Pelion is not just a mountain of unrivaled natural beauty—it is a place deeply rooted in mythology and tradition. In ancient times, Pelion was known as the mountain of the Centaurs—mythical creatures, half man and half horse—who lived in its forests and gorges.
The most famous of them was Chiron, the wise and kind Centaur, renowned for his knowledge of medicine and the healing arts. According to myth, Chiron taught great heroes like Achilles, Jason, Heracles, and Asclepius. Pelion was their “school,” a place of both physical and spiritual training.
The Centaurs symbolize humanity's bond with nature. They lived in harmony with the wild, representing both its wild force and its wisdom. Unlike other violent centaurs, Chiron represented the gentle side of nature—benevolent and respectful when treated with dignity.
Today, the figure of the Centaur is seen everywhere in Pelion—on sculptures, paintings, hotel names, and local products. They serve as cultural symbols, and many visitors come to explore the trails and caves associated with Chiron's legends.
This connection isn’t just folklore—it enhances the region's magic and gives visitors the feeling of walking through mythical land. The wild, mysterious nature of Pelion makes it easy to imagine Centaurs just around the bend of a chestnut tree.
Pelion is more than a geographic destination; it's a journey into myth. And the Centaurs remain a living part of its identity—reminding us that imagination still breathes in the real world.
Vacations in Thassos Island
