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April 28, 2024
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If you are visiting the Pelion peninsula in Greece, make a stop in Portaria for an unforgettable journey along the Centaur Path, where ancient myth and stunning scenery offer a truly unique adventure. Lace up your hiking boots, let your imagination run wild with legends of the centaurs, and embark on an exploration of Pelion’s enchanting Centaur Path. In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this lovely activity!
Papa Nero Beach, The Pelion peninsula in Greece
Pelion is a peninsula on mainland Greece in the province of Thessaly. It is mainly known for “Mount Pelion”, an important landmark in Greece. The mountain was, according to Greek mythology, the home of the centaurs.
The most famous one of these half-man half-horse gods was Chiron, who mentored Jason, famous for the story about Jason and the Argonauts in which Jason puts together an all-star team of gods to retrieve the Golden Fleece from a never-sleeping dragon and bulls with breaths of fire.
The story goes that the boat was built with wood from the Pelion mountains. They were able to retrieve the Golden Fleece and many years later Jason and his wife gave birth to a son, Thessalos, who gave his name to the local population, Thessalians.
While there are many things to do in Pelion, like visiting the gorgeous Pelion beaches of Fakistra and Mylopotamos, exploring cute villages like Damouchari, or indulging in delicious vegan Greek cuisine, the Centaur path is one of the only places in the region that has a clear link to the mythology of the centaurs.
In this post, I’ll explain how to reach the centaur path, what to expect, and where to stay and eat nearby.
The Centaur Path in picturesque Pelion is a beautiful walk that immerses you in the region’s rich mythology and stunning natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Pelion peninsula in the town of Portaria, this lovely trail winds through lush forests, and tranquil meadows, and offers glimpses of the azure Aegean Sea.
There is a parking space at the start of the trail. If you feel like having a drink or a small bite before embarking on your walk, there’s also a lovely coffee shop at the start of the trail called Nephèle Treats & Tales. The outdoor terrace is a great place to have coffee with cake.
The Centaur Path itself is a moderately challenging hike. There are various options to walk the trails. An easy option is to climb to the top of the trail that follows the bed of a river stream. This walk only takes around 40 minutes and you can come down again following the same trail.
It will take you past small waterfalls and over the stream by wooden bridges which are all well maintained and in good condition.
Another option is to make a round trip. This can be done by taking a combination of cobbled alleys and paved roads. The best way to see the trails and roads that you can take is by using the app Maps.me.
From the top, where you can find a fountain, turn left and follow the roads and pathways that lead back to the center of Portaria.
Getting to the charming village of Portaria in Pelion is an adventure in itself. There are multiple transportation options to choose from to reach this cute village.
While not the most eco-friendly option, renting a car is by far the best choice for exploring the Pelion peninsula as a whole. Buses don’t cover hidden locations and taking a taxi everywhere is very costly.
Before renting a car, do note that the roads in Pelion can be very steep with ravines and hairpin turns at every corner. Driving here is not for the faint-hearted!
Portaria is a cute town and it is worth it to spend a night or two here to explore the area. The Centaur Path is the main attraction in the village but there is also a wonderful farm nearby, Karaikos Farm, where you can take a great cooking class with local ingredients.
Karaikos farm itself is a great place to stay but note that it is located a little outside the center of Portaria. If you want to stay in the center of Portaria, consider staying at a traditional guesthouse like Archontiko di Marios or Archontiko Naoumidi.
Rather looking for a holiday house in Pelion? Check out my guide with 10 authentic villas in Pelion!
Portaria is small but here are some great gems to be found when it comes to good food and great drinks!
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this post about the Centaur Path in Pelion. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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