Who says Pelion only sparkles in winter? This stunning locale is a year-round gem, enchanting visitors regardless of the season.
Pelion offers a beautiful blend of mountain villages and breathtaking beaches, washed by either the Aegean Sea or the tranquil Pagasetic Gulf.
The beaches along the Pagasetic Gulf tend to be calmer and more sheltered compared to the vibrant Aegean shores.
Below, I’ve put together a list of some of the best spots to stay in Pelion during the summer. I really hope you find it helpful in making your choice!
1. Tsagarada
Tsagarada is a charming village in Pelion that’s just as delightful in summer as it is in winter. It’s only about 4.5 kilometers away from the stunning Fakistra beach.
Located on Pelion’s eastern coast, 45.5 kilometers from Volos, Tsagarada is famed for its breathtaking traditional Pelion architecture. The village cascades amphitheatrically down the mountain slopes, offering picturesque views at every turn.
Accommodation here is plentiful, with options ranging from traditional stone guesthouses to a few resorts. Tsagarada is the perfect spot for a peaceful and relaxing getaway where you can enjoy both mountain and sea.
For beach lovers, there’s not only Fakistra but also Karavostasia and the famous Mylopotamos. Each beach boasts wild beauty, with steep cliffs and the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean.
Best Hotels in Tsagarada
- (€€€) 12 Months Luxury Resort: a 5-star hotel with breakfast, swimming pool and bar
- (€€) Amalthia Traditional Guesthouse: with garden, swimming pool and breakfast
- (€) Diogenis Hotel: a budget-friendly hotel with breakfast
2. Agios Ioannis, a famous resort in Pelion for summer
Agios Ioannis—or Ai Giannis—is one of Pelion’s most popular seaside resorts. Nestled on the eastern coast about 55 kilometers from Volos, it’s a destination not to be missed.
Perfectly positioned beneath lush natural greenery and alongside a beach kissed by the Aegean, Agios Ioannis offers an idyllic escape.
It’s a hotspot for tourists each summer, boasting an array of hotels and rental rooms to accommodate all kinds of travelers. For camping enthusiasts, there’s a well-organized site just before you reach Papa Nero Beach.
The area is dotted with restaurants, quaint tavernas, cafes, and a couple of bars, all ready to cater to the needs of visitors. It’s widely regarded as one of the liveliest spots on the eastern side of Pelion.
Both the main beach of Agios Giannis and nearby Papa Nero Beach are simply heavenly. They feature crystal-clear turquoise waters and are mostly covered with fine white pebbles.
Agios Giannis is a fantastic choice for your summer stay in Pelion, whether you’re with family or friends. It’s a place where unforgettable memories are made under the sun.
Best Hotels in Agios Ioannis
- (€€) Kenta Beach Hotel: a 3-star beachfront hotel with swimming pool, breakfast and bar
- (€) Akro Rooms: beachfront rooms with balcony and breakfast
- (€) Ammos papanero: rooms with balcony and sea view
3. Mouresi - Damouchari, where to stay in Pelion for relaxing holidays
Mouresi, nestled in eastern Pelion and just 53 kilometers from Volos, is a picturesque village positioned conveniently close to Agios Ioannis and north of Tsagarada.
Perched at an altitude of 350 meters, Mouresi commands stunning views over the small harbor and the beaches of Damouchari and Papa Nero.
In this place, where the old settlement of Mouresi once stood, you’re treated to some truly postcard-worthy scenes.
The village itself is a mosaic of grand mansions and stone houses, with cobblestone paths winding through lush vegetation—a cool haven perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat.
Just a 4-kilometer jaunt from Damouchari, Mouresi and its surroundings offer a variety of accommodations, ranging from quaint in-village stays to seaside lodgings.
Damouchari beach, with its wild beauty and turquoise waters, even boasts a natural pool that’s absolutely worth diving into. It’s one of those rare spots that postcards can’t do justice.
Don’t expect bustling bars or a vibrant nightlife here; instead, Mouresi is all about serene escapes. The local tavernas in Mouresi and Damouchari provide a perfect backdrop for relaxed evenings, offering delicious local cuisine in a tranquil setting.
It’s the ideal spot for a peaceful retreat, immersed in nature and beauty.
Best Hotels in Mouresi - Damouchari
- (€€€) Peri Elxis Luxury Suites: elegant suites with fully equipped kitchen and breakfast
- (€€) Kalderimi Country House: a 4-star hotel with breakfast and bar
- (€€) Prasino-Galazio: fully equipped rooms and breakfast
4. Choreftο, a vibrant area to stay in Pelion
Chorefto, a charming seaside resort on the northeastern edge of Pelion, lies 47 kilometers from Volos. It serves as the port for Zagora—a village spectacularly built on the mountain, 8 kilometers away.
