East Pelion
The east Pelion is full of tradition, history and beautiful images. It could be said that the whole area of the east Pelion and its villages are worth visiting, but there are particular places that you should not miss to acquaint. If we had to indicate some of them without meaning to underestimate others, we would suggest the following:
Achillopoulios Trade School
Evangelos Achillopoulos along with his brother Sophocles were immigrants in Egypt and major benefactors to their place of origin, i.e. Tsagarada, and not only there. In 1903 the "Achillopoulos School" is founded, aiming at the education of the young people in Tsagarada. Since 1965, the “Urban School” was housed in the same building, founded also by the two benefactors.
The "Trade School" was launched in 1905, providing specialized knowledge to the children of the Municipality of Mouresi and the wider prefecture of Thessaly. In 1926, it becomes public, but without stopping to be financed by its founders. In the same building, the "Achillopoulio High School of Economics" was also founded until the end of the 1960s.
Since the mid-90s began the renovation of the School, which lasted until 2001. Nowadays, it belongs to the Municipality of Mouresi and since 2003 it has been granted to the "Enterprise of Culture, History and Arts" of the Municipality, housing the Secretariat of the Enterprise, the municipal library, the chamber of music, where various cultural events are often organised and they are worth visiting. The operation of an exemplary digital folk art museum is also planned, aiming to reveal the cultural heritage of the area as well as an image of the everyday life of the residents.
Fountain of Agia Paraskevi
A characteristic attraction and cool place during the summer is the beautiful stone arched fountain at the bottom of the square of Agia Paraskevi.
Fountain of Agioi Taxiarches
The marble fountain is next to the imposing plane-tree of the square of Agioi Taxiarches.
Agnanti
Walking in one of the most beautiful paths of Pelion, i.e. from Tsagarada to Damouchari, which is worth mentioning that it is signed and therefore very helpful for the visitor, you will find the so called position "Agnanti" with a magnificent view of the Gulf of Damouchari.
Karavostasia
Secluded and lush bay, with signs of previous human settlement. It is 3km far from the district of Agia Paraskevi and 1.5km far from Damouchari. The remains of a building that you will see, have Byzantine characteristics and it has been supposed that the building was used as a fortress for protection from pirates. It is also known as the "Old Castle of Karavostasia".
Panagia Megalomata
It is worth visiting the church of Panagia Megalomata, located inside a cave full of stalactites, in the North of the Fakistra beach.
Krifo Scholio (lit. Secret school)
After visiting the church of Panagia Mefalomata, search in the same place for the cave where operated, during the Turkish occupation, the Krifo Scholio of Tsagarada.
Monument of three benefactors
On the central road of the village, near the junsction leading to Milopotamos, there are the busts of three of the greatest benefactors of the area. Ioannis Kartalis (1842–1908) who, having created a considerable personal property from his ginning house in Egypt, spent much of it in the struggle for the liberation from the Turks as well as to several charities and donations, such as the foundation of the Trade School in Volos. Sophocles Achillopoulos (1854–1924) who founded, as has been mentioned above, the Trade School in Tsagarada in 1905 as well as the Achilliopoulio Hospital of Volos, having also created his property in Egypt. Nikolaos Nanopoulos (1866–1922) who founded on his own money the Nanopoulio Primary School, which until today houses the Primary School of Tsagarada.
Nanopoulios School
Built in 1909 with a donation from the benefactor Nikoloas Nonopoulos, and initially operated as a High School of Economics. It is located near to the square of Agia Paraskevi. It is a characteristic building of the area, i.e. stone building with a two-storey central section, two side extensions in the ground floor and a wooden roof covered by Pelion paving stones. It is in harmony with the natural environment and in 1985 it was characterized as an artwork. In 1993, its renovation was fulfilled, while today it houses the Primary School of Tsagarada on the floor of its central section. During the summer, concerts as well as artistic and cultural events take place in the schoolyard.
Church of Agia Kyriaki
The church of Agia Kyriaki was built in 1882 and is located in the square of the village of the same name, low down the mountain to Damouchari. You will also admire its beautiful bell tower. The church celebrates with a festival in July 7th.
