Olympic Holidays Adds the Pelion Peninsula Greece to its Portfolio

Olympic Holidays Adds the Pelion Peninsula in Greece to its Travel Portfolio 

Olympic Holidays has added the Pelion peninsula to its portfolio – tucked away in the Pagasetic Gulf in eastern Greece, the destination is characterised by sweeping mountain vistas, enchanting villages and hideaway beaches. Pelion is where the Greeks themselves go for a weekend to unwind and be close to nature. It is Greece as she used to be, as yet untouched by mass tourism and commercialisation and unaffected by foreign influence. The peacefulness and majestic beauty can't fail to enchant and will bestow a sense of calm and tranquillity on all who visit.

Panoramic aerial view to the coast and little fishing village of Katigiorgis, South Pelion (image Shutterstock)

Named after Mount Pelion, which majestically overlooks the peninsula, this locality is all about lush local charm and the splendour of the winding coastline. A relatively untouched part of Greece, this is a region in which to embark on magical forest hikes to discover monasteries and wonderful waterfalls, or meander through chocolate-box villages surrounded by olive groves, such as Makrinitsa and Milies. The Pelion Steam Train is a great way to soak up the scenery while letting the train do the work. During the warmer months, visit the beaches at Agios Ioannis and Mylopotamos – or discover your own secluded stretch of coastline for a swim.

Mylopotamos Beach

The vibe of a Pelion peninsula holiday is about the beauty of nature. For those who want a little urban buzz too, a visit to the small city of Volos is fabulous for a little shopping, waterfront eateries and day trips to tiny neighbouring islands. Elsewhere in the Pelion peninsula, discover seaside tavernas serving authentic cuisine amid a rustic atmosphere, or experience wines in local vineyards, where the vines have been nurtured by the one-of-a-kind mountain climate. And for those who enjoy the quirkier things in life, the Pelion peninsula has a Museum of Worry Beads in Portaria!

image Canva by fotofritz16

For walking or mountain biking holidays, central Pelion, overflowing with natural beauty is the place to go. The hillsides are densely wooded with pine and fir, chestnut and oak among which clear springs burst out from underground - there is an ever-present shush of flowing water. Old mule tracks make useful guide paths among the forests and fruit orchards, and the views from the perilously winding mountain roads down to the coast are spectacular. It is a paradise for nature lovers and ornithologists with many unusual species to spot. In the mountains of central Pelion you will really get a feel of the authentic Greek way of life when you visit some of the hamlets accessible via narrow and twisting mountain roads. It's worth the jangled nerves from negotiating the bends for the arresting panoramic views and the delightful little towns where tavernas serve delicious traditional fare.

Lagoudi Beach in Affisos, a traditional village on the slopes of Mount Pelion, Thessaly (image Shutterstock)

How to Get there…

Fly direct from London Gatwick to Volos (3hrs 30).

Things to do…

Try horseriding from Argalasti for a unique way to explore, jump on the steam train from Ano Lehonia to Milies, cruise the Pagasitikos Gulf on a gullet to remote beaches and Trikeri Island. Enjoy the magnificent sandy beaches on the eastern coastline and the mountain villages of Tsagarada and Milies among many others. Visit the city of Volos with its archaeological museum, shops and atmospheric evening waterfront walks, take a guided walking tour from Agia Kyriaki. Learn to dive in Trikeri, windsurf, sail or kayak to some otherwise unreachable places or take a trip to Meteora and be amazed by its incredible mountain top monasteries.

How to get around…

Buses can be taken between most villages in the Pelion peninsula and the city of Volos but given the more rural nature of the place, hiring a car is preferable and by far the best way to explore and discover the coastline and mountains on your own schedule.

Why Olympic…

Olympic Holidays is ABTA and ATOL protected and they offer free amendments if customers need to change a booking, deposits from just £89 and a full refund guarantee so customers can book with confidence.

Where to stay…

Valis Resort Hotel, Agria

Overlooking the deep blue waters of the Pagasetic Gulf and with the Mountain of Centaurs in the background, Valis Resort Hotel is the perfect choice to explore the stunning villages of The Pelion Peninsula. The Valis Spa promises to help you immerse yourself in a sensual paradise with a combination of Western and Eastern treatments including detox and anti-stress massages, Hydro massage and reflexology. For the little ones, the hotel’s Kids Club offering daily activities to keep the kids entertained whilst you treat yourself to some Spa time. The hotel offers a wide range of gastronomy experiences from the traditional “Tsipouradiko”, a small restaurant serving fish enjoyed with ouzo or raki, or you may prefer to experience some local dishes and delicacies served at the Tavern Restaurant or private dining at the PrimaVista Italian inspired restaurant, without a doubt there is definitely a dining option to suit your needs.

Olympic Holidays www.olympicholidays.com offer 7 nights from £540pp staying on a half board basis, including flights from London Gatwick, travelling May 2022.

Hotel Katia

Hotel Katia is a family run hotel near to the village square of Afissos and a short distance to Lagoudi beach. Hotel Katia offers a great base to explore the local area including Afissos itself, neighbouring villages and Mount Pelion. This family run hotel offers typical Greek charm and hospitality and is one of the reasons that so many regular customers return year after year. The guest rooms are simply decorated and include air conditioning, balcony or terrace and typical Greek breakfast including local delicacies. Hotel Katia is the perfect base to explore The Pelion Peninsula with the warmth and guidance of the owner and his family.

Olympic Holidays www.olympicholidays.com offer 7 nights from £354pp

Leda Village Resort

Located on the edge of the picturesque seaside village of Chorto, the Leda Village Resort offers a unique mixture of apartments and villas by the sea. The Leda Village Resort stretches an area of 30,000m2, cascading down to a sheltered beach with an amphitheatre design set amongst olive trees and lush vegetation, with magnificent views of the Pagasetic Gulf. The guest rooms are hosted in buildings built in traditional Pelion style, decorated with folklore art paintings and stained-glass fanlights, oozing with character. The resort itself offers a wide range of activities including tennis, Basketball, 5 a side football, Pilates and Greek cooking lessons as well as watersports including windsurfing and sailing. Although Chorto is a small village, there are mini markets plus cafés & tavernas by the sea, as near to untouched Greece as you can imagine.

Olympic Holidays www.olympicholidays.com offer 7 nights from £429pp staying on a B&B basis, including flights from London Gatwick, travelling May 2022.

Charoula’s Studios

The charming family run Charoula’s studios located in the picturesque village of Platanias. The property is charming with spacious rooms, decorative gardens and swimming pool with nearest shops and bars within a few steps and only a short distance to the nearest beach. The family only has one aim and that is to ensure you have a great stay and enjoy all that Platanias and the Pelion Peninsula has to offer.

Olympic Holidays www.olympicholidays.com offer 7 nights from £315pp staying on a self-catering basis, including flights from London Gatwick, travelling May 2022.

 

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