Agria is found at a distance of 6km from Volos. It is the first settlement you will meet on leaving Volos towards Pelion, if approaching from the Pagasitiko Gulf. In todays times it is known as the seaside suburb of Volos. This modern and dynamic town is bustling with life all the year round as it has an excellent infrastructure.
The name has come from 4 very different opinions. It comes either from the plant Agrias (Iados), or from the Argria (meaning wild) olives that grow down unto the beach (Agriela-Agrilia and after Agria), or from the expression ‘ from the fisherman’ (Agra meaning fishing, hunting, hunter-gatherers). In agreement with another opinion, that of the patron saint, Patroklo Palamida, the name comes from the temple dedicated to Agraia Artemis (Artemis also being the Goddess of hunting).
The evolution of the linguistics of the names Agratia, in Agria are well founded if you compare them to the way other examples have developed spelling wise such as ‘Elaia-Elia’, both meaning olive, and ‘Agraia-Agria’ both meaning wild. The name Agria was used by the inhabitants of the mountain village of Dracea and Agios Laverenti, the once seaport during the Ottoman occupation. The area was built with warehouses for storing the olive oil that would be loaded onto the ships that served the whole of Pelion and journeyed out to many other destinations in Greece.
You can visit the beautiful, once, soft drink bottling company of EPSA factory, they made lemonade, orangeade, as well as many other soft drinks that were also known throughout Greece for their taste and quality. Also an interesting place to see the old railway station, built to join Ano Lehonia (the terminal of Mourtouri) with Volos, which unfortunately never actually operated.
It is also worth visiting the chapel of the Holy Cross and its incredible wood carved icon, and the little church of the Panagias (Virgin Mary) built into the rock.
Agria was also the birthplace of the famous composer Vangelis Papathanasiou (Vaggelis). Close by is the hill of Goritsas with its incredible views across the Pagasitiko Gulf towards Volos. At the peak you will find the old temple of the Panagia of Gortisa. Archeological findings show that there was a Macedonian town in the 4th century BC and pieces of the ancient village wall are still visible. The peak of the hill has panoramic views, and the many legends associated with the hill are interesting enough to ignite the imagination of many a scholar or visitor.
The beachside tavernas, and the ‘tsipouradika’ (meze places), offer the visitors a great diversion of taste and unique flavours, as well as being the perfect spot to relax next to the sea.

Every summer the municipality of Agrias organize cultural and artistic events such as the International Guitar Festival with soloists from around the world participating. The institution of August has become the ‘Fishing Evening’ during which, aside of plenty of fish on the menu of the feast, there is a traditional band plays into the night.
Following the coastal road, you will come to the beach of Soutrali – the first beach you meet on the side of the Pagastiko golf. It is a large beach overgrown with olives and fruit trees. At Soutrali you will find many interesting places for dining and coffee, far away from the crowds.


 

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