Pelion Greece: A natural paradise between mountains and sea

Lush green is the Pelion Peninsula not far from the coastal town of Volos in the Thessaly region. Dense jungle-like vegetation, picturesque mountain villages with traditional architecture, countless hiking trails, bubbling springs and fantastic views of the sea make this region in Greece an absolute paradise for nature lovers.

“Pelion with its numerous treasures between mountains and sea makes the heart of many an individual explorer beat faster.”

Zeus and his Olympian gods were also so taken with the peninsula that they moved into their summer residence here. No wonder Zeus vehemently defended his favorite spot on earth in the battle of the titans.

That Pelion Mountains was once the seat of the centaurs, the mythical mythical creatures half man half horse. In the lushly forested heart of Pelion, where some areas have not yet been developed and the green carpet of plants hides many a secret, it would hardly be surprising if they still lived here.

Today, Pelion is particularly popular with Greeks, who appreciate the summer retreat of the higher altitudes. Only a few international tourists get lost here, so the region remains a real one Greece Insider Tip.

We will take you to one of the most mysterious regions of Greece and show you our 10 highlights of the Pelion Peninsula:

#1 Volos: Gateway to Pelion

On a trip to the Pelion Peninsula, there is no way around Volos. Even if the coastal town doesn’t seem very attractive at first glance, you can at least stock up on the most necessary things here that are not available on the rather rural peninsula. The local amenities in Volos is excellent with several large supermarkets, including Lidl and Sklavenitis.

Volos, with its almost 86,000 inhabitants, has always been an important port city on the Pagasitic Gulf. In ancient times, the Argonauts started their campaign with the ship Argo from Volos. Today, holidaymakers use the important ferry port to reach the northern Sporades (e.g. Skiathos and Skopelos).

On a visit you can expect a busy Greek city, which has hardly any historical buildings left due to the severe earthquake in 1955. Today, it is mainly modern concrete buildings that characterize the cityscape of Volos. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a stroll along the Argonafton waterfrontand the shopping alleys.

Right at the port of Volos, you can park your vehicle in a paid parking lot. From here, the promenade leads to the University of Thessaly and the city park of Agios Konstantinos behind it.

Numerous cafés have settled along the mile, where you can watch the hustle and bustle around the harbour pier (e.g. in the Achilleion Foyer).

From the university you can reach the street Filellinon to the Ermou Shopping Alley. This is largely traffic-calmed and is wonderful for strolling. In the pedestrian zone you will find numerous shops for daily needs, clothing and shoe shops, small cafés and concept stores.

After about 400 m, the massive Metropolitan Church from Volos. The interior of the magnificent church is completely painted and a quick look inside is worthwhile.

Via Venizelou Street you can get back to the harbor. On the left, easily overlooked, on a small green area in front of the harbour area, stands a replica of the fabulously fast warship Argo, which plays a major role in the Argonaut saga (see box).

#2 Makrinitsa: On the balcony of Pelion

The white “Archontika”, mansions with gray slate roofs, cling picturesquely to the mountainside of the Pelion mountain range, as if they were floating above the city of Volos. Makrinitsa is our first stop on the way to the heart of Pelion and we get to know one of the most important places right at the beginning. most beautiful villages in the region know.

Since the place is traffic-calmed, you have to park your vehicle at the entrance to the village in a parking area, which is usually quickly occupied. From here you can walk along the cobbled main street, past souvenir shops and shops to the listed town centre.

Again and again there are magnificent views of Volos and the Pagasitic Gulf. Once you arrive at the central village square with its huge plane trees, you can take a coffee break in one of the taverns and enjoy the magnificent coastal panorama.

The Platia of Makrinitsa is a real gem and very typical of the villages of Pelion. Before embarking on a tour of the alleys, you can visit the old Metamorfosis church and fountain at the edge of the square.

After you have explored the cobbled streets of Makrinitsa extensively, it is worth stopping at the interesting shop on the way out of the village The Shop of Natureto stop by. At Marietta and Giannis you will find a wide range of natural products, soaps, spices, teas and even medicinal herbs from the Pelion region.

Hike through the Centaur Forest

Just a five-minute drive from Makrinitsa, at the entrance to the village you will get Portaria the opportunity to discover a small natural jewel. In Greek mythology, the so-called centaurs are hybrid creatures (half man, half horse) who had their home in the mountainous region of Pelion.

