Portaria, Makrinitsa & the high mountain
Makrinitsa → Pliasidi → Zagora
A demanding full-day ridge traverse over the high shoulder of Pliasidi, with views from Mount Olympus to the Aegean.
- Distance
- 18.5 km
- Time
- ≈ 8 h (with stops)
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Ascent
- 1075 m
- Start
- Brani parking, Makrinitsa
Distances and times are approximate, gathered from public trail sources. Always check the route and conditions locally before setting out.
For experienced, fit walkers: a long mountain crossing from the balcony village of Makrinitsa, over the high ground of Pliasidi (Pelion’s roof), down to Zagora.
The walk
From the Brani parking above Makrinitsa the route climbs through chestnut and beech forest to the open ridge near the fenced Pliasidi summit (~1,548 m), with panoramas from Lake Karla to the Aegean, before the long descent to Zagora, with an optional hour more down to Horefto beach.
Good to know
- Demanding, ~1,075 m of ascent over 18.5 km; a full day for fit hikers only.
- Carry water: the only reliable source is the Agia Paraskevi monastery near the start.
- Best May to October; avoid winter snow and ice.