Walking the Pelion Peninsula in 8 days
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Luggage transfer
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Hotel accommodations
Discover the mythical mountainous Pelion Peninsula, located in Thessaly, in the central part of Greece, a lush mountain bordered by the Aegean Sea and adorned with traditional and picturesque villages, which have become charming beach destinations because of its turquoise bays.
Explore the traditional architecture of old houses with narrow windows and decorated walls, or Byzantine churches with wonderful wall paintings. Tour ancient fishing villages on the east coast, where we suggest you try their delicious seafood specialties.
Cross ancient trails and elevated mountain forests between the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Volos, witnesses to various events of Greek mythology: abode of legendary centaurs, such as Chiron, the wise master of demigods and heroes, and scene from the first beauty contest between Thetis and Eris.
- Explore Pelion, a peninsula declared a new destination of cultural heritage by the National Hellenic Commission for UNESCO.
- Discover the picturesque village and beaches where some scenes from the film musical "Mamma Mia" were filmed.
- Visit the taverns and arhontikas, accommodation in old whitewashed half-timbered mansions.
- Explore the deep green forest trails and olive groves in the so-called "Land of the Centaurs".
- Try bean soup and spetzofai, a spicy blend of sausages and peppers.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Portaria
Portaria is one of the most traditional villages in central Greece, located at an altitude of 650 metres, and only 13 km from the city of Volos, a key destination to discover the wonders of the mountainous region of Greece.
Explore the tranquil atmosphere of this village located on top of Mount Pelion, and admire the panoramic views of its beautiful clear water waterfalls and stone paths that combine with the green valleys.
Explore its typical architecture, one of its most precious jewels, such as mansions, houses with picturesque doors and windows, or the Agios Nikolaos Basilica, from the 19th century, one of its most prominent buildings for its amazing façade with biblical representations.
Explore the tranquil atmosphere of this village located on top of Mount Pelion, and admire the panoramic views of its beautiful clear water waterfalls and stone paths that combine with the green valleys.
Explore its typical architecture, one of its most precious jewels, such as mansions, houses with picturesque doors and windows, or the Agios Nikolaos Basilica, from the 19th century, one of its most prominent buildings for its amazing façade with biblical representations.
Overnight in Portaria
Hotel Despotiko
Despotiko is a design hotel in the centre of Portaria, set in a renovated 19th-century mansion, 12 km from the town of Volos and a 15-minute drive from the Chania Ski Resort.
It offers rooms with views of Mount Pelion or the Pagasetic Gulf, equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and a marble bathroom. If you are travelling with children, they can enjoy a children's playroom.
The restaurant serves a traditional buffet breakfast including homemade local cakes and pastries, which you can enjoy on the stone patio.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers rooms with views of Mount Pelion or the Pagasetic Gulf, equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and a marble bathroom. If you are travelling with children, they can enjoy a children's playroom.
The restaurant serves a traditional buffet breakfast including homemade local cakes and pastries, which you can enjoy on the stone patio.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in Makrinitsa 8 miles | 13 km
Start this tour by circuit to Makrinitsa, west of Pelion, one of the best preserved villages, which have given it the name of noble village and balcony of Pelion, because its inhabitants were wealthy and its location at 650 metres high.
Cross paths of wild and aromatic flowers to this village that will give you incredible views of the Pagasetic Gulf. Stroll through the cobblestoned streets leading to a large square shaded by tall banana trees.
There you can visit the church dedicated to Agios Ioannis Prodromos, the Church of Panagia and its bell tower, established in 1767 in honour of the Assumption of the Virgin, and the carved marble fountain from the early 19th century, whose crystal clear water is called "immortal water".
Don't leave without a Greek coffee and a "karydopita" with ice cream, before returning to Portaria ascending between paths that lead to a majestic cliff overlooking the city of Volos.
Cross paths of wild and aromatic flowers to this village that will give you incredible views of the Pagasetic Gulf. Stroll through the cobblestoned streets leading to a large square shaded by tall banana trees.
There you can visit the church dedicated to Agios Ioannis Prodromos, the Church of Panagia and its bell tower, established in 1767 in honour of the Assumption of the Virgin, and the carved marble fountain from the early 19th century, whose crystal clear water is called "immortal water".
