Argalasti-Lefokastro-Kalamos

On the way to Lefokastro

 Distance: 8,6 km

Duration: 2.45' with stops

Altitude: from 255 m. (Argalasti) to sea level

Marked with: red marks and round signs

Drinking water on walk: yes (Lefokastro)

Download GPS track:   from Wikiloc   from Everytrail

     
     This is one of the best walks in South Pilion, descending from Argalasti to the coastal settlement of Lefokastro and from there along the coast to the settlement of Kalamos. From Kalamos we can return to Argalasti (see the route Argalasti-Kalamos), completing the circular walk within a total time of around 4 hours, or if we wish and have the reserves we can continue further along the coast towards Paou and from there return to Argalasti, which will take around 5 hours including stops (see the route Kalamos-Paou monastery-Argalasti).  

      Starting from the square in Argalasti, from the corner where there is a pharmacy, we follow the narrow concrete road in a westerly direction, go past the post office and reach a junction with the restored stone building of the old girl’s school on our left (attention). Straight ahead is the kalderimi (cobbled stone path) leading to Kalamos. We turn right and follow another kalderimi that descends in a northerly direction. After a short distance, we reach a section of about thirty metres where this has been destroyed and we descend through a gully-like path to the left over stony ground.

Looking back to Argalasti

       Reaching the kalderimi again, we continue down and cross the small stream of Pnevmatikos over a bridge and then cross an earth road. After a short distance, we reach a second earth road where we turn down to the left. The kalderimi is visible in the road and after fifty metres we follow this off to the right of the road. We pass an electricity pylon and soon reach the beautiful stone arched bridge of Rodia.

Rodia stone bridge

      After crossing Rodia stream, the kalderimi ascends and finally emerges onto the asphalt road to Lefokastro at the point where an earth road forks left towards Kalamos. At the junction there is a sign and a shrine. Since the continuation of the kalderimi has been covered over at this point, we follow the asphalt road for a kilometre. However, watching out for it on our left, we again find the kalderimi, which descends between low dry stone walls. Further down we cross the asphalt road and then meet it again after a short distance. It takes about one and a half hours (with stops) to reach this point, having covered a distance of 4,8 km. If we follow the asphalt downhill for 300 metres, we will reach the seaside front at Lefokastro, where we can find food and drink at the taverna.

Beach at Lefokastro

     To continue to Kalamos, we keep walking on the kalderimi that descends past an old spring water drinking fountain, built in 1777 according to the inscription. After a few minutes we reach an excellent sandy beach. At the other end of the beach we walk up a path for a few metres and come out onto a narrow earth road. Below us passes the underground pipe bringing fresh water from the Panagiotiko dam. Unfortunately, laying of the pipe has destroyed the nice path with small sections of kalderimi that existed here previously.

    We walk along the road to the south and soon reach a junction with a road going up to the left. We continue straight ahead parallel to the sea on our right. The road eventually ends at a T junction and we turn upwards to the left for ten metres and then turn right into a grove, climbing over a low fence at the entrance. The path, which like all the route is marked by red dots, continues for a short distance in the grove, after which we pass next to a fence on our right. We continue downhill towards the sea and soon reach the small beach of Agios Sostis. 

Agios Sostis beach (picture taken late February)

    At the other end of the beach we meet an earth road and follow it in a southerly direction (to the right). After ten minutes, where the main road curves to the left, we leave it to the right on a narrow road that descends slightly and later becomes a path. This leads us to the northern end of the beach at Kalamos.

    We walk along the beach for a short distance and, where it seems to end, we turn to the left for a few metres and then right on a narrow concrete road parallel to the sea. We cross over the Rodia stream on a pedestrian bridge and after a short distance come out at the beach again. About half way along the beach we find the kalderimi that goes up to the left to Argalasti, marked by walker signs on the electricity pole.

Kanalia-Drakopigado cave-Souvala Manoli (circular)

Distance: 15,1 km

Duration: total time 7 h, walking time 5,5 h

Altitude: from 100 m. (Kanalia) to 695 m. (max)
Total ascent/descent: 754 m.

Signing: red paint marks, a few signs

Drinking water on walk: no 

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     This long circular route, centred around the village of Kanalia, gives us the opportunity to visit the impressive  vertical cave called Drakopigado. The walk starts with an uphill stretch to the north on the path-kalderimi towards Keramidi. When we reach the asphalt road, we continue in an easterly direction on a path that leads us to the Kanalia-Veneto route, which we follow downhill to return back to Kanalia. The most suitable season for this walk is early spring or late autumn, when the sun is not too hot, since the walk is mainly over stony ground with holm oaks and rather little shade. 