Church of Agia Paraskevi
The church of Agia Paraskevi was built in 1909 with the donation of Nikolaos Stangos and is located in the beautiful paved square of the district of the same name. The church celebrates with a festival in July 26th.
Church of Agioi Taxiarches
The church of Agioi Taxiarches was built in 1786 and is located in the beautiful paved square of the district of the same name. It is the oldest church in Tsagarada and it is worth admiring its religious paintings and its carved in wood iconostasis in the interior. The church of Agioi Taxiarces celebrates with a festival in June 28th.
Stone bridge of Tsagarada
The old stone arched bridge of Tsagarada was built in 1787 and is located above the stream of Milopotamos, between the villages of Tsagarada and Xourichti. It is 6m. high and its total length is 18m. It is supposed to be the oldest bridge in Pelion. It reveals the folk architecture in all its glory in an incredibly idyllic landscape.
Square of Agia Kyriaki
If you look for a beautiful and quiet walk, then a visit in the square of Agia Kyriaki will reward you. The square is located low down the mountain to Damouchari, which is a location that used to be pulsed with life, since the path crossing it and leading to Damouchari was the main trade road in the old days. Nowadays, the square has been desolated. During your visit there, you will admire, and if you are lucky enough to find it open, you wil light a candle, in the church of Agia Kyriaki with the beautiful bell tower.
Square of Agia Paraskevi
The heart of Tsagarada is here! From the old days, the district of Agia Paraskevi was the central one of Tsagarada, and everyone visiting it will pass by its beautiful paved square, which is full of tables during the summer (as almost every square in Pelion villages). The characteristic giant plane-tree of the area offers a unique cool atmosphere in the summer months. On the occasion of your visit in the square of Agia Paraskevi, you will also see the church, built in 1909 with the donation of Nikolaos Stangos.
For visiting the square, there is a small parking lot in its upper side, where the road ends, but in rush periods you may need to let your car a little far away, in the central road.
Square of Agioi Taxiarches
The district of Taxiarches is located next to Agia Paraskevi, and took its name for the church of Taxiarches built in 1786 and located in the beautiful square of the district. It is worth visiting the square, since it is the oldest church in Tsagarada, and admiring its religious paintings and its carved in wood iconostasis. Here there are also tables outside during the summer, with the taverns ready to serve you.
A big wild chestnut tree, a lime tree and a huge plane tree welcome you in the square and are objects of fun and climbing by the kids. The characteristic marble fountain with four taps cools everyone both in the winter and in the summer. There is not a parking lot. You can leave the car along the edge of the central road and go down the cobbles.
Square of Agios Stefanos
The square of Agios Stefanos is located along the central road crossing Tsagarada and took its name from the church of Agios Stefanos in the square of the district. It is the forst square that you will see, while coming form Zagora or from the new road of the ski resort.
Fakistra beach
A stunning beach secluded beach with magnificent whit sand and crystal water. Fortunately, the road does not reach the beach. Its access is from the district of Agia Kyriaki and there is asphalt road up to a point, in a plateau of the area. From there, a path leads to the beach in 10 min.
The church of Agia Kyriaki
Its carved iconostasis, an exemplar of the woodcarving which enjoyed a great prosperity in Pelion, is a creation of the foreman Komenaki from Epirus, produced between 1742–1744.
The church of Agia Paraskevi
Built on the ruins of an older church.
The "Hellenomuseum"
The school founded by the Patriarch Kallinikos from Zagora. The school is located in a dense forest with chestnut trees and nowadays is known as the "School of Rigas", for there studied the great hero of liberty Rigas Feraios "Velestinlis". In the same school studied the ringleader of the national revolt of Pelion, clergyman and scholar Anthimos Gazis, the clergyman and scholar Grigorios Konstantas and other eminent Greek scholars.
The library of Zagora
With more than 10,000 volumes and 150 manuscripts.
Church of Agia Marina
The triune-aisled basilica of Agia Marina, built in 1650 by craftsmen form Epirus, is located in the beautiful, cobbled square of the village (www.agiamarina-kissos.com). The church is considered to be one of the best and most representative type of religious monuments in Pelion, with its impressive iconostasis on which all animals and plants are curved, presenting possibly the Ark of Noah. It is also worth visiting the little church museum, which is housed in the church.
