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PELION
Densely forested and remarkably green, even in the summer, the Pelion peninsula juts
south-east into the Aegean Sea, some 200 miles north of Athens. Shaped roughly like a fish
hook, it encloses the Pagasitic Gulf on its inside curve and the outer coastline opens onto the
Aegean. There are two distinct landscapes. The Gulf side has long, mainly shingle beaches,
half hidden at the ends of olive-clad valleys - often with a tiny village along the edge of the
beach. Here, the sea is flat, calm and very warm. As the water is often shallow for some
distance from the beach, it is ideal for children. By contrast, the beaches on the Aegean side
are sandy, but more rugged in character. For much of the summer, and particularly during
August, the Meltemi blows from the east, making ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing.
The northern end of the peninsula is made up of Mount Pelion itself, a massive
hunched mountain of just over 5,400 feet. Its rounded contours are softened by the forests of
oak and chestnut which cover its upper slopes, while the olive groves sweep down to the sea,
the shimmering silver-green of Athena's tree set off by the pure, brilliant hues of poplar and
plane. Standing out in contrast are the outcrops of slate-coloured limestone, and the
occasional houses, either old, grey and perfectly at one with the landscape, or dazzling white
in their newness. Above all, the Pelion peninsula has a lushness which is markedly different
from the arid landscape typical of much of Greece. But Pelion is not an entirely new discovery.
In antiquity it was famed as the home of the Centaurs, fabulous beasts half-horse and
half-man. And trees from the mountain provided the timbers of the Argo, which carried Jason
on his quest for the Golden Fleece.
THINGS TO DO
Pelion is a wonderful place for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation. Many of our clients have found it particularly relaxing
because it reminds them of the Greece of the sixties and seventies when tourism had just begun to develop and they would get
the sense of life going on in tune with nature. Sitting at a restaurant for ages without feeling pushed to leave because somebody
else wants your table; women returning home with their goats and stopping to chat to their friends; the irrigation channels
flowing early in the morning to water the summer gardens, and many other small aspects of village life that help one to wind
down. On the other hand there is a choice of food, entertainment and activities to make the area appealing to those who would
like to get out and about...
The peninsula is criss-crossed with cobbled donkey-tracks, until
recently the only means of getting from one place to another. These now make
perfect routes for walkers and riders, and so if you enjoy walking
we will be very happy to give you directions for finding and following the paths near to your accomodation.
For those who enjoy
horse-back riding there is a well run stables in Arghalasti, and if you are looking for instant
relaxation there is massage, Shiatsu and aromatherapy available in Milina. Last but not least,
boats for up to four adults,
kayaks and
sailing dinghies can be hired.
The mountain villages are
fascinating, and there are many marvellous swimming places right off the
beaten track. We give further details in our 'General Information', but we are
happiest discussing the possibilities with you once you have arrived in Pelion.
Map of Greece and Pelion
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