A few years ago, we took a week-long trip to the Pilion Peninsula, one of the most beautiful places in Greece. We did not really know what to expect, it was the first time we went to the mainland and not to one of the islands.

Makrinítsa

We arrived with a rented car after a 4 hour drive from Athens, direction north, to the city of Volos, the province city of Pelion, and from there we continued to our first destination – Makrinitza Village.

Makrinitsa Village

Makrinitsa is a unique village on a high mountain overlooking Volos and the Gulf of Pagestikus.

The nickname of Makrinitza: Pelion’s balcony – was given to it thanks to the spectacular views from every corner of the village and the heavenly sunsets.

The village itself is not big and the bay is visible from everywhere.

We stayed there in July and the weather on the top of the mountain was pleasant and breezy. We left the car in a parking lot outside the village, since the village itself is only for pedestrians.

The traditional village is characterized by medieval construction and is under architectural preservation.

Walking in the ancient alleys of the village is very pleasant – you will find in the village a number of stylish fountains with running water from which you can drink cold water. One of them is the famous marble fountain with three lion heads, a beautiful church and a monastery, A huge plane tree in the main square. And of course – many boutique rooms for rent inside the village’s magnificent houses and restaurants.

We slept in a small boutique hotel called archonti kakaramarlis– a tastefully decorated hotel with a spacious balcony overlooking the bay, charming rooms with pretty views and lots of atmosphere.

We ate our meals in the tavern the edge of the village, where locals also come to eat and drink the house wine.

The village sells local produce such as oil, jams, sweets and decorative wooden products.

I immediately fell in love with the place, and I recommend not to miss it, Makrinitza turned out to be an unforgettable experience for us. The next day we left Makrinitza, walked in the neighboring village of Pretoria, and from there we continued on the mountain road to the other side – towards Horfto.

Mylopotamos

In this area of Pelion you will find one of the most beautiful beaches – Milpothamus Beach.

The descent to Milpothamus beach is by steep stairs. As you go down, you see spectacular views of the beach with dramatic cliffs rising from the water, rocks in various shapes forming shaded and hidden seating areas. We spent a day there and on the way back uphill we stopped for ‘parfait’ (cold Greek coffee) in a nice cafe overlooking the blue sea.

Milpothamus beach

 We stayed in a nice hotel not far away, which also had breathtaking views. The north-eastern side of Pelion is different from the western side and it is recommended to travel around the place, to enter the villages on the mountain, to eat in the local taverns and not to plan anything – just travel and discover the nicest spots

Damouhari

Damouhari – where the movie “Mama-Mia” was filmed. You can immediately understand why the place was chosen as a backdrop for the film – in my opinion it is one of the most exciting places there is.

A small village of about 3 houses, around a quiet boat dock. Creating the perfect picturesque postcard. Around the harbor are two taverns serving fresh fish and Greek dishes and there is even a bathing beach a 5-minute walk away. You can rent a room just above the dock or in one of the village houses. Every now and then yoga and other workshops are held. see here

Damouhari

Trikiri

For the rest of the trip, we traveled in the direction of Trikiri – the small fishing village in the southern part of Pelion.

An authentic and relaxed village with a small harbor, taverns serving fresh fish straight from the fisherman’s delivery. The road itself is breathtaking, on a peripheral road of the peninsula that reveals the beauty of the gulf from every turn. Just drive and admire the view.

The landscape of the southern part of the peninsula is different from the other areas we visited, its houses are painted white and more reminiscent of the Greek islands in its appearance.

There are other places and villages that we have not visited on the Pelion Peninsula. We combined a relaxing holiday with a tour of three completely different areas and the feeling is that you can be there for another week and still it will not be enough! you want to explore more. It is also suitable for a winter vacation and has a ski resort.

Pelion Peninsula is more than a slumber vacation and is excellent for lovers of good food, walks and nature.

The Israeli Connection: For everything related to information, accommodation, hospitality, workshops and trips on the Pelion Peninsula – talk to Roni Doldner, an Israeli who lives with his wife in Pelion since 2009. You can read more here.