Pelion has more than twenty traditional villages, from stone mansions high in the chestnut forests to small harbours on the sea. Choosing where to stay is half the fun. Here is a short guide, grouped by area, with driving times from Volos and our transfer zones.

West Pelion: above Volos (Zone A)

Portaria is about 20 minutes from Volos, with a lively main square under huge plane trees, hotels, tavernas and shops. Makrinitsa, a little higher, is called the “balcony of Pelion” for its view over Volos and the gulf. Its cobbled lanes are closed to cars, so you walk everywhere. Both are a good base if you want mountain air and quick access to the city.

Above Portaria, the mountain pass of Hania sits at about 1,200 metres, close to the Pelion ski centre.

Central Pelion: villages and the gulf (Zone A)

Milies is famous for its old station, the end of the little Pelion railway, and for its library and folk museum. Next door, Vyzitsa is a protected traditional settlement with beautiful mansions. Down by the gulf, Kala Nera and Afissos offer calm water and easy swimming, ideal for families.

East Pelion: forests and the Aegean (Zone B)

Tsagarada is spread over four village squares in a green forest, one of them with a plane tree that is said to be among the oldest in Greece. Below it are the beaches of Mylopotamos and Fakistra. Zagora, the largest village of Pelion, is known for its apples and has its own beach at Horefto. Kissos is a small village with a richly painted church, and Agios Ioannis and Damouchari are by the sea. Read more in our guide to the best beaches of East Pelion.

South Pelion

Argalasti is a lively village with a large square, close to the beaches of the south. At the southern tip, Platanias is a small seaside village with tavernas by the water and boats to the nearby beaches.

Driving times and prices from Volos port, bus and train station

Zone A (Portaria ~20 min, Makrinitsa ~25 min, Milies ~40 min, Kala Nera ~35 min): 63 € by car, 111 € by minivan.
Zone B (Argalasti ~45 min, Kissos ~1 h, Tsagarada ~1 h 10 min, Zagora and Agios Ioannis ~1 h 15 min): 95 € by car, 158 € by minivan.
South Pelion (Platanias ~1 h 15 min): 114 € by car, 190 € by minivan.

Prices per vehicle, one way (November 2026). From the airports, see the zone map. You can also explore many villages in one day on our Pelion day tour.

Book your transfer: see all Pelion prices, or call us on +30 24210 32171.