Pelion with kids: the little train, beaches and mountain villages in every season
Pelion, a green mountain above the city of Volos, combines sea and mountains in a single day: shaded beaches in summer, forests and a little steam train in spring and autumn, and skiing with a sea view in winter.
- The little Pelion train runs between Ano Lechonia and Milies, daily in summer and mostly at weekends the rest of the season.
- Child-friendly beaches: Agios Ioannis (natural shade), Horefto (organised) and Xinovrisi. Mylopotamos is beautiful but has steps.
- In winter there is a ski resort with a snowboard school for children from age 3.
Pelion suits families who like nature and driving. Choose one village as your base, for example on the eastern side near the sea, and plan a train day, a beach day and a villages day.
Where is Pelion and why is it good for families?
Pelion is a green mountain on a peninsula in eastern Greece, roughly halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki, above the city of Volos. On one side lies the calm Pagasetic Gulf, on the other the Aegean with open beaches. The villages are built of stone among chestnut and plane trees, and summer is cooler than in Athens.
According to Kids Love Greece, Pelion is a year-round destination: sea and water sports in summer, forest walks in spring and autumn, and skiing in winter.
The little Pelion train
The historic narrow-gauge train (locally called "Moutzouris") runs between Ano Lechonia and Milies, over stone bridges and through forest. Children love it, and the scenery is especially beautiful in autumn. According to the Greek news agency, in summer (from early July) the train runs daily, and the rest of the season mainly at weekends and holidays. Check the current timetable on the Hellenic Train website before you go, and buy tickets in advance in high season.
In Milies there is time between trains to walk around the village, eat at a taverna and visit the folk art museum.
The best beaches for kids in Pelion
| Beach | Why it suits children | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Agios Ioannis | Clear water and tall trees for shade | Busy in August |
| Horefto | Organised beach with umbrellas and restaurants | |
| Xinovrisi | Sandy beach popular with local families | Large rocks in the water |
| Mylopotamos | Very beautiful, clear water | Steps down, less easy for little ones |
The eastern coast faces the open sea; on windy days choose a beach on the Pagasetic Gulf, on the Volos side.
What else to do with kids in Pelion
- Forest walks: marked trails, for example in the woods of Tsagarada. Bicycle and horse rental and guided tours are available.
- Boat trips from Volos: a rented boat reaches beaches and caves you cannot drive to.
- Diving: a diving school in Agia Kyriaki, for older children.
- Villages: Makrinitsa and Portaria are close to Volos, with squares, views over the city and gulf, and shops selling traditional sweets.
- Winter skiing: the Pelion ski resort sits above 1,500 metres with a sea view, a snowboard school for children from age 3 and a café.
Getting to Pelion and where to stay
Driving is easiest: from Athens or Thessaloniki it is a few hours to Volos, then up the mountain. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, so allow more time than the map suggests. See renting a car in Greece.
With children, choose one base: a village on the eastern side (Tsagarada, Agios Ioannis) if you want the sea, or Makrinitsa and Portaria to be close to Volos and its restaurants.
Pelion with kids by season
- Summer: beach in the morning, village in the evening. Busiest in August.
- Spring and autumn: best for the train and forest walks. Pleasant weather.
- Winter: skiing and snow, a fireplace in a guesthouse. Check in advance that the resort is open.
See also Greece with kids month by month.
FAQ
When does the little Pelion train run? In summer, from early July, it usually runs daily; the rest of the season mainly at weekends and holidays. The timetable changes every year, so check the Hellenic Train website.
Which Pelion beach is best for young children? Agios Ioannis and Horefto: shade or umbrellas, restaurants and easy entry to the water. Mylopotamos has steps, so it is less convenient for little ones.
Do I need a car in Pelion? Yes. Villages and beaches are spread across the mountain and public transport is limited.
Can you ski in Pelion with children? Yes. The resort has a snowboard school for children from age 3 and space for snow play. Check before you travel that there is snow and the resort is open.
