The rising sun and emerald crystal water the of the Aegean Sea glittering under the clear blue sky – that is the view I used to see every morning during my Greece vacation in Agios Ioannis Pelion. We decided to spend our summer holiday in the region of Volos Greece because we were amazed by its beauty when we passed through the Monthain of the mythical creatures – halfman/halfhorse – Centauros on our way to Skopelos Island. So I did my research, spoke with a few Greek residents in my country, and chose the East coast of the Greek peninsula of Pelion for a family vacation at the beginning of July 2015. Agios Ioannis is the most developed resort on East Pelion`s coast but has still kept its magic. This area features a rare combination of green forested mountain and wide beaches.
Recently we came here for a vacation for a second time but in August.
Agios Ioannis Hotels
As usual, we needed a hotel with cheap prices. I started arranging our Greece vacation by searching Booking.com and Venere.com’s databases but all offers seemed expensive to me! We targeted room prices of up to 50 euros per night in a beachfront hotel in a lively village. One day I found the website of hotel Evripides in Agios Ioannis. From their page it was difficult to get an idea of the residence`s features but we booked 3 rooms.
When we arrived at Agios Ioannis, Pelion we were pleasantly surprised – the hotel was situated in the center of the village, just in front of a swimmable beach. All rooms overlook the sea – a fact that was not mentioned in the website. You cross the promenade and jump into the sea. At the reception we learned that breakfast is included in the price. We paid 40 euros per night for a double room and 35 euros – for a single room.
For breakfast they served coffee (frappe, Greek coffee, instant coffee or filter coffee), fresh orange juice, bread, yellow cheese, honey and home-made cake. The menu was all the same every day.
As every other lodging in this village, there were no sound proof rooms in Hotel Evripides. It is great to have a rest during the low season – June, 1-15 July and September but in high season it could be a challenge to sleep well at night.
Thanks to its superb location, Hotel Evripides was the best choice for our Greece vacation. It is next to the village`s pharmacy. The local mini market, restaurants and bars were a few meters from the hotel. The building neighbors with a travel agency where you can book boat tours, sea-kayaking and other activities organized by Pelion venture partners.
Another convenient Agios Ioannis accommodation is hotel Eden on Plaka beach. It is amphitheatrically built on a hill. The lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation. All rooms are overlooking one of the most spectacular sceneries of the peninsula. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, tv, refrigerator, and Wi-Fi. The staff is very helpful. Just for example, a member of our company was bitten by a hornet. We ran from the Eden beach bar to the hotel`s reception for remedies to control the pain. A lady who was a hotel manager gave us a special medicine to treat the irritated skin. She cheerfully explained us that if a person is not allergic, one can benefit from the bite since it has anti-cancer effect. She advised us to put ice on the place. Her reaction made our day!
Personally, I would not choose hotel Eden in Agios Ioannis for a family vacation because it is considerably far from the village center and from restaurants and bars.
A good option is to stay at hotel Kelly which is situated on the main street of Agios Ioannis. I wonder if the rooms are quieter since the building is very close to one of the most crowded bars – Paralos. Maybe hotel Sofoklis is a better place to stay but it is more expensive than hotel Evripides because it has an outdoor swimming pool. The accommodation offers 20 rooms It is also located near a tiny harbor.
Hotel Marina, Agios Ioannis
For our second stay in Agios Ioannis we chose Hotel Marina. The property shares the same facilities with Hotel Eleana. They are both run by the same management. All family members work hard to keep everything running smoothly.
Hotel Marina and Hotel Eleana are located at the south end of the main pedestrian street by the sea. The two accommodations are on a walking distance from Papa Nero beach, Agios Ioannis beach and Plaka beach. Mini markets, bakeries and cafes are just on the doorstep. Although its prime location near the village’s centre, the accommodation is very quiet at night.
There is a big public parking just across the street. The hotels offer their own parking places. The Hotel Eleana has an underground parking while the Hotel Marina offers few parking places in the yard.
Both properties feature a three storey buildings. Hotel Marina is the oldest from the two of them. In Hotel Eleana there is a lift while in Hotel Marina the higher floors are accessible by stairs only.
