Pelion's best beaches: east vs west, and beaches for kids
Pelion has wild beaches on the Aegean side and calm ones on the gulf. The full table, the best beaches for kids and tips for getting there.
- The east side has wild blue beaches; the west side calm, shallow water.
- For kids: the Afyssos beaches, Vromoneri, Paltsi and Kala Nera.
- You need a car; fly to Thessaloniki or Athens and drive to Volos.
If you add Pelion to your trip, plan beach days around the wind: on rough days switch to the gulf. With young children, stay closer to the west side.
Pelion: two seas, two kinds of beaches
The Pelion peninsula, near the city of Volos, has sea on both sides, each with a different character:
- East coast (Aegean): wild, dramatic beaches, deep blue water, sometimes waves. Great for swimming, diving and snorkelling.
- West coast (Pagasetic Gulf): calmer, shallower water, sheltered from the wind. Very good for families with children.
The best Pelion beaches at a glance
| Beach | Side | Sand/pebbles | Character | Nearest village |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mylopotamos | east | sand and fine pebbles | beautiful, split by a rock arch | Tsagarada |
| Fakistra | east | sand and fine pebbles | wild, no facilities, about 20 minutes' walk | Tsagarada |
| Damouchari | east | white pebbles | small port with tavernas, sea caves for kayaking | Agios Ioannis |
| Papa Nero | east | sand, fine pebbles in the water | long, part organised, good snorkelling | Agios Dimitrios |
| Agioi Saranta | east | fine sand and pebbles | long, pine-lined, popular | Anilio |
| Horefto | east | – | very long (2.5 km), beach bars and watersports | Kissos |
| Paltsi | south | golden sand and shingle | wind-sheltered bay, popular with families | Xinovrisi |
| Vromoneri | south | fine sand | sheltered tree-lined cove with a taverna | Agios Georgios |
| Afyssos beaches | west | sand and shingle | shallow, calm, family-friendly | Milies |
| Kala Nera | – | – | lively, organised, eucalyptus shade | Milies |
According to Discover Greece. The east coast can be windy with waves; on those days switch to the west.
The best Pelion beaches for kids
For young children: the Afyssos beaches (Kallifteri, Ambovos and others), Vromoneri, Paltsi and Kala Nera, with calm water and tavernas. For older kids and teens: Mylopotamos with its rock arch and Damouchari with kayaks. See also Greece with kids month by month.
Tips for Pelion beaches
- A car is essential: beaches are spread out and mountain roads wind. Allow more driving time than the map suggests: car rental in Greece.
- Walking: some of the best beaches (Fakistra, Mylopotamos) are reached by steps or a path. Bring good shoes and water.
- Add the villages: after the beach, head up to mountain villages such as Tsagarada, Makrinitsa and Milies for dinner in the village square.
When to go
June and September are especially good: a warm sea and green mountains, with fewer crowds. In July–August the popular beaches fill up, especially at weekends with Greek visitors.
Getting to Pelion
The gateway is the city of Volos. From Israel you usually fly to Thessaloniki (direct flights) or Athens and continue by car. See flights to Thessaloniki from Israel.
Kosher and Shabbat
We found no Chabad house or kosher restaurant in Pelion. Kosher travellers can order from e-kosher.gr or rent a house with a kitchen. Candle-lighting times on Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in Pelion? Mylopotamos, with the rock arch that divides it, is one of the most beautiful. Fakistra and Papa Nero are also recommended.
Which side of Pelion is better for kids? The west side, on the Pagasetic Gulf: calm, shallow water, for example the Afyssos beaches and Kala Nera.
Do I need a car in Pelion? Yes. Beaches and villages are spread out and public transport is limited.
How do I get to Pelion from Israel? Fly to Thessaloniki or Athens and drive to Volos and Pelion.
