Self-Guided: 6- Or 7-Day Trekking Southern Pilion 2020 (SPWT220I) May Be Extended with More Hiking And/Or Free Days and with a Follow-Up Through the Central Pilion

AnnaHiking Active holidays in Greece www.annahiking.nl

South Pelion Trail – self-guided: 6- or 7-day trekking southern Pilion 2020 (SPWT220I) May be extended with more hiking and/or free days and with a follow-up through the Central Pilion

Our hiking philosophy: active during the day, and in the afternoon a warm shower, a good meal and a comfortable bed in a small-scale accommodation.

We invite you to join us!

more information: www.annahiking.nl

(12-4-2020) SPWT220I: 6- or 7-day self-guided trekking South Pilion Trail

About AnnaHiking In 1991 we visited Greece for the first time. Our love for the country, the culture, the climate, the food, the language and the Greek has grown ever since. Since 2009 we’ve been living in the mountains near Ioannina. We feel at home here and want to communicate this feeling to others. Many people are familiar with the Greek “islands with beautiful beaches”. The Pilion peninsula certainly boasts wonderful beaches, and also offers gurgling streams and waterfalls, old paved mule paths (‘kaldermímia’), classical mansions glued to the slopes and warm- hearted and hospitable people. We’d love to introduce you to this side of Greece! We explored several hiking routes and described them in detail. We regularly revise the routes and the description where necessary. As an individual traveller we offer you these descriptions together with GPS- tracks and marked detailed maps, so you can find your way easily. We also offer you an information package with background information, tips for the best meals and several other useful trivia. The tour location

General tour information The trekking starts in Platanias in the south of the peninsula. Every day you walk to the next accommodatie (luggage is transferred), but you may extend your holiday with more overnight stays per accommodation. With the 6-day tour you walk directly from Platanias to Argalasti; with the 7-day tour you make an extra stop-over in Milina at the coast (red line). From several locations we offer more (circular) walks. You may also add extra days to take a rest or to relax on the beach. In Milies you may change track to one of our hiking tours in the Central Pilion. Net mean walking time is between 3½ and 5½ hours (that is excluding breaks). Two days you may choose a longer walk. You may split the first stage in two days, with an extra overnight stay in Milina next to the beach.

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You often walk on wide ‘kalderimia’ (historical mule paths), sometimes on dirt roads, sometimes on small paths. In the description you’ll find the details so you can adapt your clothes and equipment accordingly. The routes are signposted and are shown on the hiking map; the paths are well maintained by The Friends of the Kalderimi. We advise you to start the trip trained and fit with well worn-in ankle-high hiking boots. Good shoes enable you to walk without worries about your feet so that you can fully enjoy the surroundings. The tour is for people who are curious to an unknown area and love the alternation between sea and inland.

Possible extensions/alterations/abbrevations 1. From Platanias (the first overnight stay) you may make a circular tour along the mountain flanks to explore the south peninsula. You may also walk along the beach to the charming little neighbouring village Mikro (“Tiny”); it corresponds to its name. The accommodation in Platanias also offers excursions and you may follow a workshop to make biological soap. 2. From Milies we offer a circular walk to Kala Nera at the coast, partly along the tourist train railroad track. 3. It’s possible to divide the first 5-hour stage Platanias-Argalasti into two 4-hour stages with an overnight stay in Milina on the Pagasitic Gulf coast. 4. For a beach extension are suitable: Platanias, Milina and Kato Gatzea. The other villages are not situated near the coast. 5. Argalasti is the regional centre. It’s a lively and attractive little town with a famous farmer market on Saturday mornings. Agamemnon’s guest house boasts a swimming pool to make the stay even more pleasant. 6. In Milies you may change tracks to the last 3 stages of trekking along the ‘silk route’ of the Central Pilion. You may also proceed further to the northeast along the beaches or over the summits of the Central Pilion. We can offer you a tailor-made tour with these elements. For more information see the Pilion tours overview on our website. 7. You may extend your holiday yourself with a stay on the Sporades islands; daily boats sail from Volos to Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. Walks can be made on the islands, travel bookshops offer various guides. 8. Finally you can combine the arrangement with (parts of) other tours we offer. We’ll gladly help you with the logistics. For all your wishes: ask for advice and an estimate!

