Family Adventure in Pelion, Greece

Whispers of Nature and Words

Today was a beautiful blend of nature's tranquility and the echoes of a literary giant. Pelion continues to enchant me with its hidden gems, and today, it felt like we were uncovering secrets whispered by the wind and water. It's days like these that make me appreciate the simple joys of travel, the kind that nourishes the soul and creates lasting memories.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Synantisi. The name 'Synantisi' means 'Meeting' in Greek, and it was indeed a delightful meeting of flavors. The restaurant is in Kissos, but we were able to easily drive there. Mrs. Ria, daughter of Kostas Karkalas, prepared the most scrumptious appetizers. I particularly enjoyed the traditional spetzofai, a hearty sausage and pepper stew that warmed me from the inside out. Paired with giant baked beans and homemade tzatziki, it was the perfect start to our day. Lina especially loved the giant baked beans. It reminded me of lazy Sunday breakfasts back in Zahlé, where family gatherings always revolved around delicious food and lively conversation. It was a small family owned tavern and they prepared everything then and there.

After breakfast, we set off to find the Spring of Manas, a hidden oasis near Portaria. The drive itself was stunning, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the lush Pelion landscape. I was so glad that we rented a car for this trip. It has made getting around so much easier. When we arrived, the spring was even more enchanting than I had imagined. The air was filled with the soothing sound of crystal-clear water flowing over rocks, surrounded by vibrant greenery and wildflowers. It was a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll and to simply immerse ourselves in nature. Lina was fascinated by the little wooden bridges along the path, and Jihad and I enjoyed capturing the picturesque views. We even saw some local wildlife, which added to the experience. The kids would have loved to be here.


Discover the serene beauty of Spring of Manas in Portaria, a perfect natural escape with crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

Next on our itinerary was a visit to the Home of Alexandros Papadiamantis. However, there was a slight hiccup in our plans. I had mistakenly assumed that the home of Alexandros Papadiamantis was in Pelion, but it turns out it's actually located on the island of Skiathos. It was a bit of a travel blunder on my part, but we decided to make the most of it. Instead, we spent some time exploring the charming village of Portaria, wandering through its stone-cobbled streets and admiring the traditional architecture. We visited the church of Agios Nikolaos, a beautiful basilica with a tall bell tower and a courtyard covered in hydrangeas. It was a lovely way to experience the local culture and history.

For lunch, we decided to try Tavern Pelion Geuseis Portaria, recommended by several locals. The restaurant had an intimate atmosphere and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We ordered a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes, including lamb cutlets and pork, all cooked to perfection. The food was made from scratch and used fresh ingredients. I really enjoyed the lamb cutlets. It was a delightful culinary experience that gave us a true taste of Pelion. The hostess was very kind and sweet and made us feel right at home.


Experience the heart of Greek cuisine at Tavern Pelion Geuseis in Portaria - where every meal tells a story.

As evening approached, we made our way to Volos for dinner at To Katofli tis Ketis. This cozy, family-owned tavern felt like stepping into someone's home. Ketis, the owner, greeted us with warmth and made us feel like we were visiting our grandma. The food was delicious, with many of the vegetables coming directly from their garden. I highly recommend the giant beans and the mushroom dish – they were to die for! Jihad enjoyed the rooster with pasta, a traditional Greek dish that was full of flavor. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with exploration and discovery. It was delicious Greek food at its best. The village was quaint and beautiful. The restaurant is a must visit place if you are anywhere close.


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

To cap off the night, we decided to check out Alter Ego Rock & Blues Bar in Volos. The bar had a vibrant and cozy atmosphere, decorated with old photographs of blues legends. The music was fantastic, ranging from classic rock to blues, and the cocktail selection was extensive and affordable. We enjoyed sipping on our drinks while listening to the music and soaking in the lively ambiance. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. The bar had a cozy interior adorned with vintage memorabilia, creating a nostalgic vibe that appealed to patrons of all ages.


Experience the electrifying nightlife at Alter Ego Rock & Blues Bar in Volos, where live music meets an extensive drink selection.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Pelion. From the tranquil Spring of Manas to the delicious local cuisine and the vibrant nightlife of Volos, it was a day that touched all the senses. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to ride The Train of Pelion (Ano Lekhonia - Milies) and visit the Pelion Cross of Jesus Observation Point. It promises to be another day of unforgettable experiences.

Tonight, as I write this, I'm reminded of a quote by Alexandros Papadiamantis, whose home we unfortunately missed today. His words capture the essence of what I seek in my travels:

Seek the lasting in the fleeting, the universal in the particular, and the infinite in the finite.

Good night from Pelion. I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you tomorrow.

The rock and blues bar was a nice reminder of our nights out in Toronto.