Car & Van Hire - Volos

In ancient times, Volos was known as the starting point for Jason and the Argonauts' legendary voyage. In fact, you'll see a replica of the Argo kept at the city's port. If you're a Greek mythology buff, it's well worth a visit. Even if you're not, the painstakingly built trireme, with its rows of narrow oars, is a fascinating sight. You'll find more ancient history at the Athanasakeion Archaeological Museum of Volos, which has a treasure trove of exhibits from the golden age of the Greek civilisation, including jewellery, ceramics and even whole skeletons laid out for ceremonial burial.

Car hire in Volos also lets you see one of Greece's most interesting ancient sites. The Dimini Archaeological Site dates back to approximately 4800-4500 BC. The residents here built houses from mud bricks, and they are incredibly well-preserved today. Unlike most other sites from that era, Dimini is fairly sophisticated: the houses seem to have been constructed according to social class, with a central village square. Each home has a large amount of privacy, and they feature interior kitchens - an unusual feature at a time when most cooking was done outdoors. It's an intriguing place to visit and will make you feel like you've stepped back in time thousands of years.

No trip to Greece would be complete without a day at the beach! Alikes Beach is one of the best in Volos, with a long stretch of sand to enjoy. The water here is clear and shallow, making it ideal for little kids. There are sun loungers and beach bars for visitors who want to take it easy, and the views of the beach with Mount Pelion in the background are truly unforgettable.

Another great option with car or van hire in Volos is a day trip around Mount Pelion. This glorious mountain has a history steeped in mythology. You can take a hike along the Centaur's Path, named after Chiron the Centaur. The wise centaur lived on the mountain and tutored many Greek heroes, including Jason, Heracles and Achilles. If that doesn't appeal, don't worry - you don't need to know your Greek legends to admire the stunning views around the mountain! You'll find orchards growing colourful fruit, massive waterfalls and charming slate houses. The eastern side of the mountain overlooks the Aegean Sea, where some of the best beaches in mainland Greece can be found.

Volos does get some rush hour traffic, as it is an industrial city. Steer clear of the roads early in the morning and in the evening if you want to avoid the jams. At other times of the day, driving around Volos is easy. The city was largely rebuilt in the mid-20th century after a devastating earthquake, so now its roads have a simple grid layout. The streets are often wider than you'll find elsewhere in Greece, which can make things easier for drivers.

There is parking available in the city. Some on-street spaces can be found, but you're probably better off going to one of the large multi-storey car parks where you can leave your vehicle all day.

Driving in the Pelion area will require a lot of concentration. Some roads are completely unlit, and there are many narrow mountain passes and hairpin bends. You'll be rewarded with spectacular views of this mountainous region, but be sure to take care. Do not drive in Pelion after dark, as the lack of lighting can be lethal. Watch out for mopeds high in the mountains. If you are turning on a blind spot, you might want to honk your horn. Many local drivers do this to warn any oncoming vehicles of their presence.

In the Greek countryside, roads tend to be very narrow. You may well find yourself stuck behind a tractor or another agricultural vehicle without an opportunity to overtake. Herds of goats, flocks of sheep and other animals sometimes stray onto the roads. Wait for them to pass or, if you can, drive carefully around them. Don't honk your horn at them, as they may get angry.

You can try to avoid these issues by driving along highways instead of country roads, where available. This means you may miss some of the best scenery, and you might have to pay tolls. Be aware that highways in Greece are not as modern and well-maintained as in other parts of Europe and often have just a single lane of traffic. You'll get to your destination more quickly, though.

When planning a day trip, look up the locations of petrol stations in advance. In rural areas, they are often very far apart. They close at night, and closing hours vary. Some are open as late as 23:00, while others pull down the shutters at 20:00. Carry cash if you need to refuel, as rural petrol stations may not accept card payments.