The peninsula of Magnisia ends like a fish hook at Cape Trikeri. This rough tip is the most majestic mountain landscape in the entire region of Mt Pelion. The barebone of the cape is a craggy, rocky ridge covered with thorny fragrant bushes and it is called Mt Tisseo.
So, Long Pelion Trail keeps its best part for the very last day, offering a demanding route, yet a joy for experienced hiker.
Climb the Mt Tisseo slopes following a well defined trail and walk along the ridge on a challenging rocky terrain. Despite the difficulties of walking on the large and irregular blocks, on could enjoy a strikingly beautiful view to the wild beaches of Mt Pelion, to Pagasitikos Gulf and even to the Aegean Sea.
After completing this demanding section, follow successive dirt tracks and an easy trail and reach the picturesque village of Trikeri. After a short stop at the town square, move towards Agia Kyriaki. The last downhill part is probably the best preserved cobblestone path in Pelion and offers a magnificent view to the sea.
SETTLEMENTS
Mountain Tisseon
This rough and steep massif is short in elevation (644m) but highly impressive in natural beauty. Its impressive cliffs are dominating wild beaches with blue crystal waters. Hiking over Mt Tisseon consists of scrambling over limestone boulders of different sizes and shapes, a quite challenging experience.
Trikeri
This scenic and historical village is built at the edge of Magnisia peninsula, on the top of a distinct hill and at an elevation of 300m. Until only a few decades ago, when the main road was constructed, the overland connection with the rest of the peninsula was still very difficult.
During the War of Greek Independence, Trikeri contributed significantly to the revolution with its important fleet and ship construction facilities.
Trikeri differs from the rest of Pelion villages, due to the special geographical aspect and features. Facing the bay of Pagasitikos gulf, Evoikos gulf and the Aegean Sea, it has been described as “the guard of the three seas'. Its rocky and hostile landscape drove the citizens toward sailing and trading. Αlong with the locals, evaders from Mani and Vlach stock-farmers came to Trikeri and found a peaceful way of life. Moreover, Trikeri and Agia Kyriaki were the starting points for the famous sea sponge trade route in Mediterranean and Libyan Sea.
Today, Trikeri counts 1777 inhabitants. Agia Kyriaki is the seaport for Trikeri, while Alogoporos is the shipping connection to the neighboring islet of Palio Trikeri (Old Trikeri). It’s worth a visit to the church of Agios Athanasios and Holy Trinity which are decorated with a gold plated carved iconostasis.
Agia Kyriaki
The small port of Agia Kyriakiis located at the very last edge of Magnisia peninsula, at the entry point of Pagasitikos gulf. It is protected with a concrete pier, where the numerous picturesque boats drop anchor and leave their fishing product. There is also a small yet very busy shipyard where small and larger boats are maintained. At the coastal front of the village, which reminds us of an island settlement, the visitor can experience the local traditional cuisine at the taverns and get beverages at the small coffee shops.
The parish church of Agia Kyriaki, built in 1886, stands a bit hidden in the rear part of the village. The village developed substantially due to the shipping and maritime jobs, when Trikeri was also in its heydays.
Συμβουλές
Νερό και λοιπές εξυπηρετήσεις βρίσκουμε μόνο στο Τρίκερι και στον τερματισμό, την Αγία Κυριακή. Ξεκινώντας τη διαδρομή, φροντίστε να έχετε τουλάχιστον 1.5 lt νερό (το καλοκαίρι 2lt).
Επισημάνσεις
Μεγάλο τμήμα του τελευταίου σκέλους του ΜΜΠ είναι εκτεθειμένο στον ήλιο και σε αρκετά δύσβατο πεδίο, γι’ αυτό και απαιτεί όλη την προσοχή και δεξιοτεχνία σας καθώς και αντοχή σε πολύωρο περπάτημα χωρίς σκιά.