Have you ever heard of the village Agios Ioannis in Pelion? It is a heavenly place at Pelion, the mythical mountain of Centaurs, located at the departure of Thessaly, in beautiful Greece. Charmed by the touch of mythical Centaurs and the fairies of the Pagasetic Bay, this summer resort, is a unique destination for those who love nature and want to admire the combination of mountain’s beauty and sea’s serenity.
The village, during winter, looks isolated, as the number of the permanent habitants is restricted. Although by the arrival of summer, both nature and place blossom and the streets throb of life and visitors. The wide appeal of Agios Ioannis is due to clear beaches and the existence of modern, tourist infrastructures. Indeed, the last twenty years the development of infrastructures and tourist facilities were so great, that turned this place into an extremely popular destination for thousands of visitors around the world.
So what do you think? Are you ready for a tour around the village and its beauties? Let’s not waste any more time…..
Heading to the east side of Pelion and after crossing several traditional villages you will reach the entrance of Agios Ioannis. The scent of sea saltiness and lemon trees will welcome you to the place and calm your senses. Surrounded by high mountains and crystal clear waters, this place will give you the impression of a heavenly paradise. The village is built on a slope above a beach with golden sand and blue waters. Wandering around the cobbled alleys, you will be amazed by its beauty and architecture. Every single corner is decorated with bougainvilleas and hydrangeas full of colors and perfumes. The traditional, made of stone alleys are connected with stone steps and beautiful paths. Most houses and buildings are built according to the traditional architectural structure, made of stone and wood and decorated with pots of flowers and vines. Heading down to the beach, you will meet the famous beach of Agios Ioannis. It is a huge, sandy beach with crystal clear waters, surrounded by tall, wild rocks. At the beach there is a permanent life guard caring for your safety, since sometimes the sea gets angry and raises huge waves. In these crystal waters you can swim and relax under the warm sunrays, listening to the sounds of nature. Just above the beach, the street is full of taverns, coffee shops and bars. There you can enjoy traditional dishes, fresh fish and delicious hotpots accompanied by local wine and homemade spoon sweets. After lunch you can enjoy your coffee or your drink at one of the many shops, right next to the beach, watching the rosy sunset and admiring the summer moon. For those who love long walks, the path across the beach is appropriate for walking and relaxation. Start your walk from the little port of the village, where you can see fishing trawls and luxury yachts and move on to the finish of the route on the other side of the village that leads you to another beach, called Papa Nero. The beach is connected with the rest village through a hanging bridge. At this area there is the famous Agios Ioannis camp which was founded in 1924 and is the first organized camp ever operated in Greece.
During your walk you will meet tourist of all nationalities and locals ready to serve and treat you. Take a rest at one of the many benches and watch the sea as it is covered by the black cloaks of night. On the other side, just along the village, dominates the beach of Plaka, one of the most charming beaches in Greece. The beach can be accessed either by car or on foot, just by crossing a small path surrounded by stones and rocks and starts right at Agios Ioannis’ port. The path is safe and easy to cross, even for kids. Arriving at the beach you will be amazed by the serenity and the majesty of the nature. It is encircled by huge, wild rocks and blue waters. The beach is covered by white pebbles and surrounded by trees that offer cool and shadow. For those who prefer organized beaches, you will find a small canteen and sun beds. On the other hand, for those who seek for peace the other side of the landscape is the best choice. This side is mostly preferred by couples and groups who love the nature and its peace. If you are in a mood for more adventure and trips do not skip a visit to Mylopotamos beach. It is a few kilometers far from the village and is concerned to be one of the most amazing beaches of Pelion. When you arrive, you may park your car at the public parking and go down to the beach through stairs. The uniqueness of Mylopotamos is that it consists of two small beaches that communicate each other through a natural arch, created along a huge rock. Around three o’ clock in the noon the beach behind the arch gets empty, since the huge rocks hide every single sunray. If you have the desire to admire this side of Mylopotamos and swim in these cyan waters, then you‘d better arrive early, so you have the chance to enjoy your bath. At the other part of the beach, that during noon if full of people, you shall find a canteen and sunbeds. After your sea bath you can enjoy fresh fish at the only tavern of the area, sitting above the beach and watching the horizon while you taste traditional dishes.
Heading back to the village of Agios Ioannis you can choose between the many resorts to rest and recharge your batteries. Most of the resorts are located right near the beach and offer you fully access to mini markets, bakeries, cafes, restaurants and the drugstore. If you prefer quieter and cheaper resorts then you can choose a place at the higher part of the village, which is connected with the rest village through stairs and alleys. Keep in mind that the village lacks of banks and ATMs, so you should either travel a few kilometers to the village Tsagarada, where you can find a bank or organize your budget accordingly.
Agios Ioannis is a dreamy place that is suitable for all budgets. Either you look for economic summer destinations, or you prefer luxury vacation this place will satisfy every single desire. Every summer it attracts thousands of tourists and is considered to be one of the most popular resorts. It is fairly called the masterpiece of Pelion and one thing is for sure: Once you visit this place, the charm of the mountain and the seduction of the sea will make you its eternal slave.