It may be a mountain, but it has its toes in the Aegean. In Pelion, the mountain of the Centaurs, the second mountain of the gods in the country, after Olympus, nothing has been created by chance.
Plaka
Stunning Plaka, one of the most impressive beaches in Greece, is a five-minute walk from the beach of Agios Ioannis. The easiest way to get there is to walk on a path. A huge rock appears to have been placed there just to separate the two beaches. Turquoise crystal-clear waters, verdant mountains with plane trees that almost reach the sea, and a wild, “divine” beauty.
Very small, almost rice-like, pebbles, in shades of white and gray give a strange shade to the sea, in some spots light blue, in others almost white with a strong energy. If it’s calm it will calm you. Swimming in a paradise with exotic waters. If there’s a north wind blowing – even in the middle of the summer – the waves grow huge as if it’s the ocean.
You need to be careful and respect the sea then, because it becomes dangerous and deepens abruptly. If you want to take your car to Plaka, follow the signs to Eden Hotel, on the road that connects Agios Ioannis and Plaka. You can park at the hotel’s private parking for a small fee. The hotel also offers umbrellas and sunbeds on one side of the beach, and you can enjoy a coffee, a snack, or a cocktail. Right next to Plaka there’s another exotic, naturally protected, bay with a few rocks spread on it.
Milopotamos
Μilopotamos is a famous beach of “mythical” Pelion, on the side of the Aegean, very close to the village of Tsagarada with the panoramic views. You get here by car, after about 7kms of a road full of turns, and then you need to climb down some steps. It’s one of the most-photographed beaches with a stunning setting, with green-blue waters, golden sand and a few spots with small white pebbles. Thebigrockthat “cuts” the beach in two creates an exotic vibe and the scenery is breath-taking. On one side of the beach there is an all-day beach bar serving refreshments, coffee and snacks. Stand in the hole of the rock to catch a breath in its shade, protected from the wind, or cross to the more secluded beach for more privacy. The golden sand meets the clear turquoise waters and the lush green of the mountain, while the creek of Milopotamos meets the sea nearby. If you follow the creek to Tsagarada you’ll come across the village’s legendary bridge.
Papa Nero
Theamazing golden sandbeach, beneath the picturesque village of Mouresi, next to Agios Ioannis, with the strange name (in Greek it means Priest Water) offers umbrellas and sunbeds and is easily accessible. The clean, endless sandy beach with the golden sand, the light blue Aegean waters and the wild vegetation that surrounds it create an exotic appearance. There are many accommodation choices by the sea, as well as all-day cafés and restaurants, and it is the perfect choice for a holiday. There are various spots with umbrellas and sunbeds and there is also a lifeguard on the beach.
Chorefto
On Eastern Pelion you will find Chorefto, avast, impressive, busy, sandy beach surrounded by lush vegetation that reaches the blue clear waters. A big part of part of the beach is taken up by the umbrellas and sunbeds, but there’s plenty of space for people with their own provisions to sit. It’s easily accessible by car, around 7.5 km from Zagora, and it has many taverns, cafeterias and bars that are open all day. Chorefto used to be a renowned port. The celebrated “ships from Zagora” embarked here for the great European and Eastern markets. If you have a boat it’s worth visiting the sea-caves in the area of PaliaMintzela, where Xerxes’ fleet was destroyed (480 BC).
Agioi Saranda
This beach is a bit further down the road from Chorefto, that is beneath the villages Makrirachi and Zagora, around 3kms of narrow downhill road. Agioi Saranda is a vast, magical, stunning beach with golden sand and strange rock formations. Vastness and bright blue waters. The ideal beach to relax in the sun or swim in the crystal-clear waters. If you like diving, the impressive “Kalogeros” rock is there to jump off – if you dare go so high. There are various food options, ranging from little taverns to have a tsipouro (traditional pomace raki) with a mezze to places for burger and pizza. The beach bars offer umbrellas and sunbeds while there are small guesthouses and studios where you can stay.
Potistika
Potistika is an impressive beach on Southeast Pelion near the village Xinovrisi, in Argalasti. A golden, 1-kilometre-long beach with fine pebble and huge rocks in the sea. The green surroundings combined with the crystal waters offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The sea deepens abruptly and when it’s windy the waves are huge and imposing. Always follow the lifeguard’s orders.
Togethereyou need to follow the road from Volos to Argalasti, and then look for the signs to Xinovrisi. A sign will lead you to the beach. There are two bar-restaurants in the area, two of the best in Pelio, and three taverns.
Tzasteni
The part of South Pelio that faces the Pagasetic Gulf remains an area covered in farmland, mainly endless olive orchards. On the road from Milina to Trikeri, just after Marathias, you’ll find the beach Tzasteni, a dreamy beach between two small bays. There is no sign for it, so you’ll need to ask the locals to find this hidden beach that is worth exploring. Or you may see some cars or motorcycles parked on the side of the street. A green path leads to this small beach that is sweet, picturesque and very photogenic.
Marathias
The momentyou see, in the Pagasetic gulf, the little island of Prasouda, a small distance from Milina, you will find Marathias. It’s a charming, narrow beach in South Pelion with fine pebbles and olive trees almost on the beach, offering their cool shade. Marathiasisnotatouristic beach, but it is ideal for people who want to enjoy the area’s calm and have a coffee or a tsipouro with mezze in the surrounding taverns. In the past years it’s becoming popular with windsurfers.
Fakistra
Beneath Tsagarada and next to Milopotamos, you’ll find this small beach of wild beauty, with the green-blue waters and the imposing steep rocks. The path that leads to it is challenging and it takes at least ten minutes – and another ten to get back up, of course – but the beach is reward enough. Like all the beaches we’ve mentioned, it’s exotic and the water takes on every shade of blue and green, the wildness of the surroundings creates a unique vibe, and you’ll feel like you’re on a deserted island as there is nothing on this beach and you must bring any provision you’ll need, be it an umbrella, water, towels etc.
