Portaria is a pretty mountain village, with an abundance of running water, built at an altitude of approximately 650 metres, 13 km from Volos and 12 km from the ski resort of Agriolefkes. The village has managed to maintain its traditional spirit, with beautiful stone houses and cobbled paths.

The name ‘Portaria’ comes from the monastery of ‘Panagia Portareas’ (Holly Mother Portareas), which was built around 1273. According to some researchers, on the site of the current Portaria there used to stand the ancient city of ‘Orminio’. During the Byzantine years, 1246-1276, the site of ‘Ano Dryanouvaina’ was in the same area. During the Turkish domination, Portaria experienced a significant period of development because of craft and trade in wool and silk fabrics, while in the 18th century it was an important centre of weaving and leather products, with exports abroad; there was also a French commercial Consul (Barthelemy) established in the settlement. The wealth of the local economy is visible today in the impressive mansions of Athanasaki, Zoulia, and Kantartzi, as well as the remains of the luxury hotel "Theoxenia", one of the most luxurious hotels in the Balkans at that time. Unfortunately the hotel was almost entirely destroyed during the German occupation.

Activities

• Enjoy walking around the cobbled paths of this picturesque village and visiting nearby attractions.
• Walk to the fountains of ‘Adamainas’, ‘Alonia’, and others.
• Climb the 3-hour ascent to ‘Pliasidi’ at an altitude of 1,548 metres, overlooking the sea. With a clear sky, you can see the peaks of Mount Olympus from the summit.

Sights

• The main square of ‘Taxiarches’, with its impressive plane tree.
• The local ‘Karavos’ waterfall and the ‘Mana’ fountain.
• The ‘Komboloi Museum’, with its impressive variety of the well-known ‘kombologia’ or ‘worry-beads’ as they are also called.
• The churches ‘Panagia Portarea’ (1276) with pictures of historical value and ‘Agios Nikolaos’ (1856) with embossed wall paintings in the sanctuary on the road to Hania.
• The Byzantine monastery of ‘Agios Ioannis’ (13th century), near ’Karavos’, on the road to Makrynitsa

Major Events

• May, ‘International Dance Day’
• July, ‘International Children Dance Festival’
• August, ‘International Dance Festival’, with music and dance from around the world
• Last week of August, ‘Marriage in Pelion’ – a representation of the traditional marriage customs and folk revival!
• Autumn, ‘Climbing of Portaria’, organised by the ‘Motorist Club of Volos’, Tel: 24210 55339

Text by Niki Vafeidou