Δήμος Μελιβοίας

In the centre of continental Greece, at the coast of Larisa prefecture lies the Municipality of Melivoia. Its natural heritage remains untouched. Dense forests, dozens of springs, lakes, streams, waterfalls, rare flora and a wide range of fauna confirm that the area is untouched. Impregnable witness to this are the 35.000 acres of the state forest Polidendri (former king’s property) which has been exploited by the Ministry of Agriculture. Anyone who wants to appreciate rare species of fauna from up close can follow the hiking or biking routes. Picturesque coves give their place to endless shores in an area of 36 kilometres. The 13 kilometres of continuous sandy beaches is a characteristic feature of the area. You can find unique beaches, safe and organized, with lifeguards, sea sports and sports fields for those who love sports. 
Tourists can visit:
- the romantic hiking trail of Melivoia-Ano Sotiritsa Velika with its waterfalls.
- the monastery of St. John situated in Velika with its unique view towards the Aegean.
- the “theatre of the sea” in Velika, a new-built village of entertainment, concerts and sports.
Furthermore, adrenalin-lovers can enjoy activities (descent of gorges, canoeing, kayaking, mountain-climbing and mountain-biking) at Kissavos and Polidendri and organized trips to the enchanting sea caves in the area with dinghies.
There are even endless fishing grounds for those who love underwater fishing and ideal areas for hunting.
The seaside summer resorts and the graphic fishing villages harmonically combine tranquility with entertainment and meet the demands of visitors of all ages.
The Municipality of Melivoia emerged from the unification of four communities with the implementation of I. Kapodistrias Programme “Constitution of the Primary Local Self-Government”:
1) Sotiritsa
2) Melivoia
3) Skiti
4) Sklithro

The centre of the Municipality is Sotiritsa, situated in the middle of the unified communities. It serves the transport for the above mentioned communities and it will soon become the centre of development for a large area of the coast of Larisa.
Melivoia spans towards the east of Larisa and includes the largest coastal area of the prefecture. To the west it borders with the Municipality of Agia, to the north with the Municipality of Evrimenous, to the south with the prefecture of Magnisia and to the east with the Aegean sea. A characteristic feature of the area is the closeness of the coasts with the eastern slopes of Mount Ossa, which literally slide down into the sea, creating endless sandy beaches (Agiokabos, Sotiritsa, Velika, Paliouria, Koutsoupia, Kokkino Nero) and smaller guarded gulfs (Akti Papakosta, Rakopotamos, Glimmeni Milos). The beech and oak forests up high and the chestnut plantations on the slopes supersede gardens and orchards, as they get closer to the sea. The beautiful mountainous villages maintain all the scent of the greek countryside: Sklithro, Skiti, Ano Sotiritsa, Melivoia: all built amphitheatrically in lush vegitation with a view to the sea, green with orchards but also with Chalkidiki.

Total Population

The total population of Melivoia (according to population inventory in 2001) comes up to 3.472 inhabitants and represents 1,21% of the population of Larisa.

TABLE 1 Population per district

TABLE 2 Population per village

Area
The Municipality of Melivoia is characterized as mountainous, it covers an area of 197,7 square kilometres and represents 3,67% of the total area covered by the prefecture.

TABLE 3 Area per District