Pelion

Peninsula in Thessaly

Native to centaurs, Pelion has otherwordly villages, often built amphitheatrically on slopes that resemble balconies with views to the sea.

Dense vegetation reaches the rocky coastline of Pelion.
photo: Dan Taylor-Watt / CC BY 2.0
What To Do?
How To Go?
Where To Stay?

Pelion Attractions

An image showing the main entrance of the Toumpa vaulted tomb at the Neolithic Settlement of Dimini.
photo: Kritheus / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 22.6km

Dimini Mycenean & Neolithic Settlement

Neolithic settlement that dates to 4.800 BC. If you're visiting during summer choose morning hours as the sun could be too much during the day.

An image showing a part of the village square and the Church of Taxiarches in Milies of Pelion.
photo: Flashdart2 at Greek Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.5

Church of Taxiarches, Milies

Standing in the middle of the square is a structure of the first half of the 18th century, famous for its acoustics and its fresco paintings.

An image showing the exterior of the Agia Marina Church in Kissos, Pelion.
photo: Etan J. Tal / CC BY-SA 4.0

Agia Marina Church, Kissos

Erected approximately in 1650 in the central square of a historical village, it is famous for its gold-plated, wood-carved iconostasis.

Remains of the Neolithic Settlement of Sesklo during a sunny day.
photo: Angelos Giannaros / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 29km

Sesklo Neolithic Settlement

It dates back to approximately 6,800 BC which makes it probably the oldest settlement of Early Stone Age in Greece.

The old plane tree in the central square of Tsagkarada leaning on a stone stick.
photo: Konstantinos Stampoulis / CC BY-SA 3.0

Thousand Years Old Platanus Tree of Tsagkarada

The highlight of the central square of the village, it must be the oldest plane trees ever. At least, this is the sense you get when you see it.

Pelion Things to Do

A stream flowing between rocks and dense vegetation. A picture taken at the Centaurs' Path of Portaria.
photo: Cobo69 / CC BY-SA 4.0
hidden gem

Centaurs' Path, Portaria

An easy 2,7km-long climb up among streams and plane trees, through wooden bridges and paths, in the forest of mythological Centaurs.

One of the slopes of Pelion Ski Centre Agriolefkes covered in snow.
photo: Spyros L.

Pelion Ski Centre

Also called as "Agriolefkes" Ski Resort, it is located 1471m high, and offers views over the Aegean and the Pagasetic Gulf. Ideal for beginners but not only.

The train of Pelion passes over the stone-built five arched bridge of Kalorema.
photo: ©2008 K. Krallis, SV1XV / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Little Train of Pelion

This scenic rail ride will travel you over arched stone-bridges and into the dense forest. You may bump into Centaurs too. An unforgettable experience.

The exterior and the main entrance of the Public Library of Milies in Pelion.
photo: Konstantinos Stampoulis (Geraki) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Public Library of Milies

Operating since 1814, it is one of the oldest Greek libraries. Bearing a name that means «soul healing» (Psihis Akos).

Pelion Museums

Pelion Beaches

A panoramic photo of the Mylopotamos beach at Mouresi of Pelion.
photo: Glinard76 / CC BY-SA 4.0
hidden gem

Milopotamos Beach, Tsagkarada

Within a green & wild landscape, it is a marvelous & scenic sand-pebble beach that is cut by a rock (with an arch) that enters the sea.

A photo showing a part of the Chorefto beach at Zagora of Pelion.
photo: manfred matticka / CC BY-SA 3.0

Chorefto Beach, Zagora

Organized large white sand & pebble beach with medium-deep turquoise waters that can have big waves in case of windy circumstances.

A panoramic picture that depicts the Fakistra beach of Mouresi at Pelion.
photo: Nicolas Hadjidimitriou / CC BY-SA 4.0
hidden gem

Fakistra Beach, Tsagkarada

Trademark of wild natural beauty with green-blue waters among steep cliffs. The landscape of this rock-pebble beach offers relief & relaxation.

Many people, umbrellas, and sunbeds at one part of the Agii Saranta beach of Zagora on Pelion.
photo: Andreas Routsias / CC BY-SA 4.0
hidden gem

Agii Saranta Beach, Zagora

On the east coast of Pelion, it's a sand and small-pebble beach with a distinctive light blue color and the dense vegetation reaching the coast.

A panoramic picture showing the beach of Papa Nero at Ag. Ioannis, Mouresi.
photo: Dan Taylor-Watt / CC BY 2.0

Papa Nero Beach, Ag. Ioannis Mouresi

Organized long & wide golden-sand beach where the lush vegetation reaches the coast.

An overview of the Paltsi (Ag. Konstantinos) beach on South Pelion.
photo: Olga Paltsi Rooms
distant ≈ 37.3km

Paltsi Beach, Argalasti

Not-organized sand & pebble beach that never gets crowded and has a peaceful and relaxing notion.

An overview of the Kastri Beach on South Pelion.
photo: Kastri Beach Camping
distant ≈ 47.3km

Camping Kastri Beach, South Pelion

Not-organized sandy beach with swallow waters on the east coast of Pelion, where the homonymous camping is also located among many olive trees.

