The Best 5 Things To Do In Pelion

This week's Destination of the Week is Pelion (Pronounced Pilio in Greek although spelt Πήλιο), a peninsula stuck out like an arm in eastern central Greece. The peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas of the mainland covered in luscious green forests which, in Greek mythology were said to be home to the centaurs. Unlike many popular areas of Greece, although it gets many tourists, tourism isn’t the area’s main source of income and it gets that instead from land and sea, producing large amounts of apples, pears, peaches and olives. If you want a flavour for the real Greece, Pelion is where you can find it. It’s mountainous and forested terrain means there is plenty to do and see here. In this article we’ll take you through the best things based on our personal experience with the area to help you make the most of your trip. 
 
How to get there
To get to Pelion you have to fly into Volos which is the regional capital of the area. You can fly into Volos from London Gatwick and flights start at the beginning of the season at the end March.  To best enjoy Pelion its worth renting a car to drive between the towns and villages of the peninsula, from Volos airport it can take you anywhere from 45 mins to 2 hours depending on whether you are staying in the north or south of the peninsula. Places such as Ano Lechonia, Afissos, Chorto or Damouchari are good to stay in but we can advise further at the time of enquiry. 

Looking across Volos

1 – Take a train up to Milies
From the town of Ano Lechonia you can take The Pelion Train up the hill to the village of Milies. This train began operating more than a century ago in 1903 and is still run by steam train today even maintaining its vintage aesthetic both inside and out. When you reach Milies there are a number of things you can do there. There is a folk museum full of local artefacts and there are some beautiful frescoes at the Taxiarchis church (Church of the Archangels). 

The Pelion Train crossing over a bridge on its way up to Milies

2 – Take a ferry for a day trip to the Sporades
The Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos are just to the east of the Pelion peninsula and are only just over a 2 hour ferry away. Along with Damouchari, Skopelos and Skiathos were where they filmed Mamma Mia and the islands have seen a large uptake in tourists since. However, there is much more to these islands than this and with the ferry ride not being too long it’s a great way to get the feel for a Greek island for the day. Alonissos is part of a natural marine park and is great for snorkeling and scuba diving with the local wildlife. Skiathos Town is a lovely day out or you can sit and relax on one Skiathos’s 68 beautiful sandy beaches. Skopelos Town has over 360 churches to explore along with the ruins of a Venetian castle, not to mention the waterfront is bustling with cafes and tavernas. Both Skopelos Town and Skiathos Town are where ferry docks and so its easy to explore and get back for your trip home. 

A ferry leaving Volos

3 – Go and see Damouchari, where they filmed Mamma Mia
Remember the scene in Mamma Mia when the cast are dancing to Dancing Queen and they dance down to a jetty? If not all you need to know is Damouchari is where they filmed that. The jetty is no longer there but you can’t go to a taverna or café in the village without seeing photos of the owners with Meryl Streep or Pierce Brosnan. Mamma Mia aside, Damouchari is a beautiful place with a stunning rocky landscape and a gorgeous beach. 

A cove in Damouchari

4 – Take a day trip to Volos
Volos is the capital of the Pelion region and is located in the northwest gateway to the peninsula, it is one of the most up and coming cities in Greece. Volos is the modern site for the ancient city of Iolkos which in Greek Mythology was the home of Jason who went in search of the Golden Fleece. Finds from Iolkos and other ancient and Neolithic sites can be found in the city’s archaeological museum which is one of the highlights. Another highlight is Argonauts Avenue which snakes around the seafront giving you a lovely view out to the Pagasetic Gulf and it even has a replica of the ancient ship the Argo bobbing next to the yachts and boats. As a city with a large university Volos has a vibrant downtown area full of bars. Across the city you can also find and check out one of the many churches or tavernas spread throughout.

5 – Take a hike in the mountains  
One of the best things to do in Pelion is Hiking. There are many trails which you can be taken along by either local guides or by yourself. Some of these are also cobblestone trails and paths which lead between the small villages. The forested and mountainous landscape makes for some breath-taking views no matter where you are going. 

Houses dotted across the Pelion landscape

We hope that this has helped give you a bit more of idea about what you can do in Pelion and how to get the most out of your trip. Check out the rest of the website for more information on the mainland and over 80 of the Greek islands. If you’re looking for holidays to Greece and her islands or just want to ask a question don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0115 784 3388 or email [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Pelion, where was your favourite place, thing to do or if there's anything we missed? Let us know in the comments or on social media

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