Vyzitsa Pelion is a traditional settlement in the south of Pelion, in the Prefecture of Magnesia that stands out for its architecture, its narrow and cobbled streets, and its stunning view of the Pagasitikos gulf.
The atmosphere in Vyzitsa is calm, ideal for those who wish to escape from the stress of the city. The cafes in the square are the established meeting place of the residents, while visitors are invited to share the warmth of the local hospitality.
Lush, natural landscapes, traditional mansions that chronicle the past, and delicious cuisine that reflects the local cultural heritage! This traditional settlement is a unique travel destination with a variety of attractions, authentic hospitality and iconic activities.
Accommodation in Vyzitsa, Pelion
In Vyzitsa of Pelion, you can find various accommodation options, such as hotels, rooms for rent and traditional mansions. For an authentic accommodation experience, choose among the traditional guesthouses of the settlement of Vyzitsa. The stone houses combine comfort with traditional culture, offering a unique experience of hospitality.
A notable accommodation is the Michael Mansion, built in 1868, which we chose for its traditional atmosphere, excellent service and the elegant decoration of the rooms, dominated by the combination of stone and wood. Choosing between the 4 independent apartments that the Michael Mansion has, you will enjoy a comfortable stay, you will experience the warm atmosphere of its fireplace! From Michael’s Mansion you can book various remarkable activities in the area.
Sights in Vyzitsa Pelion
#1 Vyzitsa Square
The square of Vyzitsa emerges like a beautiful painting, where traditional architecture intertwines with modern life. Two large plane trees stand there, 700 and 900 years old respectively, covering the entire square with their dense foliage. Stone taverns, cafes and shops with traditional products, which invite you to relax, experiencing the authentic hospitality of the place. To reach the square, you will walk a short cobblestone path that starts from the parking lot. Of course there is a sign that says “towards the square”.
#2 Holy Church of Zoodochos Pigi Vyzitsa
The historic church of the settlement is located directly below the square, so you cannot miss it. The first temple was built in 1725, while it was set on fire in 1821 by the Turks. The inhabitants of Vyzitsa Pelion renovated the temple again, but 3 earthquakes that occurred in Pelion over the years caused irreparable damage to the temple. After a lot of efforts, the temple finally opened its doors in 2001! The interior of the temple is very interesting and definitely worth your visit.
#3 Holy Monastery of “Timios” John Prodromos of Vyzitsa, Pelion
On the main road, going down towards the village of Milies (of course a short distance on foot) you will find yourself in a green landscape, the Holy Monastery of Timios John the Forerunner of Vyzitsa Pelion which dates back to the 18th century, with frescoes that are preserved to this day. The Holy Monastery celebrates on the 29th of August in a traditional and grand way, offering fava beans to all visitors, a custom that has been preserved to this day since ancient times. Welcoming nuns and an outdoor courtyard with a wonderful view of the Pagasitiko gulf, waiting for you to worship and enjoy your Greek coffee.
Activities in Vyzitsa Pelion
#1 Hiking
If you love hiking, especially on green paths, Vyzitsa has a short and relatively easy route that you will love. Starting from the church of Vyzitsa, the circular hiking route of Vyzitsa begins, 5.8 km long, which will take you about 2 hours to complete. The route is marked, so following the red signs you will soon find yourself at the first point of interest on the route which is the “Katafidi” waterfall. You will enjoy the greatness of nature, sounds of birds, streams, dense vegetation, as well as cross bridges, the little church of the Taxiarches on the cliff, the train tracks, where the Pelion train will soon pass, the fountain of Agios Ioannis Prodromos and on.
#2Riding-Electric bikes
One activity that we booked and enjoyed from the Michail Mansion was the horse-riding tour of the neighboring, traditional settlement of Milies. Milies is 2 km from Vyzitsa and you can go there with your car or even better with electric bikes that we also got from the Michael Mansion.
Arriving at the starting point, sweet Apostolia awaited us, who with love and respect for the horses and our nature, gave us a tour with horses through the Milies settlement where we saw various points of interest. Our tour lasted about an hour, where we passed through Milies, crossed picturesque cobblestones, saw up close the Miliotiki School, an important spiritual center of the era and center of the liberation struggle. We met important churches, the library of Milea with its rare books and relics and finally we crossed the beautiful forest.
#3 Wine tasting
If you are a wine lover you can have another powerful experience that will drive your taste buds crazy this time. From Michael’s Mansion you can organize a visit to a winery in the Argalasti area.
#4 Excursions to the surrounding villages
The villages of Milies and Pinakates are equally impressive settlements and at a very close distance from Vyzitsa Pelion. The traditional settlement of Milies, built at an altitude, impresses with its panoramic view of the Pagasitikos gulf, the picturesque cobblestones and the traditional stone-built houses.
The traditional settlement of Pinakates welcomes you with the traditional architecture of the stone houses and the narrow streets that lead to enchanting corners. We believe that the square in Pinakates is able to captivate you and transport you to another era!
Both villages offer a peaceful atmosphere, delicious local dishes and opportunities for hiking/in-touch with nature.
Read also about a popular island of the Prefecture of Magnesia, Skiathos Island.
Local, traditional cuisine of Vyzitsa, Pelion
Agritourism Women’s Association of Vyzitsa
Below the square you will find a very beautiful building where women of the Cooperative work tirelessly, produce local goodies that are worth stocking up on before you leave Vyzitsa Pelion. Buy handmade noodles, chestnut jam, elderberry herb typical of the region and chaimalia, a local baklava-filled puff pastry. You will find the Cooperative open every day 9:30-18:00.
Traditional taverns
In the local taverns of the Vyzitsa square you will enjoy the delicious and traditional cuisine of Pelion. We chose to have lunch at the traditional tavern “Georgaras” in the square of Vyzitsa. Try rooster with noodles from the Women’s Cooperative, baby lamb and fresh boiled herbs.
Cafe-bar
In Byzitsa Pelion you have several options for coffee and drinks, with all the coffee bars concentrated at the square. It is definitely worth enjoying a greek coffee at the square of Vyzitsa under the plane trees, with a wonderful view of the Pagasitikos gulf. A coffee bar that we singled out is “Erodios”, which can easily become your favorite hangout for as many days as you stay in the area. Wonderful atmosphere, with a combination of stone and wood dominating the space!
Vyzitsa Pelion is an ideal destination all year round, as it embraces the beauty of every season, offering a variety of experiences. In summer, its beaches shine under the sun, in autumn the slopes of Pelion come alive with colors, during winter snow covers the mountain paths, while spring blooms with flowers and fresh greenery. With its traditional character, Vyzitsa welcomes its visitors with hospitality and authentic beauty, regardless of the season.
See more about our trip to Vyzitsa Pelion at highlight stories #Vyzitsa on Ιnstagram
