Tsagarada (Taxiarches square-Agia Paraskevi square)

Taxiarches square

Distance: 1,85 km
Duration: 35 minutes
Altitude: from 560 m. (Taxiarches square) to 460 m. (Agia Paraskevi square)
Total elevation gain: 30 m.  Total elevation loss: 104 m.
Signed with red paint marks, yellow signs with number ''4''

Start: Taxiarches square  End: Agia Paraskevi square
Drinking water on walk: yes
Download GPS track:  from Everytrail   from Wikiloc

         This is an easy and beautiful short walk through Tsagarada, connecting the two main squares of Taxiarches and Agia Paraskevi. It is also useful to hikers who, for example, have come to Tsagarada walking from Milies or Agios Georgios  or Hania and wish to continue down to the sea to Damouchari  and Agios Ioannis or even Fakistra.

          Starting off from Taxiarches square and the characteristic quadruple drinking water fountain, we walk on the downhill kalderimi heading east, on a course roughly parallel to the main asphalt which runs a little higher.

       We go past Serpentin Garden mansion and a small wooden bridge on the left. Reaching a junction, we take the wide uphill kalderimi to the left. After that,  there are two more junctions where we go straight ahead, ignoring the uphill kalderimi to the left (attention!). Here and there we notice small yellow metal signs inscripted with number ''4'', which also serve as a guide to our destination (they actually indicate a local circular walk).

         Eventually, we come to cross the asphalt road going to Milopotamos beach. We cross this diagonally to the left and a few meters higher up find the continuity of the kalderimi which enters a wild chestnut forest.

Kalderimi in chestnut forest      

           Reaching the small chapel of Agios Panteleimon, we walk uphill on a narrow asphalt road for a few meters. In front of us is the magnificent stone building of Nanopoulio school, built in 1909 on a donation of a wealthy local who made a fortune as a trader in Egypt. It currently functions as elementary school for the children of Tsagarada and Mouresi.

Nanopoulio school

             To the left is Xenia hotel, closed and deserted for a long time now.

          Heading to the right, we find the kalderimi again and follow it until we reach the square of Agia Paraskevi, where grows the magnificent and famous thousand-years-old plane tree.

Αgia Paraskevi square

Makrinitsa-Veneto

View from Sourvia monastery

Distance: 26 km
Duration: 10,5-11 hours (walking time 9 hours)
Αltitude: from 620 m. (Makrinitsa) to 970 m. (max) to 170 m. (Veneto)
Total elevation gain: 1334 m.  Total elevation loss: 1720 m.
Signed with: red paint marks, several metal signs

Start: Makrinitsa square  End:Veneto square 
Drinking water on walk: Flamouri monastery
Download GPS track: from Everytrail    from Wikiloc

       This is a long trek in Pelion, absolutely the longest walk from one village to another. On our way, we pass from the monasteries of Sourvia and Flamouri and over the stone bridge of Leschiani. Vegetation is varied: kermes oak, maquis, oak, chestnut, beech and holm oak forest. The best part of the walk is undoubtedly in the beautiful beech forest between Sourvia and Flamouri monasteries.

       Because this is a long and strenuous walk, it should be undertaken by fit hikers between May and September (when the day is long) starting early, preferably at dawn. It can become shorter by 3 km (one hour), if we start from Kato Kerasia instead of Makrinitsa (the section from Kato Kerasia to Leschiani can be seen here).

Makrinitsa

         Starting from the square in Makrinitsa, we ascend the kalderimi behind the church, in an easterly direction initially, and at a junction with a sign to the Koilia mansion we go up to the left (the other kalderimi straight ahead leads to the church of the Panagia). At the next junction we turn right onto a narrower kalderimi next to an old drinking water fountain with no water and continue uphill (if we were to go straight on, we would come out to the graveyard and then, following a cement road, would reach the road junction-see further on). We pass a second drinking water fountain, again without water, and continue on the kalderimi, taking the more steeply ascending branch at any junctions. We eventually come out onto a cement road at the top of the village where we turn left and then immediately up to the right at the junction (this is where the cement road from the cemetery comes out). We continue uphill and in a few metres we find ourselves next to a tree with a red mark that indicates the path section. It zigzags upwards and comes out at a fork in the road where there is a shrine and an unrestricted view of the horizon.