Don't leave without a Greek coffee and a "karydopita" with ice cream, before returning to Portaria ascending between paths that lead to a majestic cliff overlooking the city of Volos.
Overnight in Portaria
Hotel Despotiko
Despotiko is a design hotel in the centre of Portaria, set in a renovated 19th-century mansion, 12 km from the town of Volos and a 15-minute drive from the Chania Ski Resort.
It offers rooms with views of Mount Pelion or the Pagasetic Gulf, equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and a marble bathroom. If you are travelling with children, they can enjoy a children's playroom.
The restaurant serves a traditional buffet breakfast including homemade local cakes and pastries, which you can enjoy on the stone patio.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers rooms with views of Mount Pelion or the Pagasetic Gulf, equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and a marble bathroom. If you are travelling with children, they can enjoy a children's playroom.
The restaurant serves a traditional buffet breakfast including homemade local cakes and pastries, which you can enjoy on the stone patio.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Portaria to Chania 4,5 miles | 7 km
Today's walk will take you to the highest point on Mount Pelion, to Chania or Agriolefkes, at 1,200 metres. Cross, on ascent, a forest of conifers, beech and chestnut trees until you reach a famous ski resort, an unmissable destination to practice this, and other winter sports.
Take a break at the top of Aidonakia Mountain to admire its slopes and the Pagasetic Gulf with its amazing views of the valleys that, in the distance, end with beautiful beaches, waterfalls and lagoons.
Descend and enjoy a short tour to your accommodation with the cool mountain breeze as company.
Take a break at the top of Aidonakia Mountain to admire its slopes and the Pagasetic Gulf with its amazing views of the valleys that, in the distance, end with beautiful beaches, waterfalls and lagoons.
Descend and enjoy a short tour to your accommodation with the cool mountain breeze as company.
Overnight in Chania
Manthos Hotel Resort
It offers heated rooms with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a safe deposit box. Some rooms also include a fireplace, a seating area and a spa bath or shower.
Enjoy its heated indoor pool, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, 2 outdoor football pitches and playground.
The hotel offers a daily breakfast with home-grown products and its restaurant serves traditional recipes. You can enjoy the hotel bar, or have a drink by the fireplace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy its heated indoor pool, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, 2 outdoor football pitches and playground.
The hotel offers a daily breakfast with home-grown products and its restaurant serves traditional recipes. You can enjoy the hotel bar, or have a drink by the fireplace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Chania to Agios Ioannis 7 miles | 11 km
After a short transfer to Upper Kissos Valley Walk, you will begin a walk which will take you to the small and colourful town of Agios Ioannis, in the northeast of Pelion, through the well-preserved kalderimis: a network of beautiful arched stone bridges and paved paths built in the 18th century.
Descend the kalderimi in Chania and cross a thick beech forest that will take you to the slopes of the hills and, among chestnut and banana trees, to the village of Kissos.
Visit the Church of Agia Marina and enjoy lunch in the square while observing the ruins of a Roman fortress and the Aegean Sea. Continue along a mountain path that crosses the village of Mouresi, and descends to the Aegean Sea coast where you will see your next destination: Agios Ioannis.
Tour the pristine white stone beaches in the oldest and most developed town on the coast, and climb the 110 steps on the rocks to the small chapel where the players in the film Mamma Mia were married.
Descend the kalderimi in Chania and cross a thick beech forest that will take you to the slopes of the hills and, among chestnut and banana trees, to the village of Kissos.
Visit the Church of Agia Marina and enjoy lunch in the square while observing the ruins of a Roman fortress and the Aegean Sea. Continue along a mountain path that crosses the village of Mouresi, and descends to the Aegean Sea coast where you will see your next destination: Agios Ioannis.
Tour the pristine white stone beaches in the oldest and most developed town on the coast, and climb the 110 steps on the rocks to the small chapel where the players in the film Mamma Mia were married.
Overnight in Agios Ioannis
Hotel Kenta Beach
It is located on the seafront overlooking the main beach of Agios Ioannis, a 2-minute walk from the town centre.
The air-conditioned rooms feature a TV, heating and most have a balcony with sea views. You can enjoy a spacious lounge with a fireplace, an outdoor pool and a breakfast area.
