Built at the foot of Pilion and into the Gulf of Pagasitikos, the city of Volos stands out for the harmonious combination of mountain and sea and its vitality. According to Greek mythology, the mountains of Pilion are considered to have been the homeland of the mythical Centaurs, while Volos is identified with the mythical city Iolkos, where the Argonautic Expedition began. The region has been inhabited since the early prehistoric period, with constant human presence. It experienced remarkable economic and spiritual growth during the 18th century, while today it hosts one of the largest harbours of the country. Wild nature with canyons and gullies, dense vegetation with changing colours, beech, oak, pine, plane, and chestnut trees along with fir trees, apple trees and olive trees that stretch right up to the coast. Beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and settlements of Pilion architecture, cobbled streets, magnificent mansions and quaint taverns, all make up the landscape of the wider region.