Mitzela

Mitzela is a pretty and old-fashioned fishing village in the Pagasitic Gulf, set amongst fertile hills with gentle shelving sandy beaches and local tavernas which are never in short supply of the fresh fish caught daily. It is a favorite with Greek families from the vicinity, and has remained unspoiled and undiscovered by international tourism. It has no claim to any kind of chic and no pretensions to high life, but offers a genuine, old-fashioned, retro seaside holiday.

Although a modest place, Mitzela’s own charms are enhanced by its strategic proximity to some wonderful attractions; three of the most beautiful Greek islands are just a 30 minute boat ride away – Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonisos are all hailed for their clear blue waters and lovely beaches, the producer of “Mamma Mia” chose to film on Skopelos for good reason.

Inland, a 1.5 hour car drive will bring you to the extraordinary region of “Meteora” in  Kalabaka, where pinnacles of towering rock are crowned with medieval monasteries, where visitors are winched up in baskets to witness pristine Byzantium. Going further back in time, Delphi is also just 1.5 hrs away. Legend has it that the site was chosen by Zeus as the centre of the Earth, the navel of the Earth Goddess Gaia.  Delphi was also the famed site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world.

An hour away lie the beautiful mountain villages of the Pelion region, with its orchards, chestnut forests and dramatic beaches.

Travel tips:
For those driving from Athens, the small village of Kamena Vourla is a good place to stop for coffee or seafood in one of the seaside fish tavernas.
For those traveling from Thessaloniki to Mitzela, Vergina with the thumb of Philip of Macedonia (UNESCO site) is also a suggested stop over.

BEST FOR

As a base for exploring the mainland, for escaping the tourist trail, for experiencing a typical small Greek seaside village, for calm seas, boating and swimming, eating fresh fish, and seeing lush countryside. Easy access from Thessaloniki or Athens by car, and Volos International airport for some European cities.

WORST FOR

Having to drive around in order to explore the area, you need a car!
Lack of international glamour.

WOULD SUIT

Families wanting a variety of activities, occupations and excursions.
Those who love to explore, and experience the real Greece.
Self-sufficient groups with pre-clubbing age children, wanting to enjoy their own company in relaxed and simple surroundings.

WOULD NOT SUIT

Dedicated fashionistas/celebrity-spotters, young clubbers, those wanting to show off their new beach kaftans and gym-honed bodies, those wanting to walk to beaches, and those looking for outside entertainment.

DON’T MISS

Great fish tavernas
A day swimming at the beautiful bay of Spilia with clear blue water
The beaches and villages of Pelion- a mountain peninsular of outstanding natural beauty.
A small island off-shore with a quaint little church called Agia Marina dating back to the 13th century which is illuminated at night adding a romantic backdrop to the already picturesque village.
The magical island of Trikeri, which has excellent tavernas near the sea with simple menus to make your mouth water and heart sing. As Greeks say, this is the place where fish come to die and are resurrected by the skillful knowhow of little old Greek women creating culinary alchemy in the kitchen.

ACTIVITIES

Mitzela is great for exploring by boat – charter a wooden caique or hire something sleeker and sexier to go further afield – to Skiathos perhaps.
Explore the wonders of Meteora (just over an hour drive.)
The Byzantine glories of Salonika are 2 ½ hours away,
Delphi is a day trip by car and Athens is an easy 3-hour drive away.
Waterskiing, catamaran sailing.
Underwater Museum, featuring three shipwrecks from the Roman period that are accessible to PADI-certified scuba divers.

HIGH SEASON

Greek families on holiday, lots of life, the coast gets crowded.

LOW SEASON

Step back 50 years and experience the arcadian Greece of flocks of sheep, orchards, quiet villages, and the glories of Delphi, Meteora and Thessaloniki all to yourself.