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WHY IONIAN ISLAND HOLIDAYS?

We are proud winners of the British Travel Awards for "Best Travel Company to Hellenic Europe" & "Best Travel Company for Villa Holidays" - award winning holiday since 2011.

NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

Our prices are per person with no hidden extras. We include:
  • Flights with 20kg luggage allowance
  • Fuel Surcharges
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers (where applicable)
  • Car Hire (where specified)
  • Welcome Pack (where applicable)
Plus, we offer an additional 10% off for under 16's on most holidays!

EXPERT ADVICE

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable advisers are here to make your holiday to the Greek islands memorable - and for the right reasons!
ABTA AITO ATOL BA
Your holiday booking is financially protected through our ATOL 5853
 
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
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PELION PENINSULA VILLA HOLIDAYS

Horto Villas
HORTO VILLAS
HORTO, PELION PENINSULA
Two traditional villas with their own pools in this lovely waterside village
2x 2 bedroom villas with private swimming pools
Pounda Paou
POUNDA PAOU
PAOU, PELION PENINSULA
A peaceful retreat for utter relaxation in unique surroundings of the Pagasitic Gulf
12 room B&B pension with shared swimming pool
Villa Filira
VILLA FILIRA
NEAR AFISSOS, PELION PENINSULA
A stunning villa with fabulous views above the waterside village of Afissos
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Hariklo
VILLA HARIKLO
NEAR AFISSOS, PELION PENINSULA
Stylish traditional Pelion stone villa with magical views over the gulf
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Okiroy
VILLA OKIROY
NEAR AFISSOS, PELION PENINSULA
A gorgeous villa for two above Afissos with tremendous panoramic sea views
1 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Agapitos Guesthouse
AGAPITOS GUESTHOUSE
MOURESI VILLAGE, PELION
A lovely modern guesthouse in a glorious setting overlooking the Aegean Sea
18 Room Guesthouse with shared swimmimg pool
Levantes Villas
LEVANTES VILLAS
KALA NERA, PELION
Two stylish villas in a fabulous complex near Kala Nera beach sharing a pool
2 bedroom villa with shared swimming pool and Spa
Horto Beach Loft Apartment
HORTO BEACH LOFT APARTMENT
HORTO, PELION PENINSULA
Stylish loft apartment with a seafront balcony in this lovely waterside village
1 bedroom waterside apartment
Spalathra Seaview Suites
SPALATHRA SEAVIEW SUITES
HORTO, PELION
Beautifully appointed Suites in a superb setting on this magical Peninsula
2 Suites & 2 Maisonettes with shared swimming pool
Spalathra Seaview Suites
SPALATHRA SEAVIEW SUITES
HORTO, PELION
Beautifully appointed Suites in a superb setting on this magical Peninsula
2 Suites & 2 Maisonettes with shared swimming pool
Horto Beach Loft Apartment
HORTO BEACH LOFT APARTMENT
HORTO, PELION PENINSULA
Stylish loft apartment with a seafront balcony in this lovely waterside village
1 bedroom waterside apartment
Pounda Paou
POUNDA PAOU
PAOU, PELION PENINSULA
A peaceful retreat for utter relaxation in unique surroundings of the Pagasitic Gulf
12 room B&B pension with shared swimming pool
Villa Okiroy
VILLA OKIROY
NEAR AFISSOS, PELION PENINSULA
A gorgeous villa for two above Afissos with tremendous panoramic sea views
1 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Horto Villas
HORTO VILLAS
HORTO, PELION PENINSULA
Two traditional villas with their own pools in this lovely waterside village
2x 2 bedroom villas with private swimming pools
Levantes Villas
LEVANTES VILLAS
KALA NERA, PELION
Two stylish villas in a fabulous complex near Kala Nera beach sharing a pool
2 bedroom villa with shared swimming pool and Spa
Villa Filira
VILLA FILIRA
NEAR AFISSOS, PELION PENINSULA
A stunning villa with fabulous views above the waterside village of Afissos
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Hariklo
VILLA HARIKLO
NEAR AFISSOS, PELION PENINSULA
Stylish traditional Pelion stone villa with magical views over the gulf
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Agapitos Guesthouse
AGAPITOS GUESTHOUSE
MOURESI VILLAGE, PELION
A lovely modern guesthouse in a glorious setting overlooking the Aegean Sea
18 Room Guesthouse with shared swimmimg pool
Pounda Paou
POUNDA PAOU
PAOU, PELION PENINSULA
A peaceful retreat for utter relaxation in unique surroundings of the Pagasitic Gulf
12 room B&B pension with shared swimming pool

Here it is easy to see the connection between myth and historical fact. It only takes five minutes on one of the many ancient paths or ‘kalderimia’, that still link the isolated communities of these majestic mountain forests, to recognise many of the herbs and plants, used medicinally by the ancients, as well as the centaurs, growing in profusion amongst the trees.

