by katerina | Mar 14,2016 | Greece, lakes & rivers
Just nature and you! This is the sense you get from the first moment you face the lake. It activates all your senses. You can hear the silence interrupted by tweeting birds or the sound of wind passing through the foliage of the trees, smell the smoke from the fireplaces while your eyes follow the turquoise waters of the lake forming small fjords.
Our 2 days’ trip to the region was more than enjoyable. We set off on Saturday morning with direction Larissa – Karditsa. After Karditsa we followed the south direction so we turned left towards Agios Athanasios – Lambero.
The view of the lake from this side is unique! Swiss landscape with snowy peaks above the lake! Each turn reveals a new setting. After a small adventure that led us to the center of Lampero we arrived at the Dam.
The 220 meters long Megdova Dam, completed in 1959, holds the waters of the flood Tavropos, former plateau of Nevropolis, forming Lake Plastira or otherwise Tavropos. On this side there are small shops with local products (ouzo, liqueurs, honey, noodles, herbs …). We walked along the arc that forms the dam, gazing at the lake from one side and on the other the precipice of 83m. and when the traffic light turned green we passed on the opposite side.
Continuing our way northwise now, we crossed Belokomiti village to arrive later at Neochori where hotel “Pandion” hosted us on Saturday night. Neochori -the most touristic village in the area- spreads on the slopes and offers panoramic views of Lake Plastira. The two junior suites of “Pandion” suited us fine. The people of the hotel with their warm hospitality made us feel at home!
Our hunger led us to Tavern “Mushroom” just outside the village, in a beautiful location overlooking the lake. Preference of many visitors from what we saw, it left us happy with the dishes we chose. Mushroom soup, prasotigania (fried pork with leek), burgers and chicken ala crème. The very nice “tsalafouti” dish (local cream cheese) and less “Cleomenes potato”. (90 euros / 7 persons).
The sun was still warming us when we were heading to Kalyvia Pezoula lakeside. We were looking for a coffee spot but we ended up at a center of outdoor activities, a few meters before the beach. «Tavropos» activity centre offers bike rides in the lake or outside, archery, canoeing, etc. Half the group went water cycling, the rest tried archery. Until it got dark…… Coffee was waiting for us in Kazarma hotel. So was the chocolate soufflé! What is there to say about Kazarma? You have to see for yourself! (In Kalyvia Pezoula heading north, a sign leads left on the slope)
SUNDAY
Breakfast in “Pandion”, a full buffet covering all preferences a nd planning the rest of the day. Our first stop was the monastery of Panagia Pelekiti (open hours: 10.30 to 4.00 “) carved in a vertical rock with two temples, Ascension and Virgin Mary (1640), overlooking the lake from above. There we shot some of the most beautiful panoramas. The impressive stone-built church was recently restored and its unique frescoes of the 15th century were preserved, as we were informed in a thorough tour that was offered to us.
We skipped the visit to the Observatory and the Botanical Garden for the next visit and we got uphill towards Anthochori. In order to see if the information they had given us was valid.
“Waterfall of Anthohori”: 1200m. distance, was written on the sign just berore the village entrance. Not so far some of us thought! The uphill path took us 50’to walk it to and fro and it was worth every minute of it.
We were more than ready for lunch when we got back! Tavern Floresi for uniquely home cooked food! In the center of Anthohori! There are simply no words to describe it! Rooster with noodles, beef in a pot, and galotyri (type of local cream cheese), all unique! Ms. Helen is an artist in cooking! Everything cooked with local ingredients, handmade by her. Excellent service as well! (EUR 70/7 person) And when it was time to leave we thought that we had such a beautiful time, worthy of sharing our experiences in that place with you!
For more information about the area visit the site: http://www.limniplastira.gr/en/

by Natasa | Aug 11,2015 | Greece, mountain resorts
The decision to spend our summer holidays in Pelion was not difficult, since it combines the sea and mountains and can satisfy the lovers of both. That’s why we picked it as our destination. Everything was ready for our five-day getaway in the mountains. The hero of the story is the little “smart” which travelled from Athens to Pelion without protest. Our destination was the village of Milies, a mountain village in South Pelion and specifically the traditional lodging “Anemoessa”. The truth is that we encountered traffic on the ring road of Volos, from “Achillopouleio” hospital until the traffic lights of the ring road. We thought that it was Friday afternoon and the local people wanted to escape the city!!!!
The landscape begins to change after “Agria”, where you can start to relax and enjoy the green of nature, generously spread around you. The road signs were very helpful, so we easily found “Anemoessa”. There we were welcomed by Vangelis and Helen, the owners, with a smile and a cup of coffee. The coffee was followed by “raki” since you can hardly resist the beneficial breezes and wonderful views. However, “raki” without “meze” is not a usual thing, so Helen baked a pizza to complete the menu!
Planning for the next day, we decided to enjoy the blue moon (which no one could say it was blue in any way!!!!!) from the balcony of Anemoessa. To our surprise, breakfast was served from 08.30 in the morning until … whenever it was convenient for us!!! First time we met this in a hotel. And we really loved it!!! No alarm clocks for breakfast on vacation!!!! Let us talk adout breakfast now! … .fresh country eggs, Pelion honey, croissants, rolls, cake and Helen’s homemade pie. Cereals, jam, coffee, juice, milk. We were so lucky with the desert!!! Creme caramel!!!! Having breakfast overlooking the mountains and the sea! We wouldn’t change it for anything!!!
