Israeli travelers discovered the Pelion Peninsula only in recent years, until then mainly Austrians and Germans were the main visitors. Rani Doldner was got to the island by chance during a trip, one of the many he did across the world, and today, after a decade, he is seen by many Israelis as the representative of the Pelion Peninsula.

Rani Doldner

Before Pelion, Rani lived with his family in Rosh Hanikra and in the wake of the first Lebanon War and the identity crisis that many Israelis felt thereafter, Rani and his family decided to buy a home abroad. At first, they did not think of Greece as an option.

The first time he was acquainted with the continent was on Sukkot, 2006, when he came to a particularly wintery weekend.

When he awoke the next morning to a blue sky and sea, and heard from a local man that the nearby lot was for sale, he called his wife Orly and told her, “I’m buying the lot!”

When I met Rani, I saw an enthusiastic person in who loves his work and the direction his life took him. You simply can’t ignore the spark in his eyes when he describes his falling in love with the place that became his second home.

Rani also told me that when they bought the lot there were olive trees planted on it. At first. they thought they are building big vacation home for themselves, but after they joined a local architect, she told them the words that changed their lives. She wondered aloud why they should build a villa when their business, their children and their lives are in Israel.

They would only come two or three times a year to Greece, and so perhaps it would be better to build smaller units for a touristic business.

And so it was, they built 7 guests units – Sunrise view homes – within a period of 11 months, taking maximum advantage of the building percentages, considering that the construction laws in Pelion are strict and stringent, since Pelion is declared a nature reserve. The telephone started ringing with reservations, the rumor spread from word to mouth, and people began to flow into the rooms.

At the end of the tourist season they found out that this was the business they wanted to run together. And since Passover 2010 they have been living there and running it with great success.

Since then, they bought another 4-acre lot on which Orly’s Villas was built, an additional 7-room complex that is active from 2011. Since last year, direct flights from Israel to the city of Volos, the capital city of Pelion, have begun and the demand for accommodation has increased.

“The Israelis are active tourists,” Rani tells me, “I give them information, not only about Pelion but also about all of mainland Greece, for us, it is beyond a beach vacation. We help with the early planning of the trip, help with booking the flights and getting to know Pelion in depth.”

VOLLOS

All about Rani and Orly’s hospitality in Pelion

Walking trails

Pelion is known for Kaldermy – hiking routes along ancient goat trails. Since Pelion was declared a natural reserve in 2000, the budgets it has received have made these trails suitable for the entire family. Roni will accompany the trip according to your choice, whether you choose the challenging uphill climb or the descending trail towards the sea. The trip ends at the beach, and is the trip is adapted perfectly to the request of the traveling family.

Getting to know Pelion

Day trips to get to know the peninsula in depth – the lifestyle of the area, special villages, etc. The trip usually includes water reservoirs or waterfalls for a nice cold shower.

Cooking classes

The workshops are conducted in cooperation with local restaurants, and with the local cook. Workshops for larger groups are held together with a cooperative of women who own a catering business together.

Women empowerment workshops

Every year, Rani and Orly host an Israeli yoga workshop with groups of Israeli women.

Art workshops for children

Orly is an artist, painter and potter who conducts creative workshops for children, such as collecting and painting on driftwood, embellishing pebbles and more.

 Greek music evenings

By demand, local musicians are invited to an evening of Greek celebration.