( 60 Miles Trip ) The Pagasitic Gulf

Day trip to the islets of Pagasitikos Gulf

During this period, a large part of the Greek population enjoys their holidays on the beaches or in the mountainous areas of Pelion and Magnesia in general. There are clearly many ideas for short trips in this particularly naturally endowed corner of Thessaly and it is certain that if someone decides to spend a few days of their vacation here they will not be bored for a moment.

Among the well-known options for exploring the coasts of the large and beautiful Gulf of Thessaly, we are coming to add one more that this time will not follow land, but sea routes. By choosing one of the day trips starting from Volos, Kala Nera or Amaliapoli, you can visit by sea some of the most beautiful seaside spots in Greece, swim at wonderful beaches and discover islands you never knew existed.

Prasouda Island

On the sea road to picturesque Jasteni, the eye is drawn to the rocky island of Prasouda with the deserted monastery of Zoodochos Pigi and the impressive seabed. The island has an area of ​​only seven acres and is completely overgrown with very dense vegetation of Mediterranean mackies. The ruined church of Zoodochos Pigi is a cruciform basilica with a dome and dates back to the 11th century. It is assumed that there was a small monastery here.

If you like to observe the seabed, you can dive with your mask in the waters of Prasouda where at a depth of 5-10 meters you will enjoy a truly wonderful sight. If you want to explore the ruins of the monastery be a little careful as the locals say the island has a lot of snakes (which we didn't see though). Be careful as the island has rocky shores all around and is not easy to reach by boat.

Alatas Island and Glaronisi

The islet of Alatas almost touches the coast of Pelion and blocks the gulf of Milina with its long narrow presence. It is an island overgrown with olives with an area of ​​about half a square meter. Its name came from the salt flats that existed on the opposite land.

Here is the now deserted monastery of the Four or Forty Martyrs, closely linked to the history of Pelion, since here in 1823 the rebel Pelioreites fortified themselves in a desperate attempt to face the attacking Turkalvans. Alatas has a wonderful deserted shingle beach at its western end, which of course is only accessible by boat. At its northwestern end and only 200 meters away, the tiny Glaronisi stands out, with a diameter of only 60 meters and a single tree growing on its rocks. In Glaronisi early in the morning you can see, if you are lucky, some of the seals of Pagasitikos sunning themselves on its plates.

Tzasteni and the fishing village of Kottes

From Prasouda, the land port of Tzasteni is only 1 nm away. Sailboats and excursion boats from the coastal resorts of Pagasitikos often come here and anchor in the small bay with the traditional houses and lion trees. Tzasteni is one of the most recognizable spots of Pelion that, with their photographic aura, established Pagasitikos as one of the most beloved seaside destinations for locals and foreign visitors alike. Besides the popular Tzasteni, it is worth visiting the secluded and time-forgotten fishing village of Kottes (4 nm from Tzasteni).

Here you will moor at the most secluded part of the bay where there is the "Aggelos" tavern, well-known among sailors (it has a pier) and you will walk to the traditional church of Aghii Anargyri.

Old Trikeri and Pythos island

The only habitable islet of Pagasitikos is Paleo Trikeri. The island is easily accessible by water taxi from the opposite port of Alogoporos.

However, here, in addition to the excursion boats, the liner also runs the route Volos-Palio Trikeri-Agia Kyriaki. There are no cars on the island, while the only village is the anchorage of Agios Giannis with its famous fish taverns. A traditional cobblestone path will lead you to the top of the hill where the fortress-like monastery of Panagia Evangelistria, built in 1837, dominates. Here, from 1948 to 1953, up to 5,000 women, political exiles, lived under very difficult conditions.

Paleo Trikeri has wonderful beaches, all paved with dark sand or pebbles with shallow waters and abundant olive trees surrounding them. You will visit them from a path or with your own boat. Among them stand out the coast of Prasini Ammo, the coast of Pardalos and the beaches of Afekta, Agios Georgios and Agia Sofia. At the entrance of Pagasitikos Gulf, just one nautical mile northwest of Prasini Ammos beach, you will see a cluster of three rocky islets, the largest of which is the islet of Pythos. Pythou has an impressive completely deserted beach, while on its northern side part of a World War II warplane has been identified at a considerable depth.

Of course, the island has associated its name with a tragic, but also strange story. It was June 1963 when the Austrian writer Helga Pogl was fatally attacked by a shark, a few meters from the shore, while her husband and a friend were on land. However, many locals are the ones who believe that the Austrian was not attacked by a shark after all and that there are other causes behind her death...

"This region, rich in historical and architectural sites, good restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, is bordered by beautiful beaches on one side, and by Mount Pelion on the other. As one of the best secret places in Europe, the Grecian region is still affordable right now."

Travel to Pagasitikos

Every Day (if weather permitting), in the morning, from April to May and from September to October, we sail from the port of Volos for private excursions (up to 8 people) with a tour of the Pagasitic Gulf to Trikeri , for swimming, walking and eating.

Please register in advance 3 days in advance

This program includes:

Water, soft drinks, coffee, fuel costs, VAT

The Pagasetic Gulf is a closed and relatively shallow sea formed between the main Greek peninsula and the peninsula of Pelion. In the bay of the bay, there is the port of Volos.

The bay has an area of ​​approximately 175 sq. Km. The entrance (entrance) of the bay is restricted to the south, towards the Evoikos bay and the Aegean Sea, between Cape Trikeri, Magnesia, (east) and the Cape Cross of the northeastern land strip of Fthiotida west), maintaining an opening of only 4 km.

The beaches of Pelion, both on the Aegean Sea and on the side of Pagasitikos, are famous for their clear blue waters, and many have been awarded the Blue Flag by the European Union.

The Pagasitikos is a warm sea and the dives can, of course, be allowed to arrive until mid-autumn. In short, we will introduce you to the most famous beaches in the area to have options for the baths in September and October.

Trikeri - beaches

They are located on the island of Palio Trikeri. Here stands the green sandy beach with the crystal clear waters (30 minutes from the harbor). The same beautiful scenery is repeated on the beaches of Afekta (where an old and now abandoned hotel dominates) and Agios Georgios. The two marvelous beaches are also approached by the monastery of Panagia with a downhill path.

West of the Ai-Giannis harbor with a 30-minute walk, you will find yourself at the beach of Agia Sophia. On the opposite coast, you will enjoy the pebbly beach of Alogoporos. Coming from Milina you will see from above the "miracle" of Tzastenis. It's hard to resist the charm of this unique sea corner and not to dare a swim in its delicious waters.

A beautiful island near the entrance of the Pagasitic Gulf, Palaio Trikeri - Kikiousos its ancient name - is an ideal place for walkers and lovers of the sea. The picturesque settlement - a station for those traveling by boat on the Pagasitic Gulf -, the monastery of Evangelistria, the small lacy beaches and the low - olive groves - hills compose the island's image, which does not circulate wheeled. On the west coast of the island, at the bay of Agia Sophia, remains of the Early Christian Basilica have been found. Palaio Trikeri is connected by ferry to Volos. Palaio Trikeri has 87 inhabitants. The highest peak of the island is 129 m.