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Villages of Pelion

 

ARGALASTI ( 40km from the hotels in Volos )

It is a rich village, which extends up to the southern areas of Magnisian peninsula. It includes a number of settlements with rural cultivations (olives, figs, grapes), livestock, fisheries, while in the last two centuries of the Ottoman rule, it developed the craft of silk.
Strong was also the presence of Argalasti during the Greek Revolution of 1821 in which the people of Argalasti, led by Margaritis Dimadis, took an active part. After the liberation of Thessaly, the Argalasti became the base of the municipality of Spalathron, which included the settlements of Metochi, Bestinika (Xinovrysi), Bir (Kalithea), and also the ports in the Gulf of Pagasitikos, Chorto, Kalamos and Lefokastro.
In 1914, after the dissolution of these first municipalities, Argalasti was one of the largest communities of Pelion until 1999, when, with the implementation of the plan of Kapodistrias, it became again the seat of the municipality of Argalasti.
Today, the visitor is impressed by some neoclassical mansions and by the beautiful and cool square, which is located near the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, a basilica aisled church of 1886, built by craftsmen from Zoupa.

 

KISSOS ( 52 km from the hotels in Volos )

Kissos is a mountainous village  at an altitude of 520m. The scenery is both beautiful and magical, and keeps its traditional style. The landscape of chestnuts and beeches, around which ivy winds up, is beautiful.
In the large paved square is the famous Church of Agia Marina. It is the most famous Basilica church in all of Pelion. Here you can admire the carved wooden icons and frescos painted on the walls by the famous painter Ioannis Pagonis.
You can take a walk and see the many chapels and spring water fountains which are all over the village.
A little further out you can follow the path and take a pleasant stroll through lovely scenery. This path will take you to the monastery of Agios Efstathios. Another path will lead you to Hania.

 

MAKRINITSA ( 16km from the hotels in Volos )

Makrinitsa is a traditional settlement of absolute protection, unique architectural countenance, "the balcony of Pelion".
It is 17Km away from the hotels in the city of  Volos and 12Km from Pelion's ski center. It forms the ideal combination between structural and natural environment in a balanced co-existance with the main settlement as well as its landed property, its district, its communal beech forest and its meadows. A region characterized for its unique natural beauty is "Brani", the square in the entrance of the settlement with the stream, as well as the central square of the village Known as "Pazari" with its water fountain, "the lions", the longed lived platans, the church of S. John, the the amazing view to Volos. Of great beauty is the stream "Mega Rema" at the beginning of the river Krafsidona. In the altitude of Koukourava's neighborhood there are water mills (dristeles), tanneries that flourished in the 19th century and operated until the World War 2. The stone built arched bridges in Lestani, in Lziniko, in Alvezi, in Kakona and the bridge in Karia are remarkable spesimens of Traditional Architecture.
The museum of Folk Art and History of Pelion is housed in the Topali mansion.
It is a Folklore Museum, a mansion's reproduction complete with domestic equipment, paintings, jewelery, clothing, firmans, books, tools, records of the Community, banners, stone busts, weapons and many more.
The museum open daily,
Except Mondays, from 10.00 to 17.00 in winter and 18.00 to 22.00 in summer.

 

PORTARIA ( 13km from the hotels in Volos )

Queen of Pelion, the beautiful village of Portaria, is one of most popular tourist resorts in Greece. It is 12 klm distance from Volos and 13 klm from the ski center, combining sea and mountains. It is situated at a height of 650 mtrs. with an exceptional view of the Pagassitikos bay.
Portaria
is one of the most significant tourist resorts in Greece. Visitors admire its natural beauties, like the «Centaurs' path» and the cascade of Karavos, walk along the cobbled streets that are surrounded by yards with flowers in full bloom, enjoy the view over the gulf of Pagassitikos and visit the Byzantine churches and the old monasteries.
The numerous restored mansions remind you of the past of Portaria. The Athanassakio Kindergarten (one of the first to be established in Greece), the Zoulia Mansion (which operated as a Vocational School for girls), the Tsopotio School (nowadays, the Town hall), are only several of its important monuments.
Portaria has a rich traditional culture and the Municipality promotes the cultural element organizing events, congresses, meetings and festivals in collaboration with the cultural association «ORMINIO». Suggestively we mention the following annual activities:
• World Day of Dance.
• International Folklore Dance Festival for Children.
• International Folklore Festival.
• Revival of the Pelioritic Wedding.
• Exhibitions - Concerts - Meetings.
There are many hotels available of every class, traditional hostels, rented rooms, and also restaurants, taverns and other similar establishments, serving the needs of visitors. The women of Portaria have established the Agro-tourist Association, which provides homemade fruit conserves, marmelades, liquors, pastries and culinary specialities.

sights:

"Pigi Manas" (a paved square and a pavilion to rest among the planes and the waters).
"Karavos" Waterfall (a small natural waterfall, where the visitor has the opportunity of spending moments of relaxation and view Portaria from aloft).
Square "Adamenas" (ideal place for relaxation and recreation, starting point of the "Centaurs' path" that leads to "Pigi Manas").
Central Square "Melina Merkouri" (surrounded by hotels and taverns; here most cultural activities take place).
Square "Taxiarchon" (the visitor can enter the stone chapel and enjoy the magnificent view over Volos and Pagassitikos' gulf).