Nearby, you have the 2 most beautiful beaches in the neighbourhood: Plaka a 5-minute walk away and Papa Nero, in the opposite direction, about 12 minutes from the hotel.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The air-conditioned rooms feature a TV, heating and most have a balcony with sea views. You can enjoy a spacious lounge with a fireplace, an outdoor pool and a breakfast area.
Nearby, you have the 2 most beautiful beaches in the neighbourhood: Plaka a 5-minute walk away and Papa Nero, in the opposite direction, about 12 minutes from the hotel.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Agios Ioannis to Tsagarada 5 miles | 8 km
Take one of Pelion's best trails along the kalderimi that takes you to the cobbled beach of the picturesque village of Damouchari, under the ruins of an ancient castle.
Then arrive at the port where other scenes from the film Mamma Mia were filmed and continue to the entrance of this important Middle Age fishing village, the only natural port in the northeast of Pelion.
Immerse yourself in the waters of one of its beaches, such as the famous Fakistra Beach, located in a small bay surrounded by cliffs and its sea caves, between these the Panagia Megalomata or the famous Krifo Scholio.
Make your way through the kalderimi that will take you to Agia Paraskevi Square in Tsagarada. This village is located in the middle of a chestnut forest and with incredible views, consisting of four beautiful settlements formed around the ancient restored churches of the Taxiarches, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Kyriaki and Agios Stephanos.
Then arrive at the port where other scenes from the film Mamma Mia were filmed and continue to the entrance of this important Middle Age fishing village, the only natural port in the northeast of Pelion.
Immerse yourself in the waters of one of its beaches, such as the famous Fakistra Beach, located in a small bay surrounded by cliffs and its sea caves, between these the Panagia Megalomata or the famous Krifo Scholio.
Make your way through the kalderimi that will take you to Agia Paraskevi Square in Tsagarada. This village is located in the middle of a chestnut forest and with incredible views, consisting of four beautiful settlements formed around the ancient restored churches of the Taxiarches, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Kyriaki and Agios Stephanos.
Overnight in Tsagarada
Lost Unicorn Hotel
Located on Agia Paraskevi Square, the 19th-century mansion offers en suite rooms with air conditioning, fans, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and most have a balcony.
The hotel has a library where you can relax and listen to vinyl records. In addition to an aristocratic lounge with antiques where you can have a drink at the bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a library where you can relax and listen to vinyl records. In addition to an aristocratic lounge with antiques where you can have a drink at the bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Tsagarada to Milies 7,5 miles | 12 km
Milies is one of the largest, most picturesque and traditional villages in Pelion, built in an amphitheatre style on the green slopes of Mount Dikri. Follow the lush forest, cross over an old kalderimi and some dirt roads, and then climb the hill that separates Tsagkarada from Milies to enjoy the views over the Pagasetic Gulf.
Milies, whose translation is "apple trees", is known precisely for its production of these fruits. Tour its ancient mansions, marble fountains, olive trees, and visit the beautiful cave where the centaur Chiron and its students lived.
Explore this mythical village, birthplace of some of the leaders of Neohellenic Enlightenment, such as Anthimos Gazis, Danil, Philipidis and Grigorios Konstantas, and where the famous Milies School, a spiritual and cultural creative centre operated during the Turkish occupation.
Milies, whose translation is "apple trees", is known precisely for its production of these fruits. Tour its ancient mansions, marble fountains, olive trees, and visit the beautiful cave where the centaur Chiron and its students lived.
Explore this mythical village, birthplace of some of the leaders of Neohellenic Enlightenment, such as Anthimos Gazis, Danil, Philipidis and Grigorios Konstantas, and where the famous Milies School, a spiritual and cultural creative centre operated during the Turkish occupation.
Overnight in Milies
Hotel Dryalos
Located 28 km from Volos city centre, the hotel is ideal as a starting point for sightseeing and relaxing in its swimming pool overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf.
It has two buildings located next to a stream and surrounded by banana trees. They have a bar, a lounge with a mezzanine and a breakfast room.
The rooms feature air conditioning, heating, a bathroom with bath or shower.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has two buildings located next to a stream and surrounded by banana trees. They have a bar, a lounge with a mezzanine and a breakfast room.
The rooms feature air conditioning, heating, a bathroom with bath or shower.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in Kala Nera 7,5 miles | 12 km
This walk along the Pagasetic Gulf coast begins on a dirt track from Milies to Koropi, the ancient city of Korope, which housed a temple to the God Apollo.
