If you wish to spend the holiday season in a place that offers fun activities for children, as well as the opportunity to visit historical landmarks, especially Meteora, Trikala is the perfect destination. This charming city is located in the central region and is the first “smart city” in Greece. Whether you enjoy the magical atmosphere of Christmas events or explore historical and modern sites, Trikala has it all.

The Mill of the Elves - the largest Christmas market in Greece

The Mill of the Elves is the main attraction during the holiday season, and in 2024, the park will be open from November 29th to January 5th, every day from 10:00 to 22:00. This park offers numerous themed activities perfect for the whole family. You can visit the essential Santa’s House, the large amusement park, or enjoy the charms of the Chocolate Factory, where elves make and sell chocolate bars with unique ingredients and spices. We believe that both children and parents will enjoy it.
For fun lovers, there are also the largest ice rink in Greece and the Sweet Market, where you can enjoy a variety of sweets, a Christmas market, a post office where your little ones can send a letter directly to Santa Claus.

Entrance fee: Entry to the park is free, while certain activities are charged separately. You can find all information about prices and schedules on the official website.

Location: Matsopoulos Park, Trikala - location on the map.

  • Distance from Thessaloniki is approximately 220 km,
  • Distance from Athens is about 325 km.

Taxi: For taxi transportation in Trikala, you can use Radio Taxi 18300. Contact numbers are 18300, 24310 22111, 24310 33111.

Train: The Thessaloniki - Athens train passes through Trikala, so you can reach it by this means of transportation as well. For the schedule and ticket prices, visit the official website HERE.

Landmarks in Trikala to visit

In addition to the fun park, there are sites in Trikala that you should definitely visit during your stay. We will list the most significant ones here:

  • Asklepieion Archeological Site - the most important and oldest in Greece\, according to Strabo. Trikala (old Trikke) is considered the birthplace of Asclepius, a hero and god of medicine in ancient Greek mythology. The archaeological site of ancient Trikke is located next to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the old town.
  • Byzantine Fortress - built by Emperor Justinian on the acropolis of ancient Trikale in the 6th century\, later rebuilt by the Ottomans\, who in the 17th century erected a huge clock tower. In 1936\, a second clock was installed\, which today represents the city’s landmark and offers a panoramic view of the city. Below the fortress lies the old town.
  • Old Town of Trikala - consisting of the districts of Varousi and Manavika.
  • Varousi was the Christian part of Trikala during Ottoman rule and is located just below the fortress. Today, it is a protected area with a large number of traditional old buildings. This part houses the oldest churches in the city, built between the 14th and 19th centuries, which are very close to each other.
  • Manavika, the second district of the old town, has a different kind of charm - it is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in the city.
  • Prophet Ilias Hill - an orchard with a beautiful panoramic view of the city\, just a few minutes’ walk from the city center. On this hill stands the Church of Prophet Elias (built in 1897) and the city zoo.
  • Lithaios River - passing through the city center with the Central Bridge\, it has become a recognizable symbol of the city. The riverbank is well-maintained and lush with vegetation\, perfect for a stroll.

What to visit near Trikala

Meteora Monasteries: Not far from Trikala, Meteora is one of the most visited natural wonders in Greece. With monasteries perched on top of rocks, this UNESCO site offers a spectacular view and a spiritual experience. The monasteries are open to visitors, and you can read more details here: Meteora - Greek sanctuary in the clouds.

The Pertouli Ski Center is located in the mountains near Trikala, offering a pleasant day in the snow. The ski center is situated at an altitude of 1,170 to 1,370 meters. There are 2 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding, along with three ski lifts. For more details, visit the ski centers page here.

Other places that are known as winter centers and winter tourist destinations in Greece can be found here: Which places to visit in Greece during winter.

About Trikala

History of Trikala: Trikala is a city with a rich history dating back to antiquity. Homer mentions Trikala in the Iliad, noting that it fought on the side of Troy with 30 ships.
Over the centuries, the city has been a significant cultural and strategic center in Thessaly. Known for its well-preserved historical monuments, Trikala has been under the rule of the Romans, Byzantines, a brief period of Serbian kings during which the Great Meteoron Monastery was built, and later the Ottoman Empire, as well as the entire Balkans.

Modern Trikala: Trikala now holds the title of the first “smart city” in Greece, where the latest technologies are applied to enhance everyday life. The city hosts innovative projects such as

  • digital health systems
  • smart parking
  • traffic management.

Additionally, Trikala is a candidate for implementing the first 5G network system in Greece, which will further improve the quality of life and tourism. Smart cities like Trikala use technology to make daily activities simpler, faster, and more efficient, making the city even more attractive to visitors and residents.

We are always here to help you explore Greece! Follow us for the latest information, useful tips and authentic experiences to spend an unforgettable vacation in Greece!

We offer over 3,000 accommodations. Choose the right one for you and your family HERE.

Follow us on social networks where we regularly share exclusive offers, discounts and special arrangements for vacations in Greece as well as information, advice and useful news.

Facebook:Nikana.gr
Instagram: @nikana.gr
Tiktok: nikana.gr
Facebook grupa: Live from Greece
YouTube kanal @NikanaTravel
Write to us at e-mail: nikana@nikana.gr
 
Our site nikana.gr is the leading source of information about Greece.