Pelion in September after visiting the cyclades

Posted by Romaris on 12/28/25 11:50 PM

Hello everyone!
I’m planning to spend 5 days in the Pelion region in early September, after a 15-day trip in the Cyclades islands.

I will have a rental car during my stay. I would love your advice on:
-Do you think Pelion could be a good follow-up after the Cyclades?
-Suggestions for the best villages to stay in, especially those that are lively in the evenings(with tavernas, cafes, and restaurants open, or when local festivals, dances, or traditional music take place). I don’t like finding the village squares deserted at night.

-Any recommendations on a 5-day itinerary would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by Cherryplanter

Gothenburg, Scandinavia

01/05/26 08:17 PM

242 posts

Hello,
Pelion, the homeland of Centaurs, is special and not well-known or in the spotlight, but very much worth visiting it seems. Have a look at Bradt Guide Northern Greece by Dana Facaros (2020) as it is a really good and detailed guide book where you really do get it all. You will likely be satisfied.

Posted by Missmarleygirl

Maine

01/07/26 12:06 PM

30 posts

We were in the Pelion in September a few years ago and it was fabulous. We loved it! Very much off the beaten tourist track and a 100% totally Greek experience. We were there right after the country opened up from Covid and I don't think we encountered another tourist the whole time we were there (a week). We stayed on an olive farm so not sure about best villages for night life but I think Tsagarda would tick your boxes.

Posted by sueevie

Yorkshire Dales, U.K

01/13/26 09:49 PM

15 posts

I’ve had 3 fabulous 14 day, two centre holidays in the Pelion including a one week organised hiking trip, which 21 years on remains one of my all time favourite holidays in Greece. I’ve been in June and early September and found both months quiet. I keep away from Greece in July and August when it’s too hot and busy for me. I’ve always stayed on the coast, both the Pagasitic Gulf side and the Aegean, totally different beaches and landscapes, but also visited hill villages, either hiking or in the evening for dinner. It’s a beautiful and special region.
Roads are often steep with many drops and bends, take your time and you’ll be fine. It always seemed to take longer than expected to get anywhere but the journey was spectacular if you’re the passenger, the driver will need to focus on the road.
With only 5 days, even with a rental, you’ll just get a taste of what Pelion has to offer and I doubt anywhere will be “lively” in September. Kala Nera on the Pagasitic Gulf was the busiest place we passed through.

Can’t comment on pairing it with the Cyclades, not been there yet!

Posted by Nicksy

Ostend, Belgium

01/13/26 11:09 PM

23 posts

Been to Pelion once and stayed in Kala Nera. It can indeed be busy as mentioned in the post above. But as a city I also liked Volos. However when going to Pelion it's almost a must to go to some of the mountain villages.
And if you don't fancy to drive for a day, try the little train: https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en/mythical-route