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Magic and Enchanting Pelion - Kamena Vourla - Meteroa - Pelio - 11 days/10 nights |
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Athens airport – Kamena Vourla, 175 km/110 miles.
Drive directly from the airport through the new highway “Attiki Odos (Attica Road)” which leads you straight to the northern highway heading towards Thessaloniki… You will drive through the fertile Viotia with cotton fields and wine yards. Make a stop at one of the most acknowledged wineries in Greece; “Hatzimichali” in Atalandi. After a couple of hours drive, you reach the coast village of Kamena Vourla. Relax at the beach promenade and enjoy the first good Greek meal.
First overnight: Kamena Voula.
Kamena Vourla – Meteora, 185 km/115 miles.
Via central Greece and the cities of Lamia, Karditsa and Trikala to Meteora, passing through mountains and valleys with tobacco- tomatoand cotton fields. At the foot of the impressive rocks of Meteora, you find the village of Kalambaka. A quick check-in at the hotel and the journey to the sky tall rocks begins…as outstanding columns they rise in the middle of the landscape. In hundred of meters height we find the Byzantine monasteries. Six of hem are still in use and inhabited today. In the 16.th century there were around 24 monasteries, but many of hem has disappeared due to the vulnerable location. In the 1920’ties steps and hikes were made, making the monasteries more accessible and that lead to a religious rise and many monks and nuns returned to Meteora. The rocks of Meteora are among the biggest sights in Greece and an absolute ”must” to visit. The monasteries close between 15:00-17:30 hrs. Spend the “siesta” enjoying a meal in the village of Kastraki, right at the foot of the rocks. Taste the local “fasolada” (bean and tomato soup) and have a ”tiganopsomo” (baked and grilled bread with feta cheese). Do not forget that parts of the James Bond movie ”For Your Eyes Only” were filmed here.
Second overnight: Kalambaka.
Meteora – Pelion/Portaria, 155 km/95 miles.
Kalambaka and the impression of Meteora is left behind while the tour continues toward south-west, via Larissa to Volos, the acknowledged harbour city, from where lots of ferries sails to the Sporades; Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. Stop for coffee at the promenade and study the busy traffic of fishing boats, swelled out with freshly caught fish, and be pleased with the fact that you are going to spend the next 8 days on the Pelion peninsula. Climb up to the village of Portaria, located in altitude 650m. Here is a cosy atmosphere, a fine market place and you will find yourself among fine and old establishments. Even a small trip to the neighbour village of Makrinitsa is recommended.
Third overnight: Portaria.
Portaria – Agios Ioannis, 26 km/10 miles.
Drive northeast via Hania where one of the most popular skiing resorts in the whole of Greece is located. During spring, summer and autumn, you can follow the local production of honey and buy sweets and marmalades from the locals. Next stop today is suggested to be in Kissos, with the distinguished church of Agia Marina. Kissos is also a good place for a lunch break. You will find a few, but good tavernas which with guarantee offer you Tsipouro”. Agios Ioannis is located right at the sea. A wonderful place for the following 3 overnights. Spend the days at the beach or explore the surroundings… A bit south you find Damouchari with its small natural harbour and white sandy beach. Tsagarada lies in 450m altitude with panoramic view to the Aegean sea. Here you find the finest houses with beautiful gardens, small cascades and an impressive 1000 years old plane tree at the local square at the church of Agia Paraskevi. The popular beach at Milopotamos is also worth a visit. With its crystal clear water, it attracts many people (both Greeks and tourists) every year. If you like to hike, good starting points are Tsagarada and Kissos. There are also hikes starting from Agios Ioannis and you can easily find good maps in the local kiosks.
Forth, fifth and sixth overnight: Agios Ioannis.
Agios Ioannis – Platanias / Kalo Nero / Horto, 45 km/28 miles.
