Agia Triada-Agios Georgios (circular)

Distance: 8.5 km.

Time: 4 hours with all the stops, walking time 3 hours

Altitude: from 240 m. (parking lot of Agia Triada) to 683 m. (Agios Georgios)

Total climbing up/down: 474 m.

Signing: red marks, some signs

Drinking water on walk: Agia Triada, Agios Georgios

Start/end: Agia Triada parking lot

Last checked: April 2023

Download GPS file: from Wikiloc

Powered by Wikiloc

        In the winter of 2023, two parallel kalderimis (cobblestone paths) connecting Agia Triada and Agios Georgios, one westerly and one easterly, were researched and opened with volunteer work. So,  we now have the opportunity to create a circular route, going up from Agia Triada to Agios Georgios on the western kalderimi and returning by the eastern one (or vice versa). The two kalderimis join at the old olive press of Vainas, located just above Agia Triada.

        Starting from the parking lot of Agia Triada (and from the drinking water fountain that lies there) we climb up on the asphalt. In thirty meters, an uphill concrete road branches off at an angle to the right and we follow it. This is the kalderimi, which fortunately a little further on, as the cement paving ceases,  is revealed clean and unblemished, going up towards the old oil press of Vainas, which is also kept in relatively good condition. We walk a few meters on the rural road (to the left) and find the continuity of the western kalderimi (here it starts as an earth path, not very obvious-attention!)) next to a concrete irrigation ditch. In general, the western kalderimi follows the  course of that ditch all the way up to Agios Georgios. 

The irrigation ditch

        The cobblestone climbs smoothly between olive groves, having rom several points a beautiful view towards the sea of Pagasitic. Higher up there is a signed crossing. From below comes a path from the church of the Agii Apostoli (see  the walk Kato Gatzea-Agii Apostoli-Agios Georgios ). We keep climbing on the path, paying attention to the left to see the continuity on of the cobblestone path, marked with red paint. If we fail to turn left at this junction and continue straight ahead uphill, we will eventually join the eastern kalderimi at a certain point. 

        Keeping on our way on the western kalderimi, we cross a stream and above that we cross a dirt road. The irrigation ditch, when we walked in April was bringing down a lot of water, some of it escaping on the path, creating a bit of difficulty in crossing it.

       Eventually we come out on the asphalt, where we walk uphill for 200 meters and then, where it makes a left turn, we leave it straight ahead and walk over a small stone bridge. Here we join the main kalderimi Ano Gatzea-Agios Georgios. Higher up there is an intersection where a branch goes right to Pinakates and to the eastern cobblestone. (we don`t take that). We come to cross the asphalt, walking now on a a cement road and finally reach the square of Agios Georgios in about two hours since the beginning of our walk.

Agios Georgios village square (in early spring)

        On the way back now, to avoid walking on the tarmac, we climb the kalderimi from the square up  to Agios Athanasios, a remarkable church. There we turn right and take a concrete road that brings us to the location "Rachi" at the exit of the village towards Pinakates, where there is a blacksmith shop and a fire station. We cross the asphalt diagonally (the view down is magical) and continue downhill on the eastern cobblestone. 

View from ''Rachi'' at Agios Georgios

        The water of the concrete ditch flows rapidly below, creating small waterfalls. Reaching the large entrance at the fence of a cottage, we continue on the descending dirt road, which below becomes cobblestone. We continue on a beautiful kalderimi section into the forest. Further on, the cobblestone is cut twice by a dirt road. The third time we come to an earth road, the kalderimi ends and we continue downhill on dirt road, which brings us to the Vainas olive press.    

Vainas olive press

We follow now the well-known kalderimi to return to the beginning of our walk.

Around Vizitsa (circular)

Liturgy at Taksiarches chapel, 5/9/2015

Αpproaching the Taksiarches chapel on the cliff

 Distance: 5,8 km.

Time: 2h 40' with stops

Altitude; from 283 m. (min) to 525 m. (max)

Total climbing up/down; 386 m.

