Walking in the Pelion Region

Hi all,

Just wondered if anyone has any experience of walking in the Pelion Region of Greece (the peninsula South-East-ish of the town of Volos).

I am going there soon and would like to know if you can recommend any guides.

The map that is recommended by the Guardian's travel website is a 1:50,000 Pilion 'road editions' map; but I think it has some sections at 1:25,000. Is there anything better available?

All advice one this is appreciated.

Many thanks,

vinegartom

The map you refer to includes a fairly comprehensive guide to hiking trails in the area. I use it myself.

Tsangarada-Damouchari is a downward hike [pretty easy hiking] - with breathtaking views. There is an organized hike path for this -
for the return, there isn't any public transport, you have to return by yourself, uphill...

Also, a nice hike from the Milies old train station [steam train], across the bridge, and around the mountains is very picturesque.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Also, a nice hike from the Milies old train station [steam train], across the bridge, and around the mountains is very picturesque. <hr></blockquote>Indeed - and not at all strenuous.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>you have to return by yourself, uphill...<hr></blockquote>

#2: I've done Ag Ioannis > Damouchari > Tsangarada (and the return journey) in one day with my wife. She didn't speak to me for two days afterwards...

You make that sound like a bad thing..........

#5: You're right, should have route marched her to Tsangarada on the first day of the holiday and had a fortnight's peace... Mmmm

Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice on walks.

The place I will be staying - or what I have been given - is "Portarian, Magnisias".

Does this ring a bell with anyone? Any good walks that start from here or near here?

Is it easy enough to make your own up with that 1:50,000 map?

Thanks!
vinegartom

Just seen this so I'm probably replying too late (only got back from Pelion a few days ago myself). Portaria is very close to Makrinitsa, visible above Volos on the mountain as you approach Volos by road. I don't know about walks round there but generally in the Pelion there are a lot of marked trails. The map you have had recommended is, I believe, the best one available and it is not entirely accurate but I am sure you will find plenty of walks by yourself. I am based at Agios Georgios Nilias (near Pinakates on the Gulf side) which is a mecca for walkers at weekends and has several well marked trails, the most popular being over the mountain to Tsangarada. Last week the weather was warm and sunny and I saw a black woodpecker (from my garden!) and a nightjar as well as the usual range of buzzards etc. Hope you have a lovely time.

Hi Nicolapicola
I've posted a private message to you .....
RR.

Pilion was one of the first areas severely hit by the devastating bush fires of last August !
I have read that about 80 % of the whole Pilion peninsula was burned down - so check out whether you will still be able to enjoy the reportedly beauty of the area, it was on my programme for next summer, but I'm now in doubt...

The affected area

This is according to Google maps although I had heard that there was also fire damage on the gulf side of the peninsuls reaching the sea near Lefokastro. I dare say Nicolapicola will know.

Don't get time to get on this forum too often! The Pelion was only affected by the fires in a sort of belt across the middle halfway down and it is recovering, I think. The main walking mountainous areas are unaffected.

I've visited the Pelion in September and of course I've crossed the burned zone : not so big ( my tourist point of view ) ... but huge , of course ( for those who live here ) .
I've found this region very nice and beautiful .
RR.