5+1 Things To AVOID In Pelion

1. Don’t rely on ATMs. The closest ATM may be an hour drive away and certainly it will not be close to most of the beaches in southeastern Pelion. The villages of Agria, Portaria, Tsagkarada and Zagora have ATMs but during busy weekends and holidays they often run out of cash. Credit and debit cards can be used alternatively almost everywhere.     

2. Pelion is endowed with beautiful coastlines and long beaches stretching for hundreds of meters. On the weekends, don’t choose a small beach like Fakistra or Mylopotamos for your swim. You will be so cramped! Xinovrisi, Agioi Saranta, Agios Ioannis, Horefto are only a few other choices where space won’t be a problem.

3. If you visit Makrinitsa on a busy day (i.e. weekend, holiday or a day with a cruise ship at the port), do not try to drive all the way up to main parking lot of the village. It will be full and you will simply have to turn around – a difficult task. Park your car farther out and enjoy the walk.

4. Do not leave Volos to go for swimming around noon. The line of cars will be very long especially on the weekends. Similarly, do not leave the beach and start heading to the city between 8-9 PM. Same problem!

5. On a windy day (especially in late August) it’s better to go for swimming in the Pagasitikos Bay. Avoid the beaches of northeastern Pelion as they can get extremely wavy sometimes to the point you might even not be able to get into the water.

6. Don’t drive like you are in a Formula 1 race! In the narrow, windy roads of Pelion you will encounter villagers, sheep and donkeys walking in the middle of the road! Slow down and enjoy your time on our beautiful mountain!