The prefecture of Larissa is the second biggest prefecture in Greece in size (5,381 sq. Km) and the first in cultivated surface. It is located in a central position in the country as it occupies the northern part of Thessaly and includes the largest part of the plain of Thessaly. Even though it is predominantly a lowland region, it includes the mountain ranges of Olympus and Kissavos while the Valley of Tembi (which is crossed by Pinios River) and the coastal area in the east of the prefecture are areas of great natural beauty. The most important commercial centers are the city of Larissa, Farsala, Tirnavos and Elassona.
Larissa is the capital of the prefecture as well as of the Region of Thessaly. It is also the headquarters of the Decentralized Administration of Thessaly - Central Greece. It is an important commercial center and transportation and communications hub. Furthermore, it is one of the largest cities of Thessaly. Based on the census of 2011, the permanent population of the Municipality of Larissa was 162.591 inhabitants. The city has many monuments that date back to ancient, Byzantine and Ottoman times as well as many museums, various cultural centers and sports clubs.
