Agios Lavrentios

Just 20 km from Volos, the village remains unchanged by the passage of time. It spreads around the monastery of Agios Lavrentios, which was built back in 1378, and every corner stands for the atmosphere and nostalgia that exudes. Especially traditional stone houses that you come across on your walks through the picturesque streets, will certainly take you back in time.

At the same time the village is very lively, thanks to the relatively many residents, but also to the fact that even those who no longer live permanently in Agios Lavrentios, love their homeland deeply and return at every opportunity.

It is no coincidence that many intellectuals and artists have chosen this village to build their mountain retreat overlooking Pagasitikos. The main square has a lovely natural touch to it, as it is enclosed by beech, chestnut and olive trees. Here, you will find many taverns and tsipouradika (taverns offering food bites along with the traditional drink of tsipouro) offering exceptional homemade Greek food. One of the best ones is probably Lotos, found at the entrance of the village.

The complete absence of cars on the stone streets of Agios Lavrentios promises a quiet and peaceful stay. Most hotels are old aristocratic mansions (like Archontiko Kotti) and will offer you a cozy and authentic experience. We particularly recommend the guesthouse of Sarafi Guesthouse that has hosted us in the past. Mrs. Aspasia is the owner and she is famous famous throughout the village (not tell you across the region) for her homemade jams and preserves that are made exclusively with the production of fruit family. The breakfasts are a real dining experience!

Of course the village has anyway a big tradition of homemade jams that unfolds in the best way every third weekend in June with the “Feast of Cherry“, organized by the housewives of Agios Lavrentios.

If you like a family walking, you may walk up the Chatzini square to take a rest in the shade of centenarian plane trees, the church of Panaghia Souravlou and the neighboring village of Drakia–approximately 50 minutes to walk. Stroll around the forest of oaks and chestnut trees and enjoy colors and pictures. Do not forget to tell your children that somewhere around there is  the famous cave of the mythical Centaur hidden for centuries!

Every year in the late August and early September, the famous festival “Music Village” is held in Agios Lavrentios. Musicians and performers from across the world unfold their talent and flood the village with melodies and rhythms (www.music-village.gr). Furthermore, guests have the opportunity to participate in workshops around the arts and of course the music.

By car, you can easily discover other surrounding well known villages– such as Tsagarada, Makrinitsa and Portaria- but also other less known– like Pinakates and Lafkos. During summer family outings to the local beaches are simply imposed.

During the Easter, the liturgy in the monastery of Agios Lavrentios creates a truly devout atmosphere. that is culminated during Holy Week.