The last point of accommodation is on the southern point of Pelion, at Platanias or Horto, or at the west coast, at Koropi or Kala Nera. No matter where your are accommodated, there are rich possibilities to explore the area on wonderful daytrips within 20-30 min. drive only. The swimming conditions are excellent in the quiet bay of Pagasitikos. Platanias is the biggest fishing village in Pelion, known for its good places to eat. During the summer period you can even join a daytrip to Skiathos or Skopelos with the Flying Dolphins departing from here. You can also follow the small path along the sea. After 10 min. walk, you find yourself at the small Micro-beach with golden sands. If you like horse riding, you can visit the neighbour village of Katigiorgis with green forest stretching down to the crystal clear sea. Regardless where you stay, a tour to the most southern point to Agia Kyriaki is unavoidable. Stop on the way at Trikeri and enjoy a cool refreshment at the local market place. Here times has been standing still for ages… Agia Kyriaki is also called the Venice of Pelion. Small canals are twisting ground the small harbour and fresh fish are served at reasonable prices. Horto is an ideal place for children as it is located right at the sea with calm waters. The village is known for its cultural arrangements in the summer season. Here are several performances of theatre, music and lectures (in Greek!!). Horto has received the Blue Flag for its unique beach area. Kalo Nero (in Greek ”the good water”) has fine sandy beaches with shady trees. Eucalyptus and plane trees are characteristic for the area as well as the many springs. Few minutes drive from Kalo Nero you find the village of Vizitsa. This village has been awarded with “The Golden Apple”, the award for the best kept village in Pelion. Koropi south of Kalo Nero has the longest beach on the peninsula; 1,5 km./1 mile with the best possible conditions for swimming. The village Milies is called after its production of apples. You will be astonished looking at the beautiful houses and in this village you find (in our opinion) the best bakery in Pelion. It’s also here in this village that the veteran train runs. We will be pleased to advise you the schedule. The local church in Milies “Taxiarhes” was build during the Turkish occupation and is famous for its wall painting.
Seventh, eighth & ninth overnight: Platanias / Horto / Kala Nero.
Platanias / Koropi / Kalo Nero / Horto - Mati, 375 km/235 miles.
Leave Pelion through the highway towards south, along the coast most of the way. Passing Lamia, Agios Konstantinos and Malakassa you reach Mati, a small fishing village very close to Athens airport. If you like you can pass from the plane of Marathon, which is located only a 20 minutes drive from Mati. Who hasn’t heard the story of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, who in 490 BC, ran all the way from Marathon to Athens with the message of the Greek victory in the war against the Persians. From this point the original Marathon run is originated every year and ends up at the Olympic Stadium in the centre of Athens.
Tenth overnight: Mati.
Mati – Athens airport, 25 km/15 miles.
Via Pikermi and Peania back to ”Attica Road”, which ends up right at the airport.
Magic and Enchanting Pelio
For 6000 years Pelion has been inhabited, and it is not difficult to understand why! his is where you find the most beautiful landscapes of Greece, golden sandy beaches with rystal clear waters, small villages, fruits, flowers and herbs of all kinds.
The east coast is more “wild” that the west coast, with lots of paths and it is here the Pliasidi ountain raise with its 1548m. The area is larded with apple-, cherry- and walnut orchards, live groves and chestnut trees and on your way around the peninsula; you will be able to buy he most delicious delicacies sold along the roads…
The south coast is abounding with tiny lagoons suitable for children, cosy villages with houses uild in the traditional Pelion-style in stone and with narrow windows.
Each village have a “main square”, often with a huge plane tree right in the middle, and it is ere you will meet the locals in the “Kafenion”, drinking coffee and eating the delicious Karidopita” (walnut pie) or “Glikou tou koutalio” (small pieces of preserved fruits).
Just as the “Kafenion” plays a very important role in the Greek lifestyle, the church is also of a great importance. On the way from Hania to Agios Ioannis, don’t miss the fine church of Agia Marina, build in the 17.th century with beautiful gold coated icons, donated by the monks from Mount Athos.
