What kind of business should I start in Volos?

Volos is one of the fastest-growing cities in Central Greece, with a strategic location, port, active market, and dynamic student community. Whether you’re starting from scratch or investing in an existing business, there are options for every entrepreneur profile:

• Cafés & Food Service: Mezedopoleia, cafés, street food, or restaurants in high-traffic areas like the waterfront, university, and central markets

• Retail Stores: Clothing, home goods, local products, gifts, and tourist items on main streets or near the port

• Personal Care Services: Hair salons, nail bars, barber shops, and gyms with loyal clientele

• Digital Businesses & E-shops: Based in Volos and serving nationwide

• Tutoring & Educational Services: Language schools, childcare centers, and creative workshops for children and teens

• Technical & Professional Services: Workshops, dry cleaners, HVAC technicians, electricians, and other specialized local services

Your choice depends on your available capital, skills, and the needs of each Volos area — from Agria to Nea Ionia and downtown.

What does it take to start or invest in a business in Volos?

Starting or acquiring a business in Volos involves key operational steps adapted to the local market:

• Right Location: Commercial streets, tourist routes, neighborhoods with growing activity

• Equipment & Infrastructure: Depending on business type (POS, kitchens, shelving, management systems)

• Team & Daily Operations: Staff, processes, partnerships

• Licenses & Compliance: Health permits, fire safety, insurance, and accounting support

• Branding & Presence: Local advertising, online presence, social media, and SEO

Startup costs in Volos range from €15,000 to €100,000, while acquiring an existing business ranges from €10,000 for a stake to €250,000+ for full buyout, depending on sector and location.

Why buy or invest in a business in Volos?

Volos offers an ideal mix of quality of life, local demand, and business stability. Investing here provides:

• Access to an active and stable consumer base, including students, permanent residents, and seasonal visitors

• Strategic location with a port, connections to the islands, and the Magnesia industrial zone

• Lower operating costs compared to other major cities

• Immediate growth potential both locally and digitally (e-commerce, orders, B2B partnerships)

• Support from local networks and trade organizations that strengthen SMEs

Volos is a city that can offer you steady steps toward sustainable business growth — in a friendly environment with a pace of life that favors both performance and daily living.