About the village
A charming coastal town in northeastern Pagasetic gulf with fertile grounds, an extended beach and great appeal to tourism that enjoys constant growth. Agria holds the title of being the closest coastal village to Volos, since it’s only 10 minutes away. That is the reason that many Volos residents come here for short holidays and summer breaks.
It has great and important history as it faced great growth over the last centuries. It used to serve as the port of Drakia and Agios Lavrentios where agricultural products were transported. The first houses were build in the early 19th century, while the main development, first as a settlement and then as a small town started after the annexation of Thessaly and the construction of the coastal road and the railroad. Of course it is a relatively new town, since it became a community in 1912 and started populating.
For the name origin, many versions exist, of which four are the most prevalent. Some claim that it came from the plant Agria, others that came from the wild (Greek :Agrio) olive trees that reached the beach and others by the “solicitation of fishermen”. The prevalent version (from Patroklos Palamidas, an intellectual from Lechonia) claims that the name came from the ancient temple, which was dedicated to Agraia Artemis.
Since we mentioned a temple, we call you to discover the many churches that exist in and around the village. The chapel of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) on the hill of Anemoutsa, in the road towards Drakia, stands out dating from the 17th century. You will be impressed by the gorgeous painted and carved iconostasis and from there you’ll have the opportunity to admire a panoramic view of Agria village and the Pagasetic. Also, you must make a visit to the cave-church of Panagias tis Tripas that is built on a rock by the sea, located outside of Agria in Goritsa, on the road to Volos. It is not an ordinary church, but a sea cave, which justifies its name, "Tripa" (Hole) dedicated to Virgin Mary. Every year in celebration of Zoodochos Pigi (The Lifegiving Spring) , crowds come to pray to her. If you happen to be there, do not forget to make a wish and throw a coin into the small pond located inside.
Directly above, in Goritsa, passed "Moutzouris", the famous train of Pelion. If you wish, you can make a walk on the rails of the historic train, and reach the building of the old railway station, built in the early 20th century. It is an impressive two-floor pink building of great architectural interest and rich decorative elements.
Agria is famous throughout Greece for another reason. Here, is the home and the plant of the famous beverages “EPSA” founded in 1924 by the brothers Kosmadopoulos. The establishment was of great significance for the residents and was the prime reason for the village to get connected with the electricity network. Today EPSA is one of the most successful Greek beverage companies. Don’t miss trying an orange juice or lemonade since they are considered to be among the best. In the factory premises, operates a museum, where the public has the opportunity to learn the history of EPSA, watch the production process and get to know their products.
At its beautiful beach, apart from swimming, you can indulge in various water activities such as water skiing and fishing. On the beach there are many taverns and tsipouro shops where you can enjoy traditional Pelion meze and seafood while for your night outings, choose one of the nearby clubs or in the coastal area of Soutrali, which offers unique opportunities for entertaiment and fun.
From 1950, every year, in late June, at the beach of Agria a series of events is organized named as “Psaradiki Vradia” (Fishing Nights) with lovely music shows, theatrical performances, feasting and dancing. During the series, the old traditions of fishermen are being revived and lots of fish is being offered. Also an established event for the last 25 years, in the municipality of Agria, is the international festival of classic guitar, in which solists from all over the world, participate.
