Trikala at the forefront for the adoption of new technologies across Greece
Free internet, driverless buses, sensor-equipped streetlights, and 5G technology are just some of the innovative steps taken by the central Greek town of Trikala, earning it a reputation as the country’s smartest city. Located on the Thessaly plain, Trikala has also managed to overcome ingrained opposition to change by actively involving the community in the adoption of new technologies.
Some 130,000 Trikala residents enjoy one of the best standards of living in the country, with the majority using bikes for their transport needs thanks to the creation of citywide bike lanes. The municipality boasts an impressive list of initiatives including: a driverless bus under the CityMobil2 pilot project – complete with its own fibre optics network, sensor-equipped streetlights that slashed electricity costs by 70%, and the Demosthenis citizens complaint system that can handle city problems within 48 hours.
Additionally, Trikala offers more than 6,000 households free Wi-Fi. The city has introduced electric cleaning vehicles and, additionally, provides smart-home monitoring technologies.
Other projects in the pipeline include the introduction of new farming technology that will focus on the cultivation of ancient medicinal plants and herbs to be used by the pharmaceutical industry.
Among its most ambitious projects, though, is the installation of 5G wireless technology, which will be able to support advanced smart services for the entire city. Soon to become the first Greek city with 5G in place, once up and running this network will be able to support services relating to waste and water management, public building energy efficiency, and smart parking.
Innovative technologies integrated into everyday life, boosting the standard of living.
best trikala attractions, things to do & museums to visit
Tríkala is a charming city in the heart of Thessalia Region, Greece, with a rich history and culture. It is built on the site of ancient Trikki, where the nymph Trikki, daughter of the river god Pinios, lived according to mythology. You can explore the heritage listed Varoussi neighbourhood, where colourful houses from the 17th to 19th centuries line the narrow alleys. You can also visit the impressive castle that overlooks the city from a hilltop, and learn about the Ottoman and Byzantine periods. Don't miss the city's best museum, located in the former Ottoman baths, where you can see a variety of exhibits ranging from ancient coins to modern art.
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Unlike many towns and villages in Greece, Trikala is quite flat – a fact that has contributed to the town becoming one of the most bike-friendly in the country.
Several bike paths run through the city and bicycles for public use are even provided by the municipality at certain info points. One of Trikala’s nicest bike routes runs alongside the Lithaios River with its clean, cool air and swans and ducks.
If mountain biking is more your speed then its worth driving to the Hill of Profitis Ilias for rides on the area’s dirt roads through the forest.
A stay in Trikala opens up a wealth of potential day-trips in Central Greece, combining all of the advantages of staying in a sizeable town (restaurants, cafes, shops, the free wifi offered by the municipality) with access to some of the region’s most famous landmarks.World-famous Meteora with its monasteries built seemingly impossibly on top of pillars of rock is a little over 30 mins away by car.
For lakeside fun visit Plastira Lake about 90mins away by car. The artificial lake is located in a beautiful area and visitors can engage in numerous outdoor activities such as boating on the lake, archery lessons and more.The popular and quaint mountain villages of Pertouli and Elati are also easily accessible by car.
