Katigiorgis-Promiri-Rodia (circular)

 

Promyri

Distance: 18.2 km.

Time: 7.5 hours with stops

Altitude: from 0 m. (Katigiorgis) to 234 m. (Promiri square) to 373 m. (maximum)

Total ascent / descent: 622 m.

Marking: red marks and round signs

Drinking water on walk: Promiri

Start / end: Katigiorgis beach

Download GPS file (.gpx): from Wikiloc

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UPDATE 1/2025: After the floods the path is cut off at the stream near Promiri and remains impassable. We are working on a bypass.    

         In the book of the late Nikos Haratsis "A Pelion Guide for Walkers", published in 1995, there is a description of the route Promiri-Rodia, noting that "the route has been completely abandoned for many years, and therefore is closed at many points''. After another 28 years of complete abandon, one can imagine how closed the kalderimi-path was.

The path before cleaning

        However, in the winter of 2022, with voluntary work and with a lot of patience and perseverance we managed to find and open the lost path. So now, restored and signed, it can be used either in combination with the other route via Lyri (Promyri-Lyri-Katigiorgis)  to create a circular walk, as we did here, or to walk only the new path section from Promiri to Katigiorgis (Promiri-Rodia-Vromoneri-Katigiorgis, a distance of ten kilometers). In the latter case, we must have arranged how to return to Promiri. One option is to take the bus that makes the route from Katigiorgis to Promiri-Volos (summer and winter schedules are different, check timetables of Katigiorgis-Volos route at www.ktelvolou.gr ).

Approaching Promiri via Lyri

        In the circular route presented here, we first climb from Katigiorgis to Promiri via Lyri and then return by the new path via Rodia-Vromoneri. 

Katigiorgis

        Starting from the beach of Katigiorgis, we go up on the main road. After 100 meters, as the road turns, we go straight ahead on a narrow uphill concrete road, which surely was a cobblestone path in the past. We cross the asphalt and continue on a dirt road in a pine forest. At the intersection we go right, paying attention to the red marks. Here this road section looks abandoned. Our course is generally to the north-northwest. Further on, walking on a dirt road, after a fence on our right, we leave the road to the right and find a path that goes down and crosses a small stream.

        We climb through an olive grove, having a kiosk on our right and reach the ridge, where we cross a dirt road and  continue on a straight line, in a pine tree forest. Descending, we find ourselves in an olive grove again, keeping the same (northern) direction  and cross another small stream.

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Through the olive grove

      We climb again in an olive grove, just next to its border with wild vegetation, which is on our left.  Reaching the ridge, there is a crossing of dirt roads and we go straight downhill. A little further down we have an intersection, where we go straight. In front of us is the Laskos estate. The path is on the left side of the road. After it was cleaned in 2018, it is again today (May 2022) closed by vegetation and needs cleaning again. In any case, if it`s closed, we can follow it walking on the road along its side, until we see it becomes passable again. It becomes a kalderimi for a few meters.

At Laskos estate

         Further on it comes out on a dirt road, which in turn comes out on the asphalt, opposite a bus stop shelter. We walk on the asphalt to the left, through the settlement of Lyri. At the exit of the settlement we cross with a stream. This is the large stream by the name ''Gerogianni'' that comes from Promiri.  There is a metal bridge on the right side of the road. We turn left, walking on a vague path with red signs next to the stream. Further on, we cross the stream and pass to its left bank. When we did the walks (June 2019 and May 2022) the path was maintained and we had no problem. If this section is unmaintained and blocked by vegetation and brambles, we can always walk into the stream bed (the stream is normally dry, unless there is rain, in that case walking is not recommended).

Walking on the streambed

         At the end of this path section, we cross to the right bank of the stream and walk parallel to it, into an olive grove. We cross the stream a couple more times, until we come to a dirt road that also crosses the stream. We are now walking on this road, having the streambed on our left. In a little while, at a fork in the road, we take the left branch, which goes just next to the riverbed. As we ascend, we can make out sections of kalderimi in the road. Approaching Promiri, the road becomes asphalt and then stone paved.