Arrive on the coast of the village of Kala Nera, where you can visit the beach, taverns and bars that, during the summer, organize parties with traditional music, food and dancing.
To return to Milies, follow a rising route along a path marked along a kalderimi amid lush vegetation until you reach the railway, an impressive engineering work at 300 metres up, along which the products of the mountain villages were formerly transported to Volos.
Arrive on the coast of the village of Kala Nera, where you can visit the beach, taverns and bars that, during the summer, organize parties with traditional music, food and dancing.
To return to Milies, follow a rising route along a path marked along a kalderimi amid lush vegetation until you reach the railway, an impressive engineering work at 300 metres up, along which the products of the mountain villages were formerly transported to Volos.
Overnight in Milies
Hotel Dryalos
Located 28 km from Volos city centre, the hotel is ideal as a starting point for sightseeing and relaxing in its swimming pool overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf.
It has two buildings located next to a stream and surrounded by banana trees. They have a bar, a lounge with a mezzanine and a breakfast room.
The rooms feature air conditioning, heating, a bathroom with bath or shower.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has two buildings located next to a stream and surrounded by banana trees. They have a bar, a lounge with a mezzanine and a breakfast room.
The rooms feature air conditioning, heating, a bathroom with bath or shower.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Milies
Reach the end of your route on this beautiful Greek peninsula. You can continue your Greek tour or return home. For this, you can go to Volos Airport which is a 1 hour drive away.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To get to Portaria, the closest airport is Nea Anchialos International Airport (VOL) in Volos.
To get from Nea Anchialos airport to Portaria, take a taxi to Almyros, this journey takes about 7 minutes.
From Almyros, take a bus to Volos, these buses are operated by KTEL Magnesias, there is one bus every hour and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
From Volos there are buses to Portaria, the journey time is 30 minutes and they are also operated by KTEL Magnesias.
For the return journey from Milies, take a taxi to Istiea, this journey takes about 16 minutes.
From Istiea, take the bus operated by KTEL Liosion to Athens, this journey takes about 4 hours. Once at the KTEL Liosion terminal in Athens you can take a taxi to Athens Airport (ATH) or take a metro or city bus to the airport.
To get from Nea Anchialos airport to Portaria, take a taxi to Almyros, this journey takes about 7 minutes.
From Almyros, take a bus to Volos, these buses are operated by KTEL Magnesias, there is one bus every hour and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
From Volos there are buses to Portaria, the journey time is 30 minutes and they are also operated by KTEL Magnesias.
For the return journey from Milies, take a taxi to Istiea, this journey takes about 16 minutes.
From Istiea, take the bus operated by KTEL Liosion to Athens, this journey takes about 4 hours. Once at the KTEL Liosion terminal in Athens you can take a taxi to Athens Airport (ATH) or take a metro or city bus to the airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is classified with a low level of difficulty and is travelled between ascents and descents, sometimes on stretches and over rocky paths. For this reason, you must have skill on these terrains and an active lifestyle to take advantage of these enchanting routes.
Due to the mountainous terrain on Pelion, we recommend that to make your experience amazing, before embarking on this route you prepare physically, taking daily walks with some elevation.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What is the best time to start the route?
We recommend starting this route in spring or autumn, when weather conditions and temperatures are perfect for walking, due to the combination of mountain, forest and Aegean Sea climate.
We remind you that in April and October, beginning and end of the season, many pool services or restaurants may not be available or may have reduced their offer.
You can start the route in summer when the beautiful beaches are one of the main tourist destinations and considering that you will have to start the routes early to avoid the heatwave.
You can even do the route in winter, when the mountains are covered in snow and Pelion maintains a fairly mild temperature, the lowest is 7.6ºC.
Is this walking holiday for me?
This route is ideal for those looking to experience the magical walks that characterize this peninsular part of mythological Greece, amid the abundant forests and olive grove trails.
It is ideal if you enjoy coastal and mountain walks, walks on traditional stone trails, and relax on the beaches with the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
If you are looking for an adventure full of maritime experiences and typical Greek cuisine, you will enjoy the delights served by traditional taverns or restaurants. If you are a nature lover, you will find it the ideal place for walking, climbing, skiing, canoeing, diving and for other water sports.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you. If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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