Magnesia Prefecture (capital is Volos) occupies the east side of Thessaly, encompassing the peninsula of the same name which ends in cape Trikeri and encloses the Pagasitic gulf in its embrace. Its boundaries extend to the Northern Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos. Among the fairest regions in Greece, Magnesia, crowned by superb Pelion, probably owes its name to the Magnetes tribe, who, led by Magnes - son of Aiolos -inhabited the area in prehistoric times. Travelers, however, who may find themselves taken unawares carried away so much beauty, may find another non scientific derivation of the word more appropriate, as they find themselves «magnetised» by the place.

Much praised Pelion with its picturesque town and villages. Volos (the capital of the prefecture) and its port, which holds out a promise to modern -day Argonauts full of surprises; gorgeous beaches, some tucked into wind free coves, some disappearing into the infinite expanse of the Aegean, are only some of the delights hidden away in this corner of Greece. Pine trees, oaks, firs, wild olive trees, chestnut trees, and a myriad shrubs and plants -most of them with therapeutic properties- cover the mountains of Magnesia (Mts. Pelion, Tisaion, Orthris, Mavrovouni), which take up the greater portion of its surface, endowing it only with unsurpassed loveliness, but also with wealth. Magnesia ia also renowned for its healthy climate; thanks to the beneficial effect of the sea surrounding it to the south and east it is blessed with mild winters and cool summers.

The shoreline formed by the large enclosed Pagasitic gulf and the Magnesia peninsula is somewhat broken up on the inner coast of the Pagasitic, while the coast facing the open sea is untended.

Pelion combines mountain and sea and according to the legend it was the summer residence of the twelve Gods of Olympus and the mythical country of the Argonauts and the Centaurs. Dramatic views abound across the lush mountainsides down to the white pebble and sand beaches on both the Aegean and Pagasetic Gulf sides of the peninsula. Pelion's twenty four mountain villages hang on the side of the mountain in perfect harmony with their surroundings. The Aegean side of Mount Pelion plunges dramatically down through verdant forest to a series of stunning beaches, villages and towns. The Pagasitic Gulf, no less stunning, could be another country, so different is the landscape. Here the mountain falls gently away towards a coastline full of picturesque harbours, sandy beaches and astonishing sunsets.

Visitors go to Pelion anytime within the year to either ski in the winter or swim in the summer on the Aegean Sea or the Pagasitic Gulf, to walk, ride a bike or a horse through a dense set of paths.

Useful information
Coach Station of Volos, +30 24210 33253, 25527
Port Authority of Volos, +30 24210 28888, 38888
Ferry Boats, +30 24210 31059, 31060, 23400.
Jetfoils, +30 24210 33585, 21626, 39786
Railway Station of Volos, +30 24210 28555, 24056
Taxis, +30 24210 52222
Tourist Police, +30 24210 72420
Archaeological museum, +30 24210 25285