DESKTOP 1239 - PELION, GREECE

Pelion or Pelium (Modern Greek: Πήλιο, Pílio; Ancient Greek: Πήλιον. Pēlion) 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. Its highest summit, Pourianos Stavros, is 1,610 metres high. The Greek National Road 38 (GR-38) runs through the southern portion of the peninsula and GR-38A runs through the middle.

The mountain is thickly forested, with both deciduous and perennial forests, mainly of beech, oak, maple and chestnut trees, with plane tree groves surrounding sites with water. Pelion is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in Greece and is a popular tourist attraction throughout the year: Hiking trails and stone paths give access to springs, coves and numerous beaches, sandy or pebbly, set among lusciously green slopes. Pelion is an amply watered mountain with an abundance of springs, gorges, streams and rivulets; many streams are routed in carved-stone artificial beds to bring water to the villages and their thriving orchards. The higher elevations of the mountain receive enough snowfall so as to host skiing facilities that operate from Christmas to Easter.

The photo is of Agia Kyriaki, a small coastal village with a port serving the village of Trikeri. The village has an Aegean Sea atmosphere similar to an island. The habitation on this village began in 1785 with first resident being a boat owner named Hatzilemonis.

This post is part of the Our World Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Ruby Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Travel Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Wordless Wednesday meme.