A new, alternative leisure and tourism experience premieres in Thessaly, with the presentation of the tourist activity of hot air balloon flights and the official announcement of the Thessaly Greece Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025, which will take place from September 19 to 28 in various locations in all the Regional Units of Thessaly.
The presentation event took place on Friday, May 30 at the Filoneikos estate in Karditsa, with a large participation of organizations, representatives of the local government and the tourism industry. The project was presented by the founder and general manager of Explore DMC, George Giannakis, an event organizer and nature photographer, who highlighted the comparative advantages of Thessaly as a new destination for hot air balloon flights.
The event was attended, among others, by the Member of Parliament of Karditsa, George Kotsos, the Deputy Governor of the Regional Government of Karditsa, Kostas Telios, the Mayor of Sofades, Dimosthenis Katsis, as well as deputy mayors and representatives from the municipalities of Karditsa, Pyli, Elassona, and Larissa, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, ANKA, as well as tourism entrepreneurs. Greetings were sent by Members of Parliament Christos Kapetanos and Marina Kontotoli.
All attendees had the opportunity to participate in a static familiarization flight, enjoying the sensation and view from the balloon — an experience that generated enthusiasm and positive comments.
Flights throughout the summer period
Regular balloon flights begin on the Holy Spirit weekend and will continue every weekend and during the summer holidays. Flights take place twice a day, at 06:00 in the morning and at 19:00 in the afternoon, lasting approximately one hour, costing 250 euros per person, and accommodating 5–6 passengers. Advance booking is required, while flights are subject to weather conditions.
Static flights are also available, in which the balloon remains tethered to the ground, offering a brief experience of up to 15 meters in height and lasting approximately 10 minutes. The participation fee for the static flights is 30 euros for adults, 20 euros for children, and 50 euros for couples.
Thessaly, Greece Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025
The culmination of this new experience will be the Thessaly Greece Hot Air Balloon Festival, scheduled for the ten-day period of 19–28 September 2025, with hot air balloon flights in all the Regional Units of Thessaly. The festival will be accompanied by a rich program of events: concerts, gastronomic events, DJ parties, hot air balloon displays, and other cultural and entertainment activities, to be announced soon.
Hot air balloon flights uniquely connect the natural wealth of the region with the traveler’s experience, while at the same time functioning as a powerful communication tool for promoting Thessaly both in Greece and abroad.
The initiative is supported by local and regional bodies and is part of a broader strategic vision to promote Thessaly as a four-season destination. The event was produced and curated by Alpha Marketing.