Open theatre of Xourichti
The open theatre of Xourichti is located in a panoramic position in the village Xourichti, operated for the first time in July 4th, 2009, it has a seating capacity of 1,200 seats and hosts every year festivals, concerts and theatrical performances.
Square of Xourichti
Almost at the entrance of the village and opposite to the petrol station on the central road, there is a road leading to the central picturesque square with the characteristic marble fountain.
Church of the Koimisis of Theotokos
Church of Agios Apostolos
Church og Agios Dimitrios
Limniona beach.
West
In West Pelion there are plenty of sights of particular historic and religious significance as well as of natural beauty. Along with the variety of options of accommodation in every place of the area, you will have the opportunity here to admire imposing churches, beautiful chapels, historic Monasteries, places of natural beauty and other remarkable places. We suggest the following, indicatively:
Portaria
Spring "Mana"
Paved small square, with a rest area surrounded by plane trees and waters. The place is accessible from the square Adamenas.
Waterfall Karavos
A small natural waterfall, located in an area where the visitor may see Portaria from above and have a few hours of relaxation in the nearby café.
Square Adamenas
An ideal place for relaxation and rest, and the starting point of the path to the spring "Mana".
Central Square "Melina Merkouri"
Surrounded by hotels and taverns, and the area where the majority of cultural events take place.
Square Taxiarchon
The visitor may go to the stone chapel and admire the marvelous view to Volos and the Pagasitikos Gulf.
"Athanasakio" kindergarten (one of the first in Greece).
Manor House Zoulia
It operated as a professional school for girls, and today is the local museum.
"Tsopoti" School
The school of the village today.
Theoxeneia
The ruins of the most luxurious hotel of the Balkans during the pre-war period.
Panagia Portarea
A Byzantine chapel of the 11th. century, and the ruins of the old Monastery of the area, from which it is said that it took its name.
Panagitsa – Agios Simeon
A chapel of high archeological significance, recently restored.
Panagia Odigitria
A Nunnery with 40 nuns.
Traditional fountains
Throughout Portaria, the visitor will see many fountains, plain, ornate, vaulted, along the central road as well as the various paths.
Makrinitsa
Square "Brani"
A small square of exceptional natural beauty, close to the parking area of the village.
Central Square
It could be considered as a "balcony" with a view to the Pagasitikos Gulf, and an ideal place of relaxation. It is worth resting for a while under the plane trees, listening to the waters of the fountains.
Monastery of Theotokos
Its is located close to the central square, and constituted the cell of the foundation of Makrinitsa.
Marble Fountain "Athanato Nero" (immortal water)
You can find it at the central square.
Museum of Folk Art and History
The Museum of Folk Art and History is housed in the manor house "Topali" and there you can admire the tradition of Pelion in all its glory. Among the exhibits are: artworks, traditional clothes, tools of the production of tsipouro, traditional furniture.
Tower of Tsotinioti
It is located in the region Koukourava and constitutes an exceptional example of the architecture of Pelion.
The mural of Theofilos in the traditional café at the central square
The mural presents the death of Katsantonis.
Ski Center
It constitutes one of the reference points of Pelion, especially during the winter, when the whole area is often covered with snow. It is located in a dense forest of beech trees, at an altitude of 1471m., i.e. relatively low for a ski resort.
It is 27km far from Volos and just 2km from Chania of Pelion, and its location constitutes the crossing from the West to the East Pelion.
Central
The combination of tradition, nature, culture and history of the central Pelion offers to the visitor countless beautiful images, which worth the dedication of time and exploration. The central Pelion with its beautiful and picturesque villages it provides us with the opportunity to suggest the following:
Milees
The Library of the School of Milees
The library was founded in 1814. The inscription of the School of Milees Library is the "Psychis Akos", meaning the cure of the soul. All the old books of the library were purchased by Anthimos Gazis, Grigorios Konstantas and Daniel Philippides, who were eminent scholars and personalities of the Greek Enlightment. These books were purchased in the framework of the foundation of the School of Milees. The oldest book of the library dates back to 1497.
