The Pelion peninsula is surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the east and the Pagasitic Gulf to the west.
Pelion owes its name to the highest mountain in the area: ‘Mount Pilio’ which is 1.681 meters. In the winter months there is snow on the mountains and throughout the year the water is never far away. You can see streams, springs and waterfalls all over the peninsula.
In the overwhelming atmosphere of this landscape, history mixes with the myths. The past meets the present, but above all there is the green, lush nature of Pelion.
It is well worth investigating some of the surrounding areas and local villages, markets, harbours and monastries.
Below are a few suggestions.
Agia Kiriaki is a small coastal village with a port serving the village of Trikeri. The white village of Trikiri is worth while a visit at your way back to Milina.
Agia Kyriaki is a beautiful coastal village with traditional white houses in an amphitheatre around the coast.
it is well worth a walk around the narrow cobbled streets of the village before settling down to a traditional fresh fish meal on the sea front.
At the end of the Pelion Peninsula is the tiny island of Paleo (Old) Trikeri, one of Greece’s undiscovered gems. Go by water taxi to Trikeri island and visit the beautiful Evengelistrias Monastery.
Only about 20 people live here full time. There are no roads, and no cars – transport is on foot, by mule or by the single tractor allowed to operate.
It is less than thirty minutes walk from one side to the other and you walk through hillsides covered in thyme and juniper to deserted beaches and coves.
The traditional mountain village of Argalasti is the main village of South Pelion and during the Turkish occupation was the financial, trading and cultural centre.
If you walk around the village you will be impressed by the old houses and mansions still with elements from the ancient and Byzantine period. Argalasti is host to a traditional local market each Saturday morning where local fruit and vegetable farmers and other tradespeople sell their goods.
In the immediate vicinity of Argalasti there are 2 vineyards that can be visited.
Visitors to Makrinitsa, a traditional Pelion mountain village, will be amazed by its unique beauty. It is a textbook example of the mountain village typical architecture.
The village of Makrinista is a pure jewel hanging on the side of the green mountain Pilio. It is divided in two settlements, Koukourava and Moutsara. The village is also known as the balcony of Pelion because of its amazing view due to its location (630m above the sea).
During the summer months it is possible to take a water taxi or boat to Skiathos for the day.
A lively, vibrant town which contains a lot of small shops, ideal for the tourist, and many, many tavernas and bars. A nice change with the quiet life in Pelion.
