Get to know a charming mountain village near the sea where not too much has changed in recent decades – in a good way. Lafkos in the south of the Pelion peninsula is one of those authentic villages in Greece where people are not yet completely dependent on tourism and survive frugally but freely, as they have done for many decades. The place is ideal for nature lovers and people who love it when time stands still. The village offers great accommodation, fascinating hiking trails and good food, but also provides quick access to many different beaches, coastal resorts and last but not least the Greek way of life.
The quaint village is situated amidst green hills and represents a time when the region was trading well with olive oil, olives, fruit, chestnuts, silk and wood, transporting their goods to the sea on mules. You’ll love it in summer and during the winter, making the mythical home of the centaurs a strong memory.
Today the village is characterized by its proximity to the sea and the most beautiful square far and wide on the South Pelion.
The village square with its old plane trees next to the church is still the heart of Lafkos.
Even on the hottest summer days, a cool breeze usually blows over the square from the north-east.
Everything breathes through the pure nature that surrounds the small mountain village.
Fruits of man
“To kalo to Palikari, friskei panda ena dromo.” A good boy always finds his way, they say everywhere in Greece and also everywhere in the South Pelion, which is full of beauty and rich in natural wonders.
In Lafkos, no one has to be great or have power over others in order to be happy or respected. Everything is about measure and balance, in heaven and in hell, in good times and bad, to drift on the lake of life with a smile.
This freedom established due to the self-governance that has characterized life in the mountain villages of Pelion for centuries. That’s why everything in the villages takes place almost at eye level. Dionysus, the divine child, still exists and the Land of the Centaurs is certainly not the place where this species dies out first. In fact, they do Lafkos to one of the most authentic and resilient villages in Greece.
Although the village is small and the population dwindles a little every year, the craftsmanship is still strong and continues to go from hand to hand.
Handicrafts and tourism are the barrel rings of this small world. In co-operation with the Greek way of life, it is possible for the children, the older people, the confused, the sick and the strangers to exist together without leaving anyone behind.
The bus does not leave until everyone has boarded. Almost anything gets the space and time to blossom and wither in dignity, to rejoice, or also to suffer.
A kind of bus is also the “Kafenion” on Lafkos Square, which has probably been in continuous operation since 1785.
The newspapers say that it is the oldest coffee house in Greece, and you’re tempted to say, why not!
So, there are more than enough reasons why Lafkos is a very nice and interesting place to visit the South Pelion.
The perfect base for outdoor activities and nature lovers
But it is also an ideal starting point for a wide range of activities, such as beach vacations or hiking in Greece.
Everything you may desire exists in the very close neighborhood of Lafkos.
Brilliant beaches
Enchanting nature for hiking
Endless magnificent biking trails
Peaceful coastal villages
Magical mountain villages and everywhere many delicious restaurants
Volos
The large port city of Volos is also only about an hour’s drive away and leads through the beautiful landscape of the entire peninsula.
History of Lafkos
Historically, Lafkos is said to have been built in the 15th century, initially invisible to the pirate ships that sailed the area.
At the same time, the Ottoman foreign rulers allowed the flourishing quaint villages of Pelion mountains to govern themselves and demanded only a moderate tax in return.
On this tavern floor below, reckless SS members lit a fire to keep warm during the Second World War.
To date, no one has paid for the damage.
The flourishing trade died out after the Second World War. The village slowly grew into one of the most beautiful and diverse bases for nature lovers and summer vacationers in Greece.
Today Lafkos could be a second home for anyone, who belongs for cosmopolitan humanity, simplicity and nature together. Truman Burbank couldn’t be happier anywhere else than right here.
One of the most authentic villages in Greece
Once a week, the postman comes to visit the people in the Kafenion. Unfortunately, he mainly delivers invoices.
Nevertheless, a welcome pastime during the wintertime, like the Greek coffee twice a day.
Food
The village is well known throughout the Pelion for its excellent rural cuisine, with many vegetarian dishes.
Famous is Spetzofai, but there are so much other delicious dishes like Tsapellinia, Lamb on skewer, or in oil paper, the chickpea purée Fawa with sweet roasted onions or the black-eyed Beans with herbs are recommended.
A view meters down, Magda makes the best pita far and wide…
…and Janis roasts his pastries in a wood-burning oven like his father and grandfather and soon his son.
But Janis doesn’t just bake, he also makes music. At night, you’ll find him sitting together with his family or friends in one of the taverns on the Platia, playing a great bouzouki for fun.
Cultur
Next to the enchanting village square, the marble sculptures of Lavkiotis Thanasis Fampas touch the visitors.
Shopping
Vis-à-vis a mini market driven by Afroditi and her Family ensures that nobody runs out of food and news.
The concessions to tourism are modest. But there’s always a little something to buy.
Accommodation
The alleyways invite you to stroll through the old streets, see one of the most beautiful places on Pelion and look for a nice place to accommodate.
Some houses in the mountain village near the sea are telling from the prospering Ottoman period, but most are neoclassical, because of the Romantic Philhellenism, which has spread in the Pelion before and after the liberation in the 19th century.
Sport and education
A greeting call, somehow from the Düsseldorf art scene.
The school building with the sports field open for everybody.
The little village Lafkos is still one of the most authentic places in the Pelion and also in Greece.
Of course the children prefer to play near the village square in the shade around the church, instead a little further out beyond the school, where the road leads to the sunlit and the road to Milina.
The old port Milina
Even the seagulls here sway more on the water than in the air, and everyone has only one need: to stretch out the legs.
More about our personal accommodation, the lovely village, events, hikes and other tourist excursions like the Pelion train is reachable searching the web or within our personal guide’s. Everything about arriving or booking is here. We are also glad about a message or your contribution in our guestbook.