A few more of the attractions of Milees are the following:
- The Milies Museum
- The central square
- The church of "Pamegiston Taxiarchon"
- The library
- The railway station
- The church of Agios Nikolaos "Neomartiras"
- The grave of Grigorios Konstantas
- The cave of the Centaur Chiron
- The traditional manor houses
- The village’s cobbles.
Vizitsa
The manor houses of the village
The folk architecture of Pelion in all its glory!
The central square
Arriving at the parking of the village and going uphill in the stoned cobbles, you will get the square with the plane-trees, where lies the life of the village. In the square, there is the covered stone fountain "Mousga", which offers constantly ice water to the travellers.
The church of "Zodochos Pigi" (1725)
Opposite to the parking of the village.
Agios Lavrentios
The Monastery of Agios Lavrentios
The road to the main attraction of the area, i.e. the Monastery of Agios Lavrentios, is found just before the entrance of the village. The characteristic purple dome of the beautiful church can be seen from afar. Despite the fact that its walls do not have religious paintings, the carved in wood, gold-plated iconostasis and its icons are truly masterpieces. The nuns will welcome you with great friendliness and will offer you the traditional loukoumaki.
The church of Agios Apostolos "Neos".
The central square of the village.
Agios Georgios
The church of Agios Georgios
In the central square, beside the road, stands the church of Agios Georgios, a newer building of 1980, which replaced the old church destroyed in the earthquake of 1955. Many stone reliefs from the decoration of the old church were incorporated to the exterior walls of the new church.
The central square of the village
In the square, in front of the church, has been built recently, in 1990, the war memorial, a work of the local sculptor Nikolas (Pavlopoulos).
The Museum of the sculptor Nikolas
You can admire the work of the remarkable artist in the manor house on the upper side of the square, where operates the Museum of the sculptor Nikolas since 1992 (open from May to November, tel.: +30 24280 93100).
The Monastery of Taxiarches
If you go to Agios Georgios, it is worth visiting the Monastery of Taxiarches, via the intersection while going down the road to Agios Vlassios. The exact date of the Monastery’s foundation remains unknown (the year 1764 is survived curved on the door of the church, but it is supposed to be even older), while also not known is the creator of its carved in wood, gold-plated iconostasis as well as of the interior religious paintinting. Since 1976, it has been transformed to nunnery.
Agios Vlassios
The church of Agios Vlassios
In the central square of the village stands the church of Agios Vlassios, from which the village has taken its name. The church was built in 1820 by the foreman Dimos Zipaniotis from Epirus.
Pinakates
The neoclassical fountain
The beautiful, from an architectural point of view, neoclassical fountain of the village is situated in its central square. The fountain was built in 1894 as a donation by the local brothers Tsirogianni, migrated in Egypt, and until nowadays cools the visitors with the water from the source "Dokana".
The church of Agios Dimitrios
The local church of Agios Dimitrios, standing at the square of the village, celebrates in August 20th.
South
Argalasti
The church Agioi Apostoli
One of the most characteristic sights of the village is the trikliti (triforium) basilica church of Agioi Apostoli, with its imposing marble bell tower, which is a replica of the bell tower of the church "Agia Fotini" in Smyrna.
The fountain of Agios Ioannis
The so called fountain of Agios Ioannis was built during the Turkish occupation by the Turk Pasha of Magnesia. It is worth listening to the stories about the fountain by the local people.
The fountain "Coueni"
This fountain was built and decorated also during the Turkish occupation. Its name is believed to be taken by the Franks, since the French word "coin" means corner.
The fountain "Chatzi"
The fountain Chatzi is located at the central square of the village. You will find it while walking to the girls school, where the eminent Greek poet Kostas Varnalis taught and was also its director.
The fountain "Miriovriti"
The beautiful fountain Miriovriti is located below the picturesque chapel of Agios Konstantinos, close to Katsilochori. According to the myth, a very beautiful girl was turned to fountain by a spirit that was jealous of her beauty.
The settlement Katsilochori
It is located in the village, almost at its entrance.
