Family Adventure in the Heart of Pelion, Greece

A Warm Embrace from Pelion

After months of planning and anticipation, we finally arrived in Pelion! Leaving behind the chilly weather of Bielefeld, Germany, we were greeted by the crisp, refreshing air of Greece. I was excited to finally be able to share this experience with Lukas and Nadia. The journey from Athens to Pelion was smooth, and as we drove through the winding roads, the scenery transformed into a landscape of lush greenery and traditional villages. It felt like stepping into a postcard, and I knew right away that this trip would be one for the books.

Our first stop was Portaria, a charming village nestled on the slopes of Mount Pelion. Known as the lady of Pelion, it was the perfect place to start our adventure. The drive up was quite the experience, navigating the narrow roads, but the views were more than worth it. The temperature in December in Pelion ranges from 4°C to 11°C, and even though it's winter, the sun was shining, and the sky was a beautiful azure.

We started our day with breakfast at Mountain Top Cafe - Pelion. The cafe was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. Nadia was immediately drawn to the kid-friendly area, while Lukas and I admired the beautiful scenery. We enjoyed fresh pastries, traditional Greek coffee, and a slice of their famous orange pie (portokalopita). It was the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead.


Discover the perfect blend of breathtaking views and delightful flavors at Mountain Top Cafe in Pelion.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today, our Pelion adventure began with a delicious breakfast and breathtaking views.

After breakfast, we headed to the View Point Portaria. The view was simply breathtaking. From our vantage point high above the village, we could see the Pagasetic Gulf stretching out before us, the city of Volos nestled along the coast, and the surrounding mountains creating a stunning panorama. I made sure to take advantage of the views and capture many pictures to share with my readers. The fresh mountain air was invigorating, and we spent a good hour just soaking it all in. Nadia was excited, pointing out the different landmarks and asking endless questions about the history of the area. It was a perfect moment of connection, surrounded by the beauty of Greece.


Discover the stunning landscapes and serene beauty of the Portaria Viewpoint, a must-visit destination for all tourists exploring Greece.

Next on our list was the Centaurs' Path. According to legend, this path was once roamed by the mythical Centaurs, creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse. The most famous of these was Chiron, known for his wisdom and knowledge of the arts, sciences, and martial arts. As we walked along the path, I couldn't help but imagine these creatures roaming the hills, adding a touch of magic to our hike.


Hike the Centaurs' Path in Volos: Where myth meets nature, offering stunning views and a tranquil escape into Greek legend and lush landscapes.

The Centaurs' Path is a relatively easy hike, perfect for families. The trail is well-marked, and the scenery is simply delightful. Lush trees provided ample shade, and the sound of running water accompanied us throughout the walk. Nadia loved crossing the wooden bridges and spotting small waterfalls along the way. It was a truly immersive experience, connecting us with nature and the rich mythology of Greece.

I couldn't help but think about my childhood in El Fashn, Egypt, where stories of pharaohs and gods were a part of everyday life. Walking the Centaurs' Path felt like a similar experience, connecting us to the ancient past and the power of storytelling. I shared some of these stories with Nadia, who was captivated by the tales of Chiron and the other Centaurs.

After our hike, we were ready for lunch. We chose KRITSA Restaurant in Portaria. The restaurant is located in the basement of the Kritsa Hotel, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. Niki, the owner, greeted us with a smile and made us feel right at home. The restaurant prides itself on using local ingredients and traditional recipes, and we were eager to taste the authentic flavors of Pelion.


Discover authentic Greek flavors at KRITSA Restaurant in Portaria - where tradition meets taste amidst breathtaking mountain views.

We ordered a variety of dishes, including local pies made with handmade phyllo pastry, fresh salads, and grilled meats. The olive oil used in all the dishes was rich and flavorful, and everything tasted incredibly fresh. Nadia especially loved the baked desserts, which were homemade and utterly delicious. Lukas and I enjoyed a glass of local wine, savoring the moment and the flavors of Greece. The service was friendly and efficient, and we left feeling satisfied and content.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by Filokaliashandmadecreations, a local shop selling handmade crafts. I always love to support local artisans, and this shop was filled with beautiful and unique items. I bought a few souvenirs for friends and family back home, as well as a small, hand-painted ornament for our Christmas tree. It will serve as a reminder of our wonderful trip to Pelion.


Discover the charm of Filokalia Handmade Creations in Portaria, where unique handcrafted jewelry meets the essence of Greek artistry.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at To Katofli tis Ketis for dinner. The restaurant had a cozy, traditional feel, and the aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air. We ordered a selection of local specialties, including hearty stews and grilled meats, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The flavors were rich and comforting, perfect for a chilly winter evening. Nadia enjoyed trying new dishes, and Lukas and I savored the authentic taste of Greek cuisine. The warm atmosphere and delicious food made it a perfect end to our first day in Pelion.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at To Katofli tis Ketis in Katochori—where every dish tells a story.

Walking back to our guesthouse under the starlit sky, I felt a sense of gratitude and contentment. Our first day in Pelion had been everything I had hoped for and more. We had explored scenic viewpoints, hiked a mythical trail, and savored the local cuisine. But more importantly, we had connected as a family and created memories that will last a lifetime. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventure, which includes a visit to the Pelion Cross of Jesus Observation Point and a ride on the Train of Pilio. I can't wait to see what other wonders Pelion has in store for us!

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Pelion Cross of Jesus Observation Point for more stunning views and then take a ride on The Train of Pilio (Ano Lekhonia - Milies). We'll also be having breakfast at Synantisi, lunch at Polydroso restaurant, and dinner at O Christos. And if we have time, maybe a quick stop at the Red Nose Bar. Pelion has already captured our hearts, and I know the days ahead will be just as magical.

I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to share my love for travel and culture with my family and my readers. As a cultural mediator, I believe in the power of travel to bridge divides and foster understanding. And as a mother, I want to instill in Nadia a sense of curiosity and a love for exploring the world. Pelion is the perfect place to do just that.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” This quote perfectly encapsulates how I feel about our trip so far. The experiences we've had today, the sights we've seen, and the connections we've made have already enriched our lives in countless ways. And I know that this is just the beginning.

Goodnight from Pelion!