you a cheap opportunity to visit Volos. The bus drive is 15 minutes. There are very frequent bus schedules to Volos every day almost every 20 min. The bus stop is at Nea Anchialos port and you can buy tickets inside the bus. If your destination is Athens or other major city you better reserve a seat and get a ticket at the bus station located in the center of the city. Buses to Volos start at 05:30 and the last return bus is at 09:45.

By taxi There are many taxis in Nea Anchialos. If you need a taxi during your stay the best way is to contact your hotel to call it for you. Don’t take a taxi “without reason.” You can go by foot to most of the important places of Nea Anchialos and Volos. Nea Anchialos Taxi Station - Phone: +30 24280 76340

By car If you do not have a mean of transportation, you might want to rent a car. There are many car rental companies. Ask your hotel.

See

1 Nea Anchialos Archaeological Site. Nea Anchialos Archaeological Site Fthiotides Thebes, one of the most significant centers of Early Christian Eastern Roman Thessaly, was developed at the area where today's city of Nea Anchialos spreads out. The most important findings of the area are extant parts of early Christian churches, chronologically dated around the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Among the relics of these Early Christian churches and other public buildings and baths of the city, prominent are the splendid mosaics found preserved in rather good condition. Nine basilicas have been found, these include:Basilica A, a three-aisled basilica from the late 5th/early 6th century, dedicated to Saint Demetrius, which served as the cathedral church.Basilica B, or "Elpidios Basilica", also dating roughly to the late 5th/early 6th century.Basilica C, also known "Church if the archiereus Peter" based on a mid-6th century inscription, although it dates to the late 4th/early 5th century. It features "elaborate floor mosaics and is part of a vast ecclesiastical complex".Basilica D, a 7th-century cemetery church outside the city walls.The remains of the ancient theatre and a Hellenistic stoa can still be seen. Most of the finds are in the Archaeological Museum of Volos, with a few in the Archaeological Museum of Almyros. (updated Jul 2026)

Buy

The city’s shopping area is in the center at Ellinikis Aeroporias street. There is not a big shopping area, as Nea Anchialos is located between two big cities and the major shopping stores are located in Volos, where you will find a huge variety of branded clothes, shoes etc.. Though, here you can find good quality bargains! Every Tuesday morning there is an extensive flee market next to the church at 30th Iouliou Str. Oil - Olive Oil: The Anchialos, thanks to climate and topograph