Pelion

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Mt. Pelion is covered in forest.

Pelion (Greek, Modern: Πήλιο Pilio, Ancient/Katharevousa: Πήλιον, Lat: 39°26′N 023°03′E) is a mountain at the southeastern part of Thessaly in central Greece, forming a hook-like peninsula between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.

In Greek mythology, Mountain Pelion (which took its name from the mythical king Peleus, father of Achilles) was the homeland of Chiron the Centaur, tutor of many ancient Greek heroes, such as Jason, Achilles, Theseus and Heracles. When the giants Otus and Ephialtes attempted to storm Olympus, they piled Mount Pelion upon Mount Ossa, which became a proverbial allusion for any huge but fruitless attempt.

Today, Mt. Pelion is part of the prefecture of Magnesia (capital city: Volos) and embraces 24 villages (most significant: Portaria, Makrinitsa, Milies, Tsangarada, Zagora, Argalasti etc.)

The mountains are entirely forested, with beech, oak, maple and chestnut trees. Pelion is a tourist attraction throughout the year: the mountain includes trails and sidewalks for walking within small and large beaches with sand or pebbles. Modern Pelio has twenty-four villages built with traditional Pelian architecture.