Mass tourism?
No
Why visit Pilion
Hmmm. not easy to explain. Pilio Mountain (area) is well known by the Greek. That's why you find a lot of Greek tourists in places like Kala Nera Beach and small villages in the mountain.
No mass tourism in this beautiful area. We didn't know it is possible in Greece to see so many different plants, birds and waterfall every where.
Best traveling season
It depends if you like ski-ing, walking or sun bathe.
We visited Pilion May-June 2003. There was still some (not enough for ski-in) snow in Hania (ski center), and a lot of hikers were still active.
In May we had a few days of bad weather, a lot of rain and it was quit "cold"(15 C.) during the day. So we needed to wear trousers and a jacket. But when June started we had beautiful weather temperatures up to 32 C. in shade.
April - May best season for walking. June - July - August best for sun bathe.
What to do..
The whole Pilion has a lot of walking (cobbled) paths, we recommend good walking shoes and a walking stick. This stick can also be useful when there are dogs on your path. Be aware of them, some may not be nice.
Ski-ing in wintertime. We do not know the exact season, but there are lifts and a few restaurants and ski resorts in Hania.
Pilion has a lot of beautiful beaches. In the period we visited there weren't any water sport activities yet. But in Kala Nera they told us in the beginning of July there is a possibility for water ski-ing, and water biking.
Rent a car?
YES, there are a lot of beautiful places and high lights in this area!! We recommend at least 5 days to rent a car. Rent your car in advance....50% less expensive!!! Most of the time you drive in the mountains Hania 1600M+, and that makes you a little tired.Driving to Trikeri will take about 1.5 hour quit long and we guess you prefer an easy holiday and no hurries. Rent a car more than 2 days.
Kala Nera beach
Together wit Afissos, it is quit popular in Europe. Don't expect hundreds of tourists most tourist are from Greece. In low season there are some Dutch and German tourists we didn't see many English or so.
Food is perfect in Kala Nera, our Favorite is Taverna Avra as for good Pizza!! You'll recognize Mylthos our waiter in photo book. The Beach is not very beautiful like others we've seen in the Pilion area. Save for children and in low season no water sports. Perfect place to stay that's what we think....we surely go back!!!
The beach we like most
Ag.Saranda Beach. Wow silence, you can't believe you can have a sunbath with just 6 people on this wonderful beach. In low seasons no facilities for drinking - eating.
Our discovery in Pilion
Everywhere water, waterfalls enormous!!! You can drink water from the mountains and you won't get sick of it and it is cool as well. Isn't that easy!!
High lights:
There are many high lights in the Pilion area!!!
Volos, is the large town 100.000 inhabitants, very busy town with nice shopping centre, big harbor where ferries and hydrofoils leave for Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros.
Makrinitsa - Portaria, (traditional villages)of course this is a must see activity but...for tourists. There are many souvenir shops and enough possibilities to buy "gliekos" sweets.Between Makrinitsa and Portaria there is a nice waterfall which you see on every picture (right picture). Of course there is the possibility to walk along the waterfall and have a drink on the square.
Tsgarada, nice and old with a lot of small and big waterfalls.
Hania, In history this village was used to overnight on their way back and forth, because you couldn't get over the mountain in one day with your mule or horse. Today it is used as a ski centre (Agrolefkes). In summer there is still some snow and you have perfect view, always nice to visit we guess. Although the village isn't very special!
As we said most highlights are recommended in every single book about Pilion. We didn't like all the recommendations. The "pure small villages" we like the most aren't even well recommended.
Our highlights Pouri small village North of Zagora, untouched by effects of tourism. From the church square there is a magnificent view along the Aegean coast. In direction of Trikeri - Agh. Kiriaki you can perfect eat fresh fish. Prices are higher then Kala Nera or so. Katigiorgis tiny beach perfect for sunbath, delicious sea food and low price. (4-5 tavernas).Agh.Vlassios North/east above Agria, small village with square where old men drinking tsipouro round eleven o'clock in the morning.