The Pineios River rises in the Pindus Mountains, where streams from the slopes of Mount Lakmos and the Antichasia Mountains join to form its upper course. It flows east across the Thessalian plain, passing near Trikala and through the city of Larissa. The river is about 205–216 kilometres long, depending on the measurement used, and its drainage basin covers approximately 10,700 square kilometres.

Several tributaries feed the Pineios, including the Enipeas River and the Titarisios. The river drains much of the Thessalian plain, where its waters have long supported agriculture.

East of Larissa, the Pineios passes through the Vale of Tempe, a narrow valley between Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa (Kissavos). Beyond the valley, it enters the coastal lowlands and forms the Pineios Delta, a network of river channels and wetlands near Stomio and Kouloura, before reaching the Aegean Sea.

The Vale of Tempe is the most dramatic part of the Pineios landscape. Steep limestone cliffs rise above the river, with plane trees and other riverside vegetation growing along its banks. The narrow valley provides a natural passage between Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa. The river runs beneath wooded slopes, creating a landscape of deep shade, flowing water and exposed rock.

Farther downstream, the Pineios Delta spreads across the coastal plain between Stomio and Kouloura. It is part of the Natura 2000 network and has been recognised as a Landscape of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The wetlands include reedbeds, small channels, sandy areas and riverside woodland.

The delta supports more than 220 recorded bird species, including herons, cormorants and other waterbirds. Its mixture of freshwater, coastal habitats and vegetation provides feeding and resting areas for resident and migrating birds. Visitors can experience this landscape from accessible riverside areas or on guided canoe excursions through the lower river.

Rafting is one of the main activities on the Pineios. In the Vale of Tempe, organised descents follow a relatively gentle section of the river, with low-grade rapids and views of the wooded cliffs. Farther upstream, the Vernezi section has stronger currents and more demanding rapids, suited to experienced participants. These routes offer very different experiences of the same river.

Canoeing and kayaking are especially popular on the lower Pineios and through its delta. Guided excursions follow calm channels beneath riverside trees, passing fishing huts, reedbeds and small islands. Some routes continue towards the sandy coast where the river meets the Aegean Sea. Starting points include the bridges near Omolio and Palaiopyrgos, villages in the lower river valley.

Birdwatching is another reason to explore the delta. Herons, cormorants and seasonal waterbirds can be seen around the wetlands and river channels. In Larissa, the riverbanks also offer a different experience, with paths and green spaces near the city centre suitable for relaxed walks.

The Pineios has a long connection with Greek mythology. Ancient traditions associated the river with the god Peneus, one of the river gods descended from Oceanus and Tethys. His daughter, the nymph Daphne, was pursued by Apollo and transformed into a laurel tree. The story became closely associated with the Vale of Tempe, where laurel was traditionally gathered for religious ceremonies and celebrations.

The valley was also an important passage between northern and southern Greece. Its narrow space between Olympus and Ossa shaped the routes followed by travellers, armies and, later, roads and railways. The river and the surrounding cliffs remain central to the character of this historic crossing.

Within the valley stands the church of Agia Paraskevi, built beside the river in the early twentieth century. A small cave spring nearby is associated with local religious tradition. The church became a familiar landmark of the Tempe Valley, connecting its natural setting with the pilgrimage customs of the region.