Signed with:red paint, several metal or wooden signs

Drinking water on walk: Vizitsa, Milies train station

Start: main asphalt, just above the main church

End: Vizitsa village square

Last checked:August 2023

Download GPS file: from Wikiloc

Powered by Wikiloc

      This beautiful circular route, which has the village square of Vizitsa at its highest point, gives us the opportunity to visit many attractions of the area: the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos and the old fountain below it, the train station of Milies, the metal train bridge at Taxiarches chapel (or, as it is sometimes called, the De Chirico bridge), the small church of Taxiarches on the rock, the small stone-concrete bridge over the stream, the waterfall ''Katafidi'', and finally the central church of Zoodochos Pigi under the square. To see all that, it will take a little less than three hours, including stops as we please.   

    Srtarting from the main asphalt and walking on it downhill towards Milies, we pass above the shop of the Women's Cooperative "Esperides" (where we can buy quality local products), and find on our right the kalderimi (cobblestone path) that leads below to the old tiny monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (St. John the Baptist), worthy of a stop. Leaving the monastery, we descend on a narrow cobblestone path next to the wall of the monastery, and immediately join a wide kalderimi below. On our left is an old (renovated) drinking water fountain. The cobblestone below is cut abruptly by a dirt road, on which we walk to the left.  

                       The kalderimi  below the monastery of St. John the Baptist, Vizitsa

        In a short while, we pass under the cemetery of Vιzitsa and come out on an asphalt road. We cross it and continue along the path, which quickly becomes a nice kalderimi. To our right we have the large Miliotiko ravine. We see high up opposite the white chapel of the Lifting of the Holy Cross and, if we pay attention, we will see below it, built in a recess of the steep rock on the cliff, the small chapel of Taxiarches. 

The metal bridge from above

    The cobblestone becomes a path again and we get to a path junction. We choose the right branch, intending to walk through the Milies train station, as that path crosses a stream and comes out just at the station's entrance.

Arriving to the train station of Milies

        We walk along the tracks and after ten minutes we reach the famous metal bridge, built in the early 1900s by the German engineer Schneider, a specialist in metal bridges, under the supervision of  chief engineer Evaristo de Chirico (father of the important surrealist painter Giorgio de Chirico , who was born in Volos). 

        We return by the same way and, reaching the intersection below, we go left. The path runs smoothly along the wooded slope, We pass by a cave that was used by a shepherd for his animals (now  abandoned) and we cross twice the large Miliotiko stream (there is usually no water here). The path becomes a dirt road and we come out on the asphalt road that goes to Argyreika. Here we walk uphill and at the second sharp turn that the asphalt makes, we leave it straight ahead onto a dirt road, which soon becomes cobblestone and we cross the stream again over a small concrete bridge.

      Shortly after the bridge, paying attention to our left, we find a narrow path which in a few meters brings us in front of the impressive "Katafidi" waterfall. It is a truly beautiful spot, especially in the spring when the stream brings down a lot of water as ths snow high on the mountain is melting, and we will definitely stay long enough to enjoy it. In the summer the water dries up, but the spot always remains impressive.

Katafidi waterfall at its best

    We return to the wide, expertly made cobblestone and climb up towards Vizitsa. A little further, the cobblestone is blocked by a landslide and we have to leave it to the right and make a detour walking on a dirt track. Further up we reach an intersection, where the cobblestone continues climbing diagonally to the left (attention!), next to a large shrine. Constantly climbing, we pass the central church of Zoodochos Pighi, cross the asphalt and finally reach the picturesque square of Vyzitsa at an altitude of 525 meters.

                                                                 Vizitsa square

Makrirachi-Aetofolia (circular)

Aetofolia

 

Distance: 3,3 km

Time: 1 hour 50'

Altitude: from 235 m. (Makrirachi square) to  420 m. (max)

Total elevation gain/loss: 274 m.

Signing: red paint, yellow round signs

Drinking water on walk: no

Start/finish: Makrirachi square

Last checked: Οctober 2022

Download  GPS file:  from Wikiloc

Powered by Wikiloc

             Starting and ending in the square of Makrirrachi, this relatively short circular route, which takes less than 2 hours, allows us to visit the excellent viewpoint of Aetofolia (meaning ''eagles nest'') through the wild gorge of Megalo Rema. The return to the square is made using the main kalderimi that comes from Chania via Prophitis Elias and Agii Anargiri chapels.

