Known as “Pilio” in Greek, Mount Pelion is a mountain located in the southeastern part of Thessaly, Central Greece which is ideal as a family destination.
This hook-like peninsula has mountain peaks and beaches are nestled between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.
The peninsula hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. With crystal-clear waters surrounded by steep green mountainsides, Pelion beaches provide some truly beautiful places to relax.
The most impressive beaches in Pelion are found on the eastern side of the peninsula, including Mylopotamos, Agios Ioannis, Papa Nero, and Horefto.
Mylopotamos is definitely one of the top choices when it comes to Pelion beaches. White sand and small pebbles, imposing rocks dividing the beach into two and pine trees generously offering their shade are characteristic of Mylopotamos. This is a place to relax and enjoy nature’s bliss away from the crowds and the noise.
Papa Nero is a top Pelion family destination with azure waters and modern facilities. This is a beach that allows you to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet while at the same time relishing the sun beds, umbrellas, and beverages on site.
The western side of Pelion contains beaches sheltered from the north wind, so waters are usually quite calm and ideal for families with small children.
Let’s take a look at all that this mountain has to offer for family vacations!
Pelion, mythological legend and family destination
Before we get into the details of the mountain, let’s take a look at the mythological legend that has granted Mount Pelion its name.
According to mythology, Mount Pelion attained its name from the mythical king Peleus, who was Achilles’ father. Legend has it that the mountain is where Thetis and Peleus married and an uninvited guest, the goddess Eris, decided to exact her revenge against the couple for not inviting her to their marriage by bringing a golden apple with the inscription “To the Fairest.”
This led to a growing tension between goddesses Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena and eventually led to events which led to the Trojan war!
Full of nature & vegetation, perfect for families
The natural environment of Mount Pelion is incomparable. The mountain itself is covered by a lush forest with a variety of trees such as beech, oak, maple, and chestnut which line the winding trails. You will even see Platanus tree groves with trees that grow to heights reaching 30–50 meters, or 98–164 feet!
In addition, your family will enjoy various types of apple and plum orchards lacing the mountainous terrain of the peninsula.
The mountain boasts everything from stone path trails to natural coves and sandy beaches along its shorelines below and truly has something for every age to enjoy. You’ll find dirt trails, natural springs, streams and gorges—the perfect places to rent kayaks, go horseback riding, or ride bikes.
Mountain, traditional villages incredible family destinations
Also not to be missed are the mountain’s charming twenty-four villages which retain traditional architecture and construction, displaying beautifully crafted stone buildings carved and constructed from local grey, blue, or green slate and red clay. Of course, this combination of colors and particular details of the mountain make for a stunning mountain for the youngest in the family. These attractions mean Pelion is a top-rated family destination.
There are many villages on the island that perfectly cater to a memorable family vacation.
“Must-see villages to take your kids are Aghia Kyriaki, a fishing village on the southern side, where you can swim and have a delicious seafood meal or lobster pasta, crispy whitebait and other fresh delights at tavernas To Mouragio or O Manolas,” the website claims, as it promotes Mount Pelion as a top family vacation spot based on the attractive mountain that provides quality spaces to enjoy with kids and relatives.
Another memorable activity for families is to take the “Moutzouris” steam train from Ano Lechonia with Milies as the final destination. The trip is approximately 90 minutes long in total and stops at various villages along the way.