Mountain or sea? If you are one of those who can’t choose between the two and want a getaway that offers the ultimate combination, then Pelion is the ideal destination for you. Mount Pelion is considered to be a paradise on earth for nature lovers, naturalists, archaeologists, and historians. According to Greek mythology, the legendary mountain was the summer residence of the Olympian Gods and the land of the Centaurs.
The villages of Pelion rival each other in natural beauty and it is difficult to single one out. However, Tsagarada village, on the eastern side of Pelion, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. It is quite popular as a travel destination, offering plenty of options for both mountain lovers and sea lovers.
Tsagarada Pelion: Between the forest and the sea
At a distance of 50km from Volos, in eastern Pelion, where the mountain meets the sea, lies Tsagarada, a picturesque village drowned in greenery. Those who love to get lost in nature will find their paradise there. Impressive old plane trees, running water, cobbled streets and traditional houses, sparsely built in the rich natural environment, create the ideal setting for relaxation. Built amphitheatrically on the verdant hillside, Tsagarada offers a unique view of the Aegean Sea, which is a few kilometers away. In spring, the damsons and apple trees are in full bloom, and the flowers will leave you with the sweetest of smells.
The village consists of four settlements named after the churches which are located in their beautiful squares. The oldest one is that of Taxiarches, followed by Agia Paraskevi, next to which there is a sycamore tree (more than 1,000 years old), then Agios Stefanos settlement, and the last one that of Agia Kyriaki, which stretches to the southernmost point. Among the attractions of the village, visitors can see the Nanopoulios School and the Achillopouleios School, historical buildings which are representative examples of the local neoclassical architecture.
Hiking and swimming
Tsagarada, like the whole area of eastern Pelion, is an ideal destination for hiking routes among cobblestones and paths that lead to chestnut and beech forests. Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots and take a walk around the village. One of the most beautiful paths is the one that starts from Agia Paraskevi and ends in Damouhari beach (known from the Mamma Mia movie), with its beautiful natural harbor, and then in the seaside resort of Agios Ioannis.
Tsagarada can be your starting point for reaching wonderful beaches. Not far from the village, the exotic Mylopotamos beach is one of the most famous and most photographed ones in Pelion. The scenery is imposing: turquoise waters, golden sand, white pebbles and rocky arches dividing the beach in two sections. Don’t forget to visit Fakistra, which has been included in several lists of the best beaches in Greece. To reach this beautiful tiny bay, you will follow the sign from Tsagarada and then walk on a downhill path for 15-20 minutes.
