Mount Pelion is a mountain located in the Magnesia region near the city of Volos in Greece, with a height of 1,624 meters (Peak: Pourianos Stavros). In Greek mythology, it was the summer residence of the gods and the homeland of the Centaurs.
The entire mountain is covered in forests with tall beech trees, oak trees, plane trees, wild chestnut trees, fir trees, and clusters of hybrid fir trees. At lower altitudes, you can find apple orchards on the eastern slopes, olive groves to the south, and dense maquis vegetation. An interesting feature is its hydrology, as the eastern slopes receive large amounts of rainfall and snowfall that significantly exceed the average for the Thessalian plain. Despite the presence of 70% schist rocks that would not allow for the creation of significant underground springs, the existence of large faults has led to the formation of remarkable springs. The most important of these are Kalikouda and Lagonika. In total, there are about 70 known springs on the mountain. There are no rivers with a stable flow on Mount Pelion, but there are large streams, such as Lagonika, Vrychos, Kalikouda, and Felouka, with significant flow during the winter and spring months, as well as dozens of small streams.
Mount Pelion attracts numerous visitors throughout the year, both in winter and summer. In winter, it is preferred by those who want to enjoy the beautiful mountain, clean air, snow, go skiing, and spend time in nature. In summer, vacationers enjoy Pelion's beautiful beaches for swimming, water sports, hiking, and more. Mount Pelion remains stunning all year round and is suitable for various activities, as well as alternative or agritourism. Additionally, it has the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a large number of tourists.
The beaches of Pelion, both on the side of the Aegean Sea and the side of the Pagasetic Gulf, are renowned for their crystal-clear blue waters, and many of them have been awarded blue flags by the European Union. There are beaches to suit all tastes: quiet or bustling, organized or unspoiled, sandy or pebbly.
As a general rule, the beaches located on the side of the Pagasetic Gulf are more sheltered, warmer, and have fewer waves compared to those on the Aegean Sea side.
Pelion offers a large number of paths that are ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling tourism, of moderate difficulty. The paths, along with the Volos-Milies railway, were until the 1950s the only means of communication between the villages and Volos. Despite the passage of time, many of the old paths are in very good condition thanks to the care of local communities, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the mountain up close and safely.
Portaria One of the most cosmopolitan villages of Pelion, bustling with people throughout the year. It is the first village you encounter as you ascend Mount Pelion from Volos, and it is particularly popular due to its proximity to the ski resort and the sea.
Zagora Located on the eastern slopes of Pelion, overlooking the Aegean Sea, Zagora is an elegant village. The most populous village in Pelion is organized around four neighborhoods with the central square of Agios Georgios, known for its beautiful temple.
Tsagarada Situated at an altitude of 500 meters on the eastern side of Pelion, Tsagarada is surrounded by a lush environment with a stunning view of the Aegean Sea. Nature here prevails, as chestnut and plane trees embrace almost every old and new building in the sparsely populated Tsagarada.
Vyzitsa One of the most famous and developed tourist villages in Pelion since the 1980s, Vyzitsa represents a typical Pelion landscape with its cobblestone paths, traditional restored mansions, rich vegetation, and stone fountains.
Milies The starting point of the famous Pelion train that reaches Ano Lehonia through a route of exceptional natural beauty, connecting the center of Volos with the fertile and rich area of Western Pelion.
Makrinitsa With a magnificent and unobstructed view of Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf, Makrinitsa has preserved its traditional Pelion architecture with its restored mansions, romantic paved streets, ornate fountains, centuries-old plane trees, and colorful flowers, making it one of the most enchanting destinations in Pelion.
Pinakates The enchanting nature, tranquility, the small square sheltered by the large plane tree, the authentic landscape, and minimal interventions exert an unparalleled charm on the visitor.
Sign up to see offer prices the moment you sign up!
English
Ελληνικά