04 June, 2018
This mountainous area of Thessaly in central Greece is bookended by the Aegean and the Pagasetic, making it an adventurers' paradise chock-full of ancient hiking trails, untouched lagoons and secluded beaches fronted by crystalline water lining the peninsula. Venture slightly inland from the adorable seaside towns of the region and you'll set foot in a little-known fairytale setting of whitewashed houses clinging to the emerald-green flanks of Pelion Mountain and lush pine forests enclosing secret waterfalls.
EasyJet has just launched a non-stop flight from London to Volos, a coastal town in Thessaly. The stress-free direct journey is still quite new, meaning that Pelion is as under-the-radar as can be - for now. Book yourself a ticket for a weekend destination that's readily available for squeezing an adventure between two seemingly endless workweeks.
For the adrenaline-starved thrill-seeker, canyoning is one of the most popular activities available in Pelion. An intimate way to explore the area's unknown lakes and ravines, a day of canyoning will tempt even the tamest adventurer to test out rappelling down gnarled waterfall cliffs. Once you've journeyed deep enough into the verdant Thessalian forest that was once the fabled home of centaurs, don't be surprised if you stumble upon more Call Me By Your Name-style rivers than you have time to stop and lounge by.
If leaping off a cliff isn't quite your style, choose from one of the many hikes that wind along craggy coastal tracks. Most of the trails link old villages and will lead you past beaches, along abandoned railways and through soft patches of wispy grass cocooned between throngs of olive trees. Cycling enthusiasts can also bike along many of the area's winding roads, which offer striking views of the sea below. Those looking for a major challenge can even tour the entire region by taking on a hilly 87km loop.
Alternatively, simply bask on the beach, safe in the knowledge that you're one of the first to discover this Grecian secret...
Your daredevil best friend.
May and June are the best months to go for sunny days of exploration without running the risk of getting heat stroke.
Hikers looking to get away from the madness of Cinque Terre.
Quick-dry shorts for impromptu lagoon dips mid-hike.
Fly from London directly into Volos, which is located on the Pagasetic Gulf and is an hour's drive from Pelion itself.