The stream "Rodia"
You will find it on the way from Argalasti to Lefokastro.
The bridge "Karydi"
You will find it on the way from Argalasti to Xinovrisi.
The bridge "Ammourtsia"
You will find it on the way from Argalasti to Kalamos.
The place "Vathia Spilia" (deep cave)
The cave is located at the boundaries of the Municipality of Argalasti. According to mythology, the Centaur Chiron was living there.
Paou
The beach Paou
The beautiful beach Paou, which is not visible from the central road, is located in a peaceful area, at the north of Chorto. The beach is accessible from the village Argalasti.
The church Agios Nikolaos
The church, built in 1732, is located in Paou, 2km from Argalasti, with a view to the Pagasitikos Gulf. In the church there are murals dated back to the 18th century.
The fountain of Agios Nikolaos
The fountain is located in Paou, 5km from Argalasti, at the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, from which it took its name.
Syki
The central square
The central square is one of the reference points of Syki as well as the church of Agios Georgios (1939–1940).
The Convent of Timios Prodromos
The Convent of Timios Prodromos (1795), built by Dimos Zipaniotis with funds provided by the armatole of Pelion, Stergios Basdekis, attracts many pilgrims. The crossing that leads to the Convent, is located right before the village's entrance.
Paltsi
Paltsi is a beautiful, and therefore particularly famous beach of South Pelion, with gold sand and rich vegetation surrounding it, which attracts every summer many visitors to enjoy swimming and the peacefulness of the area.
Chorto
The fountain "Giannakou"
The fountain, which is famous for its cool and rich in iron water, was built in 1836 by Konstantinos Giannakos. In the past, its main use was for supplying with water the neighbouring houses as well as for watering the cultivation of the residents.
The fountain "Dialetara"
It is the second oldest fountain of the village Chorto, built during the Turkish occupation. Due to some damages underwent over the years, Konstantinos Kaliviotis undertook the work of its renovation. It took its name from the owner of the area at those times.
The fountain "Kalivioti"
You will see this fountain, while turning right from the village’s bridge to the beach. It was built by Konstantinos Kaliviotis in 1970, and it is considered to be the most beautiful of the village.
The fountain "Nanaki"
The fountain "Nanaki" took its name from the resident of the area Ioannis Nanakis, for the fountain was located in his land. In this way, his aid to the village's residents was significant, for all of them ensured the needed water supplies from this fountain.
Additionally, apart from the local people, the fountain offered water supplies to several Greek hospitals, even in Athens, due to its reputation for the rich content of iron in the water.
The fountain "Spanodimou"
The fountain was built in 1940 by the brothers Spanodimou and Patrosma.
Τhe village Lefokastro
Lefokastro is a beautiful and peaceful, coastal village. It is located 34km from Volos and just 3km from the north of Afissos, and is considered to be an ideal place for rest and relaxation.
Volos and environs
Your visit in Volos and the wider area will reveal the wide variety of sights, monuments, beautiful images and places that arouse the senses. Of course, it could not be otherwise, since Volos is one of the Greek cities with the most significant history, located at the heart of Greece. In this section, you will find many of the city's sights:
Volos
The railway station of Volos
In the first years of liberation from the Turkish occupation, Volos was characterized by a significant development. One of the first works of infrastructure that contributed towards this direction, and offered a sense of modernization in the city, was the railway. Its construction begun in December,1881. The contractor was the Greek banker from Constantinople, Theodoros Mavrigordatos and the supervisor engineer was the Italian Evaristo De Chirico, who was born and raised in Volos, and was the father of the eminent painter Giorgio de Chirico. The railway station of Volos is an excellent building, and fortunately survives until today without damages.
The port of Volos
In the past, the port of Volos was constituted by a few stone jetties and a few buildings that operated as the port’s services. The constant increase of the transportation of goods and people made apparent the necessity of the ports’ reconstruction. So, the first important works of infrastructure started in the port of Volos. Another significant contribution of the port in the financial life of the city concerns the sector of industry.
The road of "Argonauts"
The coastal road of "Argonauts" is one of the most vivid in Volos, since many tourists and local people make their walks there or drink a coffee and tsipouro in the cafés and taverns of the area.
