Pelion: A 360° Guide to Adventure Where the Mountain Meets the Sea | Aeolos
Why choose between a mountain retreat and a beach holiday when you can have both? Pelion, the mythical home of the Centaurs, is one of the few places in Greece where you can hike through ancient chestnut forests in the morning and swim in emerald Aegean waters by the afternoon.
As we prepare to open our doors this May, we’ve curated the ultimate activity guide for those who want to experience the authentic side of Eastern Pelion.
Activity Summary: What to do in Pelion
| Activity Type | Best Location | Highlight | Insider Tip |
| Hiking | Zagora Path | Ancient Kalderimia | Follow the shaded path from Chorefto to Zagora (60 mins). |
| Culture | Zagora Library | 18th-century manuscripts | Visit the "School of Rigas Feraios" nearby. |
| Sea Adventure | Poseidon’s Caves | Sea Caves & Seclusion | Rent a boat from Chorefto to reach the caves of Venetos. |
| Gastronomy | Volos Seafront | Tsipouro & Meze | Order "meze" and let the waiter choose the dishes. |
1. Hiking the Paths of the Centaurs
Pelion is covered in a network of kalderimia (stone-paved paths) that connected the villages for centuries before roads existed.
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The Experience: Starting from Chorefto, you can hike up to Zagora. The path is shaded by plane trees and runs alongside running water.
2. Deep Dive into History: Zagora
Just 15 minutes from Aeolos Hotel & Villas, Zagora is the historic heart of the region.
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The Library: Founded in 1762, the Public Library of Zagora holds thousands of rare books. It’s a testament to the region’s intellectual history.
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Local Insight: Combine your visit with a stop at the School of Rigas Feraios (the "Hidden School"), where one of the most important figures of the Greek Enlightenment studied.
3. Sea Explorations: Beyond the Beach
While Chorefto Beach is 2.5km of sandy perfection right at our doorstep, the real secret lies in the sea caves.
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The Sea Caves of Poseidon: Located towards the north, these dramatic caves are accessible only by boat. The water inside glows with an intense sapphire light.
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Activity: We recommend our guests rent a small motorboat or join a guided sea tour to discover hidden coves that don`t even appear on standard maps.
4. The Ritual of Tsipouro in Volos
You cannot visit Pelion without experiencing the gateway city of Volos.
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The Tradition: The tsipouradika are world-famous. You order a small bottle of tsipouro, and it comes with a surprise seafood "meze" (appetizer).
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Local Tip: Don`t order food from the menu! The tradition is that the mezedes get more sophisticated with every round of tsipouro you order.