View to Volos

             We continue ahead on the road again to the north, leaving a tank of the water system on our right (from which the path to Prophitis Elias chapel-Trano Isoma begins). After a hut (attention left!), we follow the red marks and find the path on the left, cross the stream of Patosia and then immediately turn right to the north. The path, on which bits of kalderimi are discernable from time to time, climbs through kermes oak vegetation and further on emerges diagonally onto an earth road, which we follow northwards.

            At a crossroads, we cross another earth road and climb in a northwest direction to the hill in front of us. The path here is not very clear, but the red marks help to find our way. We don`t climb to the top of the hill, but rather walk around it from the left side. At the distance in front of us to the north, we can make out two large kermes oak trees. This place is known as Panayias Pournari and we head towards it. We emerge at an angle onto an earth road, which we follow until we reach a water trough next to a water ditch. From there we ascend a rocky slope on an unclear path. We soon reach the ridge and, leaving on our right side one of the oaks which is a distance of about 20 metres away, we begin to descend, passing next to another big kermes oak on our left. Here the path is better defined.
           Finally, we emerge onto a road, which immediately comes to a junction with a water trough at location called Nifis mnima (“bride`s grave”). In front of the trough runs the earth road that leads from Agios Onoufrios towards the springs Kaliakouda and Xirakia. We cross this  and climb on the other bank on a path that initially isn’t clear, following the red marks. We soon find a clearly defined path and head northwest, between kernes oak vegetation. At some point, we pass very close to the edge of the large ravine of Kaliakouda which is on our right. Further down, walking in an almost westerly direction, we eventually come out into the large clearing of Loutsa, next to a deserted pen. To our right is a water pond and to our left is a characteristic lone tree, the only one in that area, next to a threshing floor with a cement pole (altitude 692 m.). In the distance, lake Karla can be seen. Here we cross with the route Fitoko-Lagonika-Pouri, which goes to the northeast.

The ravine of Kaliakouda

         We cross the clearing heading northwest, passing by an old well, and on the other side find the path, which appears eroded by water at its start. Descending with zigzags, we meet sections of kalderimi and eventually come to the three-arched bridge of Leschiani, one of the four stone bridges over the ravine of Kaliakouda. This is a proud work of art and craftmanship, a monument to the place where it stands. Constructed at time unknown (possibly during the second half of the 19th century), based firmly on the rocks of the river banks, expertly made to withstand the erosion of time and the flooding torrent. And indeed, it still survives in very good condition.

The stone bridge of Leschiani

         Five minutes after the bridge, we reach the small settlement of Leschiani and the church of Panagia (Virgin Mary). The water fountain next to the large plane tree dates from 1888 according to the inscription, but there usually is no running water (we may take water from one of the cottages if necessary). Here we join an earth road, ascending slightly. To our right an uphill earth road branches heading to the Sourvia monastery. We don`t take this, but go straight ahead (attention) and in a few metres, at the corner of the fence, turn left and walk on a wide path initially, that narrows and starts climbing as it enters into oak forest.

Oak forest above Leschiani

       Following the red marks, we eventually reach the monastery of Sourvia. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, this was built in the 16^th century by Saint Dionysius of Olympus. In 1878 the monastery was burnt after a battle between Greek revolutionaries and Turks, and in 1943, during the German occupation, a press was operating by Greek Resistance forces into the church. Today, half ruined and without monks, it is administered by the monks of Flamouri monastery. Restoration work is undergoing.

