Arrival Pilion, transfer to Platanias
You travel to Volos where you are met and taken to the quiet village Platanias, in the south of the Pilion peninsula. Recently a port has been built here, also meant for ferries.
Should you arrive early then you may visit the neighbour village Mikro (along the beach).
Circular walk from Platanias along Mousgies chapel (SP21211a)
You ascend from Platanias by country roads with spectacular views over sea towards the Sporades islands Skiathos and Skopelos in the east and Evia in the south.
Then you descend by paths, kalderimia and country roads. You pass some streams and the charming chapel of Mousgies. Some stretches of asphalt road and finally along the stream bed which still bears ample evidence how the storm ‘Daniel’ in 2023 has modified the landscape.
A relaxed walk to get in the hiking mode.
walking time/distance: 4h / 11,5km
ascent/descent: 390m
start/finish: Platanias
From Platanias via the Agios Spiridon monastery to Milina (SP21222x)
A walk from the south coast to the west coast of the Pilion. You start from Platanias through the stread bed. Then you ascend by a path and country roads until you’re just below the hamlet Kardamata.
You follow a country road above the destroyed stream valley until the Agios Spyridon monastery (uninhabited and closed). The path through the valley had not been restored in 2024; this might happen later.
Just past the monastery starts a passable path until the asphalt road Argalasti-Platania, which you follow for a stretch. You cut two bends by a forest path and read the village Lafkos. The route veers towards the west at the start of the village, but you may make a detour of 250m to reach the pittoresque village square with various shops and tavernas.
From Lafkos you descend mostly on classic kalderimia with splendid views over the sea until you’ve reached Milina.
walking time/distance: : 4h40’ / 12,7km
ascent/descent: 430m
start/finish: Platanias / Milina
From Milina via Lafkos to Chorto (SP22291x)
By lovely kalderimia you ascend from Milina, past a charming chapel, to Lafkos. Lafkos has a cosy square with regular farmer’s markets. Several hiking routes start here.
Your route leads you through the village, descends by low forest, and then ascends through farmers’ fields to Metochi. You often have a beautiful view over the Pagasitikos Kolpos. From Metochi you descend further through open areas and forest to the coastal village Chorto.
Depending on your accommodation you either walk on to the north, or go southwards for abut 15 minutes. In both cases the accommodation is close to the beach.
walking time/distance: 4h40’ / 13,2km
ascent/descent: 490m
start/finish: Milina / Chorto
From Chorto along the coast to Afissos (SP29301x)
From Chorto you walk along the coast, to the north, past beaches and through olive groves. After 2km you have a small hefty ascend and then you descend again by an asphalt road to Paou beach.
From there you walk parallel to the coast through olive groves and past Marmaro beach until Kalamos village, where you’ll find tavernas from end of May until mid September.
After Kalamos you continue to Lefokastro, again on paths and country roads. The last stretch to Afissos is on an asphalt road and finally along Afissos boulevard with lots of tavernas and cafes.
walking time/distance: 4h25’ / 13,6km
ascent/descent: 360m
start/finish: Chorto / Afissos
From Afissos past the technical lake to Milies (SP30101x)
A long and divers walk.
You leave Afissos village by a quiet asphalt road. You cut a bend by an old path. Again some asphalt until the churchyard, and then by country roads and kalderimi through the village Afetes or Niaou. You’ll find cafes here.
After Afetes you ascend by country roads until a high point, and from there you descend towards the Zervochi or Panayotika dam. At the dam is a lovely spot for a break. Then you’ll ascend again on country roads with lovely views.
You leave the country road and start descending by a path. After a kilometer and several ascent and descents you’re again at a country road, which you’ll follow for a while. Then paths until you reach the asphalt road at Milies. You pass the village: time for a drink on the square? From there it’s only a 10 minute descent by village kalderimia until you’ve reached the hotel, where the swimming pool is beckoning you.
walking time/distance: 5h50’ / 16,2km
ascent/descent: 790m / 475m
start/finish: Afissos / Milies
From Milies along Vyzitsa and Pinakates to Kala Nera (SP10091x)
From the train station of Milies you ascend past Chirons waterfall until the central square of Vyzitsa village. This typical Pilion village boasts lots of splendid ‘archontika’, classic mansions. Just before Vyzitsa you may make an optional detour to the Katafidi waterfall.
Leaving Vyzitsa you walk by ancient paths to Pinakates village. On the way you’ll have to pass two destroyed stream beds; you’ll have to climber here.
From Pinakates it’s almost only descent. You reach the railroad track and follow this for a while, almost flat. From Ogla you descend through olive groves until you’ve reached Kala Nera.
walking time/distance: 5h10’ / 11,8km
ascent/descent: 435m / 735m
start/finish: Milies / Kala Nera
Circular walk railroad track and Milies from Kala Nera (SP09093c)
From Kala Nera you ascend gradually by dirt roads until you reach the railroad track. In the weekends this is in use by a small train from Kato Lechonia to Milies. The easy walk along the track gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the views and the flowers. You follow the track to Milies. After a break you descend by olive groves back to Kala Nera.
walking time/distance: 4h / 12.6km
ascent/descent: 345m
start/finish: Kala Nera
Departure from the Pilion
You are brought back to Volos for your return trip.
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