Pelion
Pelion offers visitors its enchanting, mythical beauty, wonderful green landscapes, crystal clear fresh water springs, golden sandy beaches, clear unpolluted seas, magnificent mountain peaks, numerous picturesque villages built in the traditional Mt Pelion architectural style, cobblestone lanes, traditional manor houses and carefully managed traditional accommodation.
It is a year-round tourist destination that combines relaxation and adventures in nature. There is a dense network of footpaths for hiking (exceeding 200km) and small bays with small or long beaches, with sand or pebbles.
According to Greek mythology, Mt Pelion was the summer house of the Gods and the land of the Centaurs, mythical creatures with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse (this is where the horse-riding tradition originates from and why many local families own horses).
The centaur Cheiron, the son of the titan Cronus and the nymph Philyra, was a peaceful, wise tutor and a mystic. He knew the secrets of nature and art, of medicine and herbs, of music, astrology, and soothsaying. He lived in a cave on Mt. Pelion and was the teacher-educator of numerous heroes, including Asclepius, Achilles, Jason, and Peleus. In the villages of Mt. Pelion there are still grandmothers who know ancient therapeutic techniques, remedies, herbal treatments, natural healing methods, and so much more.
The whole mountain of Pelion is lush, full of oak woods, plane trees, wild chestnuts, pines, and olive and apple orchards at its lower slopes. It is an ideal spot for hiking, cycling, skiing, mountain climbing, canyoning, speleology, horseback riding, canoeing & kayaking, diving, sailing, and herbalism-mycology; the alternative tourism possibilities are endless…
The Archontiko
Our lovely Vizitsa
There are beautiful old manors, stone fountains with carved marble decorations, well-preserved cobblestone lanes and exquisite architecture all over the village…
Vizitsa lies between Milies and Pinakates and is one of the most attractive villages on Mt. Pelion. Just 28km from Volos, it is a type-A listed hamlet. It has been awarded the Golden Apple, in recognition of being one of the best-preserved traditional villages. The old manors, the picturesque cobblestone lanes, and the traditional towers, indications of a prosperous past, are in full harmony with the surrounding environment, so generously endowed by nature.
Vizitsa’s old manors like Archontiko Michael are mainly three-storey private residences dating back to the 18th/19th and they are a perfect example of the typical architecture of Mount Pelion. These manor houses are built of stone and are characterized by thick walls covered in local stones, while the main entrance is generally characterized by a stone or wooden architrave. The family owning the manor house would usually live on the first floor in the winter, as the kitchen was there, while in the summer they would live on the second floor, as it was fresher and brighter thanks to the many windows. The family would also entertain their guests on the second floor.
Vizitsa is enchanting, with its history and its aristocratic charm, due to its beautiful manor houses which provide a wonderful experience for visitors. Its deep culture, history, wisdom and authentic Greek hospitality are everywhere. It is a beautiful village in complete harmony with nature, and its well-maintained, magnificent manors make it unique. The village has a wonderful central square with some of the most photographed buildings in Greece. Vizitsa is in a magical natural location and it is characterized by unique cobblestone lanes, water springs, and footpaths taking visitors towards Bridge de Chirico, old train stations and its neighbouring mountain or seaside villages.
Vizitsa lies at the heart of Mountain Pelion and it is ideally located for excursions to various surrounding sights, while remaining far from noisy mass tourism and moving at a pace of serenity and relaxation. The village square is a favourite among locals and visitors, and it is considered one of Mt. Pelion’s main attractions.
Activities near Vyzitsa
There are many other activities in Pelion. In Vizitsa, the Women’s Cooperative offers (very tasty) cooking lessons. Pelion’s gastronomy is renowned, and the local ingredients, as well as the herbs, are of high nutritional value—pure and of excellent quality.
In the nearby villages, just 2-3 kilometers away, you can take lessons in traditional crafts (embroidery, knitting, etc.) or horse riding. Further away, there are wine and olive oil tastings. On the beaches, you can enjoy various water sports, sailing, and boat rentals for exploring secluded beaches and unknown islets.
Cycling in Pelion
Archontiko Michail rents electric bikes for rides around the nearby villages and beaches.
One of them is a handmade wooden bike! The autonomy of our bikes is sufficient even for the Aegean beaches, and all necessary equipment is provided.
We are lucky to be located in the most beautiful mountain cycling route in Pelion, which includes the picturesque villages of Agios Georgios, Pinakates, Vizitsa, Milies, Xourichti, and Tsagarada.
This Pelion cycling route has small elevation differences, making it easy and relaxing. It passes through beautiful villages, accessible monasteries, forests, and fountains, offering sea views and minimal car traffic. It is a secondary mountain asphalt road at an altitude of 400-600 meters, while most cars use the coastal road.
We do not cater only to cyclists in training but to all our guests who prefer eco-friendly transportation, enjoying the scents of Pelion while avoiding traffic and difficult parking in the mountain villages and their lovely squares.
We are a certified “Bike Friendly” accommodation, operating in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF). We meet all the required standards, whether you bring your own bike or rent one of our electric bikes for rides around Pelion.
Hiking in Vizitsa
Hiking in Pelion is one of the best outdoor activities because this mountain offers ideal conditions for trekking. Pelion’s well-maintained trails stretch over 200 kilometers! The quality of the trails is excellent, with good signage. Many of these hiking routes are ancient cobbled paths in good condition. This is because, until the 1970s, when the Pelion train was still running, few roads had been built, as the train served the route Volos–Agria–Ano Lechonia–Gatzea–Argyraika–Milies. As a result, this area of Pelion remained untouched, with people and goods moving through the cobbled paths and trails that still exist today. These paths connect picturesque villages through stunning natural landscapes, where it feels like nature itself is smiling at you through its flowers and colors.
The landscapes are diverse. In summer, hikers often choose trails leading to the sea, as the combination of trekking and swimming is one of Pelion’s rare advantages.
There are many easy “tourist” routes for beginners, as well as more demanding trails for experienced hikers. Archontiko Michail maintains, marks, and maps the circular hiking route of Vizitsa, a “family-friendly” trail that passes by many attractions and is often called “the best route in Pelion.”
Trails with flowing waters, forests, monasteries, beaches, bridges, gorges, cobbled paths, and untouched nature await you, along with the squirrels and foxes that hide at the sound of hikers’ footsteps. The experience of Pelion’s magical nature is therapeutic—it calms the mind, reminding us of who we truly are.