            Starting from the square of Makrirachi, we keep walking on the main asphalt towards Anilio village. Immediately after the last houses of the village, we take an uphill narrow road on the right. We pass a water reservoir and walk on the wild northern slope of the gorge, in a dense oak forest. Paying attention to our right, we notice a post with a sign, which points right to "Aetofolia". The uphill path we are walking on now is narrow and relatively difficult, however in 10 minutes we find ourselves at Aetofolia. From this point we have a magnificent view of the overgown gorge of Megalo Rema up to Agriolefkes peak. The Aegean sea can be seen on the opposite side. It is worth sitting quietly for a while to enjoy this unique viewpoint.

Aetofolia 

      In order to return, we continue in the same direction on the path, which immediately turns into a narrow earth road. At the point where there is a signpost on both sides of the road (ATTENTION) we meet the kalderimi coming from Agii Anargiri, which used to be the main connection of Makrirrachi to Chania and Volos. We follow it going downhill to the right (it is initially difficult due to soil that has fallen on the side of the road).

Anilio village on the opposite side of the stream

       The kalderimi continues to descend and we go through the first houses of Makrirachi. Finally we come out on a concrete road, where we go left. The road (formerly a kalderimi) descends and ends at the main road, immediately above the village square.

Mushroom tasting at Makrirachi square (October 2022)

Kissos-Tympanos springs

Distance: 2,9 km
Time: 45 min.
Altitude: from 500 m. (Kissos square) to 536 m. (Tympanos)
Total elevation gain: 167 m. Total elevation loss: 108 m.
Signing: red paint on the path
Start: Kissos square
Download GPS track: from Wikiloc

Powered by Wikiloc

        

     Α visit to the springs of Tympanos near Kissos is an absolute must, an unforgettable experience. Double waterfalls, water pond for an icy swim, huge rocks at the overgrown ravine, water coming from above, from the sides, from everywhere -a wild paradise, just 45 minutes from the square of Kissos.

Swimming in the ice cold water of the pond

       

Double waterfalls

         Starting from the drinking water fountain at Kissos square, we walk to the south on a generally downhill paved road, that later becomes unpaved. Just before we reach the streambed (where there is a large pond worthy of a visit), at the sharp left turn of the road we find an uphill path marked with red paint and follow it. A little higher up we meet an irrigation ditch and follow it uphill.

                      Near Tympanos, there are two short sections where we have to walk along the waterway with a drop beneath. With encouragement, everybody can do it, unless they suffer from severe acrophobia. Then we have to crawl for a few meters through a tunnel dug in the rock, along the waterway. In our experience, walking on the ditch and through he tunnel is much easier if we do it barefoot, taking our shoes off.

The tunnel dug in the rock

         After the tunnel there is a safety rope on the side. You`re likely to get your feet wet, so as we`ve said it pays either to take your shoes off, or carry a second pair.

        In spring, excessive water flow due to melting snow can render the passage quite difficult, so the best period for visit is in June. In August water flow is markedly diminished.

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

Powered by Wikiloc

              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.

Milopotamos-Limnionas-Labinou

Limnionas beach

Distance: 3,15 km
Time: 1 hour (without stops)
Altitude: from 0 m. to 82 m. (maximum)
Total elevation gain/loss: 154 m.
Signed with red paint marks and some metal signs
Drinking water on walk: no

Last checked: 1/9/2024
Download GPS track: from Wikiloc

Powered by Wikiloc

          This is an easy, one-hour walk connecting three fine beaches in East Pelion. Most of the walk takes place on concrete paved road, but there are also sections of kalderimi and earth path. From Labinou beach one can continue on kalderimi and path to the village of Labinou and Milies. There also exists a circular route Labinou-Propan.

           From the end of the car parking at Milopotamos, just under the taverna, we find a kalderimi climbing down to cross the stream of Mylopotamos. There are also concrete steps leading down to the chapel of Panagia (or Zoodochos Pigi) next to the streambed.