Sourvia monastery

        After a necessary break for rest and to enjoy the wonderful view, we climb up from the eastern side of the monastery and find a path heading north into mixed oak and beech forest. Further on we come to a clearing and continue in the same direction in beech forest, following the frequent red marks. After walking a fair distance on a beautiful path, we join a road that was opened for logging. Where it turns to the right, the path continues straight ahead for a short distance and comes out onto a wider road that comes from Ano Kerasia and goes towards Kokinogia, Ovrios beach and Pouri. We cross the road, continue on the path and soon reach the road again. In a few metres there is a junction where we turn right to the northeast. After fifty metres, looking to our left (attention!), we see the path entrance at the side of the road with red marks and a small metal sign.

Walking in beech forest

           Following the red marks, we eventually come out at a water spring and a wide path-kalderimi. Descending on this through chestnut forest, we reach the Monastery of Flamouri in a few minutes. Built at the end of the 16^th century by Saint Simeon, it is one of the few remaining monasteries in Greece with no direct road access or electricity, yet still functioning normally (it has four monks). It follows the athonite rules and therefore excludes women from entering inside. Male visitors however are welcome inside and will also be offered hospitality for the night upon request. Restoration work is in progress here too. It celebrates on 6th of August (Transfiguration of Christ the Saviour).

Flamouri monastery

        From the entrance to the monastery we continue on the wide path which soon begins to descend (we ignore uphill paths off to the right), incorporating sections of kalderimi. We pass a yellow sign on our right showing the way to Koromilia peak and the monument of Alfons. Further down we reach another junction with a small sign in Greek (attention!). Straight ahead, a path continues towards the old ruined monastery dock of Agios Nikolaos by the sea. We take the left branch, descending to cross the river bed and walk along the other bank to reach Petrialo, an open rocky area with a view over the sea.
         Continuing on the path, always marked with red dots, we descend to cross a large river bed, Kakorema, and ascend on kalderimi at the other bank. The path continues in a thick forest with holm oak trees (a virtual tunnel of vegetation), until we finally come out onto an earth road, on which we walk to the left, entering Veneto. The village square, where we will normally find a restaurant open (tel. 6974907595 or 6989612016), is to the right of the road down some steps. Recently, accomodation in Veneto is also available (Apartments Veneto).

Veneto

Milies-Xourichti-Milopotamos

Closing down to Milopotamos

Distance: 11,9 km
Duration: 5 hours (walking time 4.25')
Altitude: from 380 m. (Milies) to 800 m. (max) to 0 m. (Milopotamos)
Total elevation gain: 460 m.  Total elevation loss: 830 m.
Signed with red paint marks, metal signs

Start: Milies square  End: Milopotamos beach
Drinking water on walk: yes (Xourichti)
Download GPS track:  from Everytrail   from Wikiloc

             The first part of this walk is the same as to the walk Milies-Tsagarada. Reaching the chapel of Agios Dimitrios above Xourichti, we walk down through the village and continue to the excellent beach of Milopotamos, where our walk can end with a swim at the Aegean sea. There is a restaurant at the beach, open from Easter to the end of September. We have to take into account the fact that the last part of the walk below Xourichti offers little shade from the sun. Also, below the quarry we must exercise caution climbing down the path because of many loose stones on it.

         The library building, inscripted with the words ''ΨΥΧΗΣ ΑΚΟΣ'' (psychis akos, “therapy for the soul”) is found just above the square in Milies and immediately to its right begins the kalderimi towards Labinou-Xourichti-Tsagarada. We start up this and immediately pass a covered spring water drinking fountain on our left. We continue straight ahead, climbing past the houses of the village in an easterly direction. The kalderimi zigzags next to a plane tree, diagonally crosses a cement road and continues uphill in the same easterly direction. We keep following the red marks and ignore any downhill kalderimis or roads crossing our path.

Κalderimi at Milies

              A little further on, we continue on a cement road as we leave the last houses of the village behind us and walk between apple orchards. At the second left hand bend, we leave the road and turn right onto a kalderimi next to a concrete water channel and water pipe. On our right is a row of cypress trees. We pass a stream bed over a small concrete bridge and continue on a lovely kalderimi/path.

