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Magnesia - Pelion - Northern Sporades - West Aegean
... all the beauty of Greece (without the crowds!)
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What is the MAGNESIA secret...
The Pelion mountain is the mythical land of the Centaurs
The Pagasitikos Gulf is the place where Jason and the Argonauts set sail
Magnesia is the place where the Gods of Olympus went on holiday |
MAGNESIA & the WEST AEGEAN sea area - Greece's best kept secret ...
Magnesia is the region of Greece surrounding the Pagasitikos Gulf. Mainland Greece to the west, Mount Pelion to the east and the city of Volos to the north. South will take you to the island of Evia where you can head west around Evia or east to Skiathos and the Sporades Islands; Skopelos, Alonnisos, Skiros and many more.
The secret is ... Go sailing elsewhere with 1000's of others or here with just a few.
This little-known region of Greece is the jewel in the crown, the land of the Argonauts from which the Argo set sail. Volos, Pelion and the Pagasitikos Gulf providing access to the West Aeagean sea area and the Northern Sporades Islands. Crystal clear waters and a good wind provided by the 'Meltemi' blowing from the NE, quiet bays and fishing villages, history to investigate and many islands to explore.
From a yachting point of view the West Aegean and the Northern Sporades Islands are a sailor's paradise.
The picture shows a map of Greece with the Magnesia region highlighted. Magnesia is one of four counties which make up the region of Thessaly. Magnesia is the coastal county with Mount Pelion and the Aegean Sea to the east, the Pagasitikos Gulf to the south and includes the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos otherwise know as the Northern Sporades Islands. Volos is the capital city which is 215km from Thessaloniki and 326km from Athens and is therefore central to the country.
The region of Magnesia is a unique combination of green Mount Pelion and the clear blue sea of the Pagasitikos Gulf leading to the emerald shores of the Sporades Islands and MIXit with the cosmopolitan city of Volos and you have Magnesia.
Pelion is a hidden peninsula, an unexplored area of Greece, where life in the mountain villages and little fishing harbours remains as serene as in the distant past.
On one side you have the Aegean Sea and the other the Pagasitikos Gulf, both sides different, both sides unique. According to Greek mythology, Mount Pelion was the home of the Centaurs and it was from Volos, or the port of ancient Lolkos, that Jason set out in the Argo in search of the Golden Fleece.
The MAGNESIA Tourism website -
www.magnesia-tourism.gr
This is a link to the official Magnesia Tourism website and provides comprehensive information about this region and all it has to offer to give you a flavour of this wonderful place.
However, it does not present information from a sailing perspective and therefore to compliment this please find below a pictorial journey around this region from the waterside with general navigation and location information.
The Cruising Area - Pagasitikos (Volos) Gulf - Northern Sporades Islands - West Aegean
From a sailing perspective you have access to three sailing areas/adventures PLUS the big challenge:
1 - The Pagasitikos Gulf or Gulf of Volos
2 - The Northern Sporades Islands of Skiathos, Skopelos & Alonnisos & many more
3 - Island of Evia (inside & outside) and the adjacent mainland coast.
4 - The round Evia 2 week CHALLENGE
The Pagasitikos Gulf
12 x 15 nm of crystal clear, warm, safe sea. With Volos City to the north, Mount Pelion to the east, the Evia channel to the south, mainland Greece to the west and an abundance of coastal villages and islands to explore, the views are exceptional.
To take a look around the Pagasitikos Gulf / Volos Gulf please click this link:
More info
The Sporades Islands
The Northern Sporades Islands are located in the north-west of the Aegean Sea and are only a short distance from Volos.
It is a sailors pardise of numerous islands, countless bays and harbours, sheltered ancorages and idyllic beaches.
The cosmopolitan Skiathos, the lush green Skopelos and Alonnisos with its unique flora and fauna and the Greek National Marine Park.
For more information on the Sporades or 'scattered' Islands click this link:
More info
Skiathos - The Cosmopolitan Island
Skiathos is 12km long and 9km wide and has more than 60 beaches. It is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands whilst still preserving its traditional charm and heritage.
