INTERNATIONAL TOUR OPERATOR
Since 1985
INTERNATIONAL TOUR OPERATOR
Since 1985
VOLOS & PELION
 |
 Pelion
Northeastern Pelion
Along the Pagasitic Gulf
Volos
How To Get There
Useful Telephone NumbersAthens - Volos 326 km. |
Pelion, land of the legendary Centaurs, the site chosen by the ancient
gods for their weddings and celebrations, rises in lush magnificence to the northeast of
Volos. It was here that the centaur Chiron, the wise teacher of demigods and heroes, gave
his pupils daily instruction in the proper care of body and soul. Here, too, the first
beauty contest took place between Thetis and Eris.
"Many leaved" Pelion was an inspiration to Homer, Pindar and Euripides but also
to the more modern popular muse who sung of the unquenchable desire of the Greek people
for freedom. The highest peaks of Pelion (Pliasidi, 1.548 m., Pourianos Stavros, 1.610 m.)
are in the northern part of the range. Its inaccessible eastern flank, with the Aegean
stretching out into the distance like a vast mirror, comes to an abrupt end in the sea,
creating wildly beautiful rocky shores. Conversely, the tranquil, calm coast of the
western flank on the Pagasitic gulf is much easier to reach and encourages shipping
activity. Pelion's picturesque villages, sometimes clinging to wooded slopes or perched on
steep bluffs, sometimes hidden away in verdant ravines, are so much a part of the scenery
that, seen from a distance they create the impression of having "sprouted up"
along with the trees. The distinctive traditional architecture of the old houses with
their narrow windows and decorated walls, stone stairways and roofs of grey or greeny
slate; the Byzantine churches with wonderful wall paintings and icon screens; the winding
cobbled paths, sculpted fountains, courtyards redolent of basil and gardenia; squares
paved with huge flag stones where the cheerful bubbling of a little brook is never absent
– are all typical features of a Pelion village.
Climbing northeast of Volos, the road bisects the charming suburb of Ano Volos (5 km.),
with the steep hill of Episkopi demarcating its eastern side. At the nearby villages of
Anakasia and Alli Meria, where there are some wall paintings by Theophilos, it is worth
stopping to admire the panoramic view of the Pagasistic gulf and the plain of Thessaly
while seated in one of the district's picturesque restaurants.
Continuing the ascent up the slope of the mountain, after Anakasia the road leads to
Portaria (13 km., alt. 600 m.), a lovely summer resort with abundant crystalline water and
a number of hotels. The village's delightful main square and the chapel of the Panagia of
Portaria with 16th century frescoes are sure to make their impression. From Portaria west
a fork in the road winds up at a flat area filled with shady plane trees through which the
beautiful traditional village of Makrinitsa (17 km., alt. 750 m.) can be seen. Built
amphitheatrically up the side of the mountain, it offers a splendid view of the gulf
below. The flag stone lanes link its unique buildings, which because of the steep slope
are three storeys on one side and only one on the other. The higher facade is adorned with
the wooden balconies so typical of Pelion. Some of these old houses have been restored by
the GNTO and are operated as guest houses under its supervision. Try the tasty local
delicacies, bean soup and "spetzofai" – a spicy concoction of sausages and
peppers – served in the "tavernakia" in the square. And if you visit the area
on May Day, you may see some wild revels very reminiscent of ancient Dionysian rites.
Zigzagging up the mountainside past a series of stunning ridges, the main road climbs up
to Hania (26 km., alt. 1.200 m.), which has become a winter sports centre thanks to the
development of "Agrio-lefkes", where there is a refuge, ski lifts, a big slope
for experienced skiers and a separate area for beginners, along with all the comforts of a
modern ski resort. After Hania, the road starts to descend, weaving in and out of forests
of oak and chestnut trees to arrive at Zagora (47 km. from Volos, alt. 480 m.), Pelion's
largest village. If you can take your eyes off the fantastic view of the Aegean, pay a
visit to the famous school where many of the spiritual fathers of the Greek Revolution
studied, the historic library with rare books and manuscripts, and the Byzantine churches
of Agios Georgios and Agia Kiriaki which contain richly carved icon screens. You would be
fortunate indeed if you happened upon a traditional Pelion wedding celebrated in one of
them. Don't forget to refresh yourself with the succulent apples of the region.
