Why Pelion?

What is Pelion and why you should visit that destination?

Everyone knows that Greek gods lived on Olympus. But, like true hedonists, Greek gods liked to go on holiday, and for their summer vacations they chose the place considered by many, even today, as one of the most beautiful in the world – Pelion.

Pelion is a mountain peninsula in central Greece in a shape of a hook, extending to the famous islands Skiatos and Skopelos. At the north of the inner side is the port city of Volos, on both sides of the peninsula (eastern and western) there are numerous small towns and beaches, while on the mountain top, just a couple of miles from the heavenly beaches, there is a ski centre. Such unbelievable variety in a rather small territory represents a unique combination of sea, mountain and breathtakingly beautiful pure nature.

In Greek mythology, Mount Pelion (named after the mythical king Peleus, father of Achilles), was the homeland of Chiron the Centaur, tutor of many ancient Greek heroes, such as Jason, Achilles, Theseus and Heracles. It was also in Mount Pelion, near Chiron's cave, that the wedding of Thetis and Peleus took place. Then the goddess Eris, furious for not being invited to the party, brought a golden apple with the inscription “To the Fairest“, causing a dispute between goddesses Hera, Aphrodite and Athena, which later resulted in events leading to the Trojan War.

Although it is quickly gaining popularity in recent years, Pelion is still not a typical tourist destination. However, most travellers who once visit it fall in love with Pelion at first sight. One of the reasons why this place remains a less travelled destination are demanding mountainous roads which are often steep, with a lot of difficult curves. Of course, that is not surprising, considering that Pelion is actually a mountain, descending steeply into the sea. However, the fact that many Pelion lovers are ready to brave those roads again and again clearly proves that Pelion is worth every effort necessary to reach it. The beautiful scenery of this part of the world is worthy of much more exclusive and expensive destinations, such as the picturesque shores of lake Como or the wonderful white and blue beaches of Bali or Maldives.

From the calm and pretty shores of the inner side of Pagasitikos gulf, through mountain villages with century-old stone houses and churches, surrounded with lush greenery, deep forests and numerous streams and waterfalls, great restaurants with fantastic views and excellent local dishes, to the spectacular rocky beaches of the eastern coast, with unbelievably clear azure waters, Pelion abounds in beauty on every corner and every step. You can explore it for years and never get tired of it.  

An eternal dilemma of a Pelion lover is, whether you should tell everybody about Pelion and its charms, or keep it jealously for yourself. In my case, this dilemma does not exist. Pelion has more than enough beauties for everybody. You can also join other Pelion lovers at https://www.facebook.com/PelionLoversClub/