Mount Pelion is full of popular destinations, some on the mountain others by the sea, that ensure a flow of visitors throughout the year. Some villages however have managed to “escape” mass tourism, thus offering options to those looking for quieter getaways, like for example Agios Georgios Nilias, that is called “Pelion’s retreat”.
Built at a 620 m altitude, just below the peak Shitzouravli, Agios Georgios Nilias is the Pelion village at the highest altitude. However, it’s easily accessible from Volos, that is just a 20-minute drive away (21.7 km).
Where to stay
Just like the rest of Pelion, Agios Georgios Nilias offers quite a few good accommodation options. Among them, the “Vogiatzopoulou Mansion” stands out, a family-run guesthouse housed in a neoclassical building of the beginning of the 20th century, with hardwood floors and a great view of the Pagasetic gulf. Another neoclassical building, of the 19th century this time, houses the guesthouse “Stathopoulos Mansion” with the blooming garden and the spacious balcony that overlooks the sea. Another great option is “Anovolios” that consists of 6 stone houses, with 12 rooms and 3 two-room suites, 9 of which also have a fireplace.
Apart from the guesthouses, there are also whole houses available for rent, if you’re after a more private experience – with the prices rising accordingly. “Pelion Goddess Villas” seems to be particularly popular with couples and offers fully equipped rooms, with a/c and jacuzzi. “Villa Erifili” has a private pool and a balcony with a view of the sea.
Where to eat
“Ouzeri tou Stefani” is a restaurant with hand-cut fries and a small but great menu, based on quality ingredients. Underneath the square’s plane trees you’ll also find “I Platia mas”, that serves traditional Greek cuisine. “Koutouki tis Kira Hrisoulas” is a family-run tavern with a view, offering homemade food (both casserole and grilled dishes).
“Agiorgitiko” serves homemade food but also operates as a café from early in the morning and has a panoramic view of the Pagasetic gulf. In the summer, we recommend café-bar “Rahi” (it’s closed in the winter), where you can also have a coffee with a view, as well as with some quality food.
4 things worth doing if you’re in Agios Georgios Nilias
Despite being so close to Volos, if you’re in Agios Georgios Nilias in the winter and you want to relax keeping away from the crowds, you can enjoy the surrounding areas without visiting the town.
Explore the village
If you walk around the village you’ll see that it’s located among gorgeous nature, with streams, beech, chestnut, apple and pear tree forests. On your stroll, you’ll come across many stone fountains, you’ll have the chance to sit under the century-old plane tree in the main square with the cobbled alleys, and you’ll admire the 19th century neoclassical houses, that are great specimens of the Pelion style (two-storey buildings with sachnisi bay windows). Among them, the mansions of Ioannidis, Derelis and Tzortzis stand out. Just outside the village you can visit the open-air theatre “Aloni” that was constructed in 1995, with a view of the Pagasetic gulf. In the winter it’s closed, but in the summer it hosts plays and concerts.
Visit the Nicolas Museum
Sculptor and engraver Nicolas Pavlopoulos (1909-1990) was from Agios Georgios Nilias and had a prominent career, receiving numerous awards and participating in international exhibitions (e.g., Paris, Florence, Rome).
They started building the museum in 1989, and in his will, Pavlopoulos bequeathed a number of his works as well as a sum so that the museum could be completed. In 1992 the museum first opened, unofficially, and in 1996 it was officially open to the public. Today, it belongs to the government and its collection includes 22 sculptures, 13 wood engravings, 1 etching and 16 medals. Two wooden cases house the sculptor’s drafts, sketches, tools and some of his personal items.
