Horto

Very close to Milina and Argalasti is the gorgeous Horto, a quiet and picturesque village built in a bay of the Pagasetic Gulf, full of olive trees and surrounded by lovely beaches. Without loosing its traditional character, it is developed and provides all kind of amenities to the significant tourist traffic, offering many options on dining, entertainment and accommodation.

Archaeological findings have shown that the village history is very old. Historians place very close, the ancient town of Spalathra that had structured settlements. Spalathra was the only port of South Pelion and served as the port of Argalasti, having increased commercial traffic. In the area where the citadel once was, are found the remains of the Byzantine monastery of Agios Nikolaos, traces of a single room temple and a fortress, proving the growth that this area faced during the past. Indeed, the fort was believed to be responsible for giving the name “Chortokastro” to the hill.
Of course, the most prevailing version for the name is due to it rich flora and its verdant beach that magically attracts every visitor. Moreover, Chortus is the Latin word for garden or paradise.

A visit at the village will certainly add a special touch to you summer holidays. Swim in the exquisite beaches with the crystal clear, clean and cool waters around the village, walk in nature, wander the beauty of the village and it’s surroundings and enjoy seafood by the sea. In Horto you can take part in water sports such as sailing and windsurfing, thanks to its sheltered harbor.
In addition to the main beach, it also has two small bays accessible by smaller roads. In the first bay, you can easily go, by following a path that starts where the houses end, there you will find emerald waters and pebbles. The second bay called Pagania, is found, just before the village.

Traditional Pelion architecture could not be absent in this village, with many fountains appearing. Admire the fountain Giannakou, built in 1836 by Konstantinos Giannakis know for its rich in iron and cool water, the fountain Dialetera which is the second oldest fountain in the village built during the Ottoman period, the Kalivioti fountain, regarded as the prettiest, built in 1970 by Konstaninos Kaliviotis and other unique fountains.

A very important sight in the village is the folklore museum Aggelini, which has exhibits of folk art and other important artifacts. A visit will reward you as you will discover items that will bring you representations of the every day life and tradition of the people of Pelion.
Horto has great cultural events. Every summer, the cultural foundation G. Aggelini – P.Chatzinikou and Horto development association organize various cultural events and artistic activities in which you can have beautiful moments. Seminars on art are presented while artists and orchestras gather from around the world.

Horto is worth visiting if you seek quite and peaceful summer holidays in nature, combining the beauty of the mountain with the sea’s deep blue.