The landscape here is simply stunning. Lush green expanses stretch right down to the sea, and there’s a small harbor to the east of the beach where boats bob gently on the water. The village itself is quite a sight, rich in tradition and beauty.
Stroll through the cobblestoned square shaded by plane trees, and don’t miss the 17th-century church of Ai-Nikolas, the local library, and the historic churches in Zagora.
Chorefto beach, stretching over 2.5 kilometers, boasts crystal-clear waters and fine white sand—a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Chorefto is also known for its vibrant scene, with several restaurants and bars that add life to the area, especially with the organized camping site near the harbor that attracts many young visitors.
Accommodation options are plentiful, from quaint hotels to rental rooms and whole houses, all just a stone’s throw from the sea.
For the adventurous, I’d recommend a hike to nearby beaches like Parisaina, Turkovrisi, Analipsi, and Agioi Saranta. They are accessible from the left side of Chorefto’s beach and are definitely worth exploring.
Best Hotels in Chorefto
- (€€€) KaLLiA SUITES- CHOREFTO: elegant suites with swimming pool, 500m from the beach
- (€€) Aeolos Hotel & Villas – Pelion: suites and villas with swimming pools close to the beach
- (€) Guesthouse Enastron: a budget-friendly guesthouse with kitchen, 300m from the beach
5. Kala Nera, where to stay in Pelion for a lively vacation
Kala Nera is perfectly situated about halfway up the Pelion peninsula, on the western edge overlooking the serene Pagasetic Gulf.
This lively settlement has seen rapid development over the past decade, blossoming into a bustling hub with an impressive array of accommodations, eateries, cafes, and several beach bars that offer sun loungers right on the sand.
Located less than 20 kilometers from Volos, Kala Nera is a vibrant seaside area that draws crowds looking for fun under the sun.
The beach here is well-equipped, featuring both sandy stretches and pebbly patches, making it an ideal spot for families with children.
If you’re after a lively vacation, this area is a fantastic choice. However, if tranquility is more your style, you might want to consider a quieter destination.
Best Hotels in Kala Nera
- (€€€) Hotel Minelska Resort: a 4-star hotel with breakfast, close to the beach
- (€€) Melograno: rooms with kitchen, 100m from Kala Nera beach
- (€) Pagaseon Rooms and Apartments: apartments and rooms with swimming pool, 100m from the beach
6. Afissos, best area to stay in Pelion for families and kids
Afissos is a charming coastal village in southwestern Pelion, just 26 kilometers from the city of Volos.
It’s a perfect spot for a summer getaway with the kids and family, thanks to its proximity to the city and its peaceful ambiance, complemented by a variety of accommodation options.
The village is beautifully built in an amphitheater style above the Pagasetic Gulf, showcasing unique architecture with a harmonious feel across its buildings.
There’s a quaint little harbor where small boats and yachts anchor, adding to the picturesque setting.
Nearby beaches like Kalifteri and Ampovos are just a short distance away. These spots are famous for their fine sand and crystal-clear waters. They are well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars, making them ideal for a full day of seaside relaxation.
Whether you’re planning to relax by the sea or explore the scenic surroundings, Afissos offers a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle, ensuring a peaceful and picturesque vacation.
Best Hotels in Afissos
- (€€€) Karavia Lux Inn: elegant rooms with swimming pool and breakfast
- (€€) Maistrali Hotel: traditional hotel with restaurant
- (€) Mirto Apartments: apartments with kitchenette close to the beach
7. Chorto, where to stay in Pelion for a local experience
Chorto is a stunning coastal village nestled in the southwestern part of Pelion, about 46 kilometers from Volos. It’s tucked between Argalasti and Milina and is surrounded by dense vegetation with olive groves that stretch right to the sea’s edge.
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, Chorto is an ideal choice. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of a traditional village setting, far from the crowds but still equipped with all the tourist comforts.
Quiet doesn’t mean boring here. Chorto offers plenty to do, from water sports and hiking to cycling and, of course, swimming in the beautiful local beaches.
The village has a main beach right in front of the houses, but there are also two smaller coves to explore. To reach one, simply follow the path starting where the last houses end.
The other, known as Paganía, is just before you enter the village. These spots are perfect for those who cherish a bit of adventure with their relaxation.
Best Hotels in Chorto
- (€€€) Luxury Apartments La Villa: elegant apartments with kitchen and swimming pool
- (€€) MELIES- Seaside Boutique Apartments: studios with kitchenette and breakfast
- (€) Athina Studios: studios with kitchenette close to the beach