neochori
neochori
Neochori was born. Its name literally means “new village,” a hint at its origins. While the exact founding story is a mix of history and local lore, it’s believed the settlement emerged in the late medieval period, as inhabitants from surrounding areas sought a safe haven. Although there may be a deeper history here. This “new village” inherited the ancient soul of the mountain, a place believed to be protected by nymphs and teeming with healing herbs.
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Myth of the Lost Kingdom of Lai
“Deep in the archives of Pelion’s history lies a mystery that few travelers know. Old maps of the Aegean coast, near the village of Neochori, bear the name ‘Knossou’—an echo of the great Minoan empire of Crete.
Legend tells of the Kingdom of Lai, a lost settlement established by ancient seafarers who found refuge in Pelion’s rich forests and protected coves. It was a kingdom of sailors and shipbuilders, thriving in the shadow of the Centaurs’ mountain long before recorded history.
While the stones have returned to the earth, the name remains. When you swim in the crystal waters of the Aegean or hike the silent ravines of Neochori, you are walking through the echoes of the Lost Kingdom.”