Thessalia can be described as a large inland basin, surrounded by high mountains and mountain ranges. The main exception to this general pattern is the plain of Iolkos in the southeast, which is accessible from the Aegean Sea through the Gulf of Pagasai.

To the east, the interior is separated from the sea by Mt Pelion and Mt Ossa. The only exit to the sea is through the Vale of Tempe, north of Mt Ossa. Beyond this little valley, stands Mt Olympos, the highest (2,917 m) mountain of Greece. To the west of that lies the Kamvounian range while further to the west and towards Epiros, the Pindos range forms an almost impenetrable barrier. Finally, in the southeastern part of Thessaly, Mt Othrys and Mt Tymphristos form again a formidable boundary.

Thessalia is drained by the Peneios River, the second largest river in Greece, and its many tributaries. The river rises in the Pindos range and flows across both plains before passing through Tempe and finally into the Thermaikos Gulf.

Places To Go Some of the main places you will wish to visit in Thessalia are: Pherai, Larissa and Crannon. (Click on the map to visit the 'hoods.)