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About the Pilion The Pilion peninsula is curled around the Pegasitic Gulf. The sloping coastline along this bay offers lots of sandy beaches and charming villages. The coastline on the outer side, towards the Egean Sea, is more rough and consists of cliffs with hidden beaches and inlets. From the south rises the mountain range transversing the peninsula, with further north mysterious forests and gurgling streams. You may well imagine the roaming Centaurs, coarse creatures with a male torso on a horse’s body. A rare friendly centaur was Chiron, founder of surgery and teacher of Jason and Aesculapios. In Milies you are close to the magical spot where he supposedly stayed. The most important town is Volos, sixth in size, with its harbour, train connections to Thessaloniki and (with change of trains) Athens, and an airport (Nea Anchialos). Mythologically the town is renowned for Jason and the Argonauts. The narrow-track train that used to start in Volos connected the villages Agria, Ano Lechonia (1896) and Milies (1903) with the main town. The hinterland that until then only knew mule paths thus gained a connection to the town, which enhanced trade and wealth. Nowadays it runs from Ano Lechonia to Milies as a tourist train, first steam-operated, later diesel. In its steam days it was called ‘Moudzouri’, ‘sooty’, after the sooty traces it left behind. On the peninsula you’ll find many historical connecting paths and kalderimia (paved mule paths). The South Pelion Trail is maintained by the Friends of the Kalderimi. AnnaHiking supports this organisation through her membership and by a contributions for every hiker that books through us. The accommodations You’ll stay in small-scale family-run which we specifically chose for their quiet and lovely location. The accommodations in Platanias, Milina (only in the 7-day tour) and Kato Gatzea are situated on or near the beach. The other accommodations are inland. The accommodations in Argalasti and Milies offer a swimming pool. Bookable The arrangement can be booked from 10 April until 15 November. In summer (mid July-end August) it may be quite warm and the accommodations are soon booked to the full. Prices per person 2020 6-day hiking tour South Pelion Trail single room solo double room triple room (trav. together) (travelling alone) 1-4 until 30-6 € 605 € 475 € 350 € 870

1-7 until 10-9 € 650 € 520 € 390 € 915 11-9 until 15-11 € 630 € 495 € 375 € 895

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7- day hiking tour South Pelion Trail via Milina single room solo double room triple room (trav. together) (travelling alone) 1-4 until 30-6 € 680 € 520 € 385 € 960 1-7 until 10-9 € 735 € 5805 € 435 € 1010 11-9 until 15-11 € 715 € 555 € 420 € 995

Note: - Price is per person, flight excluded. - Single room = if travelling together; double room = with double bed or 2 separate beds; triple room with separate beds. In Argalasti a triple rooms consists of 2 double beds! - For other group sizes or other wishes, contact us for an estimate. - In almost all villages alternative accommodation with swimming pool is available at a surcharge. - The dates apply to your tour period, not the departure day! If your tour is within more periods, the price will be calculated according to the amount of days in the respective periods. - 10% discount for people who previously booked an AnnaHiking tour, when bookedd through AnnaHiking. - From January 1st 2018 in Greece an ‘overnight tax’ is applicable. This tax has to be paid at check-in at your accommodation. The rates per room per night are: € 0,50 for 2*-hotels, € 1,50 for 3*-hotels, € 3,00 for 4*-hotels and € 4,00 for 5*-hotels. Start and finish Volos harbour or bus station. For €50 extra (one way) we’ll have the taxi pick you up at Anchialos airport or bring you to the airport after the tour. The price is per taxi, maximum 4 persons per taxi. Included - 5 (6) overnight stays including breakfast, except in Argalasti. - All transfers and luggage transports according to the program. - A hiking map of the tour area; sent by post. If you live within the European Union we’ll send it to your home address, otherwise the package will wait for you in the first accommodation. - GPS-tracks, detailed route descriptions and marked maps of each walk according to the program; digital, sent by WeTransfer, to be printed by you at your own wishes. - Information package with background information and information about catering, shops and facilities; digital, sent by WeTransfer, to be printed by you at your own wishes. - Donation to the Friends of the Kalderimi for paths maintenance. - Reservation costs and telephone support. Not included - Flight and insurances. - Transfer to Volos; from Anchialos is an airport shuttle bus for some flights or we can arrange a taxi for you (€50 one way, per taxi, until 4 persons per taxi). - Overnight tax (€0,50-€3 per room per night). - Lunches, diner, drinks and other personal expenses. Breakfast in Argalasti. - Transfers not mentioned in the program. - Everything else not mentioned under ‘included’. www.annahiking.nl 5/13 ©AnnaHiking SPWT220I: 6- or 7-day self-guided trekking South Pilion Trail

