Back in Easter, we spent 2 days in Pelion. This gorgeous region in Central Greece, combines pristine beaches and breathtaking mountain landscapes. That makes it a perfect summer destination. For me though, Pelion is beautiful all year round. I have visited the area many times in the past. I usually stayed in Volos or Portaria. This time, though, we chose to stay Milies. In hindsight it was the perfect location for a family vacation.  Now let’s see what we did during our stay in Pelion. I’m also going to share tips for toddlers in the villages that we visited.

Explore the villages of Pelion

Milies is a picturesque village in South Pelion. It has a gorgeous view over Pagasitic Gulf. It’s also the terminal station of the Pelion railway aka Moutzouris. The railway line used to connect Volos and Milies. Its construction began in 1892 and the whole line was completed in 1903. Evaristo de Chirico supervised the construction of the railway network. He was the father of the famous painter Giorgio de Chirico. You can find more information about the railway line here. 

I have never ridden the train, but I like to walk along the railway line. I usually walk from the station of Milies up to the De Chirico bridge. From the railway station, you can walk up a stone path to the village square.  

Tip for toddlers: On the square, there is a nice playground. The walk along the railway line is ideal for toddlers as well. The path from the station to the central square not so much.

A few kilometers west of Milies, you will come across Vyzitsa. The village’s traditional buildings are a typical example of Pelion architecture. We walked along the stone paths and explored the village. On the main street, there is the church of Zoodochos Pigi which dates from the 18th century. Unfortunately, it was closed at the time we visited.

I’ve visited Pelion many times, but this was my first one in Tsagarada. Tsagarada is located in the east part of the mountain facing the Aegean Sea. It is a long village divided into different neighborhoods. If you follow the Google Maps directions you’re going to find yourself in Aghia Paraskevi square. There,  next to the church, is a 1000-year-old plane tree. The square is very picturesque and you can walk around the village.

Tip for toddlers: On the square, there is a nice playground. There is also ample space to walk and run around the church.

Makrinitsa is one of the most popular villages on the mountain. It’s easy to reach from Volos and has a gorgeous view of the city and Pagasitic Gulf. The most popular part of the village is the main square with said view. From there you can follow the stone paths to walk around the village. We walked up to the church of Assumption of the Virgin. 

Tip for toddlers: This village has steep paths and is difficult to walk with a toddler. I also didn’t spot any playground near the main square.

Taste the Flavors of Pelion: Where to eat

Now let’s talk about food. In the mornings we had a very filling breakfast in our hotel. Then we had a late lunch and barely any dinner. So I have only two restaurant suggestions for you. But they are good ones!

Salkimi, Milies

Salkimi is the Asia Minor word for wisteria. This part of Pelion had so many wisterias which were in full bloom. So the name makes sense! 

We had a couple of people recommend this restaurant to us. It was worth it. We tried the wild boar burgers, soutzoukakia, and a dish with mushrooms and melted cheese. Everything was delicious!

The staff was very friendly and provided us with a booster seat for our daughter. 

Practical information: Salkimi is located on the main road in Milies near the church.

Aleka’s, Tsagarada

When we arrived in Tsgarada we spotted this cozy hotel and restaurant. It is very cozy inside and has a garden as well. I particularly liked the Talagani cheese and the salad. As main we had rooster with pasta which our daughter enjoyed as well.

The staff was very friendly and provided us with a booster seat for our daughter.

Practical information: Aleka’s restaurant is located in Agia Paraskevi Tsagarada. You can find more information on their website. 

Where to stay

Each village in Pelion offers many accommodation options. Many of the old houses are turned into hotels nowadays as well. We stayed in Palios Stathmos (which means Old Station) in Milies. The hotel, as the name gives away, is near the old train station. There is street parking at the station and next to the hotel is a path that leads to the village square. The room was very spacious and ideal for families. We also liked the delicious breakfast!

If you choose to stay closer to Volos then Portaria has a lot of options. Portaria Hotel and Xenia Palace Portaria are two that come to mind. For a larger group or a family that wants a vacation home then do check out A Dream Deferred holiday villa in Kissos.