 

     Starting off from the square in Kanalia, initially there are two alternative routes that we can follow. For the first, we go straight uphill on the right hand side of the square on a road that ends at the last houses of the village but continues as a wide path that leads us to the village’s underground water storage tank. There we pass through an opening in the wire mesh fence slightly to the right of the locked door and find the path opposite the left hand (western) corner on the boundary fence. 

Kanalia

 

   The other possible route, which we follow here, starts on the road to the left of the square from the bus terminal. We walk in a westerly direction (go left at a junction) through the village until we reach the Hadzidimi drinking water fountain. People that used to come down from Keramidi with their mules would have passed by here on their way to Volos. The inscription on the fountain gives the date 1870.

Hadzidimi fountain

      We continue on the road, which ascends for a few metres in the same westerly direction, then immediately turn right onto a narrow track (we may have to cross a wooden fence) and continue uphill. We pass by a pen, which we leave on our right as we join an earth road. After a bend to the right a few metres further on, we leave this road and find the wide path indicated by red dots, which ascends in a northerly direction and in a short while converges with the other path from the right leading from the water tank.

View of Kanalia and lake Karla

     Walking steadily uphill, we pass a metallic shrine and begin to notice the remains of the kalderimi, which steadily increase. Eventually, we come out onto the asphalt road. Opposite, the kalderimi continues towards Keramidi, but we don`t follow that. We take the road to the right and after 100 metres we reach a hairpin bend. At this point there is a sign, a bench and a few metres of stone paved path, built in 2006 as part of a program to mark out the paths of North Pelion. The sign points to ''Ano Kerasia''.

Stone paved path at the asphalt road hairpin

     We walk over the paving to the east and continue on a path, which leads us to a clearing with a pen and a stone hut. Ignoring a descending path on our right, we continue on the level on a path passing from the upper side of the hut. Our route takes us through several other clearings, where cows graze. We move in an easterly direction, through vegetation that mostly consists of mature holm oaks, though with some impressive large oak trees. Looking down, we have a view of Kanalia and Lake Karla, while ahead in the distance the peaks of Pourianos Stavros (1624 m) and Pliasidi (1547 m) can be seen.

Pourianos Stavros peak far at the distance

     After about 6 km from the start of the walk, we come to the junction to Drakopigado, marked with red paint on a rock. 

At the jubction to Drakopigado

        Here we take the downhill path to the right and in ten minutes we reach the large vertical cave, its bottom accessible only by rope (attention, danger of falling!). Its maximum visible depth is 59 meters and opening width 17 m. Stalactites adorn its walls.

Drakopigado cave

         The name Drakopigado means ''Dragon`s Well''. According to the local tradition, it was formed by the Dragon`s foot, as he took a long leap to the opposite ridge.

Stalactites on the cave`s walls

 Returning back to the jubction, we continue walking eastwards. After a little while, we begin to ascend steadily over stony ground, following the red marks, until we reach an abandoned goat pen at an elevation of 695 metres. This is the highest point of our route. We continue eastwards gently downhill, cross a small stream and reach a large water pond (called Souvala Manoli) next to an earth road.

Water pond (Souvala Manoli)

      Here we meet the Kanalia-Veneto route. If we walk on the road towards the left (east) we can continue to Veneto or to Ano Kerasia. We choose to turn right (west) and continue downhill. Further on we can make out thirty metres of kalderimi in the road.  As we descend, we have an impressive view of Lake Karla ahead of us.

Descending towards Kanalia

       In a short while, we follow the marks to the path off to the right of the road. Further down, we come out onto a deserted road, which descends coming to an end at a clearing (an old field),  and we continue on the marked path with sections of kalderimi. On our right is a large stream. We pass by an abandoned pen and further down come to a large clearing. Now we walk on an earth  road, which we follow towards the west. On our right we see a pond and then Aghios Nikolaos chapel, which belongs to the Flamouri monastery.

      The earth road finally comes out onto the Kato Kerasia-Kanalia asphalt road next to an old lime make. We follow this road to the right in order to return to the square in Kanalia, which is about eight hundred metres from this point. 

Large oak tree on the route

 

Milina-Kidonies-Piges

Distance: 6,5 km
Duration: walking time 2 h, total time 2,5 h
Altitude: from 0 m. (Milina) to 290 m. (maximum)
Signing: small round signs, red paint marks
Drinking water on walk: no

 Download GPS track:   from Wikiloc   from Everytrail

     This is an easy circular walk starting and ending in Milina, half of which is on a recently opened path (in 2013) between the settlements of Kidonies and Piges. It would be better to do this walk between the autumn and spring, as the low altitude and sparse shade give little protection from the heat of summer. 

