Pelion:
An unforgettable adventure
"Alps with beaches" is an apt, yet simplistic, description of Pelion: a mountainous region with a high peak of 1610 m which, in winter, provides Greece with one of its main skiing areas.
Pelion is almost an accident of nature. Its lush stream-covered mountains provide a home for Europe's most concentrated variety of plant life. The forests are abundant, with trees bearing cherries, chestnuts, pine cones, olives, pears and apples amongst others. There are also myriad shrubs, most of them with therapeutic properties. Wild vegetation embraces the magnificent rocky coastline and the shade of the trees falls on the sandy beaches.
There are endless examples of monasteries and churches to explore. Also, uniquely, some wonderful "living museum" mountain villages. They are perched on its slopes or hidden in the green ravines and are so well integrated into the landscape that they give the impression of having sprung up together with the surrounding trees. All villages are heavily protected by conservation laws and are inhabited by locals who have a natural inclination to preserve the style of another age.
Art and culture are important to them and a variety of performances and exhibitions are accessible around the region throughout the year. Travellers look forward to the annual festival of Agia Paraskevi in Kalamos, which takes place on July 25th. Everyone can enjoy traditional music and dance.