Family Adventure in Pelion, Greece

A Fond Farewell to Pelion

As our Pelion adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible memories we’ve made. Today was all about soaking up the last bits of Greek charm, indulging in local flavors, and cherishing the moments with Maximilian and Clara. It’s bittersweet, as always, to say goodbye to such a beautiful place, but I know we’ll carry the warmth and vibrancy of Pelion in our hearts.

Our final day began with a delightful breakfast at Akti. Nestled by the sea in Agios Ioannis, the restaurant offered stunning views as we savored our meal. The gentle sea breeze and the sound of the waves created a serene atmosphere. I opted for the traditional Greek yogurt with honey and nuts, while Maximilian enjoyed a hearty omelet. Clara, of course, couldn't resist the freshly baked bread with local marmalade. It was the perfect way to start our day, feeling refreshed and ready for our last Pelion adventure.


Experience exquisite Mediterranean dining with stunning sea views at Akti in Agios Ioannis.

After breakfast, we decided to explore the charming village of Manolas. This quaint fishing village is known for its authentic Greek atmosphere and delicious seafood. We strolled through the narrow streets, admiring the traditional architecture and soaking in the local culture. The vibrant colors of the buildings and the friendly faces of the locals made it feel like stepping back in time. Clara was particularly fascinated by the fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbor.


Discover the charm of Ag. Kiriaki with fresh seafood and local flavors at Manolas – a culinary delight by the sea.

As lunchtime approached, we made our way to Pagasitikos Restaurant. This family-run taverna has been serving traditional Greek cuisine since 1934, and it’s clear why it’s a local favorite. The restaurant is located right next to the beach in Kala Nera, offering a beautiful view of the Pagasitic Gulf. We were greeted warmly by Kostas, the owner, who made us feel like part of his family.


Discover authentic Greek flavors at Pagasitikos Restaurant in Kala Nera - a must-visit culinary destination overlooking the stunning Pagasetic Gulf.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

We started our meal with a selection of traditional appetizers, including tzatziki, dolmades, and fried zucchini flowers. For our main courses, Maximilian chose the beef casserole, a local specialty cooked in a traditional clay pot. I decided on the fresh grilled fish, which was perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful. Clara, always a fan of pasta, opted for a simple spaghetti with tomato sauce. The food was absolutely delicious, and the portions were generous. We savored every bite, enjoying the authentic flavors of Pelion.

After lunch, we decided to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. We stopped by Chrysomallos Mini Market, a charming convenience store in Portaria. I was hoping to find some local honey and herbs to bring back to Dresden. The store had a wide variety of local products, from homemade jams to traditional sweets. I picked up a few jars of thyme honey and some dried oregano, while Clara chose a bag of local cookies. It was a great way to support local businesses and bring a taste of Pelion back home with us.


Explore local delights and pick up essentials at Chrysomallos Mini Market in Portaria, your go-to convenience store while discovering Mount Pelion.

As the day drew to a close, we treated ourselves to a final Greek dinner at To Katofli tis Ketis. Located in Katochori, this restaurant is known for its authentic Greek cuisine and stunning views. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We sat on the terrace, enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape as the sun began to set.


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

For dinner, we decided to share a selection of traditional Greek dishes. We ordered the moussaka, the lamb chops, and the Greek salad. Each dish was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were incredible. Clara particularly enjoyed the moussaka, declaring it her favorite Greek dish. As we ate, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip. From exploring the hidden beaches to hiking the scenic trails, we had experienced so much beauty and adventure in Pelion.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through the village, savoring the last moments of our Pelion adventure. The air was filled with the scent of jasmine and the sound of cicadas. We stopped at a local café for a final cup of Greek coffee, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and reflecting on our incredible journey. It was the perfect way to end our trip, feeling grateful for the experiences we had shared and the memories we had created.

As I sit here tonight, writing this blog post, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Pelion has captured our hearts with its stunning beauty, its rich culture, and its warm hospitality. It’s a place that I know we’ll return to someday, to relive the magic and create new memories.

While this marks the end of our Pelion adventure, it's certainly not the end of our travels. As a translator, I am lucky to be able to work remotely, which allows me the freedom to travel and explore new places. I am already thinking about our next family trip, perhaps somewhere closer to home in Germany, or maybe even a return to my beloved Iceland. Wherever we go, I know that we'll continue to embrace new experiences and create lasting memories together.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through Pelion. I hope that our experiences have inspired you to explore this beautiful region and create your own unforgettable memories. Until next time, áfram!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention an interesting tidbit I learned about one of the restaurants we visited today. Manolas Tavern, where we enjoyed some delicious seafood, is run by a former cargo ship captain who traded the high seas for the family taverna. It's stories like these that add so much character to a place and make traveling so rewarding.