Horefto (55 km. from Volos), the port of Zagora, lies 8 km. further east, an irresistible
spot with shining sea and a lovely beach, while 6 km. to the north the road ends in Pouri
(63 km. from Volos, alt. 400 m.). Known as the "Balcony of the Aegean", its
three-tiered, tree-filled square has an extraordinary view; on a clear day you can see as
far as Halkidiki.
Heading south from Zagora, you come to the village of Makrirahi (46 km. from Volos, alt.
300 m.). A deep dramatic ravine separates it from its neighbour Anilio ("without
sun"), a typical Pelion hamlet. Continuing south it is worth taking the secondary
road off to the right to climb up to Kisso (52 km. from Volos, alt. 550 m.), one of the
most mountainous villages on the eastern flank of Pelion, drenched in a riot of greenery.
Or you might prefer to take the left hand fork and descend to the summer seaside resort of
Agjos loanis (57 km. from Volos), where the green of the mountain blends with the blue of
the Aegean. You can swim for miles along its enormous coarse - sandy beach and feast on
fish at the tavernas by the shore.
Returning to the main road, you next come to Mouressi (59 km. from Volos, alt. 370 m.),
built amphitheatrically amidst apple orchards and chestnut woods. Of interest here is the
wooden icon screen in the church of the Dormition of the Virgin.
From Mouressi, it's a simple matter to get down to the pebbled beach at Damouhari. Five
kilometres after Mouressi, still driving through thick forest, you arrive at Tsangarada,
on the spine of Pelion (54 km. from Volos, alt. 450 m.). One of the most enchanting summer
resorts in Greece, it has ample hotels hidden among its plane and chestnut trees. The
village houses, which are divided into four levels, are strung out along the mountainside
and covered with lush vegetation. Characteristic features of the village are its many old
mansions, flag stoned piazzas, picturesque cobbled alleys and a superb view of the Aegean,
not to mention its emblem – the thousand year old plane tree in the main square whose
diameter measures 14 metres. Here, too, don't miss the chance to taste the local
specialities, "spetzofai" and "fasolada" (been soup). An asphalted
road takes you down to Milopotamos, the port of Tsangarada, 8 kilometres away. After
following a series of steps cut out of the rocky coast, you come to its sheltered beach
composed of lovely smooth round stones. Not far from Milopotamos there is another beach in
a bewitching setting - Fakistra.
The road southeast of Volos leads to Agria (8 km. from Volos), a coastal suburb with an
extensive beach in a fertile district filled with olive groves and orchards. Here you will
find a number of hotels and restaurants. The chapel of the Virgin of Goritsa and the icon
screen with carved and painted scenes from everyday life in the chapel of the Holy Cross
are sure to leave an impression. From Agria a secondary road rises 12 km to Drakia (17.5
km from Volos, alt. 500 m.), a village characterised by lush vegetation, running streams,
well-made alleyways and marvellous popular "tower houses". The Triantaphyllou
mansion, decorated with 18th century wall paintings, carved doorways and moulded ceilings
is considered among the best of its kind.
The main square, thought by historians to be the oldest in Pelion, hosts a folk festival
on the 23rd of August, complete with traditional costumes and music. After Agria the main
road passes by Kato and Ano Lehonia, where most of Pelion's cultivated flowers are grown
and sold. The air is scented with the blossoms of gardenias, hortensias, camellias and tu
beroses. Platanidia, the port of Ano Lehonia, 13 km. from Volos is a good place for fresh
fish.
Continuing south the main road proceeds towards the long beach of Malaki before arriving
at Kato Gatzea (17 km.), a village blessed with protected beaches and surrounded by a vast
olive grove. Next comes Kala Nera (20 km. from Volos), another seaside village with a
beach, leafy plane trees, orchards and abundant water. A side road to the east winds 7
kilometres up the mountainside to Milies (28 km. from Volos, alt. 360 m.), one of the most
delightful larger villages of Pelion and an important cultural centre, as witnessed by the
wealth of rare books and manuscripts in its library. Some of its traditional homes have
been renovated by the GNTO to operate as guest houses. Milies also has a fine collection
of folk art (local museum), while its little railway station – the end of the old Volos
line – is particularly attractive. Here we suggest that you try the local speciality
"tyropsomo" or cheese - bread and "firikia", a kind of lady apple.
