Pelion, the mythical mountain of the centaurs, is just as real as the history books tell you and twice as impressive as any brochure would have you believe. Straddling the Pagasetic Gulf to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east, it is perfectly positioned as an all-year-round destination with countless mountain and seaside villages.
Whether you chose the wilder, eastern side or the more family-friendly western part, you’ll find that the beaches of Pelion are some of the most visually striking in Greece. Take your pick … some are sandy and others pebbly, but all have amazing water and are surrounded by greenery. So here they are, 14 of the best beaches to get your holidays in Pelion started.
Mylopotamos beach
East Pelion
Mylopotamos is one of Pelion’s prettiest and best-known beaches. Just a stone’s throw from Tsagarada village, on Pelion’s east coast, it’s a beach with sand and fine pebbles, surrounded by greenery and split into two by a rocky archway. The water is a beautiful shade of light blue (perfect for snorkelling) and you can opt to chill on either the organised or empty part of the beach. Tavernas up on the rocky promontory serve up a treat with a view and if you want more seclusion, you can always follow the road to the right of a parking lot to another beach. It may not be sandy but the view, including the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi, is worth the effort.
Fakistra beach
East Pelion
Fakistra is spectacularly wild. It’s one of Pelion’s most-photographed beaches, with sand and fine pebbles. It is encased within a small bay, flanked by tall rocks that are topped in green and the water is almost luminescent, perfect for snorkelling. Getting there involves a 20min downhill walk (look out for the chapel carved into the rock, known since Ottoman times as the ‘hidden school’) but you’ll be there before you know it. There are no amenities, so come prepared as you won’t want to leave. There’s even a small gorge that ends at the beach. So if you want an adrenaline hit, book a canyoning experience that ends with an unforgettable swim. Now that’s a beach!
- Amenities: None
- Access: By road and walk
- Nearby villages: Tsagarada, Mouresi, Kissos, Xorychti
Damouchari beach
East Pelion
Another beauty is Damouchari, particularly if you’re a fan of Mamma Mia as part of it was shot here. This beach is divided into two, with the first part being made up of a small port with a few buildings, shops and tavernas. It’s a spot where you can kick back with a good book, enjoy a meal or maybe an evening cocktail. Or you can hire a SUP or kayak and explore the sea caves in the vicinity. There’s a footpath to Damouchari’s main beach, with white pebbles and luminescent green water (so pack your mask). If you feel like walking, a footpath connects with Tsagarada and Fakistra. The views are out of this world. And there are more food options around 10mins away in the village of Agios Ioannis.
- Amenities: Tavernas, cafe, water sports
- Access: By road & walk
- Nearby villages: Tsagarada, Mouresi, Kissos, Xorychti, Agios Ioannis, Anilio
Papa Nero beach
East Pelion
Located near Damouchari, Papa Nero beach is essentially a continuation of Agios Ioannis beach (you can reach it over a small bridge). It’s long and sandy, with fine pebbles in the sea, and both an organised and empty part, where you can just pitch your towel and chill. The water is great for snorkelling and there are tavernas for a seafood meal. For more amenities, head over to Agios Ioannis beach where you can set the kids loose without care. Or for something more secluded, just after Papa Nero is sandy Plaka beach with just enough sunbeds and umbrellas and dense vegetation around it. You can reach it following a rocky footpath from Agios Ioannis or by car (parking in a hotel).
- Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, tavernas
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Tsagkarada, Mouresi, Kissos, Agios Dimitrios, Anilio & Makrirachi
Agioi Saranta beach
East Pelion
One of the longest beaches in Pelion, Agioi Saranta has fine sand and pebbles and is bordered by thick pine trees, rolling green cliffs and blue-green sea that lend it a tropical feel. There’s a large rock in the sea that the locals have christened Kalogeros (or Monk) that kids love diving off. This gem is as photogenic as it is popular and you’ll find everything here to spend the whole day at the beach. As with all beaches in eastern Pelion, the water can get choppy when it is windy. It’s worth getting here early as parking can be a hassle.
- Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, water sports
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Makrirachi, Kissos, Anilio, Zagora
Horefto beach
East Pelion
Another of the best-known beaches in Pelion, Horefto is found immediately after Agioi Saranta and is one of the longest (2.5km) in the area. You can opt for the organised or secluded part of the beach. Either way, you’ll enjoy green-blue water and a relaxed vibe. There are beach bars, watersports (kayak, SUP rental etc) and other amenities to spend the whole day here (which you should, to enjoy the great sunset). Or for something quieter, just shuffle across to Parisaina beach (essentially a continuation of Horefto). If you’ve got a boat, you can seek out the sea caves of Palia Mitzela (which is where Xerxes’ fleet was defeated in 480 BC). And if you have a suitable car, there’s a dirt road that leads to Analipsi beach, where you can enjoy super-fresh seafood.
- Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, tavernas, beach bars, water sports
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Makrirachi, Kissos & Zagora
Potistika beach
Southeast Pelion
On the southeastern coast of Pelion, Potistika beach is a luxurious expanse of sand and greenery, with clear blue water that’s ideal for snorkelling. There are tall cliff faces and two giant granite boulders in the sea right in the middle of the beach, as well as plenty of amenities (although its size allows you to find quiet spots). If you are looking for something more secluded, nearby Melani beach benefits from the same setting but without the amenities, as does Kommos beach to the north.
- Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, tavernas
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Xinovrisi, Argalasti, Horto, Syki
Paltsi beach
South Pelion
The first of our recommended beaches in southern Pelion, Paltsi is a wild and beautiful stretch of fine golden sand and shingle. It has clear blue waters and plenty of greenery, while to the far right of the beach are coves that you can explore. Paltsi’s location inside a windless bay makes it popular with families, but note that apart from some tavernas behind the beach, there are little more by way of amenities so come prepared.
- Amenities: Tavernas
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Xinovrisi, Argalasti, Horto
Mourtias beach
South Pelion
Mourtias is a beautiful little beach, with sand and fine pebbles and a collection of rocks that jut from the sea within the bay, giving it a unique look and feel. The water is clear (ideal for snorkelling) and to the right of the beach are some neat sea caves. There’s a beautiful seclusion to Mourtias beach, enhanced by the surrounding greenery. But come prepared as there are no amenities. An alternative is nearby Lyri beach, especially if you want more legroom.
- Amenities: None
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Lafkos, Milina, Argalasti
Vromoneri beach
South Pelion
Next to the seaside village of Agios Georgios lies one of Pelion’s lesser-known beaches. Vromoneri is located in a small, tree-lined cove. With the protection that that gives you from wind and the combination of fine sand, blue-green water and some amenities, it’s a family favourite. If you want more taverna options, Agios Georgios beach is nearby.
- Amenities: A few Sunbeds & umbrellas, taverna
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Lafkos, Milina
Tzasteni beach
South Pelion
Postcard-pretty Tzasteni is the next of our beaches in southern Pelion and the first within the Pegesatic Gulf (the gulf in which the city of Volos sits). You’ll find it in a small cove surrounded by greenery and there is a small cluster of white houses that make it a perfect Insta spot. There are no amenities, so come prepared as spending a day here is about total relaxation. It’s a family favourite because it is wind-protected and shallow. Just be aware that you will need to walk the last stretch after parking your car. If you want a beach with a taverna, just to the east is Marathias beach, which you can also reach by kayak. And while you’re in this part of Pelion, why not check out the nearby villages of Trikeri and Agia Kiriaki.
- Amenities: None
- Access: By road & walk
- Nearby villages: Trikeri, Agia Kiriaki, Lafkos, Milina
Vathospilia beach
South Pelion
Legend has it that the mythical Argo (of Jason and the Argonauts fame) sailed from here and, true to its mythical roots, Vathospilia is one of Pelion’s prettiest beaches. You’ll find it just outside the village of Milina, enclosed in a small sandy and pebbly bay. There are no amenities, just nooks and crannies and total seclusion, while the calm water makes it a family favourite and ideal for snorkelling. When you get hungry, you can head to Milina, where there are plenty of tavernas. There’s is a footpath to Lafkos beach, if you feel like stretching your legs and being rewarded with a dip.
- Amenities: None
- Access: By road & walk
- Nearby villages: Lafkos, Milina & Horto
Afyssos beaches
South Pelion
The seaside settlement of Afyssos, also in the Pagasatic Gulf, is home to several beaches with shallow and calm waters, meaning that you can beach-hop till you find your spot and they are all ideal for families. The two nearest beaches are Kallifteri (sandy and organised with watersports and other amenities) and Ambovos (considerably larger, with shingle and a few seaside tavernas). For more seclusion, head for Lagoudi beach, which is a wild stretch of fine pebbly sand with no amenities (there are some trees offering shade). The same goes for idyllic little Razi beach.
- Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, tavernas, water sports
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Milies, Neohori
Kala Nera beach
South Pelion
The last of our beaches in southern Pelion is the resident beach of cosmopolitan little Kala Nera, attracting families and youngsters alike. It’s a fully functioning beach, with watersports and all the amenities of the settlement (including plenty of taverna options), while the eucalyptus and plane trees lining the shore give it a calming air as well as natural shade in places. If you’re staying in Volos, Kala Nera beach is a good nearby option.
- Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, tavernas, water sports
- Access: By road
- Nearby villages: Milies, Kato Gatzea & Ano Lechonia
14 of the best beaches in Pelion
Whether they are by the Aegean Sea or within the Pagasetic Gulf, Pelion’s beaches cater to one and all with a mix of cosmopolitan, wild and family-friendly spots that will have you coming back for more.
