Self Guided Walking in Pelion

Beautiful walks and great food in a quiet corner of Greece

Summary

2023 dates coming soon! Walking, swimming and fabulous food in the Land of the Centaurs.

START / FINISH - Volos [Athens, Thessaloniki - on request].

Activity code: GRSGPW02

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. [Participants should be in good physical condition with some relevant hiking experience.]

Duration: 8 Days / 7 nights

Walk through orchards, olive groves and beech forests while enjoying the amazing views towards the Aegean Sea. Take time to wander along cobbled stone paths and visit traditional villages built by the best stone masons and craftsmen of 19th century Greece. Take a break to swim in brilliant blue, crystal clear waters at some truly unique beaches.

Mount Pelion, otherwise known as the Land of the Centaurs, is covered with lush vegetation, orchards, olive and chestnut trees. Twenty-four villages emerge through the forests with their remarkable cobblestone paths and characteristic manor houses. Along the coastline you'll discover isolated shores drenched in a tapestry of colours, sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages that create a perfect combination of walking and swimming, while admiring stunning views on almost every route. 

The combination of incredible hiking paths, breathtaking views and fascinating cultural and architectural uniqueness make this tour a great choice. Overall this is a hiking and food lover's dream and has something for everyone.

Prefer a SMALL GROUP GUIDED version ?

Suggested equipment for your trekking holiday:

  • Bottle/flask of water (min. 1 litre per day)
  • Rucksack
  • Walking poles (recommended for steep sections)
  • Sun protection & sunglasses
  • Bathing suit & towel
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof coat / windbreaker, comfortable clothing
  • HIKING BOOTS ARE NECESSARY!

Extra Information

  • Minimum 2 persons
  • In January 2018 Greece introduced an Overnight Stay Tax of 0.50 to 4 Euros per room per night, which is payable locally - the amount varies according to the category of the accommodation (i.e. 1-2 star hotels = 0.50 Euros, 5 star hotels = 4 Euros).

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Prices from £495 per person

  • Single supplement: £ 118 per person

What's included on your hiking holiday ?

  • 7 nights accommodation in local guest houses with en suite facilities
  • 7 breakfasts & 6 lunch boxes
  • Luggage transfers
  • Airport transfers from the city of Volos
  • Transfer from Xourichti to Tsagarada
  • Transfer from Kissos village to Chania
  • Hiking maps of the area with our local guide's expert journey notes.
  • Restaurant recommendations in each village
  • Assistance during your trip if needed
  • Emergency phone no.
  • Maps & tour information on FREE travel app

Itinerary

Upon arrival in the city of Volos you will meet with a member of our team. We will then transfer you to the picturesque village of Milies. After check in you can explore this beautiful village.

  • Overnight stay: Milies.

Recommended places to stay

On your first hike you will walk along old stone paths, follow the old steam train route from Milies to the station of Pinakates and continue to the village of Kala Nera. As you hike through olive orchards you will have a stunning view of Pagasitikos Bay. Upon arrival in Kala Nera you can swim and have lunch by the sea before hiking back to Milies.

  • Overnight stay: Milies.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch box.
  • Hiking Time: 5 hours
  • Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
  • Hiking altitude: 385m – sea level – 385m

Recommended places to stay

Today’s hike will take you to the opposite side of the mountain; from Milies, on the south west side, you will travel northeasterly to Tsagarada through an enchanting forest teeming with tall chestnut trees. In Tsagarada you can admire the oldest plane tree in Europe, which is more than 1750 years old. Enjoy a pleasant picnic beside a charming white chapel on the hillside along the way.

  • Overnight stay: Tsagarada
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch box.
  • Trekking time: 6 hours 
  • Trekking difficulty level: Moderate
  • Trekking altitude:  385m – 850m – 420m

After breakfast you will descend to Damouchari beach along one of the most beautiful old stone paths and walk through the lovely village which may be already familiar to those who have seen the film “Mama Mia” (scenes from the film were shot here in 2007). A detour prior to arrival in Damouchari is to the isolated beach of Fakistra with crystal clear, blue-green water awaiting you. Following the coastal path with magnificent views of the Aegean Sea, you can enjoy a refreshing swim at this captivating beach. After your swim, walk along the coast into Damouchari.

  • Overnight stay: Damouchari
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch box.
  • Trekking time: 5 hours
  • Trekking difficulty level: Easy
  • Trekking altitude: 420m – 190m – 50m - 190m - Sea Level

Recommended places to stay

Today’s hike begins at Damouchari and takes you along the shoreline path to the breathtakingly white sandy beach of Papa Nero. It would be a crime not to leave ample time for a splash into the turquoise coloured waters of Papa Nero before embarking upon your ascent to Mouresi village and then through the forest and up to the pretty village of Kissos. From there you will be taken by car to Chania. 

  • Overnight stay: Chania
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch box.
  • Trekking time: 5 hours
  • Trekking Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Trekking altitude: Sea level – 380m – 530m

Today you will hike in mountainous terrain around the ski centre of Pelion. Your circular walk to the ski centre, at an altitude of 1470m, starts from your hotel. Once you get there you’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the Pagasitikos Bay. After lunch continue your walk through a shaded forest of beech trees and return to your hotel.

  • Overnight stay: Chania.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch box. 
  • Trekking time: 5 hours
  • Trekking Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
  • Trekking altitude:  1200m – 1580m – 1200m

Today you will follow the same path that was used by the Centaurs, the half-horse, half-human creatures of Greek Mythology. The best known Centaur, Chiron, was the tutor of Achilles and Asclepius. This path, which begins in Chania at an altitude of approximately 1200 meters, overflows with Mediterranean vegetation and leads you to the village of Portaria.

In the afternoon you can discover yet another incredibly beautiful village of Pelion – Makrinitsa referred to by the locals as 'the balcony of Pelion'. With its historic mansions and stunning view of the Pagasitikos Bay and the city of Volos below, the beauty of Makrinitsa will become etched in your memory forever.

  • Overnight stay: Portaria
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch. 
  • Trekking time: 4 hours (Optional walk to Makrinitsa approx. 45 min. one way)
  • Trekking Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Trekking altitude: 1200m – 610m

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the city of Volos for your flight home.

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Why book Greece with us ?

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