Autumn in Pelion: Adventurous searches in the countryside

Autumn in Pelion reveals a magical landscape filled with an explosion of colour, cool air and the promise of exciting adventures. This magical season invites visitors to discover the diverse activities of the region, making it an idyllic destination for autumn getaways.

A symphony of colours

The picturesque mountains and the lush green forests of Pelion come alive in autumn, adorned with a kaleidoscope of fiery hues. The fresh air carries the scent of fallen leaves and the golden sunlight illuminates the landscape, inviting explorers to enjoy the outdoors.

Nature trails and hiking trips

Autumn in Pelion is the ideal season for excursions and total renewal from everyday life. It is an opportunity to get in touch with the beauty of the natural environment, the colours and flavours of autumn and to try various activities. If you are a hiking enthusiast, Pelion offers every visitor the opportunity to explore idyllic landscapes rich in vegetation, impressive waterfalls and lakes with crystal clear waters. One of the beautiful landscapes you will encounter is the forests of Pelion. Here, you will discover the magic of natural beauty as throughout your walk you will walk along green paths and colourful flowers, ending up at clear springs and beautiful churches. Continuing your walk, you will face the Centaur Trail that impresses every visitor with its natural magic and history. While walking along this trail, you will come in contact with the impressive cave inhabited by Centaurus Chiron, which every year receives thousands of visitors who discover a unique culture. From the Centaurus trail to the Makrinitsa trail, each route is a unique opportunity for exploration.

Pelion also stands out for its paved alleys and paths which always lead to a natural paradise, such as those leading to the waterfalls in Pelion which look like small gates to paradise. In autumn, the waters flow calmly, adding a magical character to the landscape. Moving on, you will come across the path that connects Makrinitsa with Portaria. It is a road that unfolds among green landscapes and colours of nature. Hiking in autumn in Pelion is much more than just an activity, it is an opportunity to connect with nature and have an unforgettable experience.

Chestnut picking and local traditions in autumn in Pelion

As the air begins to cool, locals and visitors alike gather chestnuts – a staple autumn activity in Pelion. The forests become a treasure trove for these precious fruits, inspiring a sense of camaraderie among chestnut lovers and beyond. Families and friends come together to gather, roast and enjoy this autumnal delicacy.

Adventurous quests in the countryside

For thrill seekers, Autumn in Pelion offers a range of outdoor activities. The thrill of zip-lining through lush forests or archery amidst majestic backdrops allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of the region.

Adventure enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of canyoning, navigating the canyons and streams that have been carved over the centuries. Meanwhile, horseback riding offers a serene way to explore the beauty of the region, passing through forests and natural trails.

Gastronomic delights in autumn in Pelion

After the activities, it’s time to rest and relax by a warm fireplace. Nature changes colours, offering an ideal opportunity for relaxation and renewal. The Pelioritiki cuisine does justice to every lover of good food as it offers infinite choices that will suit all tastes. Mushroom dishes, rakomelo, chestnuts, hot tea, relaxed music and warmth await you in Pelion this autumn. You can also taste local products and autumn dishes. Veloute pumpkin soup, spetzofai, meat, noodles, handmade pies and local wines will charm you with their taste. Then come the traditional dishes that should not be missing from the table, such as the delicious spoon sweets, local jams and baklava that you can buy and “travel” with you to your place. At the end of the day, enjoy a glass of delicious Pelion wines.

The rich gastronomy of the region offers thousands of traditional flavours, including the beloved pumpkin soup, a comforting autumn dish that warms not only the palate but also the soul. A recipe that blends the sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic spices, simmered to perfection, captures the essence of the season.

Prescription: Veloute pumpkin soup

Materials

1½ kg yellow pumpkin

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large chopped onion

800 ml water or chicken or meat stock

500 ml fresh milk or light cream

1 tbsp butter

1 pinch of nutmeg

Salt, pepper

1 sprig of fresh thyme

200 g gruyere (half grated, the other half cut into squares)

300 g drained yoghurt

Execution

First peel the pumpkin. Cut the yellow pumpkin in half with a large spoon, scraping and digging inside the pumpkin to remove the fibres and seeds.

Slice the pumpkin (like a melon).

Lay out non-stick paper on a large baking sheet, place the pumpkin slices in it.

Using a paintbrush, brush the entire surface of the pumpkin with olive oil.

Add salt and pepper and sprinkle with some fresh thyme.

Bake the pumpkin in a well-preheated oven at 200°C in the air for 40 minutes until caramelized.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until it softens (without browning).

Add the water (or stock) and milk and bring to the boil.

Spoon out the cooked pumpkin from the skin, add the pieces to the boiling liquid and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add salt and pepper and a little nutmeg.

At this stage you can add fresh ginger.

Puree it with a hand mixer (and if you want a perfect texture, pass it through a sieve or fine sieve.

Turn off the heat and add the ginger cubes.

Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir, put it in a colander or serve in warm bowls.

Place yogurt in the center of each bowl, sprinkle with grated gruyere and a little cayenne pepper (optional).

(*Source: argiro.gr)

Autumn in Pelion reveals a mosaic of activities, flavours and natural wonders. Whether enjoying outdoor escapes, picking chestnuts or savouring the flavours of the season, visitors are enchanted by the charm of the region, offering an unforgettable experience in the splendour of autumn.