Dormition of Theotokos church, Promiri

        We pass over the central church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, built in 1760. A little further up is the village square, where we will definitely have a longer stop for coffee or refreshments. So far we have walked for about three hours from Katigiorgis.

Promiri square

         Now it`s time to walk back. Keeping on the main street we come to exit the village. After the gas station there is an information board on the side of the road made by the Friends of the Kalderimi of South Pelion. A few meters on, the cobbled stone path branches off descending into the ravine, going to Platanias and we follow it. We cross a stream and in a few minutes we reach a crossroads signed with a pole (attention!) The path to Platanias continues straight ahead, but we go left, changing direction now towards Rodia. In a few meters we see on our left an old fountain without water.

At Kanalaki

        We are now at the location "Kanalaki", in an impressive setting with rocks, running water in the streams, large plane trees whose trunks take strange shapes, a magic forest. The old half-ruined cobbled path, after crossing two small streams, begins to climb with sharp turns. Here it is wide and in good condition.

        Leaving the wooded ravine, we continue uphill on a grassy unused dirt road and in a few meters we see the path on our left and follow it. We continue in the same direction at the right border of an olive grove and higher up we cross a dirt road. Here at the making of the road, the bulldozer dug the ground half a meter below he path level, and we have to climb this to continue on the path. We ascend parallel to the road, which is on our left, but after a while the path joins the road, on which we come to walk on. Further on, we find the continuity of the path on our left (a cairn marks that point along with red paint). We are at Mavron Oros (Black Mountain), which is really a hill and not a mountain (422 meters high), located south of Promιri. On our way we reach a maximum altitude of 373 meters. 

View to Skiathos and Aegean sea

        A dirt road passes on the ridge as we come and cross it, next to a pole with round signs. From this point we have a nice view to the Aegean and Skiathos. 

A pole with round signs by the Friends of the Kalderimi of South Pelion

      The path now descends steadily in a southeast direction. We cross the stream of Kriovrisi on a section of kalderimi and then we ascend in a wooded area, until we reach an olive grove.

Crossing Kriovrisi stream

                 From now on, until we reach Vromoneri, we will be walking on rural earth roads. Reaching a  hut we go right and at a new intersection we go right again on the main (wider) road. We come to another intersection, where we go left on the wider road, noticing the round sign on the tree. Again at a new intersection we go left (to the right it goes into the settlement of Rodia, which is at close distance, but we do not need to go there). In a short while we see in front of us the chapel of Agios Ioannis the Theologian, a good place for a stop. 

Agios Ioannis Theologos chapel

        We continue on the dirt road to the east, then we take the asphalt for 500 meters and then we follow the road sign to Vromoneri beach.

Vromoneri beach

        A path continues from Vromoneri parallel to the coastline, through pine forest. Various signs help to guide us to Katigiorgis. On our way, we pass by the tiny beach of Vlachorema.

Vlachorema beach

Vlachorema

       We go down through the yard of the '' Aura '' studios and finally reach the beach of Katigiorgis and the cafe-restaurants that operate there.  

Katigiorgis

        

Promyri-LIri-Katigiorgis

Distance: 8,2 km
Time: 3 hours with stops
Altitude: from 200 m. (Promiri) to 0 m. (Katigiorgis)
Total elevation gain: 115 m. Total elevation loss: 336 m.
Signed with red paint and round yellow signs
Drinking water on walk: no
Start: Gas station at the entrance of Promiri
End: Katigiorgis beach
Download GPS track: from Wikiloc

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              This walk connects Promiri to the beach of Katigiorgis, which also serves as a port for a sea connection to the island of Skiathos, which is no more than 20 minutes away (boat trip to Koukounaries). Other walks in the area include Promiri to Platanias, Lafkos to Promiri, Katigiorgis to Vromoneri beach and Katigiorgis-Promiri-Rodia circular. During the summer season, several restaurants and cafes operate at the beach. A practical way to return back to Promiri, is to take the bus passing from Katigiorgis at 15.15' daily.

           Starting from the gas station at the entrance of Promiri, we walk on the main road of the village, which is paved with flat stones. We pass by the square and then just above the main church of Koimisis Theotokou (Dormition of Our Lady), built in 1760. The church celebrates on August 15th.

