The Pelion Peninsula.
forest – sea – mountain – stream – village
The Pelion Peninsula is the mythical home to the Centaurs and unspoiled, undiscovered Greece at its best. Rising from the Aegean coast between Athens & Thessaloniki it is a designated ‘Natura 2000’ area of outstanding natural beauty with clean mountain air, ancient forest, and pristine blue waters. Visiting the Pelion Peninsula is ideal for Touring.
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Ancient forest, springs & streams
Pelion’s forest is Ancient mixed woodland with huge towering trees providing stark sun & shade effects throughout. Well developed for ecotourism & walking Holidays, there are marked trails throughout with water springs popping up everywhere. The local Pelion Apple variety is cultivated on the lower slopes around the Peninsula and as a result, you will find this on sale during the summer months.
Exploring Pelion’s stone villages
Pelion is touring paradise. The Peninsula is 50km in length so you can get anywhere at an easy pace. With so much variety in landscape, at each new turn of the road you may find yourself in deep forest or along a beautiuful sea view.
Pelion has distinctive Architecture derived from the insecure Medieval & Ottoman times where 1-meter thick stone walls, fortified doors & small, high-set windows were more necessary than they are today.
The Village Square ‘Platea’
Central to the life of each village is the Platea, which have been planted with huge ‘Plane Trees’ providing shade. This one in Portaria is a relatively young 800 year old specimen.
Visiting the Sea & Beaches of Pelion
Surrounded by the Gulf on one side & Aegean on the other, it’s not surprising Pelion has beaches. However, some of these are amongst the best in Greece. For example, on the gulf side, you will find Afissos & Horto beaches, along with many other small & unorganized, whilst on the Northside lie the best including Chorefto & the famous Mylopotomos beach, as well as the blue flag beaches of Agios Ioannis & Papa Nera & Damouchari Beaches among many others.
The Sporades Islands
The Sporades Islands including the marine park of Alonissos are one of the world’s most beautiful sailing locations. This island chain has calm seas, idyllic isolated beaches only accessible by boat, Picture postcard & windless harbors to anchor, & a wealth of timeless picturesque fishing villages
Skopolos
Made famous by the movie ‘Mamma Mia’ Skopolos thick Pine Forest are set against the contrasts of deep blue sea & golden sand. The narrow shady streets of the Capital tumble down from the Medieval castle on its hilltop through whitewashed houses to the bay where you will find local restaurants & charming Cafes.
Skiathos
Here you can swim in ‘Koukounaries Beach’ voted most unspoiled beach in the Mediterranean, & enjoy Skiathos Town. Built on the site of an ancient settlement around two hills overlooking its port, its pretty houses, local markets & shops are great to wonder through amongst the amphitheatric views.
Alonisos
Outermost inhabited island of the Sporades, Alonissos, forms part of the largest & most important marine park in Europe. Great opportunities for fishing, hiking, canoe, kayak, diving, leisure and of course sailing. Some of its prettiest villages are as ‘Patitiri’, ‘Votsi’, ‘Roussoum Gialos’ and ‘Steni Vala’.
Activities in Pelion
Hike & Bike
Before cars & roads, Pelion’s villages were connected by a network of donkey tracks which have been slowly cleared by activity enthusiasts. Running through some of the best scenery, these have turned the area into a haven for Hiking & Biking Tours.
Sailing
With calm waters & a local Island chain to explore with its protected Marine Park, Pelion, as a sailing base for the Sporades Islands, is one of the world’s top destinations but luckily remains small scale without large cruise ships.
Canyoneering
Established for some years, there are several bases for Canyoneering, taking advantage of the natural canyons & rivers of the area
The Karaiskos Family Farm
A great family-friendly place to visit. This family has made something special in an area where development is slow. For a great farm-to-fork experience, The Karaiskos Farm provides local dishes on offer and some fun activities if you want to get your hands involved.
The ‘little train of Pelion’
One of the nicest ways to spend the day is to take the Pelion Train. This small gauge train from ‘Ano Lekhonia’ through the beautiful mountainous route to ‘Milies’ Village.