Monuments:

Athanassakio Kindergarten (one of the first in Greece).
Zoulia Mansion (which operated as a Vocational School for girls, today it is a museum).
Tsopotio School (nowadays, the elementary school).
Theoxenia (ruins of the most luxurious hotel in the Balkans of the prewar era, which operated since 1905).
Panaghia Portarea (Byzantine chapel of the 11th century, what is left from the old monastery, around which Portaria was built; according to certain sources, Portaria took its name from this chapel).
Panaghitsa - Aghios Symeon (small church of archaeological importance, recently restored).
Panaghia Odighitria (monastery with 40 nuns).

 

TSAGARADA ( 47km from the hotels in Volos )

Tsagarada constitutes one of  Pelion's touristest villages
Its mountaineous landscape in combination with the sea, offer a lot of possibilities for a really pleasant stay
Of particular interest is the built-up provision of the region, which is constituted by four districts. Tsagarada is constituted by four districts. Chustnut trees are the landscape's most important element, while old mansions, ravines with clean waters as well as arched bridges, compose its beauty.

One of the most appreciable sights of  the region, are the churches of AGIA PARASKEVI, AGIOS TAXIARCHIS and AGIOS STEFANOS.
At Agias Paraskevi's square we will enjoy the shade of the 1000 yrs old- platan, that has a diameter of 14 metres. Do not omit to taste the spetzofai as well as the traditional bean soup.
Also appreciable are the churches Agios Taxiarhes (1719), Ag. Georgios (1772) and Ag. Kiriaki (1746) . 

 

ZAGORA ( 45km from the hotels in Volos )

The biggest village and the one with the greatest history in Eastern Pelio, spread on a bright green and sun-drenched side of the mountain, is divided in four big quarters (Agia Paraskevi or Perahora, Agia Kyriaki, Agios Georgios, Sotira). According to one version, its name comes from the Slav "za-gora", which means "behind the mountain".
Zagora is a place renowned for its natural beauties and the tradition in arts and studies since the Turkish occupation. Home of eminent men, who were distinguished in sciences and commerce. Very important commercial centre during that period, with a remarkable fleet, the famous "Ships of  Zagora", which had Horefto as a base and used to carry the local products to the big European ports. Tradition goes on and today, Zagora has an equally important economic activity through the cultivation of the renowned "Apple of Zagora" and the Agricultural Association, which is the main factor of its modern Prosperity. Established in October 1915 and until now, it is thought to be one of the most remarkable associations of the country and the biggest corporation of collection of the sweetest and the most aromatic apples.

The women of Zagora have their own "special" Association, where they prepare local sweets, marmelades and liqueurs with
great artistry and fantasy.
Zagora is exquisite all year round, ideal for winter and summer vacations with a large amount of enterprises that offer hospitality, good traditional food and
all those modern comforts that can satisfy even the most demanding clients. With its traditional stone-made houses coming out of the mountain's dense vegetation, the wonderful noble houses called "Arhontika", the churches, the springs, the stone-made bridges, the delightful routes and the various cultural and sports activities in the summer, a true jewel, Zagora offers many chances for rest and entertainment, as it generously offers its "fruits" and hospitality.
Horefto
is the seaside resort, haven
of Zagora with an important tourist infrastructure, several lodgings, restaurants and bars.
There is a 2,5 km long beach of unique beauty, where the green joins the blue, the golden sand and the deep blue water of the sea.
A municipal camping runs at Horefto in a beautiful space, incredibly fresh with plenty of plane trees. Next to the long beach there is another one called "Parisaina" (6 km from Zagora) for the more "solitary" visitors.

 

CHANIA ( 26km from the hotels in Volos )

Chania is a small village situated high on Mount Pelion. It is an ideal place for winter vacations and skiing, as it is set at an altitude of 1,200 metres, just 2 km away from the ski centre of "Agriolefkes" (which is at an altitude of 1,529m).
The name "Chania" comes from the Greek word "chania" which means "hostel" or a small place to stay. Nowadays the village is full of hotels and visitors who enjoy being in a mountain environment. Visitors can also enjoy traditional food in the village tavernas, which are famous for the traditional «spentzofai» (local sausage cooked with tomato sauce, aromatic herbs and spices) and delicious bean soup.

 

MILIES ( 29km from the hotels in Volos )

Milies is 28 km away from the hotels in Volos, the capital of Magnesia, and is one of the better-known villages of Pelion, and also the centre of the municipality. It has 1,500 permanent residents and is set in the glorious green surroundings of the Milies valley. The village has a great mythological and historical tradition and offers a large variety things to see, a fact which has helped it to become one of the most significant Pelion destinations.
Milies is the homeland of Anthimos Gazis, Grigoris Konstantas and Daniel Filippidis, and is a place steeped in tradition, with a history of trading, art and culture. Milies is also a place where the flag of the revolution of 1821 was raised. In Milies, you can find a well-established school, the Public Library and also the end-of-line station for the Pelion train, “Moutzouris”.

Visit
 
The Public Library of Milies
which houses over 3,500 rare books, manuscripts, letters, the teaching material of the school and the original flag of the revolution raised by Anthimos Gazis.
The Folklore Museum with an important collection of folklore art, clothes and other material.
The Taxiarhes Temple with its innovative construction and unique religious paintings.
The train station of “Mountzouris”, and the iron bridge, built in the early 20th century by Evaristo De Chirico.

 

VIZITSA ( 30km from the hotels in Volos )

Vizitsa village Pelion: Vizitsa is a small, traditional village about 30 km to the east of Pelion. It is found on a mountainside, surrounded by forests and with a beautiful view to the sea of Pagasitikos bay.
Vizitsa
amazes every visitor with its traditional architecture. The whole village is crossed by paved paths and has a lot of lovely churches. Among the churches worth to visit are the Monastery of Agios Ioannis and the chapel of Zoodochos Pighi, both built in the 18th century.