The Centaur’s Path is an entertaining hiking trail that leads through an almost mystical forest. Right next to the Meli Café, the path starts behind a stone archway, above which water shoots down into a basin.

You always follow the stream and cross countless wooden bridges. After about 600 m through dense vegetation, the trail ends at a spring. Due to the slippery forest floor, sturdy shoes are recommended.

#3 Quaint mountain villages in the northwest

Martyrs’ Village Drakia

In countless serpentines, the road from Agria winds up to 500 meters in altitude and the first red roofs appear. The mountain village of Drakia is embedded in a lush green hilly landscape and even during our visit in August it was quiet here.

The narrow streets of Drakia invite you to take a stroll. In the lower town center you can park your vehicle at the town hall. Heading south, you will come to one of the two beautiful village squares with its huge plane tree. In the Tavern Palia Platia We ate delicious and reasonably priced.

The village was founded in 1655 by craftsmen from the Epirus and has been considered a martyr village since 2000. A memorial plaque in the centre of the village commemorates the massacre of Drakia, in which 118 men of the village were executed by German soldiers during the Second World War.

Music Village Agios Lavrentios

The picturesque village is located southeast of Drakia and immediately enchants with its traditional architecture. Agios Lavrentios is home to many historic mansions and a very cozy village square overshadowed by large plane trees.

The village received its name in 1378 from monk Lavrentios, who founded a Byzantine monastery here. History buffs can visit a little outside the village at the »Monastery of St. Lawrence«, the oldest monastery in Pelion.

Agios Lavrentios is also known as the music village of Pelion, as many cultural events take place here, especially in summer, and musicians from all over the world meet for a spontaneous interaction.

#4 On the road with the Pelion cable car

The narrow-gauge railway »Moutzouris« is the tourist attraction on the Pelion, even if it is no longer a classic steam locomotive.

The train has been running between the villages since 1903 Ano Lechonia and Milies, although it was closed between 1971 and 1996. It is considered one of the narrowest train lines in the world with a track width of only 600 mm.

In the meantime, the diesel-powered train covers a 28 km long distance in 90 minutes. The scenic train ride leads through wildly romantic gorges and crosses several stone bridges and streams.

The Moutzouris train was designed by the Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, after whom the metal bridge just before the Milies station was named.

Especially with children, a ride on the narrow-gauge railway is a real Pelion highlight. The historic train runs daily in July and August and only on weekends between mid-April and June and from September to the end of October.

The train departs from the station in Ano Lechonia at 10 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m. from the terminus in Milies. In the village of Ano Gatzea, it makes a stop for 15 minutes, where the locomotive is turned manually for the rest of the route.

During our visit in late Summertime, we had to forego a trip due to the risk of forest fires. So it is definitely worth asking about the travel times before arrival: Hellenic Train

#5 Visiting Milies and Vizitsa

Even if you haven’t planned a ride on the Pelion Railway, you should visit the train station west of Milies visit. The historic complex including the ancient water mill is idyllically located in the middle of dense forests and has often served as a backdrop for romantic weddings.

The town centre with its shady village square and the Taxiarchis church from 1741 is also worth a detour. Directly behind the Platia, a beautiful children’s playground has been created under plane trees.

Just a five-minute drive west of Milies, the picture-book village Vizitsa is one of the best preserved traditional villages in all of Greece. Vizitsa is a listed building due to its special architecture.

Old tower houses and villas, which have been extensively renovated, give an insight into times long past. You can also enjoy a magnificent view of the Pagasitic Gulf from Vizitsa and a walk along the cobbled streets is a must during your stay in Pelion.

The centrepiece is the Platia, overshadowed by plane trees, with its striking fountain and numerous taverns that invite you to take a break. Residents of Volos in particular make a detour to the mountain village on weekends to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

#6 Pelion beaches: Our favorites

Pelion is not only a natural paradise, but also a bathing paradise. Numerous beaches, especially on the east coast, invite you to spend an extended day at the beach. Enclosed we present our beach favorites on Pelion (from north to south):

Agii Saranta

Bright pebble beach with crystal clear water, divided into two beautiful green bays. Particularly striking is the rocky spur Kalogeros (Monk rock) at the southern end of the beach.

The beach bars on site (including Sarande and Monk) provide loungers and umbrellas and are all recommended. In midsummer, Agii Saranta Beach is well frequented, then parking spaces down on the beach become scarce.

Plaka

Fantastic beach of light pebbles and turquoise blue water. The northern section is operated by the Eden Hotel, which provides umbrellas and loungers. You can also park here very comfortably for about €6.