An attraction not to miss is the veteran-train. The route covers a distance of 10 miles from Ano Lehonia to Milies. On the track which is only 23 inches the little steam trains runs through the mountain and olive groves, crossing stone bridges and through tunnels with its limited speed of 15 miles/hrs. Do not get disappointed if you have to wait a bit in Milies – spend the time at the local bakery, tasting the delicious breads and cakes.
The legend says that the god of healing, Asklepios, lived in Pelion and were educated in the use of medicine by the Centaur Cheiron, the wisest of all the centaurs. The centaurs were unpredictable creatures; half man and half horse, with a violent temper, but also with healing characteristics. There are lots of myths about the centaurs and their domicile was the peninsula of Pelion…
The healing medicine of our time is called “Tsipouro” – the local liqueur – that you absolutely must enjoy with the local delicacies such as “Spetsofai” (spicy sausage cooked with green Peppers and eggplants), “Fasolada” (bean soup) or “Gida” (cooked sheep).
Pelion offers the best conditions for a perfect holiday – do we have to mention that the 12 gods of Olympus had their summer residence here?!
Accomondation
Hotel Sissy, Kamena Vourla
Lovely hotel located right at the beach in the outskirts of Kamena Vourla.
Reception, restaurant, bar and meeting facilities. All rooms with aircondition, private facilities, TV, telephone and balcony. Private parking.
| | Hotel Antoniadis, Kalambaka
Newly renovated hotel with fine and central location in Kalambaka.
Reception, bar, roof terrace with swimming pool and panoramic view to Meteora. All rooms with air-condition, private facilities, TV, mini-fridge, hairdryer and telephone. Private parking.
| Hotel Despotiko, Portaria
Cosy hotel built in the traditional Pelion-style with reception, breakfast room, bar and lounge. Rooms with air-condition, private facilities, minifridge, safe box, hairdryer and TV. Parking outside the hotel.
| | Hotel-Apartments Karaoulanis, Agios Ioannis
New studios and apartments all with private facilities, TV, mini-fridge, radio, itchenette and balcony. Reception, lounge and large terrace. Breakfast is not included. Parking outside the hotel.
| Hotel Zefiros, Agios Ioannis
Good tourist class hotel with reception, breakfast room, lounge and bar. Simple and nice rooms with private facilities, telephone, TV, mini-fridge and balcony. Parking outside the hotel.
| | Hotel Maro, Agios Ioannis
Cosy small hotel located opposite the beach. Reception, breakfast room, lounge and bar.
All rooms with air-condition, private facilities, TV, mini-fridge and balcony. Parking outside the hotel.
| Hotel Des Roses, Platanias
Only 100 m. from the beach and the little harbour. Very nice hotel with reception, garden with BBQ-area, restaurant and bar. All rooms with private facilities, air-condition, TV, mini-fridge and balcony. Parking outside the hotel.
| | Hotel Leda, Horto
Beautiful hotel 100 m. from the beach. Reception, restaurant, garden with BBQ-area, swimming pool, fitness room and tennis court. All rooms with private facilities, air-condition, TV, telephone, safe box and balcony. Breakfast can be bought on the spot at small supplement.
| Hotel Okeanis, Kalo Nero
2 min. walk from the beach. Reception, garden and parking. Big studios and apartments with private facilities, air-condition, kitchenette, TV and balcony/terrace. Breakfast is not included.
| | Hotel Attica Beach, Mati
Very nice hotel, right on the beach.
Reception, restaurant and swimming pool. Newly renovated rooms with private facilities, air-condition, TV, telephone and balcony. Parking outside the hotel.
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Individual travelling |
| Peloponnese
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Excursions and individuals |
| Argolis
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| Athens
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| Corinth
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| Delphi
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| Meteora
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Contact us |
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Almos Travel Ltd.
99, 3rd September Street, 104 34
Athens, Greece
Tel-1. +30 210 88 125 87
Tel-2. +30 210 88 18 434
Fax. +30 210 88 19 187
e-mail:
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