This Underrated Greek Gem Is One Of The Oldest Cities In All Of Europe

When planning a trip to Greece, images of Athens' ancient ruins, Mykonos' infamous blue roofs, and Santorini's cliffside sunsets immediately flood the imagination. These are storied destinations with millennia-old history that can still be seen and felt, even in these most modern of times. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Larissa is a seemingly simple getaway for those who want to experience Greece without the crowds, inflated prices, and social media influencers that flock to and overshadow Greece's more famous locales. Still, the fact that Larissa is, as the blogger behind In Love With Greece says, "nothing special" is exactly what makes it so.

Originally established in 5000 B.C., Larissa is said to be the birthplace of Achilles, as well as where Hippocrates, the Greek physician and philosopher, took his final breaths. In addition to its importance in Greek mythology, Larissa was also renowned in ancient times for its horse breeding prowess and agricultural significance, while remnants of the city's storied ancient impact can still be seen throughout its streets, buildings, and natural landscapes today.

To visit Larissa's ancient borders, fly into Greece's underrated second-largest city, Thessaloniki, located in northern Greece's Central Macedonia region. From there, it's a smooth two-hour drive south or a scenic three-hour train and bus ride straight into the city. Alternatively, fly into Athens International Airport for more airline and route options, followed by a longer trek through Greece's rugged interior.

While Larissa has yet to be included on our list of Greece's best attractions, it has more than its fair share of ancient Greek ruins, impactful history, and architectural marvels. The city's central ruins mark the site of an ancient acropolis, an area continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period. The city's cultural and religious evolution, as seen in the Sanctuary of Asclepius and the Early Christian Basilica of Saint Achilles, is also in close proximity. Further evidence of the city's layered religious history can be seen in the New Mosque of Larissa, built in the 19th century during the final decades of Larissa's Ottoman rule. 

Surrounded by fertile, lush valleys and arresting mountain landscapes, Larissa is split by the Pineios River, the third-longest in the country, which flows just over the heart of the ancient city. Celebrated for its calm waters, the river is perfect for canoers and kayakers of all experience levels, as well as for recreational swimming in warmer months. Just south of the river's main flow lies Alcazar Park, an expansive green oasis and community favorite that offers a welcome reprieve from Larissa's bustling city streets. 

Alcazar Park is replete with stunning man-made and natural attractions, including dense trees, an ornamental pond, a mini-golf course, bike lanes, and small cafes. Also on the park grounds is the open-air Kipotheatto, an ancient, 2,500-seat garden theater that still hosts many performances in the warmer spring and summer months. Nearby, the Holy Temple of Agios Charalambos and the striking Monument of Hippocrates, honoring the Father of Medicine, draw pilgrims and history buffs alike.

Food has always held a central place in Greek culture, and in Larissa, shaped by its long, fertile grounds and rich agricultural legacy, its influence runs especially deep. From the presence of Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine, to Demeter's imprint on harvests, grains, and the abundance of the land, the city's connection to food is woven into both myth and daily life. Yet perhaps more important than the dishes themselves is the company you share them with. As the Greek philosopher Epicurus reminds us in a famous quote, "We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink."

As if taking the wisdom and guidance of the ancient Greeks to heart, Larissa's Kubrick Pure Social Club proudly proclaims that it's a community "built around people who gather not just to drink, but to connect, create, and move in rhythm." Serving bold signature cocktails, flavorful bar bites, and mouth-watering shared plates, Kubrick prides itself on fostering an atmosphere that keeps people coming back — and makes its regulars part of the very fabric that shapes Larissa's modern food scene.

Nearby, Nonna Rossa is a highly rated, family-friendly Italian restaurant that has called Larissa home for more than a decade. Its dining area centers around an open kitchen, where guests can watch their meals being prepared on the restaurant's Josper charcoal grill oven. The menu features classic Italian pastas, risottos, dry-aged meats, and a selection of tantalizing dolci. For a true taste of classic Greek fare, head over to Akamatra. Praised for its laid-back ambiance and a vibrant menu built around locally sourced ingredients, Akamatra is a must-visit stop on any Larissa itinerary.