Milopotamos

         On the other bank we climb on a path, which opens to a concrete pacved road leading to the left to Faros hotel. We walk on the road uphill to the right. In a short distance we notice above us on the right the small chapel of Agios Nikolaos, from where an uphill path-kalderimi goes to Xourichti, marked also with red dots and a small sign.

Agios Nikolaos chapel

        We don`t follow that and keep walking on the road. Further on we come to a V-junction, where the road on the right goes uphill to Xourichti. We take the road on the left. After 400 meters we reach the chapel of Agia Varvara. On the east side of the church lies a drinking water fountain (dry when we passed by on 1/9/2024).

Agia Varvara chapel and drinking water fountain

            Just after Agia Varvara we come to another V-junction  and take again the left branch, which is paved with concrete and leads down to the beach of Limnionas, the opening of Varsami stream to the Aegean sea. A small cafe operates here in the summer season.

Limnionas beach

         Leaving the beach, we walk for a few meters on the streambed, and then find a kalderimi climbing on the left bank. Higher up this becomes an earth road, on which we walk. Reaching a cottage on the left (attention) we leave the road and walk on a path passing on the side of the cottage. Walking on even ground through olive groves, we pass next to another cottage and then the path becomes earth road, which eventually leads to the parking lot of Labinou beach. A taverna operates here during the summer season as well.

Labinou beach

    
    In a short distance above the parking lies the old monastery of Panagia Labidhona (built in 1796), which in recent years after renovation operates again as a nunnery and is worthy of a visit.

Labidona monastery

Agios Georgios-Pinakates

Distance: 4,1 km
Time: 1,5 hour
Altitude: from 605 m. (Agios Georgios) to 667 m. (max) to 575 m. (Pinakates)
Total elevaton gain: 86 m.  Total elevation loss: 111 m.
Signed with red paint and round yellow signs
Drinking water on walk: Alexeika (near Pinakates)
Download GPS track: from Wikiloc

Powered by Wikiloc

              This route was explored, opened and signed during the winter of 2017-18, thus completing the South Pelion Trail. Agios Georgios is also connected with hiking trails to Ano Lechonia, Agios Lavrentios, Kato Gatzea, Kissos, Hania, Tsagarada and Mouresi. Pinakates is also connected to Kala Nera and Vizitsa.

                Starting from the square of Agios Georgios, we walk on the asphalt uphill through the village. After 250 m, passing by Vogiatzopoulos mansion, a downhill concrete road on the right is the start of the walking route to Kato Gatzea. We keep on the asphalt, exit the village and after about one kilometer we leave it at an angle to the right, watching for the signs on the electricity pole (we don`t take the concrete road).

Signs on an electricity pole

                        

                    We walk now on a downhill earth path in an easterly direction, below and roughly parallel to the asphalt road, that offers some nice views to the Pagasitic sea below. After crossing a small stream, the path keeps on a steady altitude. We join an earth road for 20 meters and continue on the path on the left. It opens to a sharp turn of an asphalt road, on which we walk uphill. A large water cistern is on our right. As the asphalt takes a sharp left turn, we walk straight ahead, cross a concrete irrigation ditch and join the main asphalt, going now downhill. In thirty meters, we come to a spot with an excellent view to Pinakates at the opposite slope.

View to Pinakates

                                                  Here, noticing the signpost, we take the downhill path that comes to cross the Kakorema stream, another beautiful spot of our walk.

Crossing the Kakorema (in spring)

                                                 On the opposite bank the path continues in oak forest, we cross an unused concrete irrigation ditch, then walk around the fence of a grove and join the main asphalt again, on which we walk for 200 meters. At a left turn of the asphalt, we find a downhill path that leads down to the settlement Alexeika, next to a drinking water fountain. 

            We now walk on concrete road. At the first junction we take the right branch and at the next two junctions the left branch. Meeting the first houses of Pinakates we walk on a flat stone paved track, which later becomes a proper kalderimi. Climbing a few steps, we finally arrive to the quiet and picturesque square, with the big old plane tree in the middle and the marble  neoclassical-style drinking water fountain, built in 1894, under the main church of Agios Dimitrios. 

Square of Pinakates