This ancient Greek city in Thessaly has Byzantine castles, stone bridges from the 16th century, and was the first smart city in Greece with free Wi-Fi since 2004.
Trikala sits in northwestern Thessaly along the Lithaios River. You'll find cyclists moving through 2.6 kilometers of dedicated paths in the city center, past the 16th-century Osman Shah Mosque and the stone walls of a 6th-century Byzantine castle. As Greece's first smart city, Trikala has free Wi-Fi networks, e-governance systems, and digital information points throughout its streets, while in the old quarter, wooden balconies hang over narrow stone paths, and Orthodox churches dating to the 17th century stand among traditional houses.
Exploring the Lithaios Riverfront
The Lithaios River runs through central Trikala, where locals gather along its banks. Ten bridges span the river, including an iron truss bridge from 1886, built by French engineers. You can walk along the riverbank paths to watch fishermen catch trout, or stop at one of the riverside cafes. The river maintains steady water levels throughout the year, even during summer months.
Navigating the Old Quarter of Varousi
The Varousi quarter spreads at the foot of the castle hill, marking the area where Christian families lived during Ottoman rule. The district's streets wind between restored 17th and 18th-century houses with wooden balconies and painted facades. Several Orthodox churches from the same period stand within the quarter, their stone walls decorated with Byzantine-style frescoes.
Local Food Scene
You'll find both traditional tavernas and modern restaurants throughout Trikala. To Hani, near the train station, serves organic wines and Greek dishes. At Taverna Katogi, the menu focuses on grilled meats, with their pork chops being a local favorite. In the Manavika district, multiple eateries serve regional specialties like country sausage and galotyri, a fresh soft cheese with a texture similar to thick yogurt.
Getting Around by Bicycle
Trikala's flat terrain makes cycling easy. The city has three main bike paths, and you can borrow free bicycles from information points throughout the center. The paths follow the river, cross the modern city center, and extend to the Hill of Prophitis Ilias, where you can cycle through pine forests with views of the city below.
Day Trips from Trikala
The Meteora monasteries are 30 minutes away by car, built on top of tall rock formations. You can visit the mountain villages of Elati and Pertouli, with their traditional stone buildings and hiking paths. The Pertouli Ski Center opens during winter months. Near Palaiokarya, you'll find a 16th-century stone bridge next to a 12-meter waterfall, accessible year-round.
