“A green and pleasant land”. Not words usually associated, in most peoples’ minds with Greece; Pleasant for sure, blue or white possibly, but green? Well 80% of the land area of the Pelion peninsula is covered by deciduous forest, which combined with the warmth of the Aegean sun, a rich folklore and a unique architectural heritage make this region one of the most fascinating holiday destinations in the eastern Mediterranean. And as a base for these unspoilt mountains, forests and coastline the Esperos Apartments in the authentic medieval village of Lafkos are highly recommended.

Mirroring the appearance of the famous Peliot merchants’ elegant mansions, the apartments are situated high on an outlying hill of the main mountain range, and must have one of the finest outlooks in the region. The eagle’s eye view stretches from Trikeri at the end of the claw-like peninsula across the sheltered waters of the Pagastic Gulf to the wide horizon of the hills and plains of Thessaly.

The interiors of the apartments,continue the traditional theme of the exterior, with white walls, dark wood beams and open fireplaces, matched by comfortable furnishings and modern fixtures and fittings. Each apartment has a balcony opening out onto that stupendous view, and a shared infinity pool with similar far-reaching views is available for the use of guests.

Lafkos, a fascinating village in its own right with two museums and a notable basilica church, is conveniently located the beaches of the Gulf and the dramatic Aegean coastline dotted with sand and pebble coves and charming fishing villages. Equally accessible are the mountains and forests of the main Pelion massif, with their well maintained mule tracks, well preserved settlements and the famous narrow guage railway line to Milies. There is much to explore for the amateur archeologist, and new discoveries are regularly made. The history of this region stretches back into the legendary times of Jason, The Golden Fleece and the mythical Centaurs. There’s magic in this Pelion air!