Pelion

Printing (420 to 410 B.C.) on a Greek cup; courtecy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Pierce Fund and Pelion map.

The Centaursin Greek mythology, were part human and part horse. In one myth, pictured here, a centaur attempted to attack Dearina, the wife of Hercules. But Hercules rescued her. Pelion, land of the legendary Centaurs, the site chosen by the ancient gods for their weddings nd celebrations, rises in lush magnificence to the northeast of Volos. It was here that the centaur Chiron, the wise teacher of demigods and heroes, gave his pupils daily instruction in the proper care of body and soul. Here, too, the first beauty contest took place between Thetis and Eris. ``Many leaved'' Pelion was an inspiration to Homer, Pindar and Euripides but also to the more modern popular muse who sung of the unquenchable desire of the Greek people for freedom. The highest peaks of Pelion (Pliasidi, 1.548 m.,Pourianos Stavros, 1.610 m.) are in the northern part of the range. Its inaccessible eastern flank, with the Aegean stretching out into the distance like a vast mirror, comes to an abrupt end in the sea, creating wildly beautiful rocky shores. Conversely, the tranquil, calm coast of the western flank on the Pagasitic gulf is much easier to reach and encourages shipping activity. Pelion's picturesque villages, sometimes clinging to wooded slopes or perched on steep bluffs, sometimes hidden away in verdant ravines, are so much a part of the scenery that, seen form distance they create the impression of having ``sprouted up'' along with trees. The distinctive traditional architecture of the old houses with the narrow windows and decorated walls, stone stairways and roofs of grey or green slate; the Byzantine churches with wonderful wall paintings and icon screens; the winding cobbled paths, sculpted fountain, courtyards redolent of basil and gardenia; squares paved with huge flag stones where the cheerful bubbling of a little brook is never absent - are all typical features of a Pelion village.

Northeast Pelion

Climbing northeast of Volos, the road bisects the charming suburb of Ano Volos (5 km.), with the sleep hill of Episkopi demarcating its eastern side. At the nearby villages of Anakasia and Alli Meria, where there are some wall paintings by Theophilos, it is worth stopping to admire the panoramic view of the Pagasitic gulf and the plain of Thessaly while seated in one of the district's picturesque restaurants.

Along the Pagasitic Gulf

The road southeast of Volos leads to Agria (8 km. from Volos), a coastal suburb with an extensive beach in a fertile district filled with olive groves and orchards. Here you will find a number of hotels and restaurants. The chapel of the Virgin of Coritsa and the icon screen with carved and painted scenes from everyday life in the chapel of the Holy Cross are sure to leave an impression.

From Agria a secondary road rises 12 km to Drakia (17.5 km from Volos, alt. 500 m.) a village characterized by lush vegetation, running streams, well-made alleyways and marvellous popular ``tower houses''. The Triantaphyllou mansion, decorated with 18th century wall paintings, carved doorways and molded ceilings is considered among the best of its kind. The main square, thought by historians to be the oldest in Pelion, hosts a folk festival on the 23rd of August, complete with traditional costumes and music.

After Agria the main road passes by Kato and Ano Lehonia, where most of Pelion's cultivated flowers are grown and sold. The air is scented with the blossoms of gardenias, heartiness camellias and tuberoses.

Platanidia, the port of Ano Lehonia, 13 km. from Volos is a good place for fresh fish.

Continuing south the main road proceeds towards the long beach of Malaki before arriving at Kato Gatzea (17 km.), a village blessed with protected beaches and surrounded by a vast olive grove.

Next comes Kala Nera (20 km. from Volos), another seaside village with a beach, leafy plane trees, orchards and abundant water.