              We soon come to a crossing, at which the signpost indicates that we should turn up to the left onto a wide path, which becomes a kalderimi a little further up. We come out at an angle onto a kalderimi/road and continue uphill. In a short while, we meet and cross a wide earth road and continue in the same direction between chestnut trees. Where a road comes in from the right, we continue ahead in a northerly direction and reach a wooden kiosk at the location called Kefalas. From here, to the right of the kiosk, a path leads down to Labinou (see the route Milies-Labinou beach). 

          We walk a bit further on the road, which eventually ends and continues as a kalderimi that leads into a beautiful forest with evergreen holm oaks initially, then in beech forest with some plane and chestnut trees. Moving in a generally northerly direction we pass the Kerasorema stream bed and ascend gently for a bit until we reach the highest point at 790 meters. This part through the forest is beautiful and evocative and one wishes it could last forever!

Kalderimi in beech forest

         The kalderimi begins now to descend (we ignore two paths to our right) and we reach a wooden bridge over the Varsami river bed. After the bridge, we leave the forest and walk uphill on  an earth road in which sections of kalderimi are visible from time to time until it goes off to the right of the road.

            We are walking now in maquis vegetation and pass next to a couple of orchards. The kalderimi then opens to a crossroads. We take the middle road and in a few meters find the humble country chapel of Agios Dimitrios, a suitable place for a stop.
            We continue on the road for 150 meters and at the point where it takes a left uphill bend, we leave it to the right to find the kalderimi. After 30 meters there is a signed junction, where we go right on a wide earth path. We descend next to a water tank on our right side (the path is overgrown with grass and brumble) and then next to a house on our right. We join a cement road which goes through the village of Xourichti and soon reach the tiny square with the spring water fountain. Xourichti has always been a backward tiny village, built on rocky, infertile ground, its people struggling to earn a living. 

Xourichti

          Reaching the church we prefer to take the kalderimi that goes off at an angle to the left, on a parallel course to the cement road. Further down we cross the road at an angle to the right, at the point where it takes a sharp bend, and continue in the same northeasterly direction on a stone paved track, passing by the chapel of Agii Pandes (All Saints). At the point where the concrete track takes a sharp left turn, we go straight ahead, entering the path again.

On the path leaving Xourichti

         It eventually opens to the main asphalt, on which we walk to the right and reaching the junction we take the secondary asphalt to the left, with a sign to ''Hotel Faros''. The original path runs parallel to the road on the right, but is not viable. The road takes a right turn and after 100 meters we take the earth track on the left, going down to a quarry. At the end we find the continuity of the path going down steeply for a few meters (here steps should be dug to facilitate descent).

        The path descends on the ridge of the large ravine of Milopotamos which is on the left. Indeed, at some point, we walk pretty close to the edge of the cliff. To the right at the distance we can see the monastery of Labidona (see the walk Milies-Labinou-beach). On our way, we pass above deserted olive groves and notice a short section of kalderimi. Αfter the newly built small chapel of Agios Nikolaos, we walk on an earth road, which leads ultimately to hotel Faros. On a right bend of the road we take the signed path to the left and get down to the streambed  of Milopotamos.

Crossing the stream of Milopotamos

        We pass to the other side over the bridge and climb either on the old kalderimi, or on the concrete steps, to get just below the restaurant. We continue down on the steps and finally come to the magnificent beach of Milopotamos. A swim in the crystal clear Aegean sea will make us instantly forget any difficulty we might have encountered on our way to here. 

Milopotamos beach

Panagia chapel-Tiseon-Trikeri

Distance: 10,9 km
Duration: 6 hours (walking time 4.45')
Altitude: from 30 m. (Panagia chapel) to 644 m. (top)
Total elevation gain: 839 m.  Total elevation loss: 754 m.
Signed with red paint marks

Drinking water on walk: no
Download GPS track:  from Everytrail   from Wikiloc

                                       At the south end of the Pelion peninsula, after the gently descending foothills of Lafkos fade out, the rocky and arid mountain of Tiseon (previously called Bartzogia by locals) rises up. On its boundary, at the entrance to the Pagasitic Gulf, the village of Trikeri is built. There is no proper path joining Trikeri to the rest of Pilion, and communication was only by sea. However, there is a path from the village which goes along the mountain ridge and descends to the sea to the chapel of Panagia.

