Pelion is undoubtedly a four-season destination. From the turquoise beaches in summer and the verdant mountain trails in spring, to the golden leaves in autumn and the snow-covered branches in winter, the mountain of the Centaurs is always enchanting!
One reason we love it a little more in the winter is because of the ski resort in Chania. It is perhaps one of the few ski resorts in Europe where you can gaze at the sea from both sides! The Aegean and the Pagasitikos. It is a unique sight that makes you want to return to Pelion again and again.
And the ski resort may be small and not with the most modern facilities (well-maintained of course), but all of this is secondary to the landscape, the natural beauty and the traditional Pelion architecture.
Start your day early as the snow is definitely better in the morning. Stop at the first bakery you come across and get a Pelion cheese bread. You will remember us!
After you melt on the slopes, stop for a coffee at the renovated chalet «Loaded Lodge» at the ski resort, admiring the view of the Pagasitikos Gulf.
Where will you eat?
After you're done skiing, the area offers plenty of quality dining options. Our favorite hangouts are "Kritsas" in Portaria, where you'll try pepper pie and Pelioniteko spenzofai, and "Gefsokratoras" also in Portaria for eggplant caviar and pork fillet folded in a cast-iron oven, with an egg crust, mozzarella and spinach.
In Makrinitsa, enjoy the view and meat at the tavern “Apolafsi” and wild boar at “Kardamos”. For more gourmet flavors, try “Pleiades”
What will you see?
Wander the cobblestone streets of the village and look for the cafe "Theophilos" to see the mural by the famous Greek painter Theophilos Hadjimichael. Look for the Topali mansion, built in 1844 and currently used as a folklore museum with more than 1500 exhibits.
And don't forget to "stare" at the lights of Volos from the "Aeriko" cafe in Portaria, trying handmade orange pie and local spoon sweets...
Where to stay?
If you are going to Pelion primarily for skiing, stay in Chania to be close to the ski resort. The “Kokkini's Inn” είναι ιδανική επιλογή στην οποία δε θα παραλείψεις να δοκιμάσεις το εξαιρετικό τους εστιατόριο! Καλή επιλογή και το ανακαινισμένο Manthos Mountain Hotel. Αν θέλεις κάτι πιο κοσμοπολίτικο στη διαμονή σου, μείνε στην Πορταριά ή στη Μακρυνίτσα. Το Xenia of Portaria and Melanthi Mansion are excellent choices, although there are countless accommodations for every taste.
After all that, watch a video we made at the ski resort!
Still not convinced???
