Pelion
In common with many Greek words there seem to be at least four
ways of spelling Pelion, the mountain range that extends from
Volos into the Aegean sea. Whether you choose Peli, Pilio, Pilion
or Pelion the area should be called the peninsula of pleasure.
The Greek people choose it for their own holidays and they pour in
from the cities in July, August, Easter and Christmas and for
longish weekends throughout the year.
The lush peninsula has everything the Grecophile craves: superb
beaches and swimming spots, orchards, forests, ravines, valleys,
flowers, birds, nature trails, rivers and aqueducts. Winter sees
enough snow to keep a ski resort in business.
Some of the villages have even been earmarked by the government as
cultural showcases which are not to be altered as the great tide
of tourism sweeps ever onward. Chief among them is Makrinitsa,
which is known as the “balcony of Pelion”. Clinging to the steep
slopes of the mountainside, it has traditional houses and mansions
surrounding a large square shaded by giant plane trees. With six
remarkable fresco-filled churches, a monastery and a ruined castle
it is an awesome place even when filled with day-trippers.
Ornithologists are advised to bring binoculars as there is a
wealth of wild birds to enjoy. With over 200 varieties including
egrets, owls, bitterns, white storks, buzzards, kingfishers,
magpies, and swallows, it offers a rare opportunity for
birdwatching.
Local food dishes include an excellent white bean soup,
cheese-bread (tiropsomo), cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat
(lahanontolmades), pies with meat and vegetables, spicy sausages
and meat (spetsofai), rabbit stew and goat stew with lemon sauce.
Evening entertainment is mainly found in the scattered tavernas
and village squares. Look out for festival days in July and
August.
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