To Tsangarada with the 1000-year old plane tree (SP01012a)
You travel to Volos, where you’ll be met and brought to Tsangarada. You stay in the Agia Paraskevi kernel with on the square Greece’s oldest and widest plane tree.
Time permitting you may make a short afternoon walk along the various kernels that form the garden village Tsangarada, with Koutra viewpoint.
walking time/distance: 2h / 6.0km
ascent/descent: 200m
start/finish: Tsangarada-Agia Paraskevi
Along Damouchari harbour and other villages (SP05011x)
You start with a transfer to Kissos village. You walk along forest paths and the villages Agios Konstandinos and Mouresi and reach the charming harbour of Damouchari. Part of the movie “Mama Mia” was recorded here, with the beach house of Meryl Streep. The cafées next to the harbour invite you for a refreshing drink and the sandy beach just begs you to stop for a swim.
From Damouchari you ascend by a marvellous kalderimi with loads of flowers to Agia Kyriaki and Agia Paraskevi, your destination.
You may also stop in Damouchari (at the lowest point) and arrange a taxi (see walk SP05021x).
walking time/distance: 4h50’ / 11.5km
ascent/descent: 680m / 725m
start/finish: Kissos / Tsangarada-Agia Paraskevi
From Tsangarada along Milies to Kala Nera (SP08091x)
Walk from one side of the peninsula to the other. The walk starts at Taxiarches, one of the kernels that form Tsangarada. First you cross an old arched bridge, then you gradually ascend to the ridge through beech forest. Suddenly the Pegasitic Gulf appears before you. You descend to Milies through chestnut forests.
In Milies you may take a break on or near the square and visit the wonderful ancient church. Then you continue your descent by old kalderimia through olive groves with sea views. Kala Nera, “Good Waters”, welcomes you with her beaches and cosy cafées.
You may also take a taxi or public bus from Milies to Kala Nera (see walk SP08101x).
walking time/distance: 5h25’ / 17.2km
ascent/descent: 395m / 895m
start/finish: Tsangarada-Taxiarches / Kala Nera
Circular walk along the railroad track, Milies and Vyzitsa (SP09091a)
A bit of a climb along a beautifully paved kalderimi 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. From Milies station you ascend further along the Chiron waterfall to Vyzitsa village.
This lovely Pilion village is famous for its wonderful ‘archontika’, classical mansions. After a stroll through the village you find yourself on the central square with some cafees. From the square you descend back to the railroad track, alternating through forest and olive groves. You follow the track to Ogla village where the descending path into Kala Nera starts. One of the most varied walks!
walking time/distance: 5h20’ / 14.8km
ascent/descent: 550m
start/finish: Kala Nera
Circular walk along the Agios Nikolaos monastery and Palatia (SP09094c)
You walk by paths and kalderimia from Kala Nera to Milies through a small stream valley and olive groves. From Milies you continue east on the foresty slopes to the old Agios Nikolaos monastery: a lovely stopping place with great views. You descend through the woods until you reach a country road which leads west again to the hamlet Palatia. The name means ‘palaces’, you wonder hence it came… Back to the stream valley and by the same route back to Kala Nera.
You may also take the public bus to Kala Nera and start your hike there.
walking time/distance: 5h45’ / 16.9km
ascent/descent: 575m
start/finish: Kala Nera
Along Agios Georgios Nilias to Lechonia (SP11121x)
A short transfer takes you to Kato Gatzea where the hike starts. In Ano Gatzea you cross the railroad track. You keep on ascending until you reach Agios Georgios Nillias. This village also boasts several splendid ‘archontika’ and in one such mansion is situated the museum of the sculptor Nikolas.
Walking on you pass the Agios Georgios church and a fountain with a small lions head. You descend through apple orchards to Kato Lechonia and the station of the small-track train. You are met by a taxi who had picked up your luggage beforehand and taken to Portaria.
walking time/distance: 4½ uur / 11.9km
ascent/descent: 600m / 550m
start/finish: Kato Gatzea / Ano Lechonia
Circular walk Makrinitsa and the Centaur fairy dale (SP13131c)
The first stretch to Makrinitsa is by asphalt road; you may also take the public bus. The altitude difference within the village is 300m! You pass the roof of three-storey houses standing in the street below you. The square is marvellous with a big plane tree, views over Volos and the Pagasitic Gulf, a lovely local museum, an old chapel and a marble fountain.
Having taken in all these marvels, you proceed through Makrinitsa along the inhabited Panagia nunnery with its lovely court. Out of Makrinitsa you pass a semi-derelict hamlet and enter the woods. A winding path takes you to the Agia Paraskevi chapel, in restauration. You keep on ascending through forest and flowery meadows until you reach the dirt road on the saddle. 
You descend by this dirt road, enjoying the wonderful views on the way, until you reach an asphalt road. After a few hundred meters you enter the magical valley of the Centaurs.
The last part of the trip is a path through this valley with gurgling streams and lovely wooden bridges. The hike ends on Portaria square.
walking time/distance: 4h30’ / 12.6km
ascent/descent: 565m
start/finish: Portaria
Departure from the Pilion
You are brought back to Volos for your return.
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