Getting here

Pelion is in central Greece, in the region of Thessaly, in the regional unit of Magnesia. Thanks to its central location, it is easy to reach by many different means.

The city of Volos, capital of Magnesia, is the gateway to Pelion and its villages. Below you will find how to get to Volos and how to get around the mountain once you are there.

By car to Volos

Volos is about 330 km from Athens and 215 km from Thessaloniki. From both cities you drive on the Athens–Thessaloniki motorway (A1), now a modern toll motorway along its whole length. The drive takes about 3.5 hours from Athens and about 2.5 hours from Thessaloniki, comfortably and safely.

By bus (KTEL) to Volos

KTEL Magnesias runs direct buses from Athens and Thessaloniki to the Volos bus station, several times a day. It is the simplest and most direct way to reach Volos by public transport.

For routes and tickets, see the KTEL Volou website.

By train to Volos

You can also come to Volos by train with Hellenic Train (formerly TRAINOSE). There is no direct train from Athens or Thessaloniki: you change at Larissa. The Larissa–Volos line is being restored after Storm Daniel (2023), and at times parts of it are served by Hellenic Train replacement buses. In total, the trip takes roughly 4–5 hours from Athens and roughly 2.5–3 hours from Thessaloniki.

Before you set off, check the current status of the line, timetables and tickets on the Hellenic Train website or by calling 14511.

By plane to Volos

Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL) is about 24 km southwest of Volos. It mostly has seasonal summer flights from a few European cities, e.g. Brussels (Charleroi) or Düsseldorf, but routes change every year.

For this year’s flights, see the Nea Anchialos airport website.

Another option is Skiathos airport (JSI), which has many summer charter flights. From Skiathos you reach Volos by ferry or fast boat.

For everything else, the international airports of Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) connect Greece with the whole world. From Athens airport there are KTEL buses towards Volos via the Athens bus terminal.

By ferry to Volos

In summer, the port of Volos has daily ferries and fast boats to and from Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos, so it is easy to combine Pelion with one of the Sporades islands.

Around Pelion by car

Once you are in Volos, the most direct way to get around the villages, sights and beaches is by car, as all villages have road access. Pelion has two main roads. The first is the mountain road that climbs from Volos towards Portaria and Makrinitsa, passes through Hania and goes down to Zagora and the villages of East Pelion. The second is the coastal road along the Pagasetic Gulf, which links the seaside villages, with the mountain villages of central Pelion on your left and roads climbing up to them. The two roads meet at a junction between Milies, Kalamaki and Neochori.

The first road has more bends, but it is the one to take for the mountain villages above Volos and for East Pelion. The second is easier to drive and is the best choice for the villages of central Pelion and for continuing to South Pelion.

You reach South Pelion through Argalasti, which you can get to by either road.

The road network is mostly well maintained and well signposted. However, the endless mountain bends, the many narrow stretches and the low speeds can be tiring, so stop and rest whenever you need to.

Around Pelion by bus (KTEL)

Most Pelion villages are connected to Volos by KTEL buses, an easy way to travel to and from the villages and the popular beaches. Bus stops are usually close to each village’s main square.

For timetables, see the KTEL Volou website.

Around Pelion by taxi

Taxis in Pelion don’t work like in the cities: you won’t see them driving around looking for passengers. To get a taxi, you have to call the driver and arrange a pickup. Taxis are based in the main villages, so if you are in a small settlement or on a beach, call one from the nearest main village, such as Argalasti, Tsagarada, Milies, Lafkos, Milina or Zagora.

For the local taxi number, ask at your accommodation or at the village kafeneio (café).

Around Pelion on foot

Always remember that your feet can take you anywhere, and Pelion is the best place to prove it. Most neighbouring villages are linked by old, well-preserved cobbled paths known as kalderimia. Most of them are signposted and looked after by local mountaineering and hiking clubs, so you can enjoy a lovely walk through nature to the next village or beach. And if you can come back by bus or taxi, don’t think twice: start walking!