Pinakates

The village of Pinakates is situated between Agios Georgios and Vyzitsa at an altitude of 560 metres, and is considered to be one of the most unique villages of Pelion.

... The origin of the name comes from one of the first inhabitants, who was called Pinakas, a wooden plate worker who in local dialect was known as 'pinakia' (πινάκια). It's thought that the name may come from the Albanian language. (Source: Wikipedia)

Pinakates is an agricultural village. To the south, there are olive trees and vineyards. Further up the mountain, there are apple trees and chestnut trees, which are the main focus of work for the locals. Nowadays, many old houses have been renovated and have become hotels, restaurants, cafes or simply residences.

Agia Kyriaki church

What you will see
in the village square, the church of St Dimitrios, the fresh water spring which is decorated with iron lion heads (built 1894), and the 500-year-old plane tree.

Visit
Agia Kyriaki church on the hill opposite Pinakates, which offers a splendid view across the village as well as the Pagasitikos Gulf; the threshing floor near the settlement of Agios Athanasios; the oak beech forest with the springs which is a part of the NATURA2000 protected area (code No GR 1430001); the train station "Oglas" where the little Pelion train "Moutzouris" stops.

Walk in Pinakates

Things to do
join in the celebrations of St Dimitrios (August 20th) and Agios Athanasios (May 2nd);

walks on the cobbled paths. Follow the trekking path to Kala Nera, which starts from the square and goes through the olive trees and alongside the stream;

go swimming on the Blue Flag beach of Kala Nera, which is ideal for children;

Don’t forget to taste the local cuisine, the wines and of course the local speciality, "tsipouro".

Text & photos Despoina Vafeidou