A Pelion Ramble

Day 1. Outbound

Fly to Volos and transfer by taxi to the Old Silk Store, an old converted stone mansion in Mouressi, which is your accommodation for four nights. Mouressi is a Pelion gem surrounded by valleys and waterfalls known to nature lovers. A fantastic base for a walking holiday with over two weeks worth of paths to choose from, your host here will give you a warm Pelion welcome and introduce you to a new rhythm of life.

Days 2 and 3. Village Walks

Walk to the neighbouring village of Tsangarada, the emerald of the Pelion and blessed with a rich history. Because of the lush vegetation most of the village is hidden from sight! Visit three of its four squares shaded by huge plane trees, and admire the craftsmanship of the old merchant houses with their carved marble balconies. You can see the nearby islands of Skiathos and Skopelos, and on a clear day the distant monastic retreat of Mount Athos. A circular walk takes you on an ancient cobbled track through chestnut forests and apple orchards to the dramatic Aegean coast, descending steeply to the tiny picturesque harbour at Damouchari. Here you can swim in the turquoise sea or relax in one of the shady tavernas around the harbour before climbing back to Mouressi.

Day 4. Agios Ioannis

Meander down to the delightful resort of Agios Ioannis, a favourite with the locals because of its restaurants and shops, and the sandy beach of Papa Nero. With the lush greenery of the Pelion behind and the azure of the Aegean Sea to the front this really is a wonderful location to while away the hours before returning 'home' to Mouressi.

Day 5. Mouressi to Kala Nera

You can walk the full 18km to Kala Nera, shorten the journey by taking a bus, or simply take the taxi transferring your luggage. The route contours through chestnut and beech forest to the attractive village of Milies with its ancient church before descending through olive groves to the resort of Kala Nera, where you spend the next three nights in a comfortable hotel near the beach.

Days 6 and 7. Vizitsa and Pinakantes

Today's walk joins an old mule track initially, then you follow a narrow-gauge railway line winding up to the showpiece village of Vizitsa. Its architecture is the most renowned in the Pelion: the mansions here have been perfectly restored to their original glory and there are excellent views of the Pagasitikos Gulf. The nearby village of Pinakantes also boasts many renovated old mansions, as well as a shady square with a sculptured water fountain, the perfect place to relax and admire the sea of olive trees, fruit bushes and abundance of flowers that surround this little community before returning to Kala Nera.

Day 8. Homeward

Transfer to Volos for your flight home.