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Ever heard of Pelion in Greece? I bet not! Pelion is a region in Magnesia, Thessaly on the mainland of Greece. It’s a peninsula of rugged beauty, with lush greenery, green-blue hidden coves and pebbles beaches. The best thing about this beautiful area is that it is not discovered by the masses yet! Pelion is the ideal destination in Greece if you want to experience authentic Greek culture away from tourism crowds. Without further ado, let’s dive into this Pelion Greece travel guide!
Papa Nero Beach, Pelion Greece
Pelion 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.
Mylopotamos, Pelion Greece
Pelion is a great destination to visit both in summer and in wintertime. Because of the 1651-meter-high mountain, Pelion is a great destination for skiing in winter and a paradise for hikers in warmer months. Combine this with the crystal clear water and beaches of the Aegean Sea and it’s hard to find a better destination in Greece that has so many features on offer.
There are so many things to do in Pelion Greece that you will probably need a few weeks if you want to discover the whole peninsula. Here are some tips on things to do in Pelion Greece!
Authentic markets in Pelion, Greece
For an authentic Greek city vibe, consider starting your trip to Pelion in Volos. Volos is the gateway to the Pelion mountains and is not on the tourist map so the experiences you’ll have here are still legit and genuine.
A great way to get to know this city is by going to one of the gigantic local markets. Just ask a local where and when the next one is taking place. There are several markets a week. The market in the picture is the morning market on Riga Feraiou which is held every Friday.
Volos seen from Makrinitsa, Pelion Greece
Makrinitsa is a small village on the slopes of the Pelion mountains. You can get here easily in a 15-minute drive from Volos. If you want to feel on top of the world, you will surely sense this in Makrinitsa.
Often called the balcony of the Pelion, this village offers magnificent views of the Pagasetic Gulf and the city of Volos due to its 630-meter location above the sea. Walk through the cobbled stone streets to the central square and have a coffee in the shade of the plane trees enjoying the vista.
Centaur walk, Portaria, Pelion Greece
Not far from Makrinitsa, you can find the village of Portaria. Considering the mythology of the region, it’s a fun stop to walk the centaurs’ path. After a reinvigorating 40-minute walk through dense forest, take a seat at the cute terrace of Meli Coffee & More for a coffee or lunch.
A cute place to stay in Portaria is Kritsa Gastronomy Hotel.
Damouchari Beach, Pelion Greece
If you are looking for gorgeous beaches and hidden coves, there’s no shortage of that in Pelion Greece. While the peninsula has beaches on both the east side and west side, the beaches on the east side at the Aegean Sea are more beautiful than the ones on the Pagasetic Gulf.
Fakistra beach, Pelion Greece
some beaches in Pelion or off the beaten track while others come with amenities like umbrellas and beach chairs. Read our full guide about the best beaches in Pelion Greece to find out which of these beauties would suit your needs the best.
If you like many facilities then Agios Ioannis is probably your best choice. On the other hand, travelers who like to go off the beaten path can head to beaches like Fakistra, Agios Georgios, or Paltsi.
Plaka Beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Pelion.
Hiking trail from Damouchari to Fakistra Beach
Hiking is one of the main activities you can do on the Pelion Peninsula. With countless trails all over Pelion, hiking can keep you busy for days and you won’t be able to get enough of every new viewpoint you will discover. A good app to organize your walks is Alltrails.
Gorgeous walking trails by the sea in the Pelion region
While there are many hikes you can take through villages and dense forests in the interior of the peninsula, don’t forget to walk the many beach trails which you can combine with a dip in the sea.
The trails by the beach are not at all clear on Google Maps. If you don’t want to use the Alltrails app than Maps.me is a good alternative.
Tsipouro @ Flokos restaurant, Volos, Pelion Greece
Tsipouro is a local spirit, typically from the region of Thessaly and you can also find it in Crete by the name of Tsikoudia. Tsipouro is traditionally served alongside mezze and should be sipped slowly in between bites. That is also necessary since the 40% alcohol can get you tipsy very easily.
Tsipouro has about the same taste as Ouzo, the widely known aperitif drink in Greece. The production process is very different, however, so both drinks should not be compared.
Karaiskos farm is a countryside getaway in Pelion Greece. They offer a guesthouse, organic farm and cooking classes which also cater to vegans and vegetarians. Unfortunately, at our time of visit, the farm was closed, so we were not able to participate in a cooking class.
However, the location and vibe seem wonderful so we would still like to recommend you go there if you visit Pelion. You can book a cooking class easily through GetYourGuide.
Snorkeling at Pelion Greece
Bring your snorkel if you are planning to visit Pelion! The rocky edges at the beaches and small coves around the coast are perfect to spot local marine fauna and flora.
As far as we know, there are no organized snorkel trips in the neighborhood but the area itself lends itself so well for snorkeling that you’ll be satisfied with what you can see on your own.
Stuffed aubergine
The food in Pelion is known as some the best in Greece. Fresh vegetables and fruits are grown in the region and a lot of family restaurants grow their produce in their own organic gardens. Mezze plates (small dishes similar to Spanish tapas) and seafood is what you can find at most local Greek restaurants.
