Things to do in Stomio: 10 ideas for the Kissavos coast

Stomio is a quiet seaside village at the foot of Mount Kissavos, where the mountain runs straight down into the Aegean. Within minutes of the beach you'll find chestnut and fir forests, gorges with waterfalls, a Byzantine monastery and a medieval castle, with Mount Olympus on the horizon. Here are our favourites, just as we recommend them every day to guests of Panorama Suites & Spa.

1. Stomio beach

The long golden beach lies right below the hotel, a 1-minute walk away. The water is shallow and clear, framed by the wooded slopes of Kissavos, and on weekdays it stays quiet even in July. It has some of the best wind conditions on the coast for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and calm mornings are perfect for sea kayaking along the coves and sea caves beneath the forested cliffs. A walk on the sand at sunset is the best way to end the day.

2. Monastery of St Demetrios

Just 3 km from the hotel, on the road to Karitsa, the Monastery of the Dormition and St Demetrios stands 180 metres above the sea among springs and woods. Founded in the 13th century, at its height it was home to as many as 300 monks. It is worth a visit for its icons and the peace of its courtyard. On the Feast of the Dormition, 15 August, hundreds of pilgrims gather here. Please dress modestly and check visiting hours before you go.

3. The waterfall in the Kalypso gorge

Above Kokkino Nero, on the road to Karitsa, a dirt track leads to the Kalypso gorge. Its waterfall drops around 70 metres into crystal-clear natural pools. It is one of the best canyoning spots in Europe, from May to October and always with a certified guide.

4. Climb to the summit of Kissavos

The summit of Kissavos (1,978 m) is about two hours from Stomio: 40 minutes' drive through the forest and 80 minutes on foot. From the top you can see Mount Olympus, Pelion, the Thessalian plain and Halkidiki, and on very clear days even Meteora and Mount Athos.

5. The Velika – Melivia gorge trail

For an easier hike, this trail follows the gorge from the sea at Velika up to the village of Melivia. You walk in the shade of plane, walnut and chestnut trees among thick ferns. It suits everyone and stays cool in summer.

6. The beaches of the Kissavos coast

South of Stomio comes a string of sandy beaches, quieter than most of the Aegean coast:

• Kokkino Nero: named after the iron-rich water of its spring.
• Velika: a long sandy beach with tavernas.
• Agiokampos: one of the largest beaches on the Larissa coast, with beach bars and shallow water.

7. Platamonas castle

About 25 minutes north, the 13th-century castle guards the entrance to the Tempi valley between Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa. The views of the coast from its walls are panoramic, and in summer it hosts concerts and theatre. Below it, Platamonas' beaches and cafés are ideal for an evening out.

8. The villages of Kissavos

Karitsa, Melivia, Ambelakia and Spilia sit on the mountain's slopes, with stone houses and squares shaded by plane trees. In autumn they are known for their chestnuts. A coffee in the square, looking down to the sea, is worth the drive.

9. Activities with Trekking Hellas: rafting, canoe-kayak and canyoning

Trekking Hellas has an office in Velika, a few minutes from Stomio, and runs guided activities with certified guides:

• Rafting in the Tempi valley and on the Pineios river, with archery.
• Canoe-kayak in the Pineios Delta.
• Canyoning or hiking in the Kalypso gorge.
• River trekking, archery and flying fox in Melivia.
• Hiking to Skiti lake and a road trip along the trails of Kissavos.

Information and bookings: Nikos Dagas, tel. +30 693 229 2086

10. Day trips: Mount Olympus and Meteora

The first trails of Mount Olympus start about 25 minutes from the hotel, and Prionia is 60 km away. Meteora, about 130 km away, makes an easy day trip. Set off early to see the monasteries before the crowds.

Stomio through the seasons

Spring (April – May)

Kissavos turns green, the gorges are full of water and temperatures reach 26–30 °C. It's the ideal season for hiking the Velika – Melivia gorge, climbing to the summit and rafting in Tempi. Canyoning in the Kalypso gorge starts in May. The beaches are almost empty, and the brave take their first swims.

Summer (June – August)

The sea reaches 26–28 °C and Stomio beach is a 1-minute walk from the hotel. On weekdays the village stays quiet even in July. Go kayaking to the sea caves, windsurfing and kitesurfing, canyoning in the Kalypso gorge and canoeing in the Pineios Delta, and in the evenings enjoy concerts at Platamonas castle.

Autumn (September – October)

For many, the best season of all: warm days, a sea at 22–25 °C and peaceful beaches. The Kissavos villages smell of roasted chestnuts, the forests change colour, and hiking on Kissavos and Olympus is at its best.

Winter (November – March)

The season for relaxation and the mountains. Spend the day hiking in the forests of Kissavos and Olympus, where the higher slopes are often covered in snow, or join a Trekking Hellas activity such as a hike in the Kalypso gorge or a road trip on Kissavos. Visit the traditional villages of Ambelakia, Spilia, Pyrgetos, Rapsani and Old and New Panteleimonas to taste local recipes in picturesque tavernas, or head to Litochoro and Prionia. For food, shopping and coffee, Larissa and Katerini are close by. In the evening, unwind in your suite's private jacuzzi and sauna with views of the Aegean, Kissavos and Olympus. At weekends, enjoy dishes from the hotel restaurant served in your suite, just like breakfast.

Where to stay

Panorama Suites & Spa stands on a hill 30 metres above Stomio beach. It is an adults-only hotel whose suites have a private heated pool or jacuzzi, some also a sauna, with views of the Aegean and Mount Olympus. It's the perfect base for everything above, and the best part is coming back to your suite after a day in the mountains.

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