       Going along the coast road from Milina to Trikeri, we pass the fish farm and then see a sign next to the road with the inscription ''ΙEΡΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑΣ'' (in Greek). The chapel is a little lower down near the sea, not visible from the road. Next to the road there is also a fallen marble memorial plaque commemorating the fight in 1823 of the Greek revolutionaries under the leadership of Karatasos against the Turkish army led by Kioutachi pasha.

Tzasteni, on the way to Trikeri

        The footpath, indicated by red marks, begins here from the side of the road and ascends through the maquis vegetation. We pass through a first clearing and shortly come out at a larger long narrow one, called the Karatasos glade. Walking along its length, half way along we find the path to the left, indicated by red marks and a small sign, which leads towards to peak. Walking to the east, we come out at a new clearing on the col. 

         From the col we begin to ascend on goat tracks over rocky terrain with low vegetation which thins out as we continue climbing in an easterly direction. We pass successive cairns and keep to the southern edge of the ridge (towards the Aegean side). We eventually reach the highest point (644 m) where there is a cement column after about one hour and forty minutes of walking (two hours with stops).

         From here, especially on a clear day, we can enjoy a unique view of Greek nature, which compensates us amply for any difficulty we may have had in reaching this point. At moments like these we feel fortunate to be in this much-afflicted place enjoying the magical and unique beauty that it has been blessed with. Rocks and cliffs, sky and sea, white and blue – we can’t take in enough of the view all around us. It’s not possible to describe the feeling – one has to experience it for oneself. In the words of the unforgettable Nikos Haratsis: “I don’t know, Lord, how else to sing the praises of this holy place that you have given us”.

       Comes the time when we must set out on our return. We go back to the Karatasos glade, from the upper (western) edge of which a path continues, marked by red marks, in a southwesterly direction. We pass a new clearing and, further on, the path becomes unclear as we ascend over a rocky hill, at the top of which there is an antenna.  In this recording, we go downhill on goat tracks under the antenna in a northwesterly direction until we meet a straight, narrow path a little further down, which we follow to the left (southwest) to come out at the glade on the col below the antenna. One reaches the same glade if one proceeds straight ahead to the southwest below the antenna going downhill, again on goat tracks.

Seeing Trikeri at the distance

            From the glade, moving to the west, we ascend on a narrow path-goat track, pass another glade and go up to the top of the next hill. In the same direction, after a short distance, the path leads us to another hill (Kastro, 281 m), where we find a wall extending for quite a distance along the ridge, and we walk next to this. The wall was built hastily at the time of the battles with Kioutachis’ army in 1823 (more details are available in Kostas Liapis’ book (''Τα Παλιόκαστρα του Πηλίου'', Volos 2010-in Greek).

          Continuing in the same westerly direction, we pass next to the asphalt road and take the narrow earth road which, after a short distance, comes to col next to a goat pen. Here we meet the asphalt road that leads left to Agia Kiriaki and the trail recording ends. If we cross the road and take the narrow earth road that we see to ascend the slope, we will reach the village of Trikeri in about forty five minutes. From there we can continue, if we want, for about thirty minutes (see the walk description Agia Kiriaki – Trikeri) on the well-maintained kalderimi that leads down to the picturesque coastal settlement –harbour of Agia Kiriaki.

Agia  Kiriaki

Hania-Profitis Elias chapel-Makrirachi

Distance: 8,5 km
Duration: 4 hours with stops, walking time 3,5 h
Altitude: from 1200 m. (Hania) to 320 m. (Makrirachi)
Total ascent: 40 m.  Total descent: 895 m.
Signed with red paint marks, metal signs
Drinking water on walk: no
Download GPS track:  from Everytrail   from Wikiloc

            This is the old route used by the people of Makrirachi to get to Hania and ultimately to Volos, that was blocked and forgotten for many years, until it was cleared, signed and revived in 2015 by volunteers from the local association and Volos Alpine club. Reaching the village square, we can have refreshments or lunch at the restaurant (open all seasons) and then return to Hania taking the afternoon bus (starting from Agios Ioannis) that passes from Makrirachi at 17.15' daily during winter season or 18.00 in the summer season (see www.ktelvolou.gr). There is also another walking route from Hania to Makrirachi (the path of the Waterfalls), which follows the Megalo rema stream, passing from impressive waterfalls and ponds, so we can use both to make a circular walk. Another option is to continue from Makrirachi to Anilio and then Agios Ioannis, or down the asphalt to the beaches of Agii Saranda and Horefto.