The rooms in Hotel Marina are modestly furnished but we like the fact that they are spacious. The stuff clean them every day. There is a fridge but no kitchen or kitchenette. There is no hairdryer in the room. Among the useful amenities is the air-conditioning.
During our stay in August 2019, the Wi Fi was week in the room so we had to go to the reception to surf in the Internet.
Still we had a good time in the hotel. Our balcony was with partly sea view and we enjoyed the scenery.
Best Pelion Beaches
#1 Plaka beach
This spectacular place is a paradise for the nature loving tourists. It reminds me of the exotic Freedom beach on Phuket Island with its emerald water and wide sandy beach. The lush vegetation growing on vertical cliffs is like a live green curtain. There is a small organized part of the beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. You can rent 2 chairs and sun umbrellas for 5 euros per day. The Eden beach bar offers excellent espresso coffee (2 euros), cocktails (9 euros) and fresh juices (4 euros). You have an amazing view from the bar`s balcony over the extremely beautiful Plaka beach. The music they play is a perfect addition to this summer experience.
There are two natural swimming pools formed by cliffs in the water. They are an ideal spot for families with children. The greatest part of Plaka beach is a wild territory of sand. There are many romantic spots where you can relax under the natural shadow of the trees.
Plaka beach is perfect for snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing on the beach. It can be reached by 5-7 minute walk from Agios Ioannis village.
#2. Papa Nero Beach
In a direction opposite the Plaka beach, there is another beautiful sandy shore. A 5 minute walk across an incredibly beautiful bridge will bring you from the center of the village to the sandy beach of Papa Nero. It looks more organized than Plaka beach. There are 2 restaurants, camping and 3 hotels. Anyway here you can enjoy breathtaking scenery featuring green forest and crystal clear water of the sea.
#3. Agios Ioannis beach
Agios Ioannis beach is also considered one of the most beautiful spots in the area. It is an opportunity to get in touch with the sea and stay close to the main highlights of the picturesque village. You do not have to pay for an umbrella and sunbeds. Instead, you are expected to order a drink from a bar. Cocktails are cheaper on the beach of Agios Ioannis – 6 euros plus complimentary seasonal fruits.
#4. Damouchari
There are more treasures along the coast of East Pelion. One of them is the fishing village of Damouchari. It is only 3 km from Agios Ioannis. This settlement is a small mountain village featuring a natural harbour, and 2 romantic bays with little rocks. I personally cannot recommend the beach of Damouchari for swimming and sunbathing since stones on the beach are too big and there a slippery ground surface.
Damouchari features old stone houses with stone roofs, narrow paving streets, and a Byzantine church. Here you can explore the perfect examples of the distinctive traditional architecture of this region. The picturesque scenery of of Damouchari beach with its white marble pebbles and high cliffs has attracted the producers of the Mamma Mia! Musical. Some scenes were filmed around the harbor. The bay is the main setting of the “Dancing Queen” choreography. The film crew built a wooden platform where Meryl Streep danced. Now this platform does not exist but you can sit on the beautiful terrace of the Tomas’ café where the film crew was sitting in 2007. In our article on the island of Skopelos you can explore the other places where shots were taken on.
Damouchari is a place for nature lovers and adventurous people. They enjoy hiking, walks in narrow paths, horse-riding and sea-kayaking. We booked from the tourist agency in Agios Ioannis a 1,5 hour sea-kayaking tour. We really wanted to explore this picturesque coast from a different perspective and to see places that only boats can reach. Our guided trip took us to a place where fresh water mixes with salty water without sinking thanks to a natural fountain. We saw numerous sea caves and the biggest surprise was to encounter a seal! This amazing creature was only 200 meters from our kayak.
The Pelion Secrets company organizes many full-day guided kayak tours along the coast of Pelion. You can see one of the most beautiful and remote spots in the area – Fakistra beach, Fakistra sea cave and Mylopotamos. You do not have to be skilled in paddling since sea kayaking tour starts with the basic paddling techniques. All participants paddle as a group. You are expected to bring with you a sun screen, a t-shirt, a hat and a bath towel.