The free parking facilities above Plaka Beach are very limited, especially in the high season. Alternatively, you can walk from the port of Agios Ioannis via a beaten path along the coast to Plaka Beach.

Paralia Fakistra

Natural beach near Tsagkarada. Especially on windless days, the 400 m long steep descent down into the wild bay, where the sea sparkles emerald green, is worthwhile. There is no operator on site, you have to bring your own parasol and food.

💡 Hike to the Pelion Cave Church: From the parking area above Fakistra Beach, a dirt road leads down to the coast in 20 minutes, which later turns into a trail. In a cave just above the sea hides the church of Panagia Megalomata. During the Ottoman occupation, there was a secret school here where a monk taught children to read and write.

Mylopotamos Beach

Probably the most popular beach on Pelion is embedded in an impressive landscape of wooded cliffs, which ends at a beautiful sand-pebble beach. Mylopotamos Beach is divided into two halves by a rocky outcrop.

A natural rock gate connects both sections of the beach. There is a bar on site that provides high-priced sun loungers. A visit to the photogenic beach is especially recommended in the low season, otherwise it is usually jam-packed.

Paralia Potistika

Wide sand-pebble beach with crystal clear water and huge boulders lying in the shore area. The Beach Bar Climax provides loungers and umbrellas on site, otherwise large sections are natural. In the southern area, between the large stones, the beach slopes quite gently into the sea and is therefore also suitable for families with children.

Paralia Paltsi

Natural pebble beach in the hamlet of the same name. The lush green forests and the mighty rocks on the beach form a great backdrop. From the Archangel Church above the beach you can enjoy a magnificent view of the coast.

Paralia Agios Georgios

Fantastic golden sandy beach with crystal clear water in the east of Pelion. View of the island of Skiathos. From Katigiorgis harbour there are even taxi boats to the Sporades paradise. A handful of taverns provide for the physical well-being. Especially popular with locals on weekends.

#7 Along the stone paths of Tsagarada

Tsagarada, also known as Tsangarada, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful villages on the Pelion Peninsula. Built on a slope, in the middle of dense forests, you can look out over the deep blue Aegean Sea at an altitude of over 450 m. Magnificent old mansions with slate roofs blend picturesquely into the lush green landscape.

The four districts of Tsagarada – Agii Taxiarches, Agia Paraskevi, Agios Stefanos and Agia Kyriaki stretch for more than 2 km and each of them has a pretty village square shaded by at least one giant tree.

The most famous is the Platia of Agia Paraskevi with the over 1,000-year-old plane tree, a natural giant with a circumference of 14 m, which now has to be supported by concrete pillars. On the square of Agia Paraskevi with the church of the same name, you can also linger with a coffee.

The charming area around Tsagarada is best explored on an entertaining hike along the old stone paths. The tour starts on the village square of Agii Taxiarches in the very south of the village. On the cozy Platia, you can fortify yourself for the path and admire the marble spring fountain and the Taxiarchis Church with its wood-carved iconostasis.

We continue north along the old stone path through dense deciduous forest of oaks, beeches and chestnuts. The charming route leads past beautiful gardens with fruit trees and babbling streams. After a few kilometers we cross the road down towards Mylopotamos Beach, but follow the hiking trail on the opposite side.

It goes past an Orthodox church that stands in the middle of the forest and along the village school to the Hotel Lost Unicorn. From here it is only a few steps to the pretty Platia Agia Paraskevi with its huge plane tree.

If you don’t feel like lingering here, follow the road up to the crossroads, where shops for daily needs, including supermarkets and a pharmacy, are located. In Café Agna Di right on the main road we ate a delicious snack and drank good coffee.

If you are good on foot, you can walk from Tsagarada even further to the idyllic coastal hamlet of Damouchari and to Papa Nero beach. You can find a practical hiking description here: AllTrails (Tsagarda to Damouchari)

#8 Fishing village of Damouchari

The small fishing village of Damouchari looks like a film set and in fact it became famous in 2008 through the filming of the Movie Mamma Mia!. The romantic coastal town with its idyllic natural harbour and winding alleys is a real highlight on the Pelion Peninsula.

Above Damouchari you can park your vehicle and walk into the traffic-calmed town center. The road leads you down to the photogenic harbour bay, where the fishermen’s colourful kaikis sail.