            Starting from Kokkinis hotel-restaurant (''To Hani tou Kokkini'') on the main road at Hania, we initially ascend on asphalt for a few meters to reach Pileas hotel. From the other end of Pileas` parking lot, two dirt roads continue northeast and we take the narrow one on the right, which ends in fifty meters and continues as kalderimi (stone paved path). In a short while we reach a small plateau, used for making charcoals in the past, to which a dirt road also comes from the left. At the other end we find again the kalderimi, clear and in good condition, descending nicely into the beech forest. We can see Agriolefkes peak with the ski slopes at the distance on our right. 

The kalderimi in beech forest

         On our way down we cross the asphalt ten times, finding the kalderimi directly on the opposite side or after walking a short distance to the left. On the final (tenth) time on the asphalt, we walk on to the left and notice the entrance to the peaceful chapel of Profitis Elias (ΠΡΟΦΗΤΗΣ ΗΛΙΑΣ), a suitable place for a stop.

Profitis Elias chapel

          On the right side of the chapel continues a narrow earth track, descending steadily on a northeasterly direction. After joining a wider earth road we get to the main asphalt, which takes a sharp right bend and then we take the track on the left. This opens down to the asphalt again. We cross the asphalt and find a small section of the original path that survived, cutting the corner. Crossing the asphalt again, we continue on an earth road, passing next to a concrete water tank. Further down, the road seems to come to an end and we turn right, crossing a concrete irrigation ditch.

           After a few meters, the path opens down to the main asphalt again. Here we are at the location called ''Karavoma''. In front of us is the main road junction (left to Zagora, right to Makrirachi). Just a few meters before this junction, we take the secondary road to the right, passing by several abandoned old  warehouses. used in the past for storage of goods to be transported by mules on the path to the village (the modern road to Makrirachi was constructed in the early 1950`s).

Old warehouses at Karavoma

          Further on, the road narrows and finally comes to an end at a  building. Here we branch off at an angle to the right, observing the red marks (attention) following an irrigation canal for a few meters and then climb down to a grove, through which we walk. 
      The track opens to the main asphalt, and after 100 meters we take the stone paved track up front, which leads to the chapel of Agii Anargiri. Here we can have a stop. We continue on the track which gets down to the asphalt again. After a hundred meters, we have excellent view to Zagora to the left. Here we leave the asphalt to the right (attention to the signpost) and start climbing down a track, which soon becomes a kalderimi, between chestnut trees. We can see Anilio village at the opposite slope. 

Seeing Anilio at the opposite slope

      We cross a track and climb down using steps dug on the steep slope. We join another earth track for fifty meters and, just as it starts going uphill, we find the continuity of the kalderimi down to the right (attention). Soon we walk across the first houses of Makrirachi. The kalderimi becomes cement paved and finally opens down at the village square, crossing the asphalt road.

Makrirachi village square

Milies-Panagiotiko dam-Boufa

The kalderimi to Pavlakia

Distance: 12,8 km
Time: 5,5 h (with stops)
Altitude: from 380 m. (Milies) to 0 m. (Boufa)
Total ascent: 264 m.  Total descent: 642 m.
Signed with red paint marks and various signs
Drinking water on walk: no
Start: Milies square   End: Boufa (Koropi) beach
Download GPS track:   from Wikiloc

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       This route begins from Milies on a beautiful kalderimi and continues in the direction of Neochori until we reach the Panagiotiko dam. Then we follow the course of Platanorema stream, until the beach of Boufa (Koropi). There we can have a swim and then return to our starting point via the Boufa-Milies route thus completing the circle, or we can take the bus to Volos from the main asphalt road (timetables at www.ktelvolou.gr). 

