Volos International Guitar Festival
Volos, Greece · Classical guitar competition
- Location
- Volos, Greece
- Type
- Competition
- Event dates
- 4 January 2009 – 7 January 2009
- Application deadline
- Varies
- Frequency
- Annual
- Eligibility / age
- Professional/Youth/Luthier
- Prizes
- Varies by category
Repertoire requirements
Check website
-
Competition Round · 15-20 min
- Free choice program
Official website
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Check your repertoire matchVisiting? A guitarist's guide to Volos
Photo: konstantinos kolimpa…, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Volos, a vibrant port city nestled at the innermost point of the Pagasetic Gulf and at the foot of the mythical Mount Pelion, offers a distinctive setting for its annual International Guitar Festival. This event brings together guitarists from around the world to a city rich in ancient history, from the homeland of Jason and the Argonauts to Neolithic settlements, providing a cultural backdrop for a week of musical exploration and performances.
Getting there
Volos Airport (VOL) in Nea Anchialos, about 30 kilometers southwest of the city, is the most direct air gateway, offering weekly charter flights during summer from Amsterdam, the UK, and Germany. A bus service connects the airport to Volos Bus Station for a fare of €5, with buses timed to meet arriving planes. For broader international connections, Athens International Airport (ATH) and Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) are major hubs. From Athens, intercity coaches (KTEL buses) are often the most convenient way to reach Volos, taking about four hours directly for around €20. Thessaloniki also offers frequent bus service, about ten times a day, costing approximately €12. The interurban bus terminal in Volos is centrally located near the City Hall, railway station, and port. While trains connect Volos via Larissa, the journey from Athens can be slower and involve a change, making buses a generally preferred option for many locals traveling from the capital. However, trains from northern Greece can sometimes be quicker.
Compare trains, buses & flights to Volos on Omio →
Greece runs on Type F sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.
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Where to stay
Volos presents a blend of modern architecture, much of it rebuilt after 1955 earthquakes, and a charming waterfront that defines its character. The city is privileged to enjoy mild Mediterranean weather, with sea and mountain breezes. Base yourself in the city center or near the long promenade along the Pagasetic Gulf to be within walking distance of the festival venues, the port, and a variety of dining options. The city's setting, with Goritsa Hill to the southeast and Mount Pelion rising behind, ensures scenic views and a pleasant atmosphere for your stay.
What you'll hear
The Volos International Guitar Festival is an annual event that features a competition with prizes varying by category. While specific concerto performances are not a fixed part of the festival, the event draws a diverse array of repertoire from young talents, and participants are encouraged to check the official website for detailed information on this year's programming and specific musical requirements.
Volos, while not directly associated with a prominent classical guitar composer from the corpus, is a city steeped in ancient Greek mythology and history. It is the legendary homeland of Jason and the Argonauts, and the surrounding area boasts Neolithic settlements like Dimini and Sesklo, which contain some of Greece's oldest archaeological remains. This rich historical and cultural tapestry, combined with the dramatic natural beauty of Mount Pelion and the Pagasetic Gulf, provides a unique and inspiring backdrop for a week of guitar music, allowing attendees to experience the instrument within a vibrant Greek setting.
If you play as well as listen, explore Leo Brouwer, closely tied to the festival in our repertoire finder, where you can hear each piece and find the sheet music.
The local table
As a significant Greek port city, Volos excels in fresh seafood, reflecting its coastal location on the Pagasetic Gulf. Beyond the catch of the day, the region of Thessaly is known for its agricultural bounty, ensuring a rich variety of local produce. Seek out traditional Greek tavernas for classic dishes, and explore the waterfront for restaurants offering views of the harbor alongside your meal. The city is also known for its tsipouradika, small tavernas specializing in tsipouro (a potent local spirit, similar to ouzo, often served with meze), which offers a quintessential Volos dining experience.
Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Volos →
While you're there
Between festival events, Volos and its surroundings offer a wealth of exploration. Begin by discovering the city's own historical layers, from the remnants of ancient Iolkos, the mythical homeland of Jason, to the Neolithic settlements of Dimini and Sesklo, which house some of the oldest acropolis ruins in Greece. Take a stroll through the Palea district to see fragments of ancient walls near the Tsalapata building. A short trip up Goritsa Hill offers panoramic views of the city and the gulf. For nature lovers, Mount Pelion, the mythical home of the Centaurs, rises majestically behind Volos. Its slopes are dotted with picturesque villages, and the mountain offers opportunities for hiking and exploring, especially appealing in spring and autumn. The region's numerous beaches, both on the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea, are perfect for summer relaxation. From the port of Volos, frequent ferry services connect to the beautiful Sporades Islands, including Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos, offering an ideal day trip or extended island hopping adventure.
Tours, tickets and day trips in Volos →
Compare hotels and apartments near Volos for your dates.
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This map centers on Volos in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.
More guitar events in Greece: International Veria Guitar Festival · Patras International Guitar Festival Competition
Also in January: Queens University of Charlotte Guitar Symposium
Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.