The Pelion Peninsula is unique, still largely unknown to foreign visitors, but long recognised by the Greeks as a national treasure to be appreciated and preserved. One can recognise the Pelion on the map as the long peninsula with a claw like promontory at its southern end that divides the Aegean Sea from the Pagasitic Gulf. Cut off in the North by the Pelion Massif, the only easy access by land is a narrow corridor from the great plain of Thessaly to the west at the head of the gulf through the city of Volos. The mountains, snow covered in winter (there is even a ski resort on the flanks of Mount Pelion), feed the many rivers and streams. The region is one of the most fertile and verdant in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Pelion is famous for its fruit, particularly apples. In the springtime when the blossom appears and the native chestnut, oak and beech trees are bursting into leaf, the colours and textures are simply breathtaking. In the full heat of summer the tree cover means that the temperature is at least five degrees less than out in the open.

One of the great pleasures of a holiday here is to be able to enjoy lying in the sun on a beach with the clear Aegean waters lapping at your feet, before moving to relax in the cool shade of an ancient chestnut tree. September is apple picking time, the orchards are laden with fruit of every colour, whilst the cooler nights turn the forests above into a sea of russet and gold.

The inhabitants of the Pelion, despite a long tradition of independence from the ‘mainland’, are extremely hospitable and friendly. It is the only region in Greece that remained autonomous throughout the centuries of foreign intervention. Even the usually fearless Ottomans left these mountain villages well alone.

Standing on the beach at Mylopotamos, the mouth of a narrow and precipitous ravine, one can easily understand how even the fiercest Turkish general would think twice about committing his warriors to an assault up the twisting steep and narrow trails!

By the 19th century, they had not only survived but many had become prosperous through selling their produce to the increasing population of Volos, a fastgrowing port and industrial centre at the head of the Pagasitic Gulf.

Wealthy merchants built distinctive large mansions in villages such as Vizitsa and Makrinitsa, each trying to out do their neighbour with colourful embellishments on the upper walls and ornate stained glass windows, enjoying an exclusive eagle’s eye view over the Gulf and the Thessaly Plain.

By the early years of the 20th century, roads were built up into the hills and a railway line was constructed linking Volos with the important village of Milies. Designed by an Italian engineer, Evaristo de Chirico, the narrow gauge line with its graceful viaducts and arches later figured in the work of his son, Giorgio de Chirico, the famous surrealist painter who was born in Volos. The line remains in use to this day as far as Ano Lehonia on the coast and is a deservedly popular tourist attraction.

Small family-run hotels can be found along both coastlines, taking advantage of the many coves and quiet bays, each with beaches of white pebbles or sand. There are a wide variety of tavernas and restaurants which have opened, many offering such delicacies as wild boar and desserts based on the local fruit. The infrastructure of the Pelion is improving steadily, but money exchange and ATM machines are still often hard to find outside the larger towns, so be prepared!

Perhaps the best way to explore this fascinating region is on foot, using the ‘kalderimia’ mule track network. Although by car the recently improved roads leading into the mountains are no longer a driver’s challenge. As one local put it, when asked about the road up to the apple centre of Zagora, ”Ah, it’s ok, but it’s like a politician, many twists and turns!”

The Aegean coast though rugged, has a number of delightful small villages. Some are no more than a cluster of silver roofed stone cottages above a small cove which make a perfect base for exploring gentler paths that often follow the shoreline past pristine beaches.

The Pagasitic Gulf coast is more sheltered and typically Mediterranean, with olive groves and pine trees overlooking the sand and pebble beaches. Exploring this coast by small boat is a delight or one can take a caique cruise down to the ‘claw’ of Pelion at Trikeri, with its small island and monastery.

Even in July and August, when people from Athens and Thessaloniki arrive to escape from the summer city heat, the Pelion never seems overcrowded, nor loses that sense of being a world apart. Those who live here are determined that it never will.

  • Horse back riding from Arghalasti
  • Take a ride on the mountain steam train from Ano Lehonia to Milies
  • Cruise the Pagasitic Gulf on board a gullet to beaches & Trikeri island.
  • Enjoy the magnifi cent sandy beaches on the eastern coastline
  • Take the Pelion Tour, exploring the seaside resorts and the mountain villages of Tsangarada and Milies
  • Experience the cosmopolitan city of Volos from its archaeological museum, the municipal gallery to the shops and atmospheric waterfront walks in the evenings
  • Take your own motor boat to explore the hidden beaches and islands of the Pagasitic Gulf
  • Take a guided tour walking tour from Agia Kyriaki.
  • Walk the Milies - Potistika path to enjoy views of the Aegean Sea and the Pagasitic Gulf from the peakline
  • Diving school in Trikeri
  • Take a trip to Meteora and its incredible mountain top monasteries

Flights for this season

Saturday departures for direct flights from London Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Leeds Bradford

