___________________

Unless otherwise noted, all pictures on this site were taken in Pelion, Greece, shown on the map below.

___________________

View images of the Common Toad, an ugly, bulky, but really sweet creature with an interesting... nightlife.

  Veggie of the Month

Learn about the Salsify, a beautiful plant, with edible and medicinal properties, that is currently blooming in Pelion.

  Cool Destination

Visit Mourtias, one of Pelion's most picturesque beaches on the Aegean coast.

  Exciting Site

Tour the Volos Archaeological Museum, a pretty century-old building, whose exhibits span a historical period of over 10 millennia!

  Month's Wallpaper

Download a fantastic picture of Horton, Pelion, taken from the dirt road that connects Horton with Metohi, a small village higher up.

Loading image. Please wait Sea Daffodils (Pancratium maritimum) :: Kastri, Pelion :: August 2001 :: © A.Papadopoulos Sea Daffodils (Pancratium maritimum) :: Kastri, Pelion :: August 2001 :: © A.Papadopoulos Kastri Beach :: Kastri, Pelion :: August 2001 :: © A.Papadopoulos Another View of the Beach :: Kastri, Pelion :: August 2001 :: © A.Papadopoulos The View from Eleni’s Taverna :: Kastri, Pelion :: August 2001 :: © A.Papadopoulos

Kastri

Kastri (Little Castle) is a nice, compact little beach, located on the Aegean, at a distance of approx. 66 km (41 miles) from Volos, 21 km (13 miles) from Argalasti and 24 km (15 miles) from Horto.

Its shores, which consist of fine sand, are carpeted, through much of August, with my favorite flowers, the Sea Daffodils (Pancratium maritimum). Quite surprisingly, its green waters are rather shallow and, therefore, very suitable for children.

Contrary to most beaches on the Aegean coast, Kastri isn't really affected by the summer winds, primarily because of its orientation, but also because the island of Skiathos, seen in the background of pictures 1 and 3 (thumbs from top to bottom), is in close proximity and acts like a natural breakwater.

The only drawback is that the beach tends to get a little overcrowded, especially in high summer, owing to its small size and the available camping facilities, which attract a lot of people. Other than that, my visit here was memorable, indeed!


Top

Infrastructure & Restaurants

There's a taverna (that's Greek for restaurant) on the beach, which is part of the camping facilities. Therefore, food and drink should be bountiful. I've never eaten there, so I can't tell you much about the quality of comestibles and service.

If you do visit Kastri, consider eating at Eleni's Taverna. It's located some 2.5 km (1.5 miles) up the road, in Afillianes, a small settlement consisting of two or three houses. Here, you'll sit under a thick canopy of vines, laden with grapes, and will enjoy the view (3rd thumb from top), while tasting a mixture of Greek and international dishes, served by Eleni and her family. Everything we ate at this joint was delicious, but I particularly loved her butter and garlic spread. Exquisite! By the way, Eleni's prices are very reasonable.


Top

Accommodation

There's a hotel, creatively named "Kastri", which is located some 50m (160ft) from the surf. If I'm not mistaken, it's open between May and September.


Top

Camping


There's an organized camping-site sitting right on the beach! So, just park your trailer or put up your tent and enjoy.

Top

Directions


If you're in Volos or Argalasti, take the main road to Trikeri. About 2 km (1.3 miles) from Argalasti's main square, you'll reach a very distinctive intersection with two branches at 90-degree angles to the road you're on. Beware, because your brain will more than likely short-circuit owing to the sudden influx of information - there are over 30 signs posted right in front you, pointing to literally every apartment for rent within a radius of 20 km (12.5 miles) or more. Take a deep breath, concentrate, swing a left and head towards Metochi.

If you're in Horto, you'll need to reach the same intersection. It's approximately 5 km (3 miles) uphill, on the road to Argalasti. Alternatively, you can head towards Milina and follow the road adjoining the church, which leads to Lafkos. The drive is some 4 km (2.5 miles) shorter, but the road has many sharp bends and you'll miss the great view.

Drive through Metochi and Lafkos. Approx. 7.5 km (4.5 miles) from the intersection, the road bifurcates anew. Take the left branch, towards Promyri and Platanias. Keep going forward for about 4 km (2.5 miles) and swing a right towards Platanias.

Continue for another 4 km (2.5 miles) and you'll reach an intersection, very similar to the first; there are two branches at 90-degree angles to the road you're on. Take a left and head for Kastri. It's some 4 km (2.5 miles) downhill. On the way there, you'll drive through a settlement named Afilianes. You won't know it's there, unless you spot the sign.

The road all the way down to Kastri is paved. However, it's probably the steepest, most winding and narrow road I've ever driven on. The drive all the way to Kastri is quite nice. The dominant flora consists of dense evergreen small trees and shrubs, collectively referred to as maquis, and Plane Trees (Platanus orientalis).

To get a better understanding of the area, check out the associated map.

Top