 

      Setting off from the church on the seafront at Milina, we initially follow the asphalt road that goes towards Lafkos. After about 600 metres on the asphalt, we turn off to the right onto an earth road and cross the bridge at Koumanorema stream. We continue uphill in a southerly direction, passing a five-a-side (5X5) football pitch. At a crossroads about a kilometre further on, we turn left onto the road towards Kidonies and continue uphill. However, before we take this turning, it is worth walking 50 metres along the road to our right to visit the chapel of Aghios Nikolaos (the key for the church door hangs in the top right-hand corner).

Agios Nikolaos chapel at Kidonies

     Returning to the crossroads and continuing up the road, we soon reach the settlement of Kidonies: a few houses amongst olive groves, a spring water drinking fountain and a water tank with a plane tree. We continue gently uphill on the road to the left. Higher up, the road bends to the left and immediately afterwards we turn right uphill at a crossroads. From this point, we can see the villages of Milina, Horto, Metochi and, further to the right, Lafkos.

Looking down to Milina. Chorto and Metochi at a distance

      The earth road ends in an olive grove and we continue to the left on the newly-cleared path, which initially has a dry stone wall on its right. In a short while, we enter a stretch shaded by trees, going uphill in a southeasterly direction, and cross a small stream.
 

A recently cleaned section of the path

      We soon reach an open spot, from where we can see Lafkos opposite. Continuing on the path, we reach a crossroads with a signpost. From here, the path straight ahead to the south leads to Hondri Ammos and Mikro beaches, while that to the right appears to lead towards the top of nearby hill Sila (326 m). We choose to turn left towards Piges and soon start to go gently downhill in a northerly direction. In the distance we see the Pagasitikos Gulf and the village of Milina. 

View of Lafkos from the path

 

  We pass next to a ruined building (possibly used for making lime) and come out into an olive grove. Continuing in the same direction for a few metres, we reenter the path which, a little further on, is bordered by dry stone walls. The path eventually comes out onto an earth road, which we follow downhill to the left amongst olive groves.
 

Spring at the olive grove

 We pass the small church of Aghios Georgios and the spread out houses of the settlement of Piges and in a little while cross the Koumanorema stream and find ourselves on a narrow asphalt road, which leads us to the main asphalt road Milina-Lafkos, a few metres further up from the point at which we left it at the beginning of our walk. 

Kanalia-Kapourna (Glafira)-Kato Kerasia

On the way from Lake Karla to Kapourna

 Distance: 9,2 km
Duration: walking time 2,5 h., total time 3 hours
Altitude: from 65 m. (Agios Nikolaos chapel) to 435 m. max. to 125 m. (Kato Kerasia)
Signing: red marks, signs
Drinking water on walk: no

Download GPS track:   from Wikiloc   from Everytrail
 

        This is a route suitable for winter, as it passes through low vegetation at a low altitude. Starting from the byzantine chapel of Agios Nikolaos, we initially go uphill, following the ancient route that led from Lake Karla (ancient Greek name Boibeis) towards the sea. Approaching the village of Kapourna (called Glafira on the road signs), we change direction and follow the old path that goes from Kapourna to Kato Kerasia.

        If we take the bus to Kanalia from Volos (www.ktelvolou.gr), we can get off at the football field approaching the village and then walk southerly on the asphalt to get to the chapel. We can also return to Volos by bus from Kato Kerasia.

Αgios Nikolaos chapel (after restauration)

         Agios Nikolaos chapel lies on the asphalt road from Kanalia to Velestino at a distance of two kilometres from Kanalia. This notable byzantine monument (dating from 12th century AD) was recently restored and is well worth of a visit (sadly, the doors remain locked). We walk fifty more metres on the main road in a southerly direction (towards Velestino) and then turn left onto an asphalt road along which we walk straight ahead, ignoring other roads to the left and right. This becomes an earth road after we cross the bridge over the Kerasiotiko stream.

Lake Karla on the left

Going slightly uphill through an area with kermes oaks, we soon see a sign and red marks that direct us to the path diagonally to the left. Further up we come across sections of kalderimi and, if we look back, we have a striking view of lake Karla.

The stone bridge at Kakorema stream

 We cross the Kakorema stream, at the well-preserved stone arched bridge and the path/kalderimi brings us to a spring with a plane tree and watering trough, which has unfortunately dried up after a borehole was drilled close by. The residents of Kapourna used to love coming to this spring at Kakorema on May Day.