Just 3 kilometres further up the road you will find Vizitsa (32 km. from Volos, alt. 450
m.) a mountain village concealed among plane trees whose lovely Pelion- style towers and
magnificent old mansions have led to its declaration as a landmark settlement protected
from unseemly development. Some of the latter have been renovated by the GNTO and are run
as guest houses. If you feel like forgetting your cares and troubles for a while, try a
little of the potent local brew, "tsipouro".
Back on the main road, you pass through more olive groves and orchards on the way to
Koropi, which occupies the site of the ancient city of the same name, famous in the past
as the home of the Oracle of Apollo Koropaios. On the 24th kilometre of the main road, a
short deviation (2 km.) will take you to Afissos (26 km. from Volos). The rnain road,
which starts its ascent of Pelion after Afetes, forks near here: after Neohori the
northern branch leads to Tsangarada passing through Lambinou, with a stunning view of the
Aegean; while the southern branch goes to the big village of Argalasti (40 km. from Volos,
alt. 250 m.), situated on a fertile plateau renowned for its olives. Several secondary
roads radiate out from Argalasti to the seaside villages of Kalamos and Paos on the
Pagasitic gulf and the mountain hamlets of Kallithea, Xinovrisi and Paltsi, on the Aegean
coast.
Continuing south there is a succession of sandy beaches one after the other as far as
Milina, a pretty summer resort. After Milina the road has recently been extended as far as
Trikeri (82 km), the lovely, mansion - filled village at the tip of the Magnesia
peninsula. Up to now communications with Volos were possible only by boat via the little
port of Agia Kiriaki, a charming fishing hamlet whose "tavernakia" specialise in
seafood. Trikeri, Agia Kiriaki and Ai Giannis, an undeveloped fishing community on the
islet of Palio Trikeri, form a commune, and administrative unit smaller than a
municipality. The weddings in local costume and the traditional customs observed there
during Easter week and on May Day are not to be missed if you happen to be in Greece in
the spring. East of Milina the road goes on to Lafkos and Promiri, a typical example of a
village submerged in olive trees, winding up in Platania, a quaint fishing village to the
south.
Volos (326 km. from Athens, 215 km. from Thessaloniki) is the capital and economic centre
of the prefecture. Thanks to its privileged position at the foot of Mt. Pelion on the
Pagasitic gulf, it is a good base for enjoying the sea, wooded slopes and green valleys
that surround it. As for the derivation of the word "Volos", which according to
a Byzantine historian of the 14th century was called "Golos", there are several
theories; the most widely accepted is that it represents a corruption of the Mycenaean
lolkos. Founded in the mid 19th century, modern Volos, with 71.000 inhabitants, is a
cheerful, lively town, soundly laid out with pleasant broad streets. The waterfront is an
ideal spot for a stroll. A modern coastal avenue bustling with life, it is lined with
pastry shops, cafes and restaurants. From the suburb of Ano Volos, built up the slopes of
Pelion, the Pagasitic gulf and the town below take on another dimension. Volos harbour is
a particularly active. It is the main export centre of Thessaly and the scene of much
commercial and passenger traffic bound for the Sporades, the great ports of the
Mediterranean, Syria and other Middle Eastern cities.
The Volos Archaeological Museum (tel.: (0421)28.563): contains a rich
store of finds from the Bronze Age, pottery of the 8th and 5th century BC, 6th and 5th
century sculpture. For example, its collection of Hellenistic grave stelai from Dimitrias
is unique; their well preserved paintings are considered among the most important examples
of ancient Greek art.
Municipal Gallery: (tel.: (0421) 25.760): Housed in the Town Hall, it comprises a fine
collection of paintings, sculpture and engravings by modern Greek artists. Home of the
folk historian Kitsos Makris (tel.: (0421) 37.119) with works by Theophilos,
Christopoulos, Byzantine icons, wood carvings and pottery. Pelion's old-fashioned train:
This little train which used to connect Volos with Milies has been put back into service
over a short portion of the old urban line. It would be running on special occasions. The
churches of Agios Konstantinos, Agios Nikolaos, Metamorphosis and the chapel of Agia
Triada. The Treis lerarches and Kyriazis libraries. At Anakasia, the Theophilos Museum
with frescoes by the great folk artist. At Alli Meria, the Velentza bakery with wall
paintings by Theophilos. Seasonal Events : During the last ten days of August, the Balkan
Crafts Fair held in the Municipal Theatre with dancing and music from all the Balkans.