Flight and transportation to Volos harbour/bus station The following airports are suitable for a Pilion holiday: - Volos-Anchialos: take the airport shuttle bus or taxi to the centre of Volos. At a surcharge of €50 (one way, per taxi until 4 people) our taxi picks you up at the airport and/or brings you back at the end of the tour. - Skiathos: take a taxi to the harbour and then the ferry to Volos. The carferry takes about 2½ hours; the more expensive highspeed takes 1½ hour. - Athens: take the aiport express bus to the interlocal bus station and from there the public bus to Volos. - Thessaloniki: take the aiport express bus to the interlocal bus station and from there the public bus to Volos. We gladly help you with the logistics! Luggage You carry a day pack with water, lunch, warm and rainproof clothing, possibly swimming gear, items for personal care, binoculars/camera etc. The remaining luggage is transferred to the next accommodation. Before departure we send you a list with essential and advised items.

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Day to day program (You can download the elevation profiles separately.) Note: walking times mentioned are net times without breaks. Day 1: Arrival, transfer to Platanias

You travel to Volos where you are met and taken to Platanias, in the south of the Pilion peninsula. In Platanias you may extend your stay for a circular walk along the mountain flanks in the northeast of the village, a visit to the neighbour village Mikro (along the beach) or an excursion organised by your overnight accommodation. overnight stay: Platanias Day 2: From Platanias along Lafkos to Argalasti (SP21231x)

You’ll leave Platanias by ascending country tracks. Then you’ll walk on lovely paths through olive groves and forest, followed by dirt tracks into Lafkos. At the pittoresque village square with various shops and tavernas start a couple of tours. The 6-day program proceeds through the village and descends along thin woods and then ascends again past fields towards Argalasti. Every now and then you’ll enjoy the views over the Pagasitic Gulf. (For the 7-day program you’ll veer west in Lafkos and descend into Milina. The next day you’ll ascend by a different path into Lafkos and then to Argalasti. See the Extra walks chapter.) walking time/distance: 5h / 14,6km ascent/descent: 610m / 365m overnight stay: Argalasti www.annahiking.nl 7/13 ©AnnaHiking SPWT220I: 6- or 7-day self-guided trekking South Pilion Trail

Day 3: Transfer to Xinovrisi, walk to Neochori (SP26241x)

You’ll be transferred to Xinovrisi. (If you wish you may also walk there from Argalasti; see the Extra walks chapter.) From Xinovrisi square -with two cafees- you descend into the valley of the Megalo Rema (‘Wide Stream’) and then ascend again to Siki; you’ll probably find the taverna in midday rest. Some more ascent and then descent into the river valley of the Granitsa. Here the last hefty ascent starts until you’ve passed the derelict chapel of Agios Efstathios. At the highest point the view is at the Egean Sea and the Pagasitic Gulf at the same time. The last part is a quiet descent into Neochori by dirt roads and in the village by kalderimia. walking time/distance: 5h20’ / 15,0km ascent/descent: 690m / 450m overnight stay: Neochori Dag 3 longer alternative: From Argalasti along Xinovrisi and Siki to Neochori (SP23241x)

A hefty tour along 3 villages. From Argalasti you’ll ascend gradually along a woody slope with often views over the Pagasitic Gulf. You’ll pass the charming little arched bridge ‘Karidi’ (‘walnut’); a bit later start the descent towards Xinovrisi. On the square you’ll find two cafees. From Xinovrisi you’ll descend into the valley of the Megalo Rema (‘Wide Stream’) and then ascend again to Siki; you’ll probably find the taverna in midday rest. Some more ascent and then descent into the river valley of the Granitsa. Here the last hefty ascent starts until you’ve passed the derelict chapel of Agios Efstathios. At the highest point the view is at the Egean Sea and the Pagasitic Gulf at the same time. The last part is a quiet descent into Neochori by dirt roads and in the village by kalderimia. www.annahiking.nl 8/13 ©AnnaHiking SPWT220I: 6- or 7-day self-guided trekking South Pilion Trail walking time/distance: 7h30’ / 21,4km ascent/descent: 875m / 670m overnight stay: Neochori Day 4: From Neochori along small monasteries to Milies (SP24101x)