The coast is separated here by a rocky outcrop on which a Venetian castle once stood. Passing taverns and souvenir shops, you will reach the back pebble beach of Damouchari. Fans of unusual accommodation will find something to do with the Damma Mia Beach House (Watch on Booking.com*) a suitable Pelion accommodation.

#9 Road trip in the south of Pelion

Compared to the north, southern Pelion is quite sparsely populated. We start our tour in Argalasti, the largest village in the south of Pelion.

The small town is located on a fertile plateau and is surrounded by olive trees, vineyards and grain fields. Argalasti is well developed for tourism and forms the supply center in the south.

Here you will find a gas station as well as numerous shops for daily needs. The central village square of Argalasti invites you to enjoy a coffee before exploring. Not far from there, you can also admire the famous bell tower of the Church of the Apostles, which was made of marble in 1914.

From Argalasti we drive down to the coast to Chorto. The compact village with a striking river mouth and narrow beach section was once the port of the small town. In the meantime, numerous Greek tourists cavort here in summer.

It is similarly busy further south in Milina to. In the high season, the long coastal road is usually completely congested. The beach is not particularly attractive for swimming, but there are still numerous bathing opportunities on our tour to the south.

💡 Pelion Winery:Many a Hellene already speaks of South Pelion as the Tuscany of Greece. So it is not surprising that wine is cultivated on a large scale in many places. Since 1980, the Patistis family has been growing Greek grape varieties such as Xinomavro, Roditis and Limnio east of Argalasti. The certified organic wines can be purchased on site at the Patistis winery. A tasting is also possible by appointment.

From Tzasteni to Trikeri

The coastal road winds its way from Milina through the hamlets of Koukoulaika and Marathias to the Tzasteni Bay. You should have your camera ready here, because this paradisiacal spot is a real postcard motif. On the pebble beach of Tzasteni you can refresh yourself and relax under the shade of the trees.

The pretty group of houses on the headland is privately owned and is always part of the wonderful photo motif. Our further journey takes us through quite lonely territory. Again and again we pass beautiful bays where you can take a break undisturbed.

After 45 minutes of pure driving time from Argalasti we reach the sleepy coastal hamlet of Kottes, in which we take a lunch break. Even in August it was tranquil here and we enjoyed the “end of the world” atmosphere very much.

In the fish tavern Da Angelo on the northern outskirts of the village you can eat delicious food in an extremely idyllic setting. The restaurant is not accessible by car, so it is best to park at the Church of the Holy Apostles and take the footpath along the coast (about 8 minutes).

Before we make our way back, let’s take a look at Trikeri. The mountain village towers like a pyramid above the coast and offers a 360-degree sea view. A walk through the cobbled alleys will take you back to times long gone.

If there is still time left, it is worth taking a detour to the southernmost coastal village Agia Kyriaki. The small fishing hamlet with its historic shipyard invites you to enjoy a cosy coffee far away from all the hustle and bustle. Then we take the same path back along the west coast and turn off at Milina towards Lafkos.

#10 From Lafkos to Platanias

The picturesque village of Lafkos is located on a ridge at an altitude of 310 m above Milina and offers magnificent views of the Pagasitic Gulf.

The traffic-calmed town centre enchants with narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, well-kept gardens and a huge platia where you can end the day.

Several traditional taverns have settled here in the shade of the trees. If you want to immerse yourself in the delicious Pelion cuisine, this is the place for you. We have in the Restaurant »Ki opou to pei« Excellently eaten.

On a walk through Lafkos you will discover all kinds of photo motifs, perhaps also the traditional kafenion Forlida, which has been in operation almost continuously since 1785, as well as the old Lafkos wood-fired bakery, where crispy olive bread (eliopsomo) has been baked since 1911.

From Lafkos it is about 20 minutes to Platania or Platanias, one of the many coastal hamlets in the south. Platania is particularly popular due to its two golden sandy beaches. Solid taverns have settled along the waterfront. At the Mammas supermarket you will find some local products such as honey, cheese and wine.

More Pelion travel tips

Accommodation in Pelion

You won’t find large hotel complexes and resorts on Pelion, but there are plenty of them traditional holiday accommodations, from simple studios to luxurious villas.

→ On Booking.com* you will find an overview of all accommodations: Show hotels and guesthouses*

Don’t miss an overnight stay in an Archontiko – a historic guesthouse typical of the Pelion Peninsula. Enclosed we have put together a personal selection of beautiful accommodations on the peninsula (links to Booking.com*):

Cleopatra’s Miramare, Damouchari

Luxury inn opened in 2022 on the peninsula of Damouchari. The hosts Maria and Sotires rent out four extraordinary suites, each of them unique and timelessly designed. Great place to relax, prices from €200 per night.