SKIATHOS (JSI): for Skopelos, Alonissos, Skiathos and Pelion Peninsula
SATURDAY FLIGHTS
Scroll left/right
FROM TO OUTBOUND
FLIGHT
INBOUND
FLIGHT
FLIGHT
DETAILS
DEPARTURE
TERMINAL
DEPARTURE
DATES
London Gatwick Skiathos Dep: 05:55hrs
Arr: 11:25hrs
Dep: 12:05hrs
Arr: 13:45hrs
Easyjet
EZY 8201/2
North Terminal From: 29th Jun
To: 28th Sep
Stansted Skiathos Dep: 07:00hrs
Arr: 12:30hrs
Dep: 13:15hrs
Arr: 14:55hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1641/2
Main Terminal From: 4th May
To: 28th Sep
Manchester Skiathos Dep: 07:00hrs
Arr: 12:45hrs
Dep: 13:35hrs
Arr: 15:25hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1739/40
T1 From: 4th May
To: 5th Oct
Leeds Bradford Skiathos Dep: 07:30hrs
Arr: 13:15hrs
Dep: 14:00hrs
Arr: 15:45hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 207/08
Main Terminal From: 4th May
To: 5th Oct
These timings are quoted in local time and may be subject to alteration. Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK. Check-in time for UK is 2 hours prior to departure and in resort, due to security requirements, check-in should be 3 hours prior to departure.

Friday departures for direct flights from Stansted

SKIATHOS (JSI): for Skopelos, Alonissos, Skiathos and Pelion Peninsula
FRIDAY FLIGHTS
Scroll left/right
FROM TO OUTBOUND
FLIGHT
INBOUND
FLIGHT
FLIGHT
DETAILS
DEPARTURE
TERMINAL
DEPARTURE
DATES
Stansted Skiathos Dep: 06:50hrs
Arr: 12:20hrs
Dep: 13:05hrs
Arr: 14:45hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1641/2
From: 3rd May
To: 27th Sep
These timings are quoted in local time and may be subject to alteration. Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK. Check-in time for UK is 2 hours prior to departure and in resort, due to security requirements, check-in should be 3 hours prior to departure.

Flights for 2025

Saturday departures for direct flights from London Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Leeds Bradford

SKIATHOS (JSI): for Skopelos, Alonissos, Skiathos and Pelion Peninsula
SATURDAY FLIGHTS
Scroll left/right
FROM TO OUTBOUND
FLIGHT
INBOUND
FLIGHT
FLIGHT
DETAILS
DEPARTURE
TERMINAL
DEPARTURE
DATES
London Gatwick Skiathos Dep: 05:55hrs
Arr: 11:25hrs
Dep: 12:05hrs
Arr: 13:45hrs
Easyjet
EZY 8201/2
Main Terminal From: 3rd May
To: 4th Oct
Stansted Skiathos Dep: 07:00hrs
Arr: 12:30hrs
Dep: 13:15hrs
Arr: 14:55hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1641/2
Main Terminal From: 3rd May
To: 4th Oct
Manchester Skiathos Dep: 07:00hrs
Arr: 12:45hrs
Dep: 13:35hrs
Arr: 15:25hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1739/40
T1 From: 24th May
To: 4th Oct
Leeds Bradford Skiathos Dep: 07:00hrs
Arr: 12:30hrs
Dep: 14:00hrs
Arr: 15:45hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 207/8
Main Terminal From: 3rd May
To: 21st Jun
These timings are quoted in local time and may be subject to alteration. Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK. Check-in time for UK is 2 hours prior to departure and in resort, due to security requirements, check-in should be 3 hours prior to departure.

TRANSFERS

Transfer to Koukounaries by mini bus then onward sea transfer from Skiathos, Koukounaries to Platanias, Pelion by boat or sea taxi. Where applicable, hire cars will be waiting for you at the port. If a hire car is not included we will transfer you to your accommodation either by mini bus or taxi

Approx transfer time: 1 hour to 2 hours

PRE-BOOKING YOUR AIRCRAFT SEAT

To pre book your seat please contact the airline directly quoting Ionian Island Holidays as your tour operator, your booking reference number, flight number, date of departure and specific flight request. In some cases you will also require the airline booking reference. Payments for these seats are direct with the airline.
Please allow 24-48 hours after booking to allow your booking to be processed.

AIRLINE CONTACT DETAILS

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Please check your e-ticket for the luggage allowance that is included on your flights as this represents the actual confirmed allowance you are entitled to.

Most of our flights have checked baggage allowance of 20kg & 5kg hand baggage included.
In some cases, certain airlines may have different allowances but again, please check your e-ticket:

Security restrictions may apply, please contact the airline, the airport or ourselves before departure.

FLIGHT ONLY

We are able to offer a limited number of flights direct to Kefalonia, Preveza and Corfu. Contact out UK office for further details on 020 8459 0777.

AIRPORT ASSISTANCE

Please also fully inform us of any disability or walking difficulty you may have, so we can provide assistance at the airport. This must be made at least 7 days before departure.