South Pelion

Chalorema gorge
(Afetes-Afissos trail)

The Chalorema Gorge traces the shortest physical connection between the mountainous Afetes and the coastal Afissos. The path across the gorge the most popular canyon route in South Pelion. The route, without presenting any technical difficulties, requires familiarity with the rugged field of the riverbed, as the hikes walks on an unstable substrate with cobbles and branches, which requires constant attention and flexibility.

Crossing the gorge should be avoided in case of rain, both because of the torrential waters that may come down suddenly, and because of the possible fall of stones from the surrounding cliffs.

Note also that after heavy rains you will encounter more large logs and other materials that pile up in places and make the crossing even more difficult.

The crossing of the Chalorema gorge starts from the central square of Afetes and the church of the Agios Ioanis. Walk on very good cobbled path to the lower end of the village. From here begins an old cobblestone, damaged in some places, which leads steeply to a wooden footbridge. Although somewhat battered, the wooden structure is solid and safe for now.

After the bridge, we will walk through the riverbed until the exit of the canyon. In the first part of the canyon the walls are steep and wooded. Along the most narrow place, the slopes become vertical walls.

As expected for the geographical location and altitude, the gorge is home to a Plane trees wood. The trees are mature, full of scars from battles with the oveflow water and the cobblestones. On the slopes we will see many other species of riparian vegetation. There is no constructions or other indication of use inside the gorge. However, it is certain that the inhabitants of Afetes used it as the most direct way to get down to their little port, Afissos.

Arriving at 60 m elevation, we come across a faint alley that runs very close to the riverbed. Follow it up to a concrete road, which directly ends at Abovos, a very nice sandy beach. Then, follow the asphalt to the center of Afyssos.

Text and photos: T. Adamakopoulos