Nestled in the foothills of Northwest Pelion this active modern port gives little or no indication of the 'magic mountain' that lies beyond its gateway. Historically this is the site of the ancient city of Iolkos from where Jason and the Argonauts set off to find the Golden Fleece. In practical modern day terms the city supplied is the administrative and commercial center of the Prefecture of Magnesia and provides the villages off both the Pelion region and the Sopades Islands with everything they need. Hence the port is busy with ferry boats and hydrofoils running to and from Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos. There is a bus station and a train station. A musuem, hospital, theatre, cinemas and a university. One of the most popular shopping areas is along Ermou running parallel to the sea but a couple of blocks away from the sea front. The old part of Volos that was left standing after the earthquake of the '50's is called 'Palia', where the shops specialise in the trade of
agricultural machinery, tools and products and animal fodder. In Palia one will also find several vet's surgeries.
