Platanias
Platanias (another name Platania) is a small fishing village in the extreme south of Pelion 67 km from the town of Volos. This quiet place is ideal for a relaxing vacation. It has a beautiful long sandy-pebble beach, within which there is a well-organized camp.
The name of the place comes from the sycamore trees that are abundant in this area, and it is rich in mineral water springs. Platanias has a small natural harbor, which was used since ancient times. The port was used by the Persians in their campaign to conquer Greece. The famous battle of Artemiso was just taking place in the area of Pelion and northern Evia. Platanias was an important port and transport center for transporting the mountainous areas of the whole of Pelion.
Today, Planatias has about 150 inhabitants, and a solid tourist offer, with about 800 beds in various accommodation capacities. The place is full of restaurants, taverns, pizzerias, cafes, butchers, mini markets, bakeries. Here you can always buy fresh fish and seafood. In addition to tourism, the locals are primarily engaged in the production of olive oil and growing flowers.
Excursions to the island of Skiathos are organized from this place in the summer. There is a ship Africa (see it in the pictures) that goes from Platanias to Skiathos and to the famous Koukounaries beach and Skiathos town. Prices are variable. In 2014, the price of a return ticket was EUR 25-30. The boat departs every 2-3 days, most hoteliers in Pilion know the phone and can call the captain for information on prices and times, as this is variable and depends on the season and interests. In July 2014, the ticket price was 25 euros for adults and half price for children over 5 years old. Children under 5 years old do not pay a ticket. The captain is a very nice man, slightly fuller, always smiling and in the mood for a conversation.
Platanias beach has a nice entrance to the sea and is ideal for children because of the soft sand. Along the beach there are rows of olive trees, which provide perfect shade during the hot summer season. The beach has a lot of pebbles, and the water is blue-turquoise. On the beach itself, umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent, there are showers and changing cabins, as well as bars that offer fast food and refreshments.
The nearest beach is Mikro plaža, which you can reach on foot from the village itself. The road leads over the hill, along a narrow path that offers a view of hidden bays. The journey on foot from Platanias to Mikro beach takes ten minutes, and by car you would have to take the surrounding road, which takes about half an hour. Our team passed this way in the summer of 2014, at a temperature of close to 40, and believe me, it was not that hard. Just put a cap on your head and a bottle of water in your hands – no problem. See the pictures and the page about the Platanias – Mikro road.
location: the town of Platanias, south of Pelion, opposite the island of Skiathos
beach: gravel, extremely clean water
