Hiking on the Pelion Peninsula

Arrival in Portaria which you reach from Thessaloniki or Athens by train and bus via Volos. Check-in at your hotel.

Accommodation in Portaria 

Today you do a circular hike from Portaria. You walk up to the traditional mountain village of Makrinitsa with its characteristic stone houses. You continue through Mediterranean vegetation with the scent of oregano and thyme to an idyllically located church. On the way back you walk through forest and a narrow green ravine before returning to Portaria. 

Accommodation in Portaria 

The day begins with a transfer to the start of the hike. From Chania you walk down via the eastern side of the ridge on an old donkey trail. Through a park-like landscape you reach the beautiful village of Kissos. It is said that the most beautiful church on the Pelion Peninsula is located here. Kissos is also an excellent place for lunch. After that you hike along an idyllic trail to the village of Mouresi. You then continue down the old kalderimi to the seaside resort of Agios Ioannis where you will spend the next two nights. 

Accommodation in Agios Ioannis

Today you can choose whether you want a relaxing day on the beach or if you want to do a nice circular hike. For a short stretch you follow an old paved trail up through dense forest. You then continue down to the beautiful beach at Vanikas, if you wish you can also continue further northwest to Agii Saranti beach. From Vanikas you then walk uphill inland before a final descent takes you to Plaka beach and eventually back to Agios Ioannis. 

Accommodation in Agios Ioannis 

Today you walk along the coast, and via a very nice cobblestone trail you reach the small village of Damouchari. A small fishing village that is historically important as it was the only natural harbor on the coastal stretch between Volos and Katerini. Today you can swim at a fine pebble beach. From Damouchari you can make an optional loop back and forth along the coast to Fakistra beach where there is an opportunity to visit the "Hidden School" in a cave. Back above Damouchari bay you walk uphill on a trail to Tsangarada. From the hotel terrace you can see the village square and its 1000-year-old plane tree. 

Accommodation in Tsangarada 

Today you cross the mountain ridge southward at 700 meters altitude. You begin by walking through the village of Tsangarada with its old squares and churches. You then make your way uphill, on cobblestone trails that were built as transport routes for mules and were once the only link between the villages. You walk through a limestone landscape with chestnut and beech trees. When you make your way down towards Milies you have wonderful views over the sea. Around Milies you will find several olive groves. The hotel you stay at has a lovely pool where you can relax.

Accommodation in Milies

Today you do a circular hike from Milies. You walk towards the coast and enjoy beautiful views. The last stretch before you reach Koropi goes through olive groves. From here you continue towards the nearby village of Kala Nera where you can pause for lunch in the shade at one of the tavernas by the square. On the way back towards Milies you follow an abandoned old railway track that goes gradually uphill 200-300 meters above the sea. You pass the cave where Asklepios according to mythology gained knowledge about medicinal herbs and plants from the centaur Chiron. 

Accommodation in Milies

The trip ends after breakfast. You can continue by bus to Volos and train or bus to Thessaloniki or Athens.