The Greek kitchen is also mostly plant-based so it is very easy to travel through Greece as a vegan or vegetarian.
Sup & kayak in Damouchari, Pelion Greece
At the picturesque Damouchari harbor in the East of Pelion, you can rent SUP boards and kayaks to explore on your own as well as take SUP lessons or kayak tours to explore the coastline. Get in touch with Shakayak to start your SUP or kayak adventure in Damouchari.
Damouchari is also known for being one of the filming locations for the movie “Mamma Mia” (2008) which featured Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan.
The beautiful beaches of Pelion lend themselves perfectly for some morning yoga or mediation. Go early if you want to have the beaches all to yourself to do your morning yoga routine.
Alternatively, you also look for accommodation that has a yoga deck. Katerina Fotopoulos Rooms and Appartments has a beautiful yoga deck just steps away from the sea. It’s the perfect place to do some morning yoga followed by a dip in the sea before your breakfast.
Aside from Portaria and Makrinitsa, there are plenty more picturesque villages to discover in Pelion. Head to Zagora, Milies, Argalasti, or Tsagarada to observe some beautiful local churches and traditional houses. Don’t forget to have a coffee break at one of the many beautiful plane tree-shaded squares.
The village of Kissos is another beautiful village to visit in Pelion. It is the home of a 17th-century old three-aisled basilica that is quite famous all over Pelion.
Natural pools of Damouchari, Pelion Greece
The natural pools of Damouchari are located at a hidden spot outside the main area of Damouchari in the east of the peninsula. There is some sort of hotel at the location with dogs who will bark at you when you arrive but don’t let that scare you away. This scenic spot is pure bliss. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear. Here are the directions.
Boat tours in Agios Ioannis, Pelion Greece
Boat trips and boat rentals can be organized through Les Hirondelles. They depart at the little harbor of Agios Ioannis and cost around € 60. Upun request, they can also pick you up in Damouchari or Chorefto.
If you don’t feel like walking all the trails to nearby beaches or taking all the hairpin turns with your car to get to a beach, this is the perfect option to still visit them without doing much effort.
Boats in Volos, Pelion Greece
The sporades are Greek islands in the Aegean Sea not far from Pelion. It consists of 24 islands of which 4 are inhabited: Skopelos, Skiathos, Skyros, and Alonnisos.
You can take a ferry to all of them from the port of Volos and they make for a perfect 2-day getaway during your Pelion trip. If you want a more off-the-beaten-path experience, go for Skopelos island, which is not as touristic as the other island in the archipelago.
Another activity that is very popular among tourists in Pelion is taking an old steam train along the Pelion Railway that winds through the picturesque landscapes of the peninsula. While it looks very charming it felt a bit too touristy for my taste.
Pelion is not the place to go if you fancy big resorts with water slides and all-inclusive formulas. Accommodation in this part of Greece consists mainly of local guesthouses run by families who have their roots in the area.
You can find Katerina Fotopoulos Rooms and Apartments between Papa Nero beach and Damouchari Beach along the Pelion coast. It’s situated right by the sea and you can take a dip in the ocean in the morning walking down from your room. There is a yoga deck by the sea, bakery delivery in the morning and the accommodation is right by a coastal path linking the beaches of Papa Nero and Damouchari with each other. Go here if you like accommodation with a homey feel.
Ghermaniko Guesthouse is located in the center of Damouchari and is your best bet regarding price and quality. It is a small local hotel that is owned by the same family as Victoria café which happens to be the best place to eat in Damouchari. They serve up a delicious breakfast, have a little store where they sell traditional local products and can assist you on arranging activities.
The villas of Sunrise Tsagarada are built keeping sustainability in mind. The design of the buildings is made to perfectly fit into the natural environment using bioclimatic architecture and natural materials. Stay here if you want an eco-luxurious experience.
Hotel Des Roses is located in the south of Pelion in Platanias. This family-run hotel is great because of its magnificent location, eco breakfasts, and organic soap workshops provided by the owners.
Rather looking for a holiday house in Pelion? Check out my guide with 10 authentic villas in Pelion!
Cute seaside restaurant in Pelion, Greece
Pelion Greece has some of the most delicious restaurants in the country. Traditional Greek cuisine is what you can find in most restaurants here.
A highlight of your trip should be a visit to El Resto bar. El resto bar is located in Mouresi, near Papa Nero beach. El Resto bar is a gastronomic restaurant serving a mix of traditional Greek cuisine and modern techniques. It is definitely a bit more expensive than traditional Greek restaurants but it is worth every penny. You can find them at the Agapitos Villas & guesthouses (location).
Gemista @ The beautiful beach, Papa Nero beach, Pelion, Greece
You can find this breezy restaurant at Papa Nero Beach. The beautiful beach serves up traditional Greek cuisine and can make any cocktail you ask for! The stuffed peppers (Gemista) here are delicious and the staff goes out of their way to make your visit cozy and comfy.
Stuffed garlic potatoes @ Flokos
Flokos is a highly recommended restaurant in Volos outside of the busy center, in a quiet street. Go here to eat the best mezedes you can find in Volos and learn how to drink tsipouro in a traditional way. The grilled potatoes on the menu are truly delicious!