After such a pampering, we started our tour making the first stop at “Afissos beach”. It took us half an hour to arrive at the beach which was well organized. Caution at the intersection of Afissos as the sign is … a bit shabby!!! To access the beach you have to go down stairs which, however are easy to descent. It was Saturday and it was really crowded and hot. There were no sun beds available but a girl served us giving us an umbrella (quite small) with two sun beds. We paid 7 Euros for two coffees, an umbrella and two sun beds. As time passed the heat was increasing and so was the crowd! The decision was made immediately to … .set off in search of a cooler place!!! We headed to “Milies”, to the old train station. A place full of trees with unlimited freshness and tranquility!!! The cicadas were literally giving concerts!!! We couldn’t ask for anything more beautiful … .unbelievable views with coolness and cicadas singing!!! It was something we couldn’t easily forsake, so we sat in the restaurant “Old Station”. We tasted a very tasty “vlita (amaranth)” salad and a hearty village salad. We ate well and mainly in the dew!! In the evening we strolled around “Milies”. Those of you, who will choose not to use the car and walk around the village through the cobbled streets, take a flashlight with you at night because the streets are poorly lighted. In the village square, there are trees, taverns and man springs. Two shops are ideal for a relaxing drink, the “Rose and Nightingale” and “Anna, here is an apple.” The truth is that we chose the first because it had tables on the terrace offering a view! It was a good choice … .the perfect view … the moon still perched in the sky and the classic beneficial breeze … .What more could you ask in your holidays? The service was very good!
The next morning we awoke with the sound of the rain falling!! What a nice switch!!! Not a day wasted even when it rains! We decided to visit the mountain. We set off from “Milies” heading to “Vizitsa”, about one quarter of a hour drive. A “green” route, as well!!! Through trees!!! And at the roadside water flowing! A stop in Vyzitsa for coffee and a stroll around the traditional ,quite village. Few people around! The ascent was leading us to “Hania”. A winding, difficult road, but the scenery around compensates you. Lunch in the “Lucullus” where the view, once more was imposing! They serve “Kontosouvli”(pretty good), pasta and “vlita” salad. After enjoying a cup of coffee we set off to our hotel, taking a different route this time, through “Tsagarada”. The road through Tsagarada was in better condition. It was around sunset at that hour and we stopped to enjoy it. In the evening, we relaxed with a glass of cold beer, chatting in Anemoessa with the best company !!! Helen and Vangelis !!!! The next day started with a visit to “Mourtias” beach which can be reached through the road that leads to “Argalasti”. In fact, it is a creek overlooking the Aegean Sea and Skiathos island. The sea was nice, with an impressive landscape of surrounding rocks as well. A quick dip and a visit to the village of Platanias where we preferred to drink our coffee overlooking the sea. Back at our base , a walk and a drink in Milies. And an important decision we had to make… to extend our holiday for another day. How would it be possible to leave this place?
Sleeping until late the next morning, we decided to take “Jason”, the train, to “Ano Lechonia”. So, without wasting valuable time and after getting the tickets, we run to take our cameras and everything else necessary for a trip back in time … when “Jason” was the only means of transport connecting Volos with the South part of Pelion . “Smudgy”, as they call it, named after the ash spread in the passage of the steam engine, which was gasping up and down through the lacy mountain route it started its journey… without locomotive. With a petrol engine that has a similar construction to the old steam locomotive, but without the fumes of the burning coal. It starts its route through the trees of “Milies” and goes downhill with new a version of gasping.
Going up and down the Pelion slopes, you are transferred to another era, back at those times of wooden wagons. The logo of Thessaly railways is printed everywhere; it’s the company that exploited “Thessaly Railways” for many many years back. The balconies in the wagons, just like the seats bring into life smells from another era … the sounds and images of Westerns, as if you expect an instant attack by Indians. The train passes by old stations connecting Volos with the villages of Pelion. “Pinakates” ,”Ano Gatzea”, and the kids being ecstatic every time “Jason” passed through a gallery or an arched bridge. Jumping from one side of the wagon to another to catch some of the view And as soon as you have got used to the images and the humming of lines and wheels, the squeaks of the wooden wagon, you feel the speed of buck-passing declining, as it approaches a residential area and the sign at the station no longer writes Upper Lechonia. But the train does not just stop. It goes down until you see the diesel train changing direction and preparing to go to rest in a special covered area of OSE until the next day.
And if you believe it is easy to travel by “Jason” and you choose to do so … then we’ll help with the following tips:
1. Schedules: whenever- so ask before you set off (information at OSE offices)
2. Itinerary from “Ano Lechonia” to “Milies” at 10.00 am. The trip lasts for about 1- 1.5 hours. Then you have to stay in Milies for about 3 hours and at 15.00 return to “Ano Lechonia”.
3. 10 euros for a one way ticket
4. Plan the trip carefully because the itinerary is one per day and it’s the only one reciprocating “Ano Lechonia” – “Mileai” – “Ano Lechonia”.
5. For railway enthusiasts: don’t forget your camera.
I
n the same afternoon we decided to pay a visit to Makrinitsa. The road was as usual in Pelion … full of turns!!! Makrinitsa is probably the most touristic village we visited but you without, of course losing its charm and unlimited green. In the central square, there is a shop with products from the Agricultural Co-op of women in Pelion (sweets, pasta). In the evening we returned to Milies for a glass of cold beer at the balcony of Anemoessa.
The last day of our stay was spent in Milies. The last evening ended with dinner at “Panorama” restaurant and plenty of raki in Anemoessa of course!!!! Next morning we enjoyed having our breakfast, we packed our stuff and said goodbye to Vangelis, Helen and of course the Duke!!!! Along with the promise to come back some day!!!!