A four seasons destination
Pelion or in Greek Pilio is a mountain at the southeastern part of Thessaly in central Greece, forming a hook-like peninsula between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea. In Greek mythology, Mount Pelion (which took its name from the mythical king Pileas,father of Achilles) was the homeland of Chiron the Centaur, tutor of many ancient Greek heroes, such as Jason, Achilles, Theseus and Heracles.
It was in Mount Pelion, near Chiron’s cave, that the marriage of Thetis and Pileas took place. The uninvited goddess Eris, to take revenge for having been kept outside the party, brought a golden apple with the inscription”To the Fairest”. The dispute that then arose between the goddesses Hera, Aphrodite and Athene resulted in events leading to the Trojan War. When the giants Otus and Ephialtes attempted to storm Olympus, they piled Mount Pelion upon Mount Ossa, which became a proverbial allusion for any huge but fruitless attempt.
Pelion is home to a large number of villages, towns and popular coastal resorts. Each village in Pelion has its own unique charm and magic, and together, they all create a truly magnificent setting for your holidays in this stunning region of Greece. During the spring and summer months, the entire region is one of inspiring colors and aromas. The lush, rich vegetation creates a very tranquil and highly beautiful scenery. The Pelion peninsula has some of the best beaches in Greece, and along the coast of the Pagasitic Gulf and the Aegean Sea, you can find a great choice of beautiful, clean beaches to enjoy swimming, water sports or simply relaxation.
During the winter season, the ski centre of Agriolefkes on the slopes of Mount Pelion offers the perfect setting for ski and other winter sports. The ski centre of Pelion is a very famous one, and here you can enjoy ski in a truly spectacular setting, with some amazing views stretching over the entire region. Whatever type of holiday you are looking for, you can be confident that Pelion will have something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a range of activities and adventure,or one where you can simply sit back and relax, Pelion will be the ideal destination for you.
Tsagarada ”The Emerald of Pelion Mountain”
Tsagarada is Pelion’s best known village to both Greek and foreign tourists.It is a preferred holiday destination throughout the year not only because of its natural beauty but also thanks to the fact that it provides the visitor with high quality restaurants and tavernas, pubs, gift shops,art galleries, festivals and cultural events in summer, excellent services, local colour and the unique Peliot atmosphere.
Tsagarada is located to the east of Mount Pelion, and is 54km from the port serving city of Volos.Tsagarada actually consists of four smaller towns, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Kiriaki, Agio Stefano and Agioi Taxiarhes. These four villages, which are located on a green hill on Mount Pelion, make up Tsagarada. A Beautiful rambling village,with plenty of flowers, old churches, cobbled mule tracks, chestnut trees, and traditional architecture. The majestic 1000-year-old plane tree with a circumference of 14 meters, and at Agii Taxiarhes another one, 800 years old with a circumference of 17.5 meters. Both trees grow on a natural spring, and under them there is an old marble fountain with cold water of excellent flavour and quality.
There is also a trekking route connecting the villages of Aghios Ioannis,Damouhari,Tsagarada ending spectacularly with a rappel at Milopotamos. Some of the paths or roads down the slopes will eventually lead the visitor to the lovely and completely unspoilt shingly beach of Fakistra, known for its turquoise waters, or to Milopotamos Beach,Pelion’s most photographed and most frequented beach,a sand-and-pebble beach hewn in the rock. A visit there is a must, as it will be an opportunity for refreshment in the clean waters of the sea and relaxation in stunning natural surroundings, indeed an unforgettable experience that can be enhanced by feasting on seafood and other local delicacies served in the nearby tavernas.
Nowhere else can you be so much part of the nature neighbouring with sand, sea, lush mountains, running creeks, gentle slopes, snow top mountain peaks, panoramic views, blue sky, colourful flora and magnificent ancient groves and trees. If you are planning on visiting this part of Pelion, your selection of accommodation at the “Pileas&Thetis Villa” will offer an added dimension of traditional authenticity, hospitality and relaxation for your holidays and vacations in this truly unique part of Greece, the ”emerald” of Pelion as they call it, Tsagarada village.
Beaches in Pelion
From the centre of Tsagarada,the road leads you to one of the most beautiful beaches of Pelion, the beach of Mylopotamos. The aquamarine waters and the wild beauty,the imposing rocks, which sunder the beach, lend to the landscape, compose a dreamy scene unchangeable in time.
Also near to Tsagarada are the beautiful beaches of Lambinou, Limnionas, Ai Yiannis, Plaka, Agii Saranda, Horefto as well as the natural port of Damouhari. It’s worth mentioning also that Damouchari was one of the locations where the famous movie Mamma Mia was filmed. Don’t forget to visit Papa Nero beach with absolute crystal clear waters as far as the eye can see, sandy beach and quality restaurants to enjoy the Greek cuisine, surrounded by an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that you have never experienced before.
Each season in the year brings with it a new landscape and charming scenery here in Tsagarada. From the snow covered houses in the winter, to the beautiful beaches in the summer, it is truly a place where you can experience the charm and magic of Pelion anytime of the year.