THE BEACH OF DAMOUCHARI

 "Mamma Mia the Movie" may be the best movie to inspire Greek travel since "Summer Lovers" way, way back in the early 1980s . Do you remember that film? Have you watched it?  Some of the Damouchari footage was used at the beginning of Mamma Mia when Christine Baranski and Julie Walters arrive on the island and are met by Meryl Streep. It was combined with images shot on Skopelos and Skiathos though. I am sure this is the reason why locals get so excited when they urge you to visit this beach.I tried to get there this morning through a path but it did not take me to any beach tavern or anything I saw in photos. We reached the village from Agios Ioannis after 8km following the rural road.Damouchari has two bays –one a natural harbor with fishing boats wallowing in the shallows, overlooked by a couple of sleepy tavernas and bars. I guess I approached the other bay which is supposed to be stunning with white pebble beach with aquamarine waters, graphic tavernas above in the wave. But still my expectations were higher. I did go down the cliff at first through a path abounding in lavish growth a lady indicated, I got some beautiful photos of the coasts of Agios Ioannis from a spot right across the wooden resting area for ramblers . I also have to admit that the walk out here is pleasant, climbing the craggy steps of the cliff overlooking the beach. On my way down I came across a group of youngsters who were resting and making plans that moment but I met them again on their way down. They were singing as they were descending the path and I must admit I envied them. I greet them and they make a stop, we chat for a while and they offer to take a photo for the VT competition. They were excited and said they want to see their photos on Facebook.The walk through this path is interesting on its own and to me it was more fun walking the path than the popular beach. If I had the time I could have extended the walk meandering along the coastal track that leads to Papa Nero beach and Agios Ioannis through another picturesque kalterimi but I would need 1 more hour to get there. The path extends as far as Tsagarada after another 45 minutes from Papa Nero."You have to get to Damouchari". It comes like a command and you hear the word continuously. I truly cannot understand why people consider this particular beach so beautiful. I could understand it if they were talking only about the path. It is not only my own idea but I am constantly asking tourists that I come across who have been here to tell me their opinion which is the same like mine. The answer is “Not thrilled”Such a fuss for Damouchari while there are other much more beautiful beaches to visit in Pelion.The waters are clear, they are turquoise and crystal and this I can understand, but all beaches out here have these characteristics. Well, I am looking at a booklet right now to see what it says about this beach. I read that it is the only natural port of the whole Eastern Pelion and it was given this name from a heartbreaking love story and it translates as “for the name of the love” –I still cannot understand the words in Greek and if somebody can make it more clear, please be my guest. I truly want to find out.Enjoy the photos and if there is somebody out there reading this who has pictures of his own of Damouchari please send me one or two. I am truly curious.