➲ To book Cleopatra’s Miramare*

BLUE GREY cottage, Portaria

Traditional stone house (4 people) in Portaria, the suburb of Makrinitsa. From the balcony and terrace there is a fantastic view of Volos and the Gulf. Quiet location, attentive host and well-equipped kitchen including dishwasher.

➲ Book BLUE GREY cottage*

Adis Oneirou, Mouresi

Lovingly run guesthouse embedded in lush green nature. The beautiful garden with a view of the sea invites you to linger for hours. The suites have a fireplace for cool nights. Good value for money and fantastic homemade breakfast by the hostess Jula.

➲ Book Adis Oneirou*

Volos Center Luxury Home

Modern and very well equipped apartment not far from the waterfront of Volos for up to 6 people. Despite its central location, the property is located in a quiet neighborhood.

➲ Book Volos Center Luxury Home*

Here we spent the night

Tiny House Fleur de Tilia, Tsagarada

Katerina and Lemonis rent a cozy stone house in the village of Tsagarada in the heart of Pelion. The property is located in a very quiet location in the idyllic orchard of the hosts. During our two-week stay, we were regularly supplied with fresh fruit and vegetables.

The compact house is well equipped and can accommodate two adults and two children (bunk bed). From the terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. In the hot summer months, a natural pool provides refreshment. The water comes directly from the mountain spring next door.

We can warmly recommend a stay at Katerina and Lemonis for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. The friendly couple has many tips for the region and the location is ideal for exploring northern and eastern Pelion.

➲ To book Fleur de Tilia (Airbnb)

Pelion restaurants: Our recommendations

The Pelio cuisine is a a real treat for the palate and makes your mouth water at home. The traditional dishes are based on simple and healthy raw materials from the region and aromatic wild herbs that thrive in the mountains.

If you want to use the typical Greek cuisine you will get your money’s worth on Pelion. We ate incredibly well (and sometimes even quite cheaply!) on Pelion and would like to recommend a few of our taverns and cafés that we visited:

• Vasilikos & Diosmos, Agios Lavrentios
• Sarande Beach Bar, Agii Saranta Beach
• Palia Plateia, Drakia
• Da Angelo, Kottes
• Ki opou to pei, Lafkos
• cardamo, Makrinitsa
• Taxydromeio Café, Mouresi
• Karaiskos Farm, Portaria
• Agna Di Café, Tsagarada
• Itamos, Tsagarada

Getting around the peninsula

Exploring Pelion requires your own mobility. By hired car it is indispensable in our opinion to explore the peninsula and its beautiful beaches even far away from the tourist paths.

We recommend that you book a vehicle in advance, so that you are mobile directly on arrival at the airport and save yourself the costs for the complex transfer. You can compare prices for cheap rental cars through our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ To the rental car booking from Volos*

Connect from Volos intercity buses the individual villages on the peninsula. However, many stations are only served three times a day from Volos and the villages are usually not connected to each other by bus routes. You can find timetables at: KTEL Volou

How to get to Pelion

Arrival from Volos

Nea Anchialos International Airport (VOL) is located about 40 minutes south of the city of Volos and is served directly by Condor once a week from Munich and Düsseldorf during the season. You can search for suitable flights and check prices on the Skyscanner* portal:

➲ To search for flights with Skyscanner*

Arrival from Thessaloniki

Alternatively, you can take a direct flight from Germany (or AT, CH) to Thessaloniki. More than 10 German airports offer direct connections to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) several times a week. Here you can select your departure airport and check prices: Flights to Thessaloniki (Skyscanner*)

From Thessaloniki it is about 2.5 hours by car to Volos. There are numerous rental car providers directly at the airport. The route leads along the Olympus Mountains, which is also worth a stopover.

Arrival from Skiathos

If you want to combine islands with mainland, we recommend a direct flight to the island of Skiathos (1-2x per week from Düsseldorf and Munich). The island is located east of the Pelion peninsula and is reliably connected to Volos by ferries (including Express Skiathos). Here you will find suitable connections: Flights to Skiathos (Skyscanner)*

→ You can find more travel reports and insider tips on the Greek mainland on our overview page: Mainland Greece

Bookmark this post on Pinterest!