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Pelion
Pelio Milies Rail Station |
Welcome to Pelion!
Winter, spring, summer or fall, this region of Greece just ‘screams’ Mother Nature at her best. Ideally, set a few days aside, more if you can, hire a car, and really get to know the region. Throughout your explorations, you’ll have plenty of chances to combine great walks with outstanding photos, and have the opportunity to taste authentic village life, with all of its traditions.
The area boasts of approximately 78 villages, all offering terrific food, comfortable accommodation, mountain hospitality, and sensational vistas. If you’re planning on a winter trip and combining that with skiing at Agriolefkes, one of the best ski centers in Greece, then you have several village choices for accommodation. Makrinitsa will give you a village feel, though it’s only 17 kilometers from (and 600 meters above) the city of Volos. Its position on the mountainside guarantees one of the most beautiful views to be had anywhere in Greece, and within the village you’ll find many examples of restored mansions typical of the region. At the church of Ai. Yiannis, you’ll find frescoes by Theofilos; several other churches dating to the 1700s, which feature some excellent icons; and don’t miss visiting the Topali mansion which houses an excellent folkloric museum.
The traditional village of Portaria is only 13 kilometers from Volos and 12 kilometers from the ski center. It is noted for its fresh springs and old mansions, its public square filled with tavernas and restaurants, and many beautiful churches and chapels. One of the highlights of your stay will be a visit to the 13th century monastery of Panagia, one of the oldest of the region.
Year-round, and especially in spring and summer, a ‘must see’ would be the village of Tsagarada, locally known as the ‘village of the flowers.’ This village overlooks the very picturesque port of Damouhari. Here, you can combine pristine swimming at a number of beautiful beaches, excellent walking excursions through mountain paths, cobblestone villages, and through ravines with crystal clear springs. The village square is renowned for its two great plane trees. They date to 800 and 1000 years of age and have a girth of up to 17 meters!
About 3 kilometers further along, you’ll come to the lovely village of Mouresi. It is one of the oldest villages in the region and is situated about 60 kilometers from Volos. Great walks are offered here, and you can access the village of Tsagarada on foot, or take the path to the golden sand beach of Papa Nero. The village features the traditional central square, where you’ll find the beautiful church of Ag. Triadha. If you appreciate the architecture of fine churches, pay a visit to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which proudly displays a beautiful carved wooden iconostasis. Not far away are the ruins of a Venetian castle. The view from the village encompasses the mountains, green valleys, and the sea.
The area is a hiker’s paradise. Whatever season suits you best, you will find that this entire region, and each village within it, are well worthy of your explorations. And, whatever expectations that you may have prior to your visit, be assured that the abundant nature and beauty of Pelion will certainly surpass them in every way and will continue to astound you every time you return.
Agios Ioannis beach in Pelion |
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Milopotamos beach at Pelion |
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