Fresh and green year-round, the Pelion peninsula is dominated by mountains reaching a height of some 1600 metres and covered with pine, oak, fir, plane and chestnut. Views are dramatic, particularly on the northeast where mountains plunge dizzily to the sea. The western side is gentler – its hills covered with olive trees and shrubs – yet still remarkably attractive.
Pelion’s preserved mountain villages are a joy. Clinging to wooded slopes high above the sea, they share a unique architectural tradition and are amongst the most beautiful in Greece. The old stone-built mansions, with their grey slate roofs and overhanging balconies, blend with their surroundings. Often the only sounds are a babbling brook or birdsong. Everywhere are trees, shrubs, plants and flowers.
The coastline hides some excellent beaches, often of a coarse sand/fine shingle which makes for excellent swimming in clear water. Foreign tourism is in its infancy, and the small seaside villages – quiet for most of the year, busy over weekends and local holiday periods – remain reassuringly Greek! Wherever you stay, take a torch, sensible shoes and some warmer clothes for the evenings.
Because Pelion is still pretty virgin territory it does not have the infrastructure of more established areas. Money exchange and ATMs can be hard to find (so take a good supply of Euros with you); the bus service limited and English not that widely spoken. If you would like an organised trip or two, or to rent a small motorboat (recommended), stay in the west rather than the east.
Car hire is strongly recommended. If you don’t mind some very winding roads, it would be a pity not to discover the whole of Pelion. Even Meteora and Delphi are within reach.
A visit to Pelion will refresh the palate of even the most frequent Greek traveller. It did ours, and that takes some doing!
