Portaria: the beautiful gateway to Pelion

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Although Makrinitsa is not unfairly characterized as the balcony of Pelion, Portaria has almost nothing to envy since from various points of the settlement it offers a vast view of the Pagasitikos Gulf and the capital of Magnesia.

A typical example is the spot, just after the entrance of the renovated Xenia Hotel, which is worth visiting and sitting down for a coffee, depending of course on the season, in order to enjoy the beauty of the slopes of Pelion as they disappear into the semi-urban and urban landscape of Ano Volos and Volos respectively.

• Photos from Portaria
• Map of Portaria
• Accommodation in Portaria

The central square Melina Mercouri

Visitors to Portaria should not miss to visit the famous squares of the village. The central square “Melina Mercouri” is probably one of the largest in Pelion and certainly one of the most crowded and beautiful.

It is worth not only to walk along it enjoying the smells of the plane trees, the pots with flowers, the wood burning in the fireplaces of the houses and of course the roasts and stews from the surrounding taverns but also to sit there tasting some of the Pelion dishes such as the famous spetzofai and the grilled sausages of the area which you can accompany with local tsipouro or wine.

As you reach the centre of Portaria and a few metres before the steps to the square, you will see a large fountain where they are most likely filling demijohns with water. From this point on the road and up to quite a few, sometimes more, small shops will be spread out selling all the goods of the mountain such as pots of fragrant flowers, fruit, most commonly the famous apples of Zagora, household art, and lots of spoon sweets and honey!

The Square of the Holy Taxiarches

The second large square of Portaria is that of Agioi Taxiarches. It seems to be a bit smaller and is definitely quieter than the main one. But it offers an excellent view of the Pagasitikos Gulf and from there it is worth walking a little further up to see the small waterfall Karavos and a different view of Portaria as it spreads out on the mountainside. Another route worth walking if you have two or three hours available is the well known and beautiful path of the Centaurs.

Accommodation in Portaria

In Portaria there are several hotels and guesthouses but sometimes due to the extremely high demand they are not enough for all visitors. Therefore, it is advisable to arrange your stay there in advance, just in case.

If you don’t find a room in Portaria don’t forget to try your luck in the beautiful Makrinitsa. It is located 2 km from Portaria and is equally beautiful. However, if you can’t find a room in Makrinitsa either, you can try your luck in the city of Volos.

It is located 12 km from Portaria and it will take you about half an hour under normal conditions to reach its central square “Melina Mercouri”.

• Hotels in Volos (12 km from Portaria)
• Hotels and hostels in Makrinitsa (2 km from Portaria)

Photos from Portaria

Map of Portaria and Makrinitsa

Κλικ στο κόκκινο σύμβολο για πληροφορίες πρόσβασης / Click on the red sign for access info.

Search for accommodation in Portaria

Useful phone numbers Portaria

• Town Hall: 24283 – 50100, 50101
• Police: 24280 – 99105
• Rural Clinic: 24280 – 99106
• TEL: 24210 – 25527
• Pharmacy: 24280 – 99692
• Pelion Ski Centre: 24280 – 25696

text/photos: Yannis Tsouratzis