Gigantes @ Agellika fish taverna, Pelion, Greece
You can find Agellika fish taverna beautifully located on top of a hill near Mylopotamos beach. The service here is excellent, the ocean views breathtaking and the food finger-licking good. Don’t worry if you are vegan or vegetarian, there’s plenty on the menu you can choose from.
Spinach pie @ Victoria Café Damouchari, Pelion
Victoria Café s the best place to go for breakfast, lunch or diner when you visit Damouchari. You will immediately fall in love with the beautiful terrace overlooking the harbor and its peaceful feel. The food on the menu is healthy and delicious and they have clearly indicated options for vegans and vegetarians which makes it easy to travel here as a vegan in Greece. The food is not all typical Greek. While you can find spanakopita (spinach pie) and other Greek dishes, they also offer sandwiches, smoothies and a full vegan breakfast. Plant milk is offered to go with their selection of coffees.
Green beans with potato @ Itamos, Pelion, Greece
Itamos is a traditional Greek restaurant in Tsagarada. It has a wonderful grape vine-covered terrace and a friendly chatty owner who speaks English excellently. The food is top-notch.
Stuffed zucchini flowers @ Chromata beach bar, Pelion, Greece
Tabernaki is located at Labinou beach, looking out over the sea. This place is a real hidden gem and it doesn’t get any more traditional than this.
The food here is delicious, the location superb and it’s the best place to disappear for a while because there is little to no cellphone reception. Take a good book, order some stuffed zucchini flowers and let any stress flow away at the sound of the waves.
Plaka beach, Greece Pelion
Getting to Pelion Greece is the easiest by renting a car upon your arrival in Athens or Thessaloniki considering you will be be flying into Greece. Public transport in the Pelion region is not reliable and because of the rugged landscape with a lot of hairpin turns and steep pathways to landmarks, it is not convenient to travel without a car.
Car rental is available at the airport but for convenience, it’s better to make a reservation beforehand. Discovercars has good price plans for Greece.
However, if you are willing to travel to Pelion by public transport I’ll explain to you how to get there from Athens and Thessaloniki.
From the airport, take the metro to Larissa Train Station and buy a ticket to Volos. Look around for a train that stops in Larissa and change there to a train to Volos using the same ticket. When arriving in Volos, check the local bus website to see the timetables for all the busses into Pelion.
Alternatively, you can take a bus to Volos. From Athens airport, hop on bus X93 to “KTEL Liosion” and take an intercity bus to Volos. In Volos, look around for a taxi that will take you to Damouchari.
Both of the options will cost around € 30 to get you from Athens to Volos. The local busses into Pelion are cheap.
Thessaloniki airport has a great bus connection to Volos. From the airport, take bus X1 to the central bus station that is located west of Thessaloniki city. Buy a bus ticket and take the intercity bus to Volos. Once in Volos, check the local bus website to search the timetables for busses heading into Pelion.
The bus from Thessaloniki costs around € 25. It’s not much cheaper compared to the bus from Athens but the travel time will be slighty shorter.
If you don’t want to take a local bus from Volos you can take a taxi if you are planning to visit only one place in Pelion. A taxi should cost around € 65 to take you to places like Damouchari or Agios Ioannis.
You can also opt to rent a car in Volos. From Volos, you can reach the most beautiful villages and beaches on the eastern side of the island in about one and a half hour drive.
The beautiful mountains and beaches of Pelion can be visited year-round. The summer months are ideal for beach time and swimming while spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and spending time in nature.
During the winter, Pelion transforms itself into a skiing paradise. There is a ski center at Agriolefkes near Chania that offers skiing opportunities in an incredible beautiful setting. The villages look magical too during this time of the year.
The best way to make the most of your trip to the Pelion peninsula is to go on a road trip. Fly to Thessaloniki or Athens, rent a car there, and discover the region at your own pace. Allow at least two weeks if you really want to immerse in the culture and localities of Pelion.
For a true slow travel experience, allow yourself four weeks to discover the Peninsula. This will create the opportunity to go all the way to the tip of the peninsula and visit places like Trikeri and Platania.
There you go! As you can see, the Pelion is a wonderful area in Greece to discover on your next trip!
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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Followmetogreece
A great article about my favourite place in Greece.. Pleion, Volos and the region are amazing!
Kathy Grayson
Wondering what village you would recommend to stay in to have hiking and a good swimming beach with shade or chairs that does not get wind? Thank you
annelies_degelas
Hi Kathy,
Hard to say because there are a lot of great hiking opportunities all over the peninsula and the wind totally depends on the weather.
I would say that Damouchari is a great place to use as a base if you like staying in a cute small place and Agios Ioannis if you want to have tourist facilities.
You can hike along the coast all the way from Plaka beach to Fakistra beach and also from Mylopotamos to Labinou beach. I especially like the latter because you really have to search for the trails sometimes and I didn’t encounter any other tourists on the trails (only an old lady selling fruit from her garden in front of her door).
Let me know if you have any more questions!