Athens Trip Overview
The Pelion Peninsula (location for the movie ‘mama-mia’) is the mythical home to the Centaurs and unspoiled, undiscovered Greece at its best. Rising from the Aegean coast between Athens & Thessaloniki it is a designated ‘Natura 2000’ area of outstanding natural beauty with clean mountain air, ancient forest, and pristine blue waters. The length of the peninsula is scattered with old stone villages’ set in mountain perches, charming fishing bays, and woodland hamlets. Before roads, the local cottage industries, from mills to textiles to local food production of these villages were connected by a network of paths. Forgotten with the advent of roads, they have been reopened in recent years by local guides & now form the basis of one of the best Hiking & Biking regions of Greece.
Family-friendly & with lots to see & do our tour takes full advantage of all Pelion has to offer in the company of a local professional guide, with airport transfers, meals, tickets, activities & hotels included.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 days
Starts: Athens, Greece
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Athens, Attica, Greece
The Pelion Peninsula (location for the movie ‘mama-mia’) is the mythical home to the Centaurs and unspoiled, undiscovered Greece at its best. Rising from the Aegean coast between Athens & Thessaloniki it is a designated ‘Natura 2000’ area of outstanding natural beauty with clean mountain air, ancient forest, and pristine blue waters. The length of the peninsula is scattered with old stone villages’ set in mountain perches, charming fishing bays, and woodland hamlets. Before roads, the local cottage industries, from mills to textiles to local food production of these villages were connected by a network of paths. Forgotten with the advent of roads, they have been reopened in recent years by local guides & now form the basis of one of the best Hiking & Biking regions of Greece.
Family-friendly & with lots to see & do our tour takes full advantage of all Pelion has to offer in the company of a local professional guide, with airport transfers, meals, tickets, activities & hotels included.
Itinerary
Day 1: Portaria
Stop At: Portaria, Portaria, Volos, Magnesia Region, Thessaly
Arrival at Athens or Thessaloniki airport and transfer to the village of Portaria in mount Pelion. After checking into our hotel you will meet your local guide who will show you the village as well as the nearby village of Makrinitsa. Two of the most beautiful villages of Pelion, along the way you will learn about the unique architecture, history & geography of the area along with uncovering many of its hidden corners. After seeing the sunset from the “balcony” of Makrinitsa you will enjoy dinner at one of the best regional family run restaurants in the central square of Portaria under the 1000 year old plane trees. With local wine or “tsipouro” your guide will also discuss the upcoming days.
The wide network of local paths interconnecting the many small villages & places of Pelion that make up the wonderful hiking & biking ‘paths of the centaurs’ can be tailored to all abilities.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in each area is based on the best renovated traditional guesthouses & Hotels including breakfast.
Day 2: Milies Village
Stop At: Milies, Milies, Magnesia Region, Thessaly
After a traditional Greek breakfast, we will check our bikes & take with us only the necessities along with our snacks & lunch packs for the road. At the beginning we have some uphill before meeting the forest where we will be moving to small height differences. Today we will see up to five of Pelions hidden stone villages along our route; Drakeia, Agios Lavrentios, Agios Georgios, Pinakates and finally, Milies (400m). The majority of the route is off-road riding on dirt roads, paths and cobbled paths. During the route we will find chapels, monasteries, springs and enjoy the beauty of Pelions ancient forest. Nature is unique in Pelion all months and the views from high are many & breathtaking. After about 4.5 hours we arrive in Milies and check in your hotel with time to refresh before visiting some of the local sites in the village such as the museum, old train station, the old library and more. In the evening in the square.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in each area is based on the best renovated traditional guesthouses & Hotels including breakfast.
Day 3: Lafkos Village
Stop At: Lafkos, Lafkos, Magnesia Region, Thessaly
We take our breakfast until 9 and check our bikes before start cycling to the next destination. The village Lafkos (320m). Until we get there we will have rode for about 45 km and pass villages like Neohori, Argalasti and Siki. Similarly, to the many Greek Islands, the villages of Pelion although located in the same region, are all unique. The scenery and the views along the route also are amazing and on our way we will meet and visit a local winery, and many attractions before coming to Lafkos, a traditional village that like lost of the stone villages, has not been touched by time. Our stay is often at the “Lagou Raxi” hotel & its pool is a good place to relax after the day’s ride. At the magnificent square will enjoy our dinner and if we wish will visit the seaside village Milina for a little nightlife !
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in each area is based on the best renovated traditional guesthouses & Hotels including breakfast.
Day 4: Trikery Island
Stop At: Trikeri, Trikeri, Magnesia Region, Thessaly
Today our final destination is the island of Trikeri through a scenic route overlooking the sea for around 4 hours before reaching Alogoporos. There we leave our bikes, receive our luggage and take the boat for a short trip to the island. Trikeri island is a very special place. There are no roads and cars and the words noise and pollution are unknown. Residents are minimal and you will also learn about its history during the war. There are many quiet beaches to visit and many old trails to walk. Among its sites, the monastery of the island is one of the most beautiful sights we visit. The hotel will stay is close to the sea and next to traditional taverns offering fresh fish and seafood. In the evening the party will end up late by eating, drinking, dancing and singing!
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in each area is based on the best renovated traditional guesthouses & Hotels including breakfast.
Day 5: Pagasitic Gulf Cruise
Stop At: Pagasitikou, Volos 382 21, Greece
This time the breakfast can be a little later without having to wake up very early and afterwards we will explore the area, visiting the historic monastery and swimming at the beaches. At 2 pm we will board the sailing boat for a cruise on Pagasitikos Gulf. Crystal water, swimming snorkeling and in the afternoon arrive in Volos city. Our journey will last about five hours. In the evening we will enjoy the last meal of the trip in a traditional ‘tsipouradiko’ with some unique tastes that accompany “tsipouro” which is a local traditional drink before our goodbye’s.
Our tour is fully flexible & tailorable. On request we can also extend your number of days touring the area. We can also add Archaeological tours & Hotels in Athens and other areas of the mainland such as the Peloponnese, Delphi & Meteora, on request for before or after your time in Pelion.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Accommodation in each area is based on the best renovated traditional guesthouses & Hotels including breakfast.
