Three serene destinations for a long weekend getaway

Portaria, Pelion

Portaria, one of the most accessible villages near Volos, is ideal for a long weekend, with a drive time of less than four hours from Athens and only 2.5 hours from Thessaloniki. This enchanting village has a lovely central square, shaded by the sprawling branches of ancient plane trees - an ideal place to enjoy your morning coffee in tranquility.

The view of Volos and the Pagasitic Gulf from the square in Makrinitsa is breathtaking. [Dimitris Vlaikos]

Nearby, you'll discover charming villages perfect for day trips. Hania, the highest village in the region, is just 20 kilometers away, and the drive there is one of the most picturesque routes Pelion has to offer. A 35-minute drive will take you to Drakia, which also boasts a lovely central square. When the weather's nice, the Metaxogenis taverna (Tel. (+30) 24280.960.15), which specializes in...