popular villages
Wander through centuries-old villages where traditional stone mansions and slate roofs cling dramatically to the lush, green slopes. Traverse ancient cobbled paths known as kalderimia that weave through deep forests, connecting these hidden gems just as they have for generations. Every village/town square offers a glimpse into a preserved past, shaded by massive plane trees and filled with the stories of a rich, cultural heritage. Experience a Greece untouched by time, where deep history and breathtaking nature combine to create the ultimate authentic escape.
neochori
From Volos – (35 km | ~45 mins)
Watch the most spectacular sunset in Pelion from a village famous for its master stonemasons, authentic slate quarries, and the mysterious ruins of a lost kingdom. Great Jumping point to some of the Wild Beaches of the Agean. Quieter Village 3 restaurants.
Makrinitsa
From Volos (15 km | ~25 mins)
Step onto the ‘Balcony of Pelion’ to sip coffee among centuries-old mansions while gazing down at a breathtaking panoramic view of Volos and the sea.
Agios Ioannis
From Volos (45 km | ~1 hr 15 mins)
Experience the cosmopolitan side of the mountain in this vibrant resort village, where you can wake up to a stunning Aegean sunrise and walk to three world-class beaches.
Argalasti
From Volos – (40 km | ~50 mins)
Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of South Pelion, a living village famous for its bustling Saturday market, magnificent marble bell tower, and easy access to two different seas.
Chania
From Volos – (26 km | ~40 mins)
Escape to the alpine peaks where you can ski with a view of the ocean and warm up with hearty local sausage in a forest of ancient beech trees.
Afetes
From Volos – (27 km | ~35 mins)
Stand at the legendary ‘Starting Line’ of the Argonauts in this peaceful amphitheater village that offers history, ancient stone bridges, and endless views of the gulf.
afissos
From Volos – (26 km | ~45 mins)
Afissos is a vibrant coastal settlement that feels more like a Cycladic island than a mountain village, offering the most spectacular sunsets in the entire Pagasetic Gulf. It perfectly balances traditional Pelion architecture with a lively, cosmopolitan waterfront that stays awake long after the sun goes down.
Damouchari
From Volos – (47 km | ~1 hr 30 mins)
Damouchari is the only natural harbor on the wild Aegean side of Pelion, offering a postcard-perfect cove that feels completely lost in time. This tiny coastal hamlet combines cinematic beauty with authentic, rugged Greek charm.
Trikeri
From Volos – (81 km | ~1 hr 45 mins)
Trikeri defies the typical architectural rules of Pelion, appearing not as a stone mountain village, but as a gleaming white Cycladic island settlement inexplicably perched on a mainland ridge. It offers the ultimate “end of the road” adventure, rewarding travelers with a fiercely authentic seafaring culture and panoramic views where the Pagasetic Gulf meets the Aegean Sea.
Papa Nero
From Volos – (46 km | ~1 hr 30 mins)
Papa Nero is arguably the finest golden sand beach on the Aegean side of Pelion, offering a rare combination of wide, open shoreline and vehicle-free tranquility. It serves as the sophisticated, quieter neighbor to the bustling Agios Ioannis, making it the perfect escape for those who want amenities without the noise.
Portaria
From Volos – (12 km | ~25 mins)
Portaria is known as the “Lady of the Gate” for good reason; it is the most accessible, cosmopolitan, and vibrant village in the region, serving as the grand entrance to the mountain. It offers the perfect blend of luxury accommodation, rich history, and immediate access to nature, highlighted by the world-famous “Centaurs’ Path” hiking trail.
Milies
From Volos – (28 km | ~40 mins)
Milies is the cultural heartbeat of Pelion, famous as the terminus of the legendary “Moutzouris” steam train and a historic center of the Greek Enlightenment. It offers a perfect blend of lush nature, deep history, and architectural marvels that you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
Kala Nera
From Volos – (19 km | ~25 mins)
Kala Nera is widely considered the ultimate family destination in Pelion, boasting a calm, shallow beach that is shaded by iconic plane trees growing right down to the water’s edge. It offers the region’s most spectacular sunsets, where the sun melts directly into the Pagasetic Gulf, bathing the entire coastline in a warm, golden glow.