The route
Τhis is a beautiful walk on the kalderimi (cobblestone path) connecting the village of Agios Georgios to the seaside location of Kato Gatzea, passing through the train station of Ano Gatzea. One can walk this trail separately, or in combination with other trails, for example coming to Agios Georgios from Ano Lechonia or Hania (see respective routes), and then walk down to Kato Gatzea, where one can have a swim and eat at the tavernas on the seaside.
Starting from Agios Georgios square, we walk initially on the apshalt towards Pinakates village. Reaching Vogiatzopoulos mansion on the left side of the asphalt, we turn right on a narrow downhill concrete road and then cross another apshalt road coming from Ano Gatzea. At this point we enter the kalderimi, which is well preserved under care of the Agios Georgios cultural association.
We walk downhill, enjoying great views of 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. After a section of kalderimi into the road, we pass a junction with a road on our left and then the earth road is covered by concrete. We pass another junction with an uphill road on the right and then turn left, finding a kalderimi that 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 select to take the left one, going uphill to join the Pelion railroad track and after a hundred meters reach the Ano Gatzea train station.
Here one can have a refreshing stop at the station`s taverna, and then continue on kalderimi, which comes over the rails by a stone bridge. We walk downhill, passing by the Olive Museum, and further down join the apshalt road just below the church.
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 wooden 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.
Route data kindly provided by walking-pelion.blogspot.gr in association with Volos Alpine Club and The Friends of the Kalderimi of South Pelion.
