Long Pelion Trail

Veneto
Flamouri monastery
Sourvias monastery

Section name	Difficulty	Length m	Ascent m	Decent m	Maximum elevation m	Minimum elevation m	Time h
Veneto-Flamouri monastery-Sourvias monastery	2/5	14361	932	455	963	208	6-7

Veneto and Makrinitsa demarcate the northernmost zone of Pelion, indicating two contrary features of the area: the abandoned foothills of Pelion and Kissavos, where Veneto is hidden, and the bustling stone alleys of Makrinitsa, which offers a splendid view to the basin of Volos. What lies between these two distinct settlements is a desolated and wild land. The only two sites where one can find shelter are the monasteries of Transfiguration of the Saviour and Holy Trinity, mostly known as Flamouriou and Sourvia monastery respectively.

The old trail was following the steep uphill from Veneto to Flamouriou monastery. This great monastery of Northern Pelion has been reconstructed and today hosts a community of monks with strong interest not only in spirituality but also in agricultural activities. After we pass by the monastery, we start hiking through a high and great forest of beech until we reach, downwards, the remote monastery Sourvias.

Depending on the physical abilities and courage of the group, the daily hike can stop here and the hikers can camp overnight, next to the spring and very close to the monastery. Alternatively, a more experienced and well-prepared team can go on towards Makrinitsa. Then, the long, demanding connection, from Veneto to Makrinitsa is complete and it’s definitely worth trying.

Text: Aik. Zagaretou, photos: T. Adamakopoulos