#lafkos

lafkos

With the arrival of winter, the seaside region of Pelion is undoubtedly a popular destination amongst Greeks, for short getaways from the noisy cities.

Although not that well known, the traditional medieval village of Lafkos in Pelion, offers a magnificent mountain view to the Pagesetic Gulf, while enchanting every visitor. The centre of the village is dominated by the central square; which is surrounded by the huge, shady plane trees and the traditional taverns and ouzeri.

lafkos

lafkos

Pelion is a very beautiful lush green mountain in a privileged location in the heart of Greece. It lies on the east of Thessaly, in the prefecture of Magnesia. The mountain forms a curved peninsula into the sea, which creates a gulf, and consequently is surrounded by water; the Pagasetic Gulf on one side and the open Aegean Sea on the other, together blessing it with beautiful and diverse coastline. Another of its charms is its famed architecture, as Mount Pelion has been relatively densely inhabited for centuries. During the Ottoman Occupation, Pelion managed to maintain a local aristocratic society, thanks to its proximity to Volos city. All these elements combined create an idyllic scenery - lush mountain vistas, breathtaking beaches and elaborate traditional architecture. Here are 10 beautiful places in Mount Pelion to visit in autumn.

1. Makrinitsa

One of the most accessible villages of Pelion, Makrinitsa is only a few minutes from the port city of Volos. Like several villages nearby, Makrinitsa offers tremendous views to the city and its harbour, the gulf and even the Sporades islands in the distance. Makrinitsa has maintained its architecture in perfect conditions and has not been affected by the many tourists. When there, do try the local spoon sweets and the herbs. It is recommended to stay in one of the many traditional mansions that have been turned into boutique hotels. Nearby villages just as attractive are Portariá and Vyzitsa.

Photo by dimitrisvetsikas1969/15962 from Pixabay.

2. Miliés

It is one of the most quaint villages of Pelion and the final destination of the century old train ¨Moutzouris¨. Milies has one of the oldest public libraries of Greece and a very unusual church built in 1741. You should go there by taking the small beautiful train from Volos city, have a dessert in singer Tania Tsanaklidou´s coffee shop "Ἀννα να ένα μήλο" and do a 14 km hike that will take you to the villages Pinakates and Vyzitsa and then back.

Photo by Konstantinos Lagos on 500px. 

3. Tsagarada

Tsagarada is possibly the most popular mountainous village of Pelion. It is a large village built in lush scenery and close to stunning beaches like Mylopótamos, Damoúhari and Fakistra, which you should absolutely visit if the weather is mild. You should also see the gigantic 1000 year old plane tree in the square and eat in its restaurants, especially the sophisticated "Dipnosofistis". Tsagarada is also ideal for horse riding and hiking.

Photo by George Girnas GR on 500px.

4. Stayates

Close to Volos yet still mostly unknown to tourists, Stayates offers beautiful architecture and authentic village lifestyle. Stayates has been well known for the quality of its livestock produce, exporting meat inland and abroad. Stayates also has so great springs that people from Volos used to go to this village to fill their pitchers with crystal clear water.

Photo by symeon gaitanidis on 500px.

5. Lafkos

Lafkos is ideal for peaceful vacation. You should enjoy the views to the Pagasetic Gulf under the plane trees of its square, visit the Radio Museum (one of only two in the country) and take your coffee in Forlida´s coffee shop which dates back to 1785. Lafkos is full of centuries old and well preserved two-storey mansions.

Photo by Myrtw Kaiopoulou on 500px. 

6. Tríkeri

Trikeri offers something different. Located on the far edge of the peninsula, it is essentially the cape of Mount Pelion and enjoys a 360 degree view. It is a village with vibrant local character. Few minutes off the cape there is the tiny island of Paleó (old) Tríkeri, with only 20 inhabitants in winter!

Photo by Cosa2244 from Wikimedia Commons.

7. Ágios Lavrentios

Agios Lavrentios is known both as the medieval village (because it was built in the 11th century) and the music village (due to the music festivities taking place there). There you will enjoy a maze-like system of alleys, perfectly preserved humble houses and three-storey mansions alike, the monastery of Saint Laurence dating to 1378 and the absolute absence of cars. Cars are parked outside the village and are forbidden inside. 

Photo by Giannis Rpk on 500px 

8. Kissós

Kissos is built in one of the most verdant and lush regions of Pelion, to which it most likely owes its name [κισσός (kissós) = ivy]. With the village as your starting point, you can explore the beautiful nature of the mountain. The village is also loved for its hearty food and one of the most beautiful churches in the mountain, and a cafe that is often chosen by distinguished artists for small gigs. Rigas Feraios (1757 - 1798), one of the most influential visionaries of the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire, served in this village as a teacher, hence his monument in the stone-made square. 

Photo by Christos Santakas on 500px. 

9. Pinakates

Pinakates is probably the best preserved settlement of Mount Pelion in terms of architecture. The village is so well preserved because until recently it was only accessible via one road which ends in the center of the village. All other roads could only be used on foot or by mule. In 1979 it became a category 1-protected landmark. 

Photo by John Syrigos on 500px. 

10. Chánia

Hánia or Chánia (not to be confused with Chaniá city in Crete) is ideally a winter destination but it is wonderful in autumn as well. It is built in a higher altitude (1200 m)  than any other settlement in the mountain and it is the closest to the ski resort. The village took its name from the many inns operating in the location for centuries. True to its name, there are still many hostels and taverns with traditional hearty food to try. 

Photo by Sonia Tsantila from 500px.   

*For some reason, Wikipedia and other sources list 24 villages for Mount Pelion. I am no authority but I believe this to be false, because I have vacationed in places there that were not included in this list and are pretty touristy even. I don’t know what’s up with that (unless some are considered...suburbs of the villages idk)  but anyway Mount Pelion has 24 and / or more villages, each of them being at its prettiest in a different season. Some more honorable mentions for autumn are: Portaria, Vyzitsa, Zagora, Anakasia, Keramidi, Agios Georgios Nilias, Horto, Ano Lehonia. 

This guide was inspired by these two articles in Greek: 

https://www.news247.gr/sunday-edition/10-mageytikes-staseis-sto-fthinoporino-pilio.9382272.html

lafkos /old cafe V