Fakistra Pelio. Crédit: AntyHoc – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0Known as “Pilio” in Greek, Mount Pelion is a mountain located in the southeastern part of Thessaly, Central Greece ideal as a family destination.
This hook-like peninsula has mountain peaks and beaches are nestled between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.
The peninsula hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. With crystal water and surrounded by steep green mountainsides, Pelion beaches provide some truly beautiful places to relax.
The most impressive beaches in Pelion are found on the eastern side of the peninsula, including Mylopotamos, Agios Ioannis, Papa Nero, and Horefto.
Mylopotamos is definitely one of the top choices, when it comes to Pelion beaches. White sand and small pebbles, imposing rocks dividing the beach into two parts and pine trees, offering their shade generously. This is a place to relax and enjoy nature’s bliss, away from the crowds and the noise.
Credit: Giannismits, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license
Papa Nero is a top Pelion family destination with azure waters and modern facilities. This is a beach that allows you to relax, enjoying the peace and quiet while at the same time relishing the sun beds and umbrellas, the coffee and drinks on site.
The western side of Pelion has beaches sheltered from the north wind so the seas are usually very calm and perfect for families with small children.
Let’s take a look at all that this mountain has to offer for the perfect destination for family vacation!
Pelion. Public DomainPelion, Mythological Legend and Family Destination
Before we get into the details about the mountain, first let’s look at the mythological legend that gives Mount Pelion its name.
According to mythology, Mount Pelion gets its name from the mythical king Peleus, who was Achilles’ father. Legend has it that the mountain is where Thetis and Peleus got married and an uninvited guest, goddess Eris, decided to exact her revenge against the couple for not inviting her to their marriage by bringing a golden apple with the inscription “To the Fairest.”
This led to a growing tension between goddesses Hera, Aphrodite and Athena and eventually led to events which caused the Trojan war!
Full of Nature & Vegetation, perfect for Families
Pelion Vegetation. Crédit: User1111neoklis, Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0The nature on Mount Pelion is like no other. The mountain itself is a lush forest with a variety of trees such as beech, oak, maple and chestnut which line the winding trails. you will even see Platanus tree groves with trees that grow to heights reaching 30–50 meters, or 98–164 feet!
Also your family will enjoy the different types of apple and plum orchards lacing the mountainous terrain of the peninsula.
The mountain boasts everything from stone path trails to natural coves and sandy beaches along its shorelines below and truly has something for every age to enjoy. You’ll find dirt trails, natural springs, streams and gorges — the perfect places to rent kayaks, go horseback riding or ride bikes.
Damouchari Pelion. Crédit: Eleni Alexiou – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0Mountain, Traditional Villages unmissable for a Family Destination
Also not to be missed are the mountain’s charming twenty-four villages which retain traditional architecture and construction, displaying beautifully crafted stone buildings carved and made from local grey, blue, or green slate and red clay, of course this combination of colors, and particular details of the mountain made the mountain stunning for the youngest, all this atractions make Pelion a top preferred family destination
There are many villages on the island that perfectly cater to a memorable family vacation.
“Must-see villages to take your kids are Aghia Kyriaki, a fishing village on the southern side, where you can swim and have a delicious seafood meal or lobster pasta, crispy whitebait and other fresh delights at tavernas To Mouragio or O Manolas,” the website said as it promoted Mount Pelion as a top family vacation destination, based on all the attractive mountain that provides quality spaces to enjoy with your kids and relatives.
Pelion Railway. Crédit: ©2008 K. Krallis, SV1XV – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0Also, a great way to pass the time with your family is to take the “Moutzouris” steam train. It starts at Ano Lechonia and travels to Milies — the trip is around 90 minutes in total and it stops at various villages along the way.