Volos is going through somewhat of a transformation these last few years. Only just in the last couple years it’s welcomed a new direct flight from London by BA. Then, it became the latest port of call on Celestyal’s cruise ship itinerary, with the number of tourists it disengorges making a beeline for the incredible tsipouradika of the city and the adjoining mountain hamlet of Pelion and its vertiginous views. On the other side of Pelion lies an incredible patch of golden sand beaches that stretches to several kilometres. The beach of Chorefto may just be one of the year’s revelations. At 2,5 kilometres long, Chorefto is just what the doctor ordered.

The fact of the matter is that Chorefto sits in the shadow of mt Pelion, and as such it means that you can be lording it bucolic style in the morning and heading down to the beach later on to collect some rays. Few places can boast a ski center and a world class beach within an hour of each other.

But Chorefto is much more than that. There, you can lounge around like a dog all day and then casually mosey on down to one of the numerous tavernas that pepper the coast. Needless to say, the food is sublime. If you have kids this beach is mana from heaven, as it has a lifeguard and the waters aren’t especially deep.

The homonymous village just up from the coast offers everything you may need, including accommodation. However, Chorefto is also game for free camping, with some stunning spots to set up camp.

In addition to that, Chorefto can also get you into the hiking mode. Try the hiking trails to Parisena and Analipsi on for size. They are in fact called ‘kalnterimia’ and a walk through these ancient pine wood forests is a tonic for the soul.

Pelion may be the home of the mythical centaurs, but we witnessed what a mythical beach day looks like, and the myth has nothing on reality.

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