If you go to magnetic Pelion you would regret not visiting the gorgeous village of Portaria. At a wonderful location with abundance of green and running water, perched on the northwestern slopes of Pelion, along with neighboring Makrinitsa, Portaria gazes at the Pagasetic Gulf. 600 meters high and only 13 kilometers away from Volos to the northeast, it is perhaps the most famous and touristic village of Pelion. Its natural beauty, short distance both from Pelion’s ski resort and the sea, but also its excellent touristic amenities for all tastes and all pockets turn it into the ultimate tourist destination, especially for the winter.

Μagnificent examples of Pelion’s traditional architecture are the traditional manors of the settlement, some of which are three-story. Most of them have been renovated and turned into guest houses, preserving Portaria’s traditional character unaltered. Take care of your accommodation plans – lodgings are almost fully booked all year long – and then have a coffee at the cafés of busy Melina Mercouri square. The latter is the central square of the village which overlooks the church of Virgin Mary the Portarea that is most likely the name-giver of the village. Don’t miss out on the square of Adamena, where the trail to the Fountain of Mana (Mother) with the beautiful plane trees starts from; the restored Zoulias manor where the Folk Art Museum is accommodated; and also the Centaurs’ path, a three-kilometer route, starting from the church of Saint Marina at the entrance of the village that passes through churches, ravines and manors.

You should also visit the quiet square of Taxiarhes, offering an amazing view over to the Pagasetic Gulf and move along to Karavos waterfalls. Another sight of the village is Koukourava neighborhood where there is a remaining dristella, i.e. a fiber mill for woolen textiles and kilim woven rugs, preserved since the Ottoman Greece, back when Portaria was a thriving craft industry of weaving and tanning. If you go to Portaria during the last ten days of August you will witness a great popular event, the revival of a traditional Pelion’s wedding. The whole village participates by singing, dancing and exchanging treats like baklavas (baked syrup pastry) and tsipouro (spirit).

Ideal for walking, Portaria will daze you with aromas of plane trees and flowers, and it will tickle your nose with the scent of the taverns, for some of which it is believed that are the best in Pelion. Taste the traditional spetzofai (dish with sausages) and the delicious barbecued sausages with your local tsipouro or wine. Spoil your palate by enjoying the delightful traditional pastries in Portaria’s cafés, mostly made of the well-known apples of Zagora. And if one pastry is not enough for you, buy spoon sweets and jams form the numerous little shops where you can also find souvenirs and folk art.