PELION

Pelion is the mountain of the mythical centaurs and the summer residence of the 12 gods of ancient Greek mythology, the kingdom of Pileas and his son, Achilles. This should not surprise us, as the mountain combines the green of nature and the blue of the sea.

It raises imposing and verdurous to the north and the east from Volos.
The 24 hamlets and the many smaller, picturesque villages, whose houses are build in a unique architectural style, which climb, in some cases, high on the slopes and steep peaks, while in other cases they lie hidden in verdurous gullies, blend so well with the landscape that looking at them from away they appear to have ‘grown’ with the trees. These villages are true museums of folklore architecture and art. The proud figures of Pelian mansions, the cobbled roads, the squares, stone fountains and arched bridges compose the unique scenery on Mt. Pelion.

And on the other hand, the beautiful beaches with their wild vegetation. The east, rough side of Pelion, overlooking the Aegean Sea, comes to the sea abruptly, creating charming rocky seashores and beautiful bays with sandy beaches. On the other hand, the calm and peaceful coasts on the western side of the mountain, that overlooking the Pagasetic Gulf, are more accessible and centers for maritime activity.

A DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS

The modern tourist infrastructure, frequent connection to Volos and short sea shipping to the islands of Sporades, offer the visitor with the opportunity for lovely vacations.
A dense hiking network comprising of trails and cobbled roads, currently under further development, can help you to get to know the secret and unknown to the many locations of exquisite beauty.

A unique experience is the trip on the traditional train on Pelion, Moutzouris (Smudged), that runs on coal.
Sports lovers will enjoy visiting the ski center in Agriolefkes, mountain horseback riding and mountain cycling. The visitor in Pelion during the spring can have a unique experience: mountain and sea skiing on the same day. Fishing, water sports, sailing and diving are only some of the activities on offer to the visitor.

Finally, one may also visit the great many villages, admire the old mansions, that stand firm, defying time, kneel in awe at the churches, the chapels and the many monasteries that stand as living testimony of past times, and enjoy the traditional delicacies and warm hospitality of the people of Pelion.

PORTARIA

Portaria is one of the most beautiful tourist resorts in Greece. At a distance of just 13km. from Volos, 12km. from the ski resort of “Agriolefkes” and 2km. from Makrinitsa. It is located at an altitude of 650m. and enjoys a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pagasitic Gulf, Mount Othrys and the peaks of South Pindus.

Portaria offers the excellent combination of mountain and sea. The visitor may enjoy ski in the winter, or may swim in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea or the Pagasetic Gulf in the summer. In the winter the village dresses in white and the smell of the wood as it burns in the fireplace travels the visitor to times long gone. In the summer under the ample shade of plane trees, next to the blossomed hydrangeas and the running waters, the visitor may enjoy all of nature’s scents drinking tsipouro, for which the area is renowned.

In Portaria the visitor may walk on trails and cobbled roads, visit Byzantine churches and old monasteries, such as the Monastery of John the Forerunner (Ioannis o Prodromos), first built in the 13th century by master Ioannis Melissinos; or the metropolitan church of St. Nikolas (Agios Nikolaos) with the notable stone-reliefs which adorn the exterior niche of the Holy Bema and the church of the Holy Unmercenaries (Agioi Anargyroi).

There are many restored mansions in Portaria, living historical landmarks and authentic examples of Pelian architecture.
Zoulia Mansion (which operated as a Girl’s Vocational School), Athanasakeon nursery school (one of the first in Greece), and Tsopoteo School are some of the most important monuments.
At rural location Karavos, just a few minutes from the center of the village square, water forms a small waterfall, while the spring itself may be reached after a 10 minute walk.
A few meters above the village we find Our Lady Portarea (Panagia Portarea), a small chapel, adorned with hagiographies dating from 1581, which, it is said, as given the village its name.

Happenings at Portaria

Many festivals are held during the summer in Portaria, such as the “International Dance Day” in May and the “International Children’s Dance Festival” in July.

In August on the first Sunday after the Assumption of the Mother of God (15th of August) the “International Dance Festival” is held, which climaxes with the traditional happening of the representation of the local “Pelian Wedding”.