From Neochori you walk along paths through thin forest with lots of broom to the chapel of Panagia Tourkogianni next to the old monastery (in restauration). It’s a lovely spot to stop for a break. You proceed along forest paths and dirt roads with views on the artificial lake towards the Agios Nikolaos monastery viewing the Pagasitic Gulf. You keep on ascending along kalderimia until you’ve reached Milies and then descend through the village to your accommodation. You may opt for a longer walk passing the hamlet Palatia. From Milies we offer a circular walk along Kala Nera at the beach, in case you want to extend your stay in Milies. walking time/distance: 4h15’ /12.1km ascent/descent: 440m / 595m overnight stay: Milies Dag 4 longer alternative: From Neochori along small monasteries and Palatia to Milies (SP24102x)

From Neochori you walk along paths through thin forest with lots of BREM to the chapel of Panagia Tourkogianni next to the old monastery (in restauration). It’s a lovely spot to stop for a break. You proceed along forest paths and dirt roads with views on the artificial lake towards the Agios Nikolaos monastery, a great place for a break with lovely view. Through the woods you’ll descend until you’ve reached a dirt road leading west, towards the hamlet Stavrodromi

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(“crossing”) also called Palatia (“palaces”); whence this name should come?? You’ll pass a small bridge and from there ascend into Milies. walking time/distance: 5h / 13,4km ascent/descent: 545m / 630m overnight stay: Milies Day 5: From Milies naar Kato Gatzea (SP10111x)

From Milies’ narrow-track train station you ascend along Chirons waterfall to Vyzitsa village. Here you’ll encounter lots of ‘archontika’, typically Pilion classic mansions. Crossing the village you’ll pass the square with some cafees-tavernas. From there you follow the old paths to the next village Pinakates, again boasting a splendid square with a marble spring, church and cafees. You’ll reach Agios Georgios Nilias by paths and some asphalt, again inviting you for a break. From Agios Georgios it’s all descent into Kato Gatzea, crossing the railroad track in Ano Gatzea. Kato Gatzea is a charming little beach village, perfect for an extended stay to relax on the beach. walking time/distance: 5h15’ / 14,7km ascent/descent: 870m / 860m overnight stay: Kato Gatzea Day 6: Departure You are brought back to Volos for your return trip.

For 7-day tour Day 2a: From Platanias via Lafkos to Milina (SP21221x)

You’ll leave Platanias by ascending country tracks. Then you’ll walk on lovely paths through olive groves and forest, followed by dirt tracks into 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. Your accommodation is on the seaside. walking time/distance: 3h50’ / 10,6km ascent/descent: 420m overnight stay: Milina Day 2b: From Milina via Lafkos to Argalasti (SP22231x)

The ascent from Milina is by well-kept kalderimia along her lovely chapel towards Lafkos. The central square is lively with some cafees and tavernas and a regular market. Here a couple of hiking routes start. Your route will take you through the village. Outside the village the path descends through thin woods and then ascends again along fields towards Argalasti. You’ll have several great views over the Pagasitic Gulf. walking time/distance: 4h / 11,1km ascent/descent: 570m / 275m overnight stay: Milina

Possible extra walks for extended stay From Platanias: Circular walk along the mountain flank (SP21211c)

You ascend from Platanias by paths, kalderimia and dirt roads along the hiking route to Promiri, until it crosses the asphalt road. After the crossing you proceed on country roads with spectacular views over sea towards the Sporades islands Skiathos and Skopelos in the east and Evia in the south. walking time/distance: 4h / 11,7km ascent/descent: 370m overnight stay: Platanias From Milies: Circular walk to Kala Nera along the railroad track (SP10103c)

From Milies to descend towards Kala Nera at the beach. You’ll walk on old kalderimia through olive groves while enjoying the views over sea. After a visit to Kala Nera you’ll gradually ascend until you’ve reached the railroad track of the touristic little train from Kato Lechonia to Milies. Along this track you return to Milies with ample time to take in the splendid scenery and flowers. (There is a shortcut along Argyreïka, see walk SP0102c.) walking time/distance: 4h / 12,1km ascent/descent: 335m overnight stay: Milies

From Milies: Circular walk to Agyreïka along the railroad track (SP10102c)

From Milies to descend towards Kala Nera at the beach. You’ll walk on old kalderimia through olive groves while enjoying the views over sea. (You may proceed into Kala Nera, sea hiking route SP10103c.) From the ringroad you gradually ascend again by country roads through the hamlet Argyreïka until you’ve reached the railroad track of the touristic little train from Kato Lechonia to Milies. Along this track you return to Milies with ample time to take in the splendid scenery and flowers. walking time/distance: 3h35’ / 10,8km ascent/descent: 310m overnight stay: Milies