Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WALKING IN THE PELION
The Pelion is a hiking mecca, and a centuries-old network of frequently restored
kalderimia(cobbled mule pathways) connect most mountain and seaside villages
around the region. The presence of many of the wonderful walking trails, former
donkey routes, is thanks to the 'Friends of the Kalderimi'
(
www.friendsofthekalderimi.org
), which is dedicated to maintaining and restoring
these historic cobblestone paths.
In the north, two relatively simple and unguided hikes begin near
Tsagarada
.
From the square of Agia Paraskevi, it's two hours down to the small bay at
Damouhari. And from the village of
Xourichti
, 4km south of Agia Paraskevi, a good
cross-ridge path leads to the village of
Milies
, a hike of nearly three hours. A beauti-
ful forest hike begins above the road at Fakistra Beach and follows the coast to
Plaka Beach in about two hours.
In the south, a wonderful downhill trek is from
Promiri
to
Platania
. Here too,
Lafkos
to
Milina
is a classic hike, where you can see both sides of the peninsula.
Argalasti
to
Kalamos
and
Lefokastro
is a popular walk.
The most useful of all resources are the websites
www.pilionwalks.com
, run by
passionate expat walkers, with excellent circuit hikes, and
http://walking-peli-
on.blogspot.com
, by an ultra-dedicated Greek local (who is currently mapping the
region with a GPS).A Hiker's Guide to Mount Pelionby local Nikos Haratsis is avail-
able in English (ask around in Volos). A long-standing publication,Walks in the Peli-
onby Lance Chilton, has online updates (
www.marengowalks.com/Pilionbk.html
)
.
For maps, the detailed 1:25,000 Anavasi MapCentral Pelionis available in Volos
bookshops, as is the excellent Terrain Map No 218,Central Pelion. Several accom-
modation places sell a wonderful map,Pelion Walks(€5 to €6), outlining seven dif-
ferent walks around Tsagarada.
MYLOPOTAMOS ΜΥΛΟΠΟΤΑΜΟΣ
Scenic Mylopotamos is divided by a rocky outcrop, with a natural tunnel connecting two
small beautiful beaches. It's 7km along the road from Tsagarada's Agia Paraskevi.
Sleeping & Eating
Diakoumis Rooms
GUESTHOUSE $$$
( 24260 49203; s/d/tr from €50/70/80, apt €90; )
At Diakoumis Rooms, just
1km before the village and beach, genial owners Stathis and Athina have made the most
of the dramatic cliff-side lodging. Light and airy stone-floored rooms have clear views of
the bay and beyond, as well as four self-catering apartments.
