Pelion, Greece: 10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Makrinitsa Village
    30 minutes (18 km) from Volos

    Begin your trip by visiting Makrinitsa, a charming village located in the Pelion Mountains. Walk around the cobbled streets, enjoy the views, and visit the Museum of Folk Art and History of Pelion.

  • Day 2: Hiking in the Mountains
    1 hour (40 km) from Makrinitsa Village

    Enjoy a family hike in the Pelion mountains. The Petros Trail is an easy hiking trail that takes about two hours to complete. Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains.

  • Day 3: Beach Day at Agios Ioannis
    30 minutes (24 km) from Makrinitsa Village

    Visit the popular Agios Ioannis Beach for a fun day of swimming and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by a few cafes and restaurants, perfect for a light lunch.

  • Day 4: Tsagarada Village and Mylopotamos Beach
    30 minutes (17 km) from Agios Ioannis Beach

    Visit the picturesque village of Tsagarada and then head down to Mylopotamos Beach, a stunning cove with crystal clear waters and white pebbles. The beach is accessible via a staircase and has a few snack bars on-site.

  • Day 5: Visiting the Centaur Chiron’s Cave
    15 minutes (10 km) from Tsagarada Village

    Head to the cave of Chiron, the centaur of Greek mythology, located in the eastern part of the Pelion mountains. It is a stunning cave surrounded by lush trees and vegetation, with a magical aura that will captivate your family.

  • Day 6: Exploring the Town of Volos
    1 hour (35 km) from Chiron’s Cave

    Take a day to explore the charming town of Volos. Visit the Volos Archaeological Museum and the Vrysaki Neighborhood, an area with traditional houses and narrow streets. Have lunch at one of the many seafood taverns located at the harbor.

  • Day 7: Tsipouro Distillery and Koukourava Valley
    1 hour (30 km) from Volos

    Explore the traditional Greek distillery of Tsipouro and learn about the process of making the famous Greek spirit. Afterward, take a stroll through the Koukourava Valley, a beautiful area with a small river and plenty of greenery.

  • Day 8: Trikeri Island
    2 hours (75 km) from Koukourava Valley

    Take a ferry from the small village of Alogopyrgos to Trikeri Island, located on the southern tip of the Pelion peninsula. Enjoy the secluded beaches, the beautiful views, and visit the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary located on the island.

  • Day 9: Horseback riding near Mount Pelion
    30 minutes (20 km) from Volos

    Go horseback riding with your family, located in a small village called Pinakates. The horseback riding experience takes you through the beautiful forests of Mount Pelion.

  • Day 10: Departure
    1 hour (50 km) from Pinakates

    Drive back to the airport in Volos to end your trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Museum of Folk Art and History of Pelion (1-2 hours, €5)
  • Agios Ioannis Beach (Full day, Free)
  • Mylopotamos Beach (Full day, Free)
  • Volos Archaeological Museum (1-2 hours, €5)
  • Koukourava Valley (2 hours, Free)
  • Trikeri Island (Full day, €10)
  • Horseback riding (2 hours, €50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €70 per person

Transportation

It’s highly recommended to rent a car for the duration of your trip, as public transportation can be limiting in certain areas of Pelion. A car can cost around €15-25 per day, depending on the type of vehicle. The total distance of this itinerary is approximately 289 km, and it’s best to allow a full day to travel from one location to the next.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the beautiful beaches on the eastern side of the peninsula, including Damouhari and Fakistra Beach. If you have less time, it’s recommended to skip either the Petros Trail or the Koukourava Valley.

Airports

The nearest airport to Pelion is the Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL), which is located about 30 minutes (32 km) from the city of Volos. It serves domestic and international flights, and the airport code is VOL.

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