Pinakates

It’s not a coincidence that Greek director Manousos Manousakis chose Pinakates for filming his popular TV series To Kokkino Potami (The Red River). The plot takes place 100 years ago and the village of Pinakates does look like it lives in another era. Electricity arrived here only 50 years ago and the road connecting Pinakates to Vizitsa opened fairly recently. Luckily for us, as now we can visit four charming villages one after the other: Agios Georgios, Pinakates, Vizitsa, and Milies or the other way around, if you prefer. But no matter how you decide to enter this magnificent quadruple of Pelion villages, in the middle of the trip you will encounter the most authentic part of Pelion, the otherworldly beauty of Pinakates.

When you arrive, the village will suck you in. A steep stairway will lead you to an almost theatrical setting, the most charming plateia (village square) you'll ever see. Needless to say, you will not want to walk any further in the village. Instead, you will start walking around in the square, taking pictures and trying to discover all its secrets: the most impressive fountain in Pelion, the tavern that looks like it jumped out of an old Greek movie, the bakery that used to be also a butcher’s shop and an inn, the view to the house roofs with the Pelion slabs, and Alcmene’s and Sevasti's little shop (Asorti) where you can find a wealth of female aesthetic beauty: woven textiles, embroideries, even traditional Pelion costumes.

You will not want to leave this plateia! Not until it’s time to visit the next village. But it's certain that you will return to Pinakates, next time to stay for a few days in the traditional guesthouse Alatinos perhaps or in Sakali Mansion, if you prefer modern amenities.