OVERVIEW
Pelion is a one of a kind destination for those who love hiking.The amazing Pelion Mountain hides a plethora of beautiful spots both on the side towards the Aegean, and also on the other. During this trip the traveler will enjoy hiking in a rich green environment among plane, apple, chestnut trees and oaks.He will walk on a network of historical,well preserved cobble paths and will come across historical settlements, mansion houses, churches, beautiful stone fountains and brooks.
The traveler will be thrilled by the succession of beautiful scenes before his eyes,as, while he walks he may come across a beautiful beach with green bluish waters, through coastal pathways or in the middle of a mountain, by means of a forest track.
The Pelion Peninsula lies on the eastern edge of mainland close to the town of Volos. It is also known as the Mountain of the Centauri as, according to Greek mythology, it used to be inhabited by these creatures.
Tour Facts
Total Distance: 81,7km
Duration: 9 nights, 8 days walking
Minimum Daily Distance: 6km
Maximum Daily Distance: 15,6km
Code: PLT01 Grade: Moderate
Season: March to November
Start of holiday: Portaria
End of Holiday: Portaria
Distance from Athens: 333km Approx. 3h 45min
8
Days Walking & Trekking
81,7 km
Total Distance
10,21 km
Average Walking
Highlights
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Hiking on ancient cobble trails
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Deep green paths on the side of the mountains towards the sea
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Delicious traditional cuisine with local dishes
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Accommodation in traditional, stone built guesthouses in Pelion
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The narrow gauge steam train of Pelion
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Beautiful beaches of the Aegean Sea
Pelion Trail
Trip Code: PLT01
Self-Guided
8 Days Hiking
Walking & Trekking
March to November
Moderate
MODERATE
10 Days from
790€
DAY 1 ARRIVAL TO PORTARIA
Transfer from Athens to Portaria by private Car. Approximately 4 hours
DAY 2 WALK FROM PORTARIA TO CHANIA
PORTARIA-CHANIA
Length: 8,5 km
Ascent: 627 m
Descent: 82 m
Flat walking: 2,9 km
Ascent length: 4,08 km
Descent length: 1,52 km
Duration (approximately): 3hours 45min
Difficulty 2/5
We start our journey from the beautiful village of Portaria. The path takes us on a walk among evergreen trees just under the peak of western Pelion. The view of the Pagasitikos Gulf is breathtaking. We follow the cobbled path and we get into a forest of beeches. That is how we reach the village Chania with the ski center that bears the same name.
DAY 3 WALK FROM CHANIA TO ZAGORA
CHANIA-ZAGORA
Length: 9,5 km
Ascent: 108 m
Descent: 818 m
Flat walking: 4,8 km
Ascent length: 5 km
Descent length: 0,19 km
Duration (approximately): 3hours 30min
Difficulty 2/5
We leave Chania behind and walking on the beautiful cobble paths through the beech woods we realize we have descended a lot! During the hike we enjoy the amazing view of the Aegean and the northern side of Pelion. After crossing some country roads with apple trees here and there we get to the picturesque village Zagora knew also for the famous red apples that bear its name.
DAY 4 WALK FROM ZAGORA TO AGIOS IOANNIS
ZAGORA- CHOREYTO-AGIOS IOANNIS
Length: 11 km
Ascent: 409 m
Descent: 855 m
Flat walking: 4,8 km
Ascent length: 5 km
Descent length: 0,19 km
Duration (approximately): 4hours 30min
Difficulty 3/5
Zagora is the starting point of a quite long downslope towards the Chorefto Beach. As we descend, there are orchards of apple trees and olive groves around us. If the weather allows us, we can have a swim on the beautiful beach before we go on.
Then, we follow the ascending path on the rocky coast to get to the pebbly Banika Beach. From that spot, we continue ascending through a forest of chestnut trees that takes us to the Chapel of Saint Charalambos. Once we have passed by the Chapel of Saint Paraskevi we will continue on the cobble path that leads to the seaside village of Agios Ioannis.
DAY 5 WALK FROM AGIOS IOANNIS TO TSAGARADA
AGIOS IOANNIS-DAMOUCHARI-TSAGARADA
Length: 6 km
Ascent: 471 m
Descent: 26 m
Flat walking: 4,8 km
Ascent length: 5 km
Descent length: 0,19 km
Duration (approximately): 2hours 50min
Difficulty 2/5
Today’s trail is perfect for a swim as we pass by amazing beaches. Starting from Agios Ioannis we get to the Papa Nero Beach. We go on the ascending path that will take us to the amazingly beautiful little gulf Damouscharis, where we can have a swim and also some rest at the beautiful tavernas or cafes in the village. After that, we will take the upwards path to get to the big, beautiful village of Tsagaradas.