The University of Thessaly
The building that houses the University of Thessaly is an excellent one, located on the coastal pedestrian walkway. It constitutes one of the best regional Universities in Greece, with departments that focus particularly in modern finance and related fields. Some of the University Departments are housed in the old tobacco storerooms of the factory of Papastratos, which is a beautiful listed building on the coastal road of Argonauts.
The church of Agios Konstantinos
In the east of the road of Argonauts is located the park of Agios Konstantinos, which leads to the church of the same name, close to the beach.
The park of Anavros
Keep walking east, and after passing by Xenia, you will enter the park of Anavros. It is a lush green, coastal park with many squares, benches, taverns, sculptures by Greek and foreign artists. Therefore, it is an ideal place for taking a walk, resting and relaxing.
The Archaeological Museum "Athanasakio"
Close to the park of Anavros is located the Archaeological Museum, which is housed in an excellent building of 1909, built especially for the museum, and donated by Alexios Athanasakis. It is worth visiting it in order to admire its carved on a tomb pillars of the 3rd century BC, from the cemetery of Ancient Dimitriada.
The church of Agia Triada
Next to the Archaeological Museum is located the old hospital of Volos, where it is worth visiting the church of Agia Triada with the marvellous murals by the painter Gounaropoulos.
The Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos
The Cathedral is located at the square of the same name at the centre of Volos, next to the Iasonos road, which is the commercial centre of the city. It is a beautiful, Byzantine church, built by the architect Aristotelis Zachos.
The settlement "Palia"
After passing by the bed of .the stream "Krafsidonas", and before arriving in the railway lines, you will find the oldest settlement of Volos, called "Palia". Under a law of 1958, the area was characterized as archaeological, and therefore no block of flats was built there. Many remarkable buildings have been survived in the area, which nowadays are used for various purposes (cultural, recreational, etc.), while other buildings were destroyed by earthquakes or during the wars.
The road "Feron"
In the north of the central road "Sekeri", to the railway lines, is located the road "Feron", which is considered to be the gastronomic, cultural and commercial centre of the city.
The road "Nea Ionia"
The area called "Nea Ionia" will travel you to the charming years of the past. The area was built by refugees from Asia Minor, who arrived there in 1922, after the destruction of Asia Minor. Making a new beginning in their lives, with pride and simplicity, they built their houses in the area, marking it with their particular cultural identity.
The Achilleion
The cinema-theatre "Achilleion" was built in 1925, and is open until today.
The town hall of Volos
It was built in 1970 by Dimitrios Pikionis, and it is a classic example of the traditional architecture of Pelion.
The Museum of Entomology
The Museum of Entomology of Volos is one of the best in the Balkans, with 35,000 species of insects.
The Neolithic settlement of Dimini
The Neolithic settlement of Dimini is located 5km from the city of Volos, at the northwest edges of the modern village of the same name. Additionally, in the southeast of the hill is located the important Mycenaean settlement of Dimini. According to the contemporary approaches, this city is considered to be the ancient Iolcos, which was the homeland of Jason.
Alli Meria
The church of Agios Athanasios
At the beautiful, central square is located the oldest monument of the village Alli Meria, which is the church of Agios Athanasios (18th. century).
Anakasia
The Museum of Theofilos
At the central square, with the characteristic plane tree, you will find the sign for the road that leads to the house of Kontos, i.e. the museum of the folk artist Theofilos. The beautiful manor house of the well-off mill owner Giannis Kontos survived fortunately from the wars and the earthquakes, and therefore the marvellous paintings of Theofilos, which decorate the upper floor since 1912, are still there, waiting for you to admire them.

West Pelion
In West Pelion there are plenty of sights of particular historic and religious significance as well as of natural beauty. Along with the variety of options of accommodation in every place of the area, you will have the opportunity here to admire imposing churches, beautiful chapels, historic Monasteries, places of natural beauty...
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Central Pelion
The combination of tradition, nature, culture and history of the central Pelion offers to the visitor countless beautiful images, which worth the dedication of time and exploration. The central Pelion with its beautiful and picturesque villages it provides us with the opportunity to suggest the following...
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