AN EXCELLENT CHOICE
 

July is a difficult season to book the right accommodation and it was not that easy to make reservations at the right Resort or Guest House I wished to stay, on dates that suited me at the different villages that I wanted to visit . For this reason you will see me going from south to the north, east and west and then back again during these 16 days out here. Between us, I don't mind this at all because distances from the mountains to the different beaches are not far and the idea that we have 16 days to go is comforting. Every Greek knows that Pelion offers unique beauty and charm so there is no way to get bored out here.The wealth with which nature has generously endowed Pelion, the beauty of the landscape around with constantly alternating scenery is a guarantee of memorable holidays.

 


 HEADING TOWARDS KALA NERA:
 

 We drive pass Volos and continue driving for 20 more km towards the south eastern part of Pelion to Kala Nera.We have come here several times in the past but years back and instantly we can feel the difference. The village is very touristy with many more houses, restaurants and Café bars that expand on both sides of the coastal road. It is crowded as we expected it to be and this is nice . Before getting to the hotel we decide to drive pass through the entire coastal road from one end to the other as I want to have a picture of what the place has to offer. I find the long promenade street unique for an evening walk and generally it is a pleasant place to be. Finally, I am glad we are here first before getting to the slopes of Pelion. Restaurants and Café bars are very inviting for enjoyable evening outings. Huge eucalyptus trees and deciduous trees border the beach road making the stay here more interesting. The hotel is easily spotted right on the coastal road and we pass it on our way to the other end. On the way back however we decide to leave our luggage behind since it is still early and we get to a nice restaurant for lunch. I highly recommend IBISKOS. It is so nice from out here to watch the bathers and the people passing by having fun and enjoying their short or long holidays. I was dying to get to the beach the moment we arrived and thought nothing could stop me from jumping in the cool waters . I have second thoughts however now after seeing the waters across the hotel. Perhaps I am very demanding! I am not thrilled at all but it seems that further down the waters are much better. I see happy faces and everyone seems to be enjoying the beautiful day. Some are sunbathing, others are swimming, several are involved with beach sports, local youngsters are mostly by the Café Bars enjoying a cool drink or a cup of coffee and there are a few who do some shopping – buying fruit mainly. In all there is music and sounds of laughter and giggles in the air which reminds me that this is how the Greek holidays should be. Café bars offer beach umbrellas and sunbeds for free if you order something -a coffee or an ice cream for instance, so nobody is without an umbrella or a seat.Cultural events and music festivals take place throughout the year and tonight there is one such very close to where we stay.

 TIPS:  
 
There is a plethora of activities to keep yourselves busy during the summer season –water sports, horse riding, mountaineering trips and hiking are the most popular. There are hiking paths leading to mountain sites and to the villages of PINAKATES, VYZITSA and MILIES.

If you come to Pelion in winter however you can also visit one of the first ski centers to operate in Greece. The ski centre of Agriolefkes is located only 2 km from the village of Hania which is not that far from Kala Nera.

The fact that the village is by the coast it does not mean that it is ideal only for summer holidays. On the contrary I find it interesting the year round and it can easily become the ideal base for winter mountain excursions and skiing since it is close to Hania and the ski resort. During the high winter season availability is limited on the mountains so why not staying out here?