Trikala

History

Homer mentioned the city as Trikala and is supposed to be the birthplace of the god of healing, Asclepius.

By plane

The closest airport is Volos airport (VOL), situated in (Nea Anchialos), about 130 km W from the city. Volos may be the nearest airfield but only offers service during the warm-weather months.
Ryanair operates flights from April to October to/from Hahn (Frankfurt), Bergamo (Milan), Rome and Charleroi (Brussels) airport.
Belle Air operate to/from Tirana.
Transavia operate to/from Amsterdam.
There is a bus connecting airport and Volos bus station. Buses are waiting to pick up travelers after a plane lands, the cost form the airport to Volos Bus station is €3. Then you have to get another bus or Train from Volos to Trikala. The bus station in Volos is about 1 km from the train station.
The nearest airport offering year-round international service is in Thessaloniki (SLG) about 3 hours away.

By regional coach

Interurban coaches ("KTEL" buses) (+30 24310 73131) are by far the most convenient way to travel around Greece, as well as for intra-regional travelling. There is frequent bus service from Athens Liossion Station to Trikala, as well as from Thessaloniki bus terminal "Macedonia" to Trikala. There are several KTEL bus stops in the city. The main bus station is about 4 km out of town.

Trikala Main Bus Station

address: Trikala Ring Road

KTEL Bus Stop and Ticket Office

address: Όθωνος Street

By train

Trains (OSE) (+30 24310 27214) connect Trikala to other cities in Greece. Travelling with ordinary trains can be cheaper, although a little bit slower, whereas choosing a fancy faster Intercity train will cost the same amount of money, or even more than a KTEL bus. There are direct trains to Athens and Larissa to Thessaloniki.

Trikala Train Station

address: Ευριπίδου Street

Most of Trikala's sights are within walking distance. Also, you can rent a bicycle for free at the tourist information centre. Large streets have bike lanes and most areas in and directly around the city are quite flat. There are also intra-city buses however their routes and bus stops are not marked properly, making it hard to use for the outsider.

• Koursoun TzamiThis Turkish mosque dates from the 16th century. It was built by Sinan Pasha who also designed the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

• Fortress of TrikalaThis Byzantine fort has a clock tower that provides an excellent view of the city as well as a small photo exhibition showing the history of Trikala.

• Chapel of Profitis Ilias

• Turkish QuarterA peaceful area of winding streets and old houses.

• Μύλος Ματσόπουλου

  address: Klinou 10
  Old flour mill and pasta factory turned industrial museum and park.

• Ski

  address: Pertouli

• Kayaking

  address: Tria Potamia

• Γαλαξίας Super Market

  phone: +30 2431027751
  address: Kondili 50
  Budget supermarket for groceries, with a large selection of non-food items on the second floor.

• Street Market

  address: 28 Oktober Street
  Fresh local produce from small sellers, for lower prices than the shops.

• Κόκκινη Σβούρα

  address: Asklipiou 21
  Modern gastropub with a daily menu. Greek and international cuisine, nice big portions.

• Ταβέρνα Διαχρονικό

  phone: +30 2431077522
  address: Ypsilantou 21
  Traditional Greek restaurant with good fare, dinner is served until long after midnight. Try the Lathos, pork smothered in wine and apple sauce.

• Σουβλάκι ΠεΠα

  phone: +30 2431030302
  address: 25is Martiou 3
  A well-known spot for souflaki and gyros, right in the entertainment quarter. Big portions for around €2. Plates are available too but it's mostly a takeaway place.

• Κληματαριά Μεζεδοποτείον

  address: Asklipiou 46
  Cozy bar with drinks and food at reasonable prices. Locals come here to enjoy the traditional Greek rebetiko music.

• Coffee Island

  address: Vasolissis Olgas 3
  Get your morning brew here.

Budget

(1 and 2 stars)

• Palladion Hotel

  phone: +30 24310 28091
  address: Vyronos 4
  Just across river from city center

• Hostel Meteora

  address: Tiouson 51

Mid-range

(3 and 4 stars)

• Achillion Hotel

  phone: +30 24310-21893
  address: 2 Asklipiou & Kanouta Sts
  Just across river from city center.

• Aeton Melathron Hotel

  phone: +30 24310 63130
  address: 16 Nearchou & Klidonopoulou Sts
  2.5 km northwest of city center.

• Hotel Lithaeon

  phone: +30 24310 20690
  address: 16 Othonos & Garivaldi Sts
  Centrally located on the river, and close to a KTEL Bus Stop.

• Panellinion Hotel

  phone: +30 24310 73545
  address: 2 Vass. Olgas St
  Historic hotel in city center at Rigas Ferroes Square.

Splurge

• Ananti City Resort

  phone: +30 24310 63950
  address: Loggaki Trikalon
  On the top of a hill, 2 km away from the city center, with panoramic view that embraces the plain of Thessaly.

Koziakis Mountains

• St George Hotel

  phone: +30 24323 00400
  address: Chrisomilia
  B&B.

• Papanastassiou Hotel

  phone: +30 24340 71820
  address: Elati
  2-star hotel.

• Free World Guesthouse

  address: Kori
  Hostel.

• Tourist Information OfficeKiosk with information as well as free bicycle rental. Just leave your ID and you can take a bike for free for 3 hours.

Meteora - The famous monasteries are 25 km northwest near the town of Kalampaka
Koziakas Mountains - A wide variety of outdoor activities are in the Koziakas Mountains, 20 km west of Trikala. The village of Pyli ("The Gate") stands at the entrance of one of Greece's most beautiful gorges. Right at the entrance of the gorge, 1.5 km past Pyli, is the 13th Century Church of Porto Panayia. The church has impressive mosaics and marble icons. Another 5 km past Pyli is the Mono Agios Vissariou, a 16th Century monastery. The ski area Pertouli is 30 km past Pyli. Tria Potamia offers kayaking in the Aheloos River.
Plastira Lake - 30 km southwest of Trikala.