Discover picturesque Lafkos, one of the most beautiful villages in southern Pelion.
Well-preserved mansions, blooming courtyards, stone-built fountains, an impressive square and sweeping views of the Pagasetic Gulf. On the southern side of Pelion, 50 km from Volos, Lafkos awaits travelers who want to discover authentic destinations away from mass tourism. It is one of the most beautiful and most traditional settlements of the area, a village-retreat that keeps tradition and Pelion architecture intact with old stone buildings and cobbled lanes that invite you to walk them.
Built at an altitude of about 300 meters, this stately village spreads across a lush hillside offering panoramic views of the Pagasetic Gulf, its islets and its seaside outpost, Milina, while it is the crossroads for the beaches of the Pagasetic and the Aegean.
Lafkos: A stroll through the stately village of South Pelion
Access to the village is via the village of Metochi or along the coast from Milina. Leave your car in the central parking area and begin your wander through the picturesque setting of Lafkos. The village has preserved its traditional character intact, evident both in the beautiful ornate mansions and in its simple houses.
The heart of Lafkos beats in its beautiful square. It is one of the largest squares in Pelion, distinguished by the towering plane trees that have stood for centuries and offer shade and coolness on hot summer days. Here you will also encounter the traditional café of Manolis Forlidas, in continuous operation since 1785 and considered the oldest in Greece. It also served as a butcher shop, taverna and barbershop, while on the upper floor an inn operated until 1960, where travelers spent the night. Great figures such as Papadiamantis and Varnalis were hosted there.
The village boasts two distinctive museums: the Fampeio, founded in 2005 in honor of visual artist Athanasios Fampas, as well as the Radio Museum (one of the two that exist in Greece) with a collection of 130 radios, about 100 of which are a donation from the German Professor of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering and philhellene Wilfred Seps.
Lafkos is also famous for its fountains, each with its own name. You will encounter Paliovrysi, from which the villagers used to draw water in the old days. The central fountain is located in the center of the village, while at the new fountain residents washed their clothes. Characteristic is Hatzovrysi, constructed around 1800, its name deriving from a resident of the village.
Around Lafkos
Lafkos makes an ideal base for excursions that will give you the chance to discover the hidden treasures of South Pelion. Visit seaside Milina to see the sunset from there. Opposite lie two small islets, Alatas and Prasouda. Further along a serene and much-photographed nook emerges, Tzasteni. The traditional character, tranquility and quaintness of this small cove compose the ultimate postcard of South Pelion. A few kilometers later, Trikeri is a village that stands at the top of the southernmost tip of Pelion, built on the hilltop. Lower down is Agia Kyriaki, a fishing village with an Aegean feel. From Alogoporos you can take the little boat to the islet of Paleo Trikeri, which has wonderful beaches with emerald turquoise waters.
Accommodation
- Since October 2007, when it began operating after a five-year restoration, the Guesthouse of Colors has been welcoming travelers into a distinctive setting filled with art and history. It is a unique art-focused guesthouse housed in a three story mansion, built in 1861.
- The traditional Lafkos Guesthouse, in the most central spot of the village, has been renowned for its hospitality since 1984. The stone built building, wooden details and the fireplace create a sense of warmth, while the well tended courtyard steals the show.
Taste
- In one of the loveliest spots in the village, Kafodeion Lafkos combines the charm of the traditional café with the philosophy of contemporary gastronomy. Here, the day begins with coffee, brunch and homemade sweets. The menu marries local products with creative touches, while the place is equally loved for its list of cocktails and wines.
- At Drosia Taverna, in the village square, you will enjoy home-cooked food made with pure local products and grilled meats.
- Do not miss a stop for fresh bread and other goodies at the traditional wood-fired bakery O Lafkos, housed in an impressive 1900 building.