The spring at Kakorema near Kapourna

          We continue on the road and in a little while reach a fork and follow the wide uphill path on our left, which immediately comes to a crossroads. Straight ahead to the south, the road continues towards Kapourna (this is the continuation of the old route to Volos), while another road on the right also goes towards Kapourna and the hill of Prophitis Ilias, where the fortifications of the ancient acropolis of Glafirai are still visible. We turn left here onto the earth road heading northeast, now following the route towards Kato Kerasia. 

Seeing Lake Karla and Kanalia from the path at Metochi hill

          After walking for a kilometre on the road, we reach a point where we see a sign and red marks on the left and, leaving the road, we walk on a wide path in a northerly direction, continuing uphill for a short while. On our right is the hill Metochi (474 m). The path soon begins to descend slightly with a shallow gully on our left, and our direction gradually becomes easterly. Ahead in the distance, Kanalia and Lake Karla are visible.

         We cross a meadow lengthwise and continue on the path in an easterly direction following the red marks, ignoring goat tracks leading in other directions. We descend over stony ground with kermes oaks and from a certain point onwards have a  beautiful view of Kato Kerasia from above.

View of Kato Kerasia

         We come out into a field and follow an earth road which continues to descend, then we pass a river bed and join another road from the right, emerging onto the asphalt road above a sharp bend near Kerasia. After this bend, we find the path again next to a wooden electricity pole and walk downhill, coming out onto a road that runs next to the stream. We follow this and soon reach the asphalt bridge next to a basketball pitch opposite the village church. A few metres further up is the village square of Kato Kerasia.

Aidonofolies (Volos)-Makrinitsa

Koukourava and Makrinitsa next to Mega rema stream

Distance: 4,1 km.
Duration: 1.40' (walking time 1.25')
Altitude: from 105 m. (Aidonofolies) to 630 m. (Makrinitsa square)
Τotal ascent: 549 m. Total descent; 1 m.
Signinig: red paint marks, some metal signs
Drinking water on walk: Makrinitsa

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        This is a beautiful walk, very close to the city of Volos. Starting off from Zafrakopoulos bridge at Aidonofolies in the outskirts of Volos, we follow the course of Mega Rema stream upwards. At Koukourava, the lower part of Makrinitsa, we meet the main kalderimi and follow it to the central square. After exploring Makrinitsa, we can, if we wish, return to the start of the walk via a different, parallel and equally beautiful route that passes through the village of Stagiates (pronounced Stayiates) on the eastern side of Mega Rema (see the routes Makrinitsa-Stagiates and Aidonofolies-Stagiates). We can go to Aidonofolies taking the city bus nr.4 (get off at the end of the line) or by taxi

       Going up Iolkou Street, we cross the Volos ring road and, when we reach the small parking area at Aidonofolies,the main road goes to the right and continues towards Portaria and Hania. At this point, the Zafrakopoulos bridge over Mega Rema stream is on the left and the road over it leads towards Agios Onoufrios – Koukourava – Makrinitsa. This is an old stone arched bridge, but sadly it has been widened using cement so that cars could pass over it.

Zafrakopoulos bridge at Aidonofolies

          Referring to this bridge, Nikos Haratsis writes in his book “Stone Arched Bridges in Pelion” (in Greek): “I am convinced that, if this old bridge had been in the hands of another people, it would have had a different fate. It would have been appropriately lit, the area around it would have been designed with great care and study, and visitors would have been shown this monument with pride. We are deserving of our mentality as a people, when we allow our historical monuments to be spoilt.”

Ζafrakopoulos` bridge in the old days (1930`s)

       We go over the bridge and walk uphill on the asphalt road on the left bank of the river. A little higher up we reach the restaurant Nea Remvi (Νέα Ρέμβη) and keep walking onto the narrower asphalt road just next to the river bed. In a short while, we cross to the right bank over a concrete bridge built on stone bases.

Passing to the right bank of the river

In a few metres, we cross a smaller stream on a small stone arched bridge. Immediately after this bridge, a path/kalderimi goes off to the right towards Stagiates village. We continue on the earth road and pass next to the large stone arched bridge of Kourdistas, which served people going to Agios Onoufrios village that is nearby.

The bridge of Kourdistas

 

        After the bridge, we leave the earth road down to the left and crossthe river bed next to an old stone hut, that used to be a watermill. On the left bank we continue on an uphill path, passing near to the small chapel of Agios  Nicolaos, which is built on the edge of a steep rock. This area is a known place for climbing.

