Cruises to Volos

Don't bother. If you're not heading off on a tour, get into town as quickly as you can.

If your cab runs on a meter, check that the driver is using the Number One rate, used during the day, and not the Number Two, which applies at night and is roughly twice as expensive. If there is any dispute, get a receipt -- the driver has to give one on request, by law -- and say you'll call the tourist police to check it out by dialing 171 on a local phone.

On Foot: The one-mile walk from the dock to the beginning of the waterfront promenade will take about 20 minutes but will seem interminable in the searing summer heat, which can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

By Shuttle: For about $5 each way, ships will offer shuttle buses that will take you to the main harbor.

By Taxi: Well-regulated taxi drivers are happy to negotiate fees for tours of the city and trips to Makrynitsa, a pretty village about 15 miles away. They usually quote about 70 euros per cab, but you should pay no more than 50 if you negotiate. Don't pay more than 4 euros per person to get to the seafront, or you might as well take the shuttle.

Local currency is the euro, and you'll find plenty of banks with ATM machines near the marina area. For the closest locations, walk one street inland to Iasonos Street, which runs parallel to the waterfront. For the latest exchange rates, check www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.

The locals speak Greek among themselves, but English is also widely spoken.

First impressions of Volos are not luxurious. The small and rather makeshift-looking passenger terminal contains nothing more than port police and agent offices with very few traveler conveniences, such as ATM's or Internet cafes.