        The first part of the walk is the same as in the route Milies-Neochori. Setting off from the square in Milies, we follow the asphalt road downhill towards Volos. Eighty metres further down at a right hand bend in the road, just past a parking area down to our right, we branch off to the left onto a wide paved road that goes gently uphill. Reaching a crossroads, we take the paved road to the right and soon start to descend. This becomes a cement road and it comes out onto the asphalt road to Tsagarada at the last house of Milies, at a point where there is a mirror at a left hand bend in the road.

Leaving Milies

              We descend on a beautiful kalderimi, which continues opposite, towards a stream bed with lush vegetation. Further down, at a bend in the kalderimi to the left, there is a branch to our right that used to serve people using the train station. For information, this branch leads to the main road to Milies at a sharp bend, 100 metres below the road junction that leads to the train station. 

Kalderimi near Agios Nikolaos

 Τhe kalderimi we are following, clear and in good condition, crosses the stream bed (Kakorema) and climbs up the opposite side with an olive grove to its right. When we reach the top of the ridge we meet an earth road. We cross this diagonally and follow the kalderimi towards Neochori, descending gently. Eventually we find another road which leads us a hundred metres further down to the old church of Agios Nikolaos, a remnant of the monastery that used to exist here. Here is a good place to have a stop. Unfortunately, we are not able to admire the notable frescos inside the church, as its doors remain locked.

Agios Nikolaos church

Retracing our steps back, we easily find the continuity of the kalderimi on the other side of the road and follow it to the east. We cross two small stream beds, pass by an old hut and eventually the kalderimi ends, where it comes out onto an earth road, along which we walk uphill. The wider  area  is called Pavlakia. 

Further up, we come out onto the earth road that comes from the settlement Stavrodromi. We go left (eastwards) and after a hundred metres we take the narrow earth road to the right (southeast), which brings us out at a flat area with a threshing floor to the left and a row of cypress trees to the right.

Reaching the plateau with the threshing floor and cypresses

 The path to Neochori, which we follow, goes off to the left after the threshing floor (there is a signpost), initially going downhill in an easterly direction, passes two small stream beds and comes out onto an earth road. Walking down on that  road, we will get to the dam (at the signed road junction below we don`t go left to Neochori, but take the unsigned right branch). 

The ''Panagiotiko'' dam

The dam is providing water to South Pelion from the small artificial lake that was formed, but at the cost of destroying the old stone arched bridge that existed here (the bridge of Malamaki), of which only photographs are left now. You can see them in the photo book ''ΠΕΤΡΙΝΑ ΤΟΞΩΤΑ ΓΕΦΥΡΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΠΗΛΙΟ'' (“Stone arched bridges in Pelion” by Nikos Haratsis, in Greek).

The bridge of Malamakis, now gone forever (photo by Nikos Haratsis)

After the dam, we continue walking down the road, descending parallel to the stream, which is called Platanorema.

After about a kilometer, we come to a right hand bend in the road crossing a small stream. Here a path branches to the left towards Zervochia-Niaou (Afetes)-Afissos and to the right towards Milies. At  that junction we go right downhill.  The path descends, becomes a kalderimi for a short distance, and comes down to the streambed. We don`t cross it, but walk on the stones on left bank near to the water (there is no path on that section). Soon we find a path with an old water tube and follow it. The tube used to bring water to an old watermill, which is now renovated. We can visit the watermill taking the second path junction to the right. 

Platanorema stream near the watermill

Returning back to the path, this soon opens to an earth road, which we follow.  In a short while, we reach a point, marked with red paint, where we can easily cross to the right bank of the stream. Walking on the earth road on the right bank, this opens to the main asphalt next to a bus stop. 

Olive grove near Boufa (in spring)

 We cross the asphalt and continue straight ahead on earth road to get finally to the beach of Boufa (officially Koropi).