Agios Nikolaos chapel

       Leaving the chapel, we continue gently uphill on a path with signs of the old kalderimi in places. With the impressive gorge of Mega Rema on our right, seeing the houses of Makrinitsa in front of us, we continue until we reach the asphalt road, on which we walk for a couple of hundred metres.

Looking down the Mega rema gorge to Volos

        As soon as we cross the small stream of Patosia, if we look to the left we may notice steps dug in the rock, going up steeply. These lead to the kalderimi descending from Makrinitsa, which was cut off abruptly when the road was built. Because  climbing up the rock is dangerous (proper steps with a handrail should be constructed here), it is preferable to continue a short distance on the road and to take the kalderimi on the left next to a spring water drinking fountain (without water), marked by red marks. Higher up this kalderimi passes by another fountain (again without water) and later joins the branch that has been cut off. 

Makrinitsa

           Climbing up between the houses of Koukourava district, we pass by another dry fountain with a plane tree and after the Nanos mansion we cross the asphalt road and continue on the kalderimi. A little higher up this comes out on the road again. Here the kalderimi should continue next to the house on the bank above the road, but it is cut off and impassable (unfortunately, the officials turn a blind eye to this), so we have to walk up the road for a hundred metres. At the sign to ''Αρχοντικό Σταφυλοπάτη'' (Stafilopatis Mansion) we go left on a narrow concrete road and then straight up to find the kalderimi again. 

Makrinitsa

      From here onwards there are no further problems. The wide, well-made kalderimi, which used to be the main route connecting the village of Makrinitsa to the port of Volos, ascends continuously, passes next to the churches of Agios Georgios and Agios Athanasios and finally ends at the square in Makrinitsa in front of the church.

Folk dancing event at the square of Makrinitsa

Agios Georgios-Kato Gatzea

Distance: 5,7 km

Duration: 2 hours (with stops)

Altitude: from 620 m. (Agios Georgios) to 0 m. (Kato Gatzea)

Signed with: red marks, signs

Drinking water on walk: yes (Ano Gatzea)

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        Τhis is a scenic walk on the kalderimi (cobblestone path) from the village of Agios Georgios to the seaside settlement of Kato Gatzea, passing through the train station of Ano Gatzea (ano=upper, kato=lower). One can walk this trail separately, or in combination with other trails, for example coming to Agios Georgios from Ano Lechonia or Chania or Agios Lavrentios (see respective routes), and then walk down to Kato Gatzea, where one can have a swim and eat at the tavernas on the seaside. Another option is to walk on the railway track from Ano Gatzea to Milies (that will take about two hours).

         Starting off from Agios Georgios village square, we walk initially on the asphalt towards Pinakates. Reaching Vogiatzopoulos mansion on the left side of the asphalt, we turn right on a narrow downhill concrete road. Further down we cross the asphalt road that comes from Ano Gatzea. At this point we enter the kalderimi, which is maintained under the care of the local cultural association, but may nonetheless be overgrown with vegetation at places.

         We walk downhill, enjoying great views to Pagasitikos Gulf. On the way down, we cross the apshalt four times, to find the kalderimi again on the other side after a few meters, watching out for the red signs.

        Further down, we cross an earth road and then join another, following it downhill on a southerly direction. We notice a section of kalderimi into the road. After a junction with an earth road on our left, the road we are walking is covered by concrete. We pass another junction with an uphill road on the right and then, looking for it on the left (attention), we take the kalderimi. Further down it crosses a stream with running water in a picturesque setting.

          After crossing the stream, the kalderimi splits. The right one passes under the stone  bridge and continues to Ano Gatzea. We prefer to take the left one, going uphill to join the Pelion railroad track and after a hundred meters we come to the Ano Gatzea train station.

         Here one can have a refreshing stop at the station`s taverna, and then continue downhill on kalderimi, which comes over the rails by a stone bridge. We go past the Olive Museum, and further down join the apshalt road just below the main church.

A cottage in Ano Gatzea

        A few meters on, we find the kalderimi again on the left, passing next to “Aggeliko” taverna. Walking downhill on a southely direction, having the stream on our right, we pass a junction heading to a football field on the left. 

       Eventually, the narrow concrete road we walk on, opens to the main asphalt to Volos, next to a small sign indicating to “Agios Georgios”. A few meters to the right is the bakery shop and across the corner, a road continues downhill,  reaching in 200 meters the scenic beach of Kato Gatzea.

Kato Gatzea