Neochori: Village Square, Landscape and Hiking Trails

Neochori combines a wooded setting with a village square defined by Pelion slate. The trails to Milies and Afetes also differ in surface and character. If you are considering a stay, you can choose a location based on three interests: scenery, village architecture and hiking connections.

Village Square and Pelion Slate

Neochori’s village square is laid out like an amphitheatre and has two levels, both paved with characteristic Pelion slate slabs. The village’s fountains and stairs also feature these slabs. The slate thus links the stepped layout of the square with other elements of the local architecture. The paved village square is recommended as a good place to enjoy the view at sunset. Its shape, material and outlook make the square a specific point of interest for visitors interested in architecture and scenery. The term “amphitheatre-like” describes the square’s terraced layout. In Neochori, this is evident in its two levels: the square is not one continuous surface, but unfolds in a stepped form.

Forest, Elevation and Views

Neochori lies at an elevation of 480 metres and is surrounded by pine forest, tall plane trees and chestnut trees. From the village, views extend to the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf. Neochori’s landscape combines a wooded setting with views of the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf.

Panagia Tourkogiani and the Reservoir

The Church of Panagia Tourkogiani stands on the edge of the Panagiotiko Reservoir, in the centre of the large basin of the valley of the same name. While views from the village extend to the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf, the church is situated on the edge of the reservoir and in the basin of the valley of the same name.

Trails between Neochori, Milies and Afetes

The route between Milies and Neochori has two clearly distinct halves: the first runs mostly along a paved kalderimi; the second follows a dirt track and, in places, hiking trails. The surface therefore changes along the way.

The easy walking route between Afetes and Neochori also follows a paved kalderimi and starts and ends in the village squares of the two places. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.

Both routes include a paved kalderimi, but the rest of their courses differ: the Milies route continues along a dirt track and sections of hiking trail, while the Afetes route is rated easy and runs from one village square to the other. The choice therefore involves two different considerations: the changing surface of the Milies route, and the easy rating and endpoints of the Afetes route.

The single-arch Topali Bridge crossed a small stream on the route from Neochori towards Afetes.

Discover more destinations: Potistika, South Pelion, Liri, Kalamos, Kato Gatzea, Paltsi, Koropi, Chorefto

For the broader travel guide: Magnesia.