Skiathos is only 2.4 miles from the south coast of Pelion and this narrow channel is called Stenon Skiathou, wind can be funnelled through this gap. Between the two is Lefteris rock which is clearly marked by a light and floating buoy. Koukounaries harbour and beach is in the SE corner of the island providing good shelter and mooring (keeping clear of the day tripping boats)or anchor on the mole if there is room or in the bay. Skiathos main town (shown above) is identifiable by its lighthouse and cluster of small islands. Go stern or bows-to on the quay beyond the ferry boats or the pontoon. You can anchor in the bay but make sure you stay away from the prohibited area under the flight path. The bottom is mud, sand and weed and offers good holding.
Skopelos - A green oasis in a blue sea
Skopelos is known as the island of forests with 80% clad in pine forest that ends in bays, ports and beautiful beaches. The coasts in the north and east are rocky, while in the south and west the land slopes down to beautiful beaches. The town of Skopelos is traditional Greek with white-washed houses and cobbled roads and preserved as a listed traditional settlement. On the western end lies Glossa with its many chapels and the beautiful harbour of Loutraki. From Glossa you can see Skiathos and Pelion and the sunset over Pelion is unbelievable.
Alonissos - An Ecological Paradise
Back to nature with a unique heritage of flora and fauna, a natural environment protected and enhanced by its inhabitants and providing access to the National Marine Park. The north western part of the island is rugged, while in the south-west you can find the most beautiful beaches; Megali Ammos, Steni Vala, and Kokkinokastro to name but a few. The island's port, Patitiri and Votsi form the town which is in traditional style, the island has a thriving nature-friendly tourism industry alongside the local agriculture and fishing businesses.
For more information on Alonissos click this link:
More info
Alonissos - The National Marine Park - The Deserted Islands
The Islands close to Alonissos form the core of the Marine Park;
Peristera, Skantzoura, Yioura, Piperi, Psathoura and other smaller islands.
For more information on the National Marine Park click this link:
More info
For more information on the Marine Park or Deserted Islands click this link:
More info
These Scattered Isles - Unlock the secrets of the Sporades (scattered) Islands
Author Kostas Mavrikis from Steni Vala - Almost 500 pages of Greek history
Since October 2010 the Alonissos Museum is stocking copies of the newly published book "These Scattered Isles" which is the first English translation of the book by Kostas Mavrikis. The book explores legends, historical evidence and written texts to provide a multi-faceted image of Alonissos and the Lesser Northern Sporades. There are two versions of the book available: one with colour pictures and thicker paper and a black-and-white version. The contents of both versions is exactly thesame but the book with the colour photos is heavier and the quality of the prints inside is better.
Originally published in Greek, These Scattered Isles is the product of Kostas Mavrikis' passionate curiosity to explore the islands and all that they represent, while hearing the fruits of his extraordinarily detailed research.
Now translated into English by Anthony Hirst, with additional research by both Mavrikis and Hirst and a wealth of new illustrations, this almost 500 pages counting book cannot fail to delight and enchant you.
Once a refuge for pirates, known variously as Satan's Islands, Demon Islands, Thieves' Dens and the islands of the Magnesians, the Northern Sporades - literally meaning 'scattered' - with their dramatic changes from island to island, strange geological forms and historical remains, are among Greece's most delightful secrets.
For These Scattered Isles Kostas Mavrikis, in the company of those who live or used to live on these islands, has extensively explored the lesser Northern Sporades photographing every trace of ancient habitations which have given rise to countless legends and traditions.
Piecing together these legends, the historical evidence and the written texts, Mavrikis has produced a multi-faceted image of the islands of Alonnisos, Peristera, Kira Panaya, Youra, Piperi, Psathoura and Skantzoura and many other smaller islands.
Points of Interest
Best Beaches
The best beaches in the area can be found at Fakistra, Damouhari and Potistika and also excursions to Lafko and Horto.
Excursions
Lafko and Horto.
The Little Steam Train of Pelion
The railway runs from Lehonia to Milies with beautiful views over the Pagasitikos Gulf all the way, a particular favourite with children.
Must see Villages
Damouhari, Tsangarada, Lafko and Aghios Georgios.
Local Foods
Sausage, bean soup, fruit conserves and the local honey.
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