Questions about visits and accommodation in Pelion / Chalkidiki

Hi there,

I’m heading to Pelion with my partner and then to Chalkidiki around mid-September (from September 12th to 26th). I arrive in Thessaloniki on Saturday evening and plan to spend a day there to check out the market (though it’s marked as temporarily closed on Google??) and, most importantly, enjoy the local food scene.

After that, I’ll head toward Meteora (Sunday evening/Monday), spend a week in Pelion, and then head up to Nikiti to finish the trip (5 days in Vourvourou) and explore the beaches of Sithonia. We’ll also make a trip to Afytos since I think it’s worth the detour.

About Pelion, I’m really not sure where to stay because the distances between Volos and Afissos aren’t straightforward.

I’m looking for a quiet spot but with a little evening activity—like strolling through a village or by the sea. I’ve seen a few suggestions via ChatGPT, but I’m not convinced about the vibe (Milies, Makrinitsa).

Volos is big… but kind of ugly.

We love hiking, spending time in picturesque/typical villages, and, like everyone else, tasting local specialties. As for balancing the trip, I’m open to changes or adjustments if you’ve got any tips—I’d love to hear them, along with any other ideas.

and especially enjoy the local gastronomy.

That’s great because one of my memories of Pelion is actually one of its dishes: a kind of stew with sausages and vegetables (cabbage, etc.). It was really delicious!

Pelion looks amazing, but where to stay? :/

From what I remember, Pelion is a different side of Greece—rural, mountainous... Back when I visited, reservations weren’t really a thing; you’d just find something on the spot. You could pick based on what you wanted and your budget... These days, you just need to check Booking or Airbnb.

Yeah, but I'm looking for info on a place that's a bit lively in the evenings. Apart from Afytos, I haven't seen much that's convincing, especially at this time of year when summer is coming to an end

I thought the opposite—you said you were looking for a quiet place with little evening activity!

Let’s say quiet—I mean, not a party vibe with jet-setters in Ibiza 😄

but this one is marked as temporarily closed on Google

You probably checked on Google outside the market's opening hours

I checked the market hours, but even on different days, Google says it’s temporarily closed. I also came across a 2022 or 2023 article saying that the market is now empty because of rent increases.

Just to confirm, the market is closed for "renovation" :(

I was there in September 2024—it was totally open, but they were repaving the paths.



And on Google Maps, you can find reviews with photos from less than a week ago...

The website says it's closed for renovations

Got it, we're not talking about the same market.

I'm referring to the traditional Kapani market with its butchers, cheesemongers, fishmongers, and other shops.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VjAQMoYZep7J8sBEA

You're talking about the Modiano Market, which is completely different. I went there too, but while the building itself is remarkable, the inside is like a series of booths—kind of like trade show exhibitors—with an upper level set up as a terrace. It’s more like a small shopping mall than a traditional market in the usual sense