Koimisis Theotokou (Dormition of Theotokos) church at Promiri

           After the church,  the road becomes paved with cement, then asphalt and continues uphill to the left, while we continue downhill on a narrow earth road. A path on the right leads in 30 m. to  the old drinking water fountain Sardeli. When we passed at the end of June, only a few drops of water were coming out of the fountainhead.

Sardeli fountain

         We walk on a downhill earth road, which incorporates sections of kalderimi. On our right is a large ravine (Gerogianni stream) We ignore junctions with uphill roads leading to orchards.

The old path has become an earth road

          Eventually, we come down near the streambed. As the earth road turns right to cross the streambed, we leave it and walk straight ahead on a path. Shortly, the path crosses the streambed and passes on the right bank.

           After a little while, we cross again to the left bank and walk on the edge of an olive grove. At the other end of the grove there is an earth road that crosses the streambed. We find the continuity of the path on the right bank. In the first few meters we walk through bramble, but after that the path is clear and shady. In case ths bramble is overgrown blocking the path, we can walk into the streambed, which is usually dry. We come to cross the streambed one more time, passing again to the left bank. Eventually the path opens to the asphalt road next to a cottage`s fence on our left. On the other side of the road lies a metal bridge. Here we are at the entrance of the settlement of Liri.

Crossing the streambed

           We walk on the asphalt through the settlement. After exiting Liri, at the point where a metal cabin at a bus stop is on the left side of the road, we turn right on an earth road. After about thirty meters, watching down on our left, we find an earth path which shortly becomes a kalderimi, then earth path again. Further on, we join an uphill earth road. Reaching the ridge, we continue straight ahead into an olive grove. A cottage is on our left below.

Going through olive grove

          Watching for the signs, we find the continuity of the path, descending gently in a straight line to the south. After crossing a small stream, we continue in the same direction uphill through an olive grove. Further on, the path goes through a batch of pine trees. Reaching the ridge, we walk downhill in the same direction through another olive grove. A kiosk is on our left. We cross another tiny stream  and continue on earth road, following the signs.

          Finally, we come to cross an asphalt road and walk now on a cement paved track, which opens to the main road of Katigiorgis. Our walk ends after fifty meters at the beach, next to the chapel of Agios Georgios (St. George).

Katigiorgis beach

PS. Many thanks to George Laskos from Liri, who helped us find and clean the path.

Lafkos-Agios Spiridon monastery-Promiri

Promiri

Distance: 7,8 km
Time: 2,5 hours (walking time 2.15')
Altitude: from 310 m. (Lafkos) to 230 m. (Promiri)
Total elevation gain: 176 m.  Total elevation loss: 260 m.
Signed with: round yellow signs
Drinking water on walk: at the monastery (if open)
Download GPS track: from Wikiloc

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       UPDATE 1/2025: After the floods the path is cut off at the stream near Promiri and remains impassable. We are working on a bypass.         

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                           Although this may not be the shortest route from Lafkos to Promiri, it surely is the nicest and we recommend it.   

 Starting from Lafkos square, we walk on the main kalderimi to the south (away from the church) and pass by the bakery. At a  signed V-junction we take the left branch (the right one goes towards the cemetery).  We soon come to another junction where we see the school in front of us. Here we go left again and come down on the main asphalt road junction. Walking on the asphalt towards Promiri for 200 m., just before the electricity substation, we leave the asphalt to the right on the kalderimi towards Platanias. Climbing on the hill, we enjoy beautiful view to the Pagasitic sea.

View to the Pagasitic sea

             Reaching the wide earth road that goes to Mikro beach, we cross it at an angle and further down join it again. After 100 m. on the road (attention!) we take the narrow earth track to the left. After another 200 m. there is a junction where we go to the right. The earth track ends at a vineyard, and we continue on path through oak forest.

        We come to cross the wide earth road which goes to Agios Spiridon, and continue on the beautiful woodland path, which descends on a section of kalderimi, until it enters a gorge by a small stream, normally without water. 

           The path continues on the left side of the stream and eventually opens to an earth track, We turn left and soon join the earth road just above the monastery of Agios Spiridon.

