Straddling the narrow, tree-lined Lithaios River at the western edge of the plain of Thessaly, the lively and attractive city of Trikala makes a great base for visits to the Meteora region, just 20km northwest. It centres on a matching pair of squares, set to either side of the river. To the north, Plateia Iroon Polytechniou is more formal, but adjoins the busy Manavika district, a former red-light neighbourhood that’s now bursting with bars and tavernas. Plateia Riga Fereou on the south bank is prettier and pedestrianised, while a footbridge connecting the two holds a statue of Asclepius, the god of healing, held in legend to have been born in Trikala. Down below street level, lovely footpaths wind beside the river itself.