#5 Fakistra
Fakistra beach and Fakistra cave are located between Mylopotamos beach and Damouchari. The day we visited Mylopotamos we tried to find the path to Fakistra. Unfortunately, we spent too much time in search of this remote and mystic place. There were no signs and we tried several small and steep paths. We managed to see these hidden gems from above and the view was stunning. I think that getting to Fakistra beach is a big challenge. You have to bring with you walking shoes because the route is very extreme.
# 6. Mylopotamos
Mylopotamos is one of the most exotic beaches on the Greek peninsula of Pelion. To get from Agios Ioannis to this place you will pass through a landscape of unique variety. Your eyes will roam from the high mountain views to the scenery of the Aegean Sea. This beautiful natural setting features stunning cliffs and crystal emerald water. There is a magical arch formed on a coastline.
Mylopotamos beach can be very crowded even in low season since everyone wants to take a picture of this natural wander. We visited this place once but preferred Plaka beach to relax and swim.
#7. Agioi Saranta Beach
Agioi Saranta is a few kliometres from the village of Chorefto and just 20 minute drive from Agios Ioannis. It is a long beach covered with white sand and small pebbles. The beach is famous with the crystal turquoise water.
Agioi Saranta is very populated during peak season so it is better to go there early in the morning before 10 am. At this time, it is easier to find a parking place. After 10 am, a stuff assists people to find a place for their cars. They also control the traffic in the area.
The sea gets deep soon, so in windy days, the waves might be huge and it may be difficult for children to sunbath.
There is a natural shade in the afternoons coming from the lush vegetation just behind the beach. The south end of the beach is the most beautiful place to relax because of the scenic rock formations.
#8. Chorefto Beach
This this is one of the few sandy beaches in Pelion. The coast is not as spectacular as in Mylopotamos, Damouchari or Plaka but the beach is easy accessible, long and friendly for families. There are many free parking places around.
Places to See During Your Greece Vacation
Portaria
This is one of the most prominent villages on the Pelion peninsula. It is 13 km from Volos. Here you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Volos city and the Pagasitic gulf. There are charming cafes and taverns where you can taste the Greek cuisine. Speaking about food, in my opinion the dishes they serve in the area can hardly be called a culinary experience of a lifetime. Compared to Halkidiki’s restaurants the traditional dishes of Pelion are not so tasty. But they still reveal the unique character of the region.
Tsagarda
Tsagarada lies 10 km of Agios Ioannis. The village features rich forest vegetation, 4 squares, various fountains, century old trees, and a dozen of churches. The road from Agios Ioannis to Pelion is very extreme. It is a very scenic drive but we do not recommend it at night since there are very dangerous curves.
Agios Ioannis, Pelion can be a great starting point for an unforgettable Greece vacation. You can enjoy places that few tourists have visited. This boutique travel will give you freedom to explore little known places.
Where to Eat
Galeos Fish Taverna
Located at the north end of the main street, the Galeos fish taverna is perfect place to have a lunch or dinner. The restaurant features a large terrace with a view to the sea. Once we went there for the first time, we did not want to try anything else.
We came to the tavern because the same day we noticed on the port a fishing boat with the name “Galeos”. Indeed, they have their own catch. The fish they served was very fresh and perfectly prepared. We opt for the meal of the day – a whole sea bass or dorado fish with a price of 10 or 11 euros per portion. It came with vegetables or French fries. That was a great price! That was why we had almost every dinner at Galeos restaurant. We have seen such a generous portion for a low price only in some Thasos restaurants.
Galeos restaurant is a really good place to taste Mediterranean salads like Octopus salad, Greek salad, Politiki salad, Tuna salad and many more. Salads rank from 3,50 euro to 9 euro.
Seafood Restaurant Poseidonas
This fish tavern is located in the most central part of Agios Ioannis. The restaurant is also by the sea. They serve fresh fish and local dishes like marinated small fish. Food comes in great portions. Prices are slightly higher, compared to Galeos but you get complimentary dessert.
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