DAY 6 WALK FROM TSAGARADA TO MILIES
TSAGARADA-MILIES
Length: 11 km
Ascent: 471 m
Descent: 588 m
Flat walking: 4,8 km
Ascent length: 5 km
Descent length: 0,19 km
Duration (approximately): 4hours 50min
Difficulty 3/5
Walking through the village we get to the Taxiarchon district and from there we follow the ascending path alongside the riverbed. We cross a big clump of beeches before we get to the top with the incredible view towards the Pagasitikos Gulf. The segment that follows is a downward slope towards the wonderful village of Milies. What is really worth visiting here is the quaint railway station with the old train
DAY 7 WALK FROM MILIES TO KALA NERA
MILIES-VYZITSA-PINAKATES-KALA NERA
Length: 9 km
Ascent: 275 m
Descent: 309 m
Flat walking: 4,8 km
Ascent length: 5 km
Descent length: 0,19 km
Duration (approximately): 3 hours
Difficulty 2/5
Today’s trail is easy. It takes us to two more charming villages of Pelion, Vizitsa, and Pinakates with old, domineering mansion houses. As we leave Pinakates behind us we walk the beautiful paths that lead us to the beautiful seaside village Kala Nera with plenty of options for food and relaxation
DAY 8 WALK FROM KALA NERA TO AGIOS LAVRENTIOS
KALA NERA-PINAKATES-AGIOS GEORGIOS -ΑGIOS LAVRENTIOS
Length: 15,6 km
Ascent: 924 m
Descent: 354 m
Flat walking: 3,33 km
Ascent length: 8,4 km
Descent length: 3,9 km
Duration(approximately): 5h 40min
Difficulty 3/5
Today we start from the beachside of Kala Nera and after crossing the main road we find a narrow earth road who in a few minutes transforms into cobblestone trail (kalderimi). The trail follows an ascending direction and leads us to a small bridge who crosses over the train tracks. Following the kalderimi we arrive at the wonderful village of Pinakates. Leaving the village, we continue ascending and from time to time we have the chance to admire the view of the Pagasitikos gulf. After walking approximately one hour and a half we reach the village of Agios Georgios. The final stage of our trek offers magnificent viewpoints of the sea below the mountain. Leaving the village of Agios Georgios we follow the trail which leads us to the small theatre “aloni” and afterward to the marvelous monastery of Taxiarxes. Then we follow another kalderimi besides a small riverside and after a while, we finally arrive at the spectacular village of Agios Lavrentios with its traditional houses.
DAY 9 WALK FROM AGIOS LAVRENTIOS TO PORTARIA
AGIOS LAVRENTIOS-DRAKEIA-PORTARIA
Length: 11,1 km
Ascent: 487 m
Descent: 415 m
Elevation difference: m
Flat walking: 1,43 km
Ascent length: 2,02 km
Descent length: 0,79 km
Duration (approximately): 4hours 20min
Difficulty 2/5
We got to the last segment of our cyclic trail on the wonderful Pelion. We set out from Agios Lavrentio with an easy path through the forest and get to the village Drakia. The path continues through an oak forest and as soon as we get to Alikopetra we start descending the path that takes us through a chestnut tree forest. This is how we get to our finish line in the village of Portaria.
DAY 10 RETURN TO ATHENS
After a hearty breakfast, we return to Athens by private Car. Approximately 3 hours 45min.
Please note that the length of the trip does not include the distance from the path to your overnight accommodation.
About Route
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The trail begins at the colourful village of Portaria and ends, after 82 km, at the settlement of Agria. It is described as a moderate track with an average daily mileage of 12 kms, properly marked and with sufficient path maintenance. The pathways of the trail are of various textures, cobble paths, dirt tracks, rarely small overgrown paths and even some tarmac paths near to the villages.
Time of Year
Pelion is a perfect tourist destination all year round. Spring and autumn are, of course, the best choices for hiking and trekking because temperatures are milder and colours simply magnificent.It is not unusual do go hiking in summer but, especially during July and August we recommend that it begins early in the morning as temperatures can get quite high during the day. In April and October there is a chance of shortage of options when it comes to tavernas and restaurants, particularly on weekdays.
Navigation
The package you will get from us includes maps of the region and tour details that will help you find your way. The paths are very well maintained and there will be no missing signs or marks.
Experience & Fitness
This route is suitable for people with a basic physical condition. It is considered moderate as it implies walking for more than 20 km. Also, the average daily trail is of about 15 km on tracks that are not particularly challenging.
This is the kind of trail that will be enjoyed mostly by hikers that are fans of trails with uneven footing.
Travel Insurance
Insurance does not included in the price. We strongly advise you to purchase one which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Equipment
For this trip, you don’t need to have some special hiking equipment with you. All you have to do is take the basic stuff that you will find listed in the information pack that will be sent to you.
Meals
Breakfast is included. For lunch, you can either make something easy with the things you can buy at the local markets and just take it with you or maybe stop in a taverna en route.For dinner, you can eat at local tavernas in the villages where you will be staying, or even enjoy a traditional dinner at the place of your accommodation. During this journey, you will have the opportunity to try unique local specialities such as the traditional dish spetsofai - a dish made of sliced sausage and peppers. The most daring should not leave this place without having tried the traditional drink here –the tsipouro
How far in advance do I need to book?
Since some destinations are quite popular during high season finding an accommodation may be a bit difficult so we would advise you to do the booking as soon as you know your holiday plans.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
If you want to skip a part of the trail, you can call a local taxi and go straight to the next spot where you have arranged for your accomodation.The staff at the hotel can help you with that.
The guest houses and hotels in this itinerary are generally traditional small, and family-run, 3* or 4* properties. Any accommodation has been carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and or exceptional service. All hotels and guesthouses are comfortable and fully equipped with heating, en-suite bathroom/shower, air-conditioning, telephone, and television.
Here are some of our choices so you will get a first general idea of what you can expect:
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Portaria Hotel
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Archontiko Filipidi
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Archonitko Konaki
After your booking you will be sent a detailed list with all the accommodations of the trip.
In case an accommodation we have chosen for you is fully booked, we will find a similar or better alternative.
Extra overnight:
You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way. If you wish we can also book for you before and/or after the trip a hotel in Athens.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Prices per person are for the double room. If you wish single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo walkers are also welcome for an additional charge.
Suggests you:
Are you looking for a more challenging adventurous hiking? Then you might be interested in Parnassus trail.
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Select Your Trip PLT01 Pelion Trail (9 nights, 8 days walking) 790€ per person |
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
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Meals not mentioned above
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Trip Insurance (strongly advised to buy one)
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Ticket for Pelion touristic steam train