Secrets of the Pelion Peninsula

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.6 Read 20 reviews

Follow ancient cobbled trails through the Pelion Peninsula
Immersing yourself in the Greek folklore of the Centaurs
Staying in typical “arhontika”, traditional stone houses in stunning locations
Sitting in a taverna and sample the delicious local specialties of fasoladha and gyropsomo
Swimming in the inviting turquoise bays of the Aegean Sea

Explore the walking paradise of the Pelion Peninsula in mainland Greece, named the “Land of the Centaurs”, due to its associations with Greek mythology. Walk from village to village on old mule paths through a lush green mountainous interior and on trails overlooking the glittering Aegean Sea. The Pelion Peninsula has recently been declared a new cultural heritage destination by the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO. It is little wonder as this area offers sites of unparalleled beauty, rich gastronomy and a heritage rich in myths, legends and traditions. Explore a green wonderland where trees heavy with fruit grow alongside olive groves and forests of oak, eucalyptus, walnut and beech. Wander through villages characterised by whitewashed, half-timbered houses with flower-filled balconies and grey slate roofs.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

On this trip you will experience heavenly walks in a lesser-known part of Greece, the Pelion Peninsula, which is a land rich in Greek legend. Not only will you walk through lush green and shady forests, but there is also the opportunity to swim in, and walk alongside the waters, of the sparkling Aegean Sea. Stay in lovely accommodations, some with a pool and sample the local excellent gastronomy.

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

Activity Level & Terrain

This walking holiday is graded moderate. Daily walks range between 5 and 8 miles but there are certainly some elevation gains and losses to contend with. The walks follow a mixture of unsurfaced old mule tracks, gravel roads, cobbled and rocky footpaths and minor roads. The Pelion has a hilly interior and has a ski resort so it is quite high. We therefore recommend undertaking some walks with elevation gains before you depart. Generally walking trails in Greece tend to be quite rocky so you do have to be careful with your footing when negotiating the trails.

Navigation

You will be provided with detailed route notes and maps with the daily walks outlined to help you find your way. The routes are not normally way-marked so you will have to keep focused on the route notes as you walk!

Experience & Fitness

This tour is suitable for people that are in good physical condition and it is rated moderate due to the elevation gains and losses. The Pelion has a hilly interior and has a ski resort so it is quite high. We therefore recommend undertaking some walks with elevation gains before you depart. Generally walking trails in Greece tend to be quite rocky so you do have to be careful with your footing when negotiating the trails.

Read about journalist Tim Bouverie's experience walking the Pelion Peninsula here.

Accommodations

Your 8 day Secrets of the Pelion Peninsula self-guided walking tour includes 7 nights in 2*, 3* and 4* hotels.

Included

7 Nights in 2*, 3* and 4* hotels
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Route notes and maps, and detailed information pack
Organisational assistance and backup from our area manager in Greece and our office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Portaria
Lunches & Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before or after the trip

When To Go

This trip is available to book from the end of April until the end of October. It may be possible to book during the month of April however this will involve some changes to the itinerary due to closure of one of the hotels. Please contact us for more information if you are interested in travelling during April.

Spring and Autumn are great walking seasons as the temperatures are milder. You can walk in the summer months but the recommendation is to begin walking early so that you miss the heat of the day as the temperatures can get very high at this time of year. In the spring the countryside will be full of spring flowers. There can also be some storms on the peninsula throughout the season so it is best to be prepared for all weather. Please note that at the very beginning and end of the season (early April and end of October) any swimming pools at accommodations may be closed and restaurant offerings may be more limited during this time.

Getting to the Start

The best way to get to Portaria is to take flights into either Athens or Thessaloniki, then buses or trains to Volos, then buses or taxis from Volos to Portaria. Here is some more detailed information.

By Air - It is possible to fly into either Athens or Thessalonika to access the beginning and end points of this tour. Many airlines fly into Athens companies such as Easyjet, Aegean Airlines and Ryanair fly into Thessalonika.

From Athens Airport there are frequent public buses to Athens bus station and there are 10 buses daily from Athens Liosson bus station to Volos. Check out the following website for information: http://www.ktelvolou.gr/ It is also possible to take a train from Athens Airport. You may travel by train to SKA and connect onto the Athens-Larissa line. Or you can transfer from the Athens Airport to the centre of Athens and get on the Larissa line from here. Trains depart approximately every couple of hours and the journey takes about 5 hours.

From Thessalonika Airport there are frequent public buses to Thessalonika bus and train stations. There are 8 buses to Volos daily. Please check here for schedules http://www.ktelvolou.gr/ You can also take trains from Thessalonika to Volos with a connection in Larissa to Volos. Trains leave approximately every 1-2 hours and take around 2 hours, depending on the connection.

The best way to get from Volos to Portaria is to take a taxi which costs around €20 per taxi. It is also possible to take a bus which costs around €1.60 and takes around 20 minutes. Please check the bus timetable here at Magnesias.

Getting from the End

On your return journey, you can either take a taxi from Milies to Volos, which costs around €45 per taxi, or a public bus which costs around €2.60 and takes approx. 40 minutes. You can then continue on the interregional bus to Athens or Thessaloniki. Routes are available on http://www.ktelvolou.gr/.

It is also possible to book transfers through Macs Adventure in advance. Please ask your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.

General Information

The distances and are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes the standard gear we advise.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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