Current as of: April 16, 2024 - 04:29
Walking the Pelion Peninsula Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Greece
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: W07GP
Trip Overview
This self-guided walking holiday explores the Pelion Peninsula in mainland Greece.
It is named the ‘Land of the Centaurs’ due to its associations with Greek mythology, with its name coming from King Peleus, father of Achilles. Walk from village to village on old cobbled donkey paths, called kalderimi that were mostly built in the 18th and 19th centuries to connect the villages and transport olives and honey.
Discover the contrasts of the region from the lush green mountainous interior to coastal trails on the Aegean Sea. The flora of the area is characterised by orchards, olive groves and forests of oak, eucalyptus, walnut, chestnut and beech, wildflowers and herb-scented maquis. The mountain villages have whitewashed, half-timbered houses with grey slate roofs. On the coast discover hidden coves, sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages and enjoy stunning views on almost every route.
Starting in Milies with its traditional Pelion architecture you’ll start to get a feel for the region with its old houses, mansions and spring water fountains. Tsagarda is considered one of the most beautiful villages of the Pelion and is known for its 1750 year plane tree that measures 14m in diameter. On the coast at Damouchari you can see old Venetian houses and a Byzantine castle and enjoy an array of tavernas with sea views, the village was also used as a set location in the first Mamma Mia film. Heading back into the mountains enjoy stays in Chania and Portaria and visit the ‘Balcony of the Pelion’ at Makrinista for amazing views out to the Pagasestic Gulf.
At a Glance
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, 3-star and 4-star hotels
- All breakfasts and 5 picnics
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions and maps
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Walking transfers on day 5
Highlights
- Walk in the Pelion region, 'Land of the Centaurs' according to Greek mythology along kalderimia, ancient cobbled trails
- Reach isolated beaches where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea
- Discover traditional mountain and coastal villages; lush vegetation of beech and chestnut forests; herb-scented maquis and olive groves dotted with wildflowers
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 18
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Milies
- End City: Portaria
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Milies
Arrive in the traditional mountain village of Milies.
At Milies
Today follow an old stone path to the village of Kala Nera. Take time to relax at the beach, have a swim and enjoy lunch at a small fish restaurant before hiking back to Milies.
Milies to Tsagarada
Cross the mountains from south west to north east walking on a forest road and old kalderimi (stone paths) through chestnut trees to reach the village of Tsagarada. At the square admire the oldest plane tree in Europe, more than 1750 years old
Tsagarada to Damouchari
Our destination today is Damouchari on the Aegean Sea – following the kalderimi out of Tsagarada head first to the isolated beach of Fakistra where you can enjoy your picnic and a swim in the crystal clear blue water before following a coastal path to Damouchari.
Damouchari to Kissos (Chania)
Continue along the coast to Agios Ioannis and the magnificent white sandy beach Papa Nero. Ascend towards Chania stopping at the village of Kissos from where a transfer will take you the rest of the way to the highest village in the area where you spend the next 2 nights
At Chania
Follow the road up the mountain to the ski centre at 1580m and from there you can enjoy fantastic views of both the Aegean Sea and the Pagasestic Gulf. Continue through the forest of aspen and beech trees in a circular route back to Chania.
Chania to Portaria
Today you will follow the path that was used according to Greek Mythology by the Centaurs, the half-horse, half-human creatures. The path leads us to the village of Portaria. In the afternoon continue to Makrinitsa, another picturesque village of the area with many old mansions, known as the ‘Balcony of Mt. Pelion’, offering amazing views to the Pagasetic Gulf and the city of Volos.
Leave Portaria
After breakfast, leave Portaria.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Walking the Pelion Peninsula
The hotels you’ll be staying in are a range of small, family-run properties and larger properties with more facilities, and you will find a choice of restaurants and tavernas so you can enjoy the local cuisine each evening.
Single supplement from £ 198
Food & Drink
Simple buffet style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch we recommend taking a picnic on most days although there may be options on some days to eat at a taverna. For dinner, in each place you stay there will be a range of different local tavernas and restaurants to choose from where you can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and much more.
Joining Instructions
Transfer Details
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
What To Take
Practical Information
Visa
Greece
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Greece. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/greece
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html
Vaccinations and Health
Greece
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Greece's time zone: Europe/Athens (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Greece's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Greece's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
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Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.