A photo showing many people under umbrellas and others who are sunbathing at the Agiokampos Beach of Agia (Melivoia).
photo: arxitektonas / CC BY-SA 2.0
distant ≈ 53.4km

Agiokampos Beach, Agia (Melivoia)

Long sandy and organized beach of the coastal settlement that is among the most famous summer destinations of the Thessaly county.

A picture of the crystal clear waters of the Koropi (Boufa) beach of South Pelion.
photo: HG32 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Koropi (Boufa) Beach, Milies

Sandy with small pebbles and shallow water is ideal for families, while it's the longest beach of Pelion.

A photo showing the facilities of a restaurant and the beach of Kala Nera at South Pelion.
photo: EntaXoyas / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kala Nera Beach, Milies

Cosmopolitan beach with natural shadow and amenities of the local facilities and infrastructure.

The settlement of Agios Ioannis and a part of the Agios Ioannis Beach at Mouresi of Pelion.
photo: Holger Casselmann / CC BY-SA 3.0

Agios Ioannis Beach, Mouresi

Large sand & pebble beach quite famous for its waves in case of windy weather, while it's located at one of the most famous resorts of Pelion.

Pelion Settlements

The front side of a typical mansion in Portaria village of Pelion.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Portaria, Volos

Located on the western slopes of Pelion, it has an amazing view over Volos. It has been voted a top tourist resorts in Thessaly.

Some of the snow-covered houses of Zagora in Pelion with the mountain in the background during a sunny day.
photo: Stathis125 / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Zagora Pelion

The largest village of Pelion, famous for its apples, is a place of ineffable experiences. Its heavenliness has healing capabilities.

The exterior of the terminal station of the railway in Milies of Pelion.
photo: Ttzavaras at Greek Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
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Milies, South Pelion

Another Pelian village made out of dream stuff. Its fairytale aura and indescribable beauty will keep your eyes and hearts captivated.

A part of a mansion of Makrinitsa and the incredible view of Volos city and the Pagasetic Gulf in the background.
photo: Magdalini Papadopoulou / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Makrinitsa, Volos

The great Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos, amazed by its astonishing views, has called this village "the Balcony Of Pelion".

Houses of Tsagkarada with a view of the blue sea of the Aegean in the background.
photo: konstantinos kolimpalis / CC BY 3.0
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Tsagkarada, Pelion

This Pelian village combines mountainous landscapes and seascapes, and has easy access to wonderful beaches in the Aegean Sea.

Small fishing boats anchored in the port of Nea Anchialos near Volos.
photo: Vassilis69 / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 36km

Nea Anchialos, Magnesia

A relatively new coastal city founded in 1907 from the refugees of the old city of Anchialos that is located in south-east Bulgaria.

An image showing the bay of Ntamouchari including some buildings surrounded by the dense vegetation of the coast.
photo: Giannismits / CC BY-SA 4.0

Ntamouchari, Zagora-Mouresi

Its picturesque little bay was the main setting for the choreography of the song Dancing Queen of the famous movie Mamma Mia!.

A part of Agia Kyriaki village in South Pelion including the port and some small fishing boats.
photo: Agía Kyriakí, Magnisia, Greece
distant ≈ 46.2km

Agia Kyriaki, South Pelion

A remote port that gives the impression of an island settlement and a picturesque landscape that is the definition of the relaxing holiday.

The village of Trikeri on the top of the hill at the south end of the Magnesia Peninsula.
photo: Kognos / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 45.1km

Trikeri, South Pelion

Situated on a hill at the south of the Magnesia Peninsula, had always an island atmosphere different from the rest of Pelion villages.

Pelion Day Trips

A boat full of people is approaching the port of Skiathos.
photo: kdask / CC BY 2.0

Skiathos

If you're a plane-spotter, Skiathos is your place. This fabulous island is peppered with emerald beaches, green forests, and historical sites.

An overview of a part of Volos including the port of the city.
photo: Nikos Roussos / CC BY-SA 2.0

Volos

Gateway to Sporades Islands and home of magnificent Mount Pelion, Volos is a modern city for unforgettable tavern nights with friends, ouzo, and food.

Questions & Answers about Pelion

Why Visit Pelion?
  • Mountainous peninsula between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.
  • All-year-round destination with amazing beaches, and picturesque villages.
  • Quality tourist infrastructure preserves a genuine notion of untouched nature.
What is Pelion, Greece?

Between Pagassitikos Gulf and the Aegean Sea, Pelion rises imposingly with over 40 villages with unique architecture, beautifully cobbled streets, historic churches, and wild nature. The whole mountain is overgrown with forests of beech, oak, chestnut, pines, and firs. The lowland areas are also covered by apple and olive trees and dense undergrowth. Pelion has fairly good roads, excellent tourist infrastructure, and picturesque villages. While the potential visitor can find great trails, beautiful beaches, and a variety of activities focusing on the nature of Pelion. Regardless of the season visiting Pelion it is certain that the visitor will enjoy a wonderful holiday getting lifetime experiences.

What are the Centaurs and their relation to Pelion, Greece?

According to mythology, Pelion was home to the Centaurs, who were mythical creatures with a horse body down of the waist and the human body up of the waist. From the most famous centaurs was Chiron, the teacher of Jason. They are involved in many Greek myths as being as wild as untamed horses, while they also featured Roman mythology and the contemporary fantasy literature.

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