The lush area around Volos is scattered with interesting archaeological sites which history buffs will find very rewarding, while the summer resorts bordering beautiful beaches abound in picturesque tavernas offering local delicacies. The azure sea is ideal for bathing.
Taking the Volos - Larissa National Road, a small detour will lead you to one or more of the various archaeological sites in the vicinity: the prehistoric settlement of Dimini (6.5 km) with a ruined acropolis, walls and two beehive tombs dated to between 4000 - 1200 BC; Sesklo (13.5 km) with the remains of the oldest acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), as well as the foundations of a palace and mansions among the most typical examples of neolithic civilisation. A bit further to the west lies the village of Velestino (1 7 km), birthplace of the revolutionary poet Rigas Ferraios, built on the site of the ancient city of Pherai.
Near the coast road heading southwest of Volos, you'll
spot a pine wooded area containing the ruins of ancient Dimitrias (4 km), the important
city founded by Dimitrios Poliorkitis in the 3rd century BC. In this particularly
extensive archaeological site there are ruins of a temple, palace and theatre with
incomparable acoustics. Portions of the city's circuit wall can be seen on a hill to the
right of the road. The famous grave stelai adorning the Archaeological Museum in Volos
were discovered in the towers still standing on the acropolis. A little to the east, at
Pefkakia, are the scant remains of a Mycenaean settlement identified as the Homeric city
of Neleia. The road then passes by Nees Pagases (5 km), a summer resort today with good
facilities for tourists built on the site of ancient Pagasai, en eminent commercial centre
of the 5th century BC and port of ancient Pherai.
Maratho (13 km) and Chrysi Akti (15 km) further south are renowned for their crystalline
waters and the fresh fish served in their tavernas. The main road continues along the
shore, passing Nea Anhialo (18 km), a pleasant market town built in a fertile region in a
position formerly occupied by Ancient Pyrrasos, which together with the neighbouring city
of Phthiotic Thebes was the most important commercial centre on the Pagasitic gulf. Its
little museum contains neolithic and early Christian finds.
Continuing on you come to Mikrothives (25 km) which took its name from Pthiotic Thebes.
There are ruins of the old city – walls, temple, theatre and a stoa – on the nearby
hill. At Almiros (35 km), the centre for animal husbandry and farming in the area, you can
visit the Archaeological Museum, while the Kouri park, the ruins of Ancient Alos and the
monastery of the Panagia Xenia at Orthris are other sites in the vicinity worth
investigating. The seaside village of Amaliapolis (57 km) near Cape Almiros is very
popular holiday spot.
One of the largest villages in the Almiros area is Sourpi, surrounded by bountiful olive
groves. Its tavernas sewe delicious "kokoretsi", a treat made of liver and
lights, spit-roasted on glowing coals. As you proceed along the coast road, which cuts
through the southern section of Magnesia past extraordinarily picturesque scenery, it is
worth stopping at Pteleos (60 km), a historic village with more olive groves, and at its
port, Pigadi, a quiet fishing hamlet with sparkling waters and an abundance of fresh fish;
at Ahilio (67 km), an idyllic bay with a long beach, and an ideal sanctuary from the
August heat; and Agios Dimihios, a village on the Malliac gulf bordered by golden beaches.
Finally, the village of Kanalia (26 km) surrounded by almond trees is well worth of visit.
Every March there is an almond blossom festival. Here also there is a thriving bronze
handicraft industry.
The travel agencies in the area organize day trips that include visits to the prehistoric sites of Dimini and Sesklo, Meteora, Dios, and Delphi.
Water sports: Speed boats for waterskiing, windsurfers, pedalos and canoes are available for.hire at the organized beach of Alikes (Nees Pagases), the Volos Yacht Club at Anavro, Kala Nera, Kato Gatzea, Milina, Afissos, Amaliapolis, Pteleos and the Volos Municipal Beach.
Skiing: At the Agriolefkes ski centre at Hania, Pelion; tel.: (0421) 99.136
Mountain climbing: At the facilities of the Mountain Climbing Association of Volos at Hariia with marked paths and refuges with overnight accommodation and food.
Basketball Volleyball Tennis:
At the National Athletic Centre of Volos (nea Dimitriada), the gym of the Gymnastics Association of Volos, the Municipal Athletic Centre of Volos, the National Stadium of Almiros, the Municipal Gym of Velestino and at organized beaches.