Agios Spiridon monastery

                        Related to the village of Promiri, built at time unknown, the monastery was destroyed by the Turks during the Greek revolution in 1823 and was rebuilt in 1834. Later it became deserted, but from 1980`s and on operates again as a nunnery. At time present (2018) it has three nuns.

            Leaving the monastery, we take the narrow earth track on the right, going downhill on a straight line following the fence. Further down it becomes a path incorporating traces of kalderimi. This comes down to cross an overgrown gully. On the other bank we continue on a path which later becomes earth road and we go past a hut. At the first junction we go left uphill and at the second junction left downhill. We walk next to a barbed wire fence and after that fence, we find a downhill path which soon joins the wide kalderimi going from Promiri to Platanias, on which we walk uphill, going past a water fountain (nowadays without water) at  the location of Randi. 

The fountain at Randi

          We walk uphill on the wide and well preserved kalderimi in the direction of Promiri. There is a section of earth road, the kalderimi continues on the right, and then crosses the road.  Further up we come to cross the main asphalt to Platanias. On the other side of the asphalt there is a wide earth road on the right going towards Rodia. We take the narrow one on the left on a northerly direction, which later becomes a kalderimi and we walk on a straight line following the course of a gully. 

The overgrown kalderimi

           After a fair distance on the overgrown kalderimi, we go past a junction with a path on the right going to Kanalaki-Rodia, we cross a stream,  then ascend and join the asphalt at the entrance of Promiri. The recorded track ends at the village square.

Promiri

Promiri-Platanias

Distance: 6,1 km
Duration: 2 hours (walking time 1.45')
Altitude: from 233 m. (start) to 285 m. (max) to 0 m. (Platanias)
Marked with: large signs, small round signs, red marks
Drinking water on walk: yes

Download  GPS track:   from Wikiloc    from Everytrail     

       UPDATE 1/2025: After the floods the path is cut off at the stream near Promiri and remains impassable. We are working on a bypass.

    An easy and beautiful walk on a stone path beside a stream with running water, descending to the beach of Platanias in the Aegean sea. Platanias, like the nearby beach Mikro (a 10-minutes walk through coastal path), is a tourist destination and has restaurants and lodgings. We can return by bus (www.ktelvolou.gr). From Platanias one can continue walking to Mikro and Hondri Ammos beach, and also to Lafkos. 

 

      Βeginning at the entrance of Promiri, walking on the asphalt to Lafkos, a few meters after the gas station watching on the left, we find the stone path that descends gently to the slope. As we come near the bed of the stream, set down below is Kanalakia fountain. Walking through the wooded ravine, we pass to the left side and continue slightly uphill to the south, in a heavenly setting.

 

       Eventually, we meet the asphalt road that goes to Platanias, and follow it for about 50 meters downhill. Then turn right on the earth road that goes to the monastery of St. Spyridon. After 200 m. still on this road, we meet the path on the left, and it soon meets the road again. We pass under the chapel of St Sophia, then find the stone path again on the left side.

     Now another beautiful stretch begins, going down right next to the stream. There is another fountain on our left, at an area called Randi. We pass three signed intersections with paths to St Spyridon, Vodin and Mousges and continue on the main kalderimi, that goes out for a while on an earth road and again continues to the left. We already view the Aegean sea, having on our left a wooded hillside with some cottages.

    The stone path ends at a concrete tank below, to the point where two streams come together. We continue on an uphill road, having on the right the fence of a cottage. At the upper corner of the fence we find the kalderimi, that descends for a few meters and then finally stops and becomes a footpath next to a low stone wall (pezoula). Then we pass on the right side of the stream and continue among olive trees.

 

     Here the trail is not so obvious, but we generally follow the course of the stream to the sea in a southerly direction, assisted by signs and red marks. Further on, we pass to the left side of the stream and walk on earth road.

     Eventually, we reach a point  just next to the stream, where the earth road turns left uphill to meet the asphalt, next to a road sign ''Have a Nice Trip-Welcome to Platanias''(we don`t take that route). In front of us is a private property. At this point we enter into the riverbed on the right, which is normally dry and fairly easy (and pleasant) to walk on, and follow it for about 700 m. until it opens to the beach of Platanias.

Platanias