Where to stay in Tsagarada: The best areas and 16 accommodations

Tsagarada is one of the most famous villages of Eastern Pelion, built amphitheatrically among plane trees and chestnut trees, with views reaching the Aegean Sea. It is not a single settlement but rather four small districts: Agia Paraskevi, Agios Stefanos, Agios Taxiarches, and Agios Dimitrios, each with its own square and church.

The choice of accommodation depends primarily on whether you want to be near the sea or the mountain. The main village of Tsagarada is located high up, with access to beaches such as Mylopotamos and Fakistra within a few minutes' drive, while Damouchari is the small harbour at the foothills, with direct access to the sea. Mouresi is the neighbouring village to the north, known for its stone bridges, and Agios Dimitrios is the quietest settlement in the area.

In this article, you will find detailed information on the four main areas around Tsagarada, the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to help you organise your stay without stress.

What to see and do in Tsagarada

Tsagarada is located in Eastern Pelion, approximately 32 km from Volos, on a route that follows the mountain's well-known winding roads through chestnut forests and orchards. Access is exclusively by road, as there is no direct rail or sea connection to the village, while the nearest ferry connection is in Damouchari or Agiokampos, smaller harbours in the area, which, however, do not operate regular passenger ferry services. The nearest airport is Nea Anchialos, near Volos, primarily serving domestic flights.

The village gained its current fame thanks to its plane tree groves, most notably the plane tree in the central square of Agios Taxiarches, which is over a thousand years old according to local tradition. The architecture of the houses follows the typical Pelion style, with stone, slate roofs, and internal courtyards, elements that are largely preserved due to strict building regulations in force in the area since the 1970s.

The beaches around Tsagarada are among the most photographed in Pelion. Mylopotamos, approximately 4 km from the main village, features the characteristic rock in the middle of the sandy beach and is considered one of Greece's most beautiful beaches. Fakistra, a little further north, is smaller and more difficult to access, with a gorge that leads to the sea. Damouchari has two small beaches within the settlement, while Xori is another option with fewer crowds.

The distance from Tsagarada to Mouresi is approximately 4 km, to Damouchari about 3.5 km via a downhill road, and to Agios Dimitrios about 3 km. The distances are short, but the road has many bends, so the journey time is longer than the kilometres suggest. Driving at night without street lighting requires caution, especially towards Fakistra and Mylopotamos.

Regarding food, the area is famous for its wild greens pies, spetzofai (a local sausage and pepper stew), local cheeses, and spoon sweets, especially chestnut, a product synonymous with the entire Eastern Pelion. In Damouchari, you will primarily find fish tavernas with fresh fish, while the main village features more traditional tavernas with local wine.

Tsagarada experiences a dual seasonality, which is rare for a Greek destination. In summer, it is filled with visitors seeking the sea and the cool shade of the trees, while in winter, the area attracts people for the snow, as the Pelion ski centre is approximately 25 km away. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for hiking, with the landscape dramatically changing colour in October due to the shedding of chestnut leaves.

The name Tsagarada, according to the most prevalent theory, comes from the shoemaker's profession, as many inhabitants were formerly involved in shoemaking. The area flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to the silk and textile trade, which explains the mansions that survive to this day, many of which have been converted into guesthouses.

For hiking, the path from Tsagarada to Milia through a chestnut forest takes approximately two hours, and there is also the route to Fakistra through the gorge, which is more demanding due to the descent. In Mouresi, it is worth seeing the arched stone bridges, built for crossing torrents, a typical example of Pelion's old infrastructure.

The best areas to stay in Tsagarada

Central Tsagarada

Central Tsagarada, with its districts Agia Paraskevi and Agios Stefanos, is the most popular tourist base in the area, featuring mansions converted into guesthouses, coffee shops under ancient plane trees, and easy car access to all beaches.

It is a good choice for those who want to combine tradition, food, and nature, but without direct access to a beach from the village itself.

Advantages:

• Central location with easy access to all beaches
• Traditional architecture and atmosphere
• Many choices of restaurants and coffee shops

Disadvantages:

• No beach of its own; a car is needed
• Narrow streets with difficult parking in August

Recommended accommodations:

1. Epos Hotel
A small hotel with traditional aesthetics in the centre of the village, offering comfortable rooms and views of the surrounding mountains.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

2. 12 Months Luxury Resort
A luxurious complex with a swimming pool and high-standard suites, one of the most popular accommodations in the area.

• Average cost: approximately 210€ per night

3. Diogenis Hotel
A hotel offering good value for money, near the main square, suitable for families.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

4. Hotel Maistra
A traditional hotel with stone construction and sea views, a quiet option close to the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

5. Olga Hotel Tsagkarada
A small family-run hotel with clean rooms and friendly service.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

6. Villa Horizon
A villa with panoramic views of the Aegean, suitable for couples or small families seeking privacy.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

7. Pilio Holiday Club
An apartment complex with a garden and play area, a good choice for families with children.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

8. Arnica Montana
A guesthouse with a natural aesthetic and comfortable communal areas, in a quiet location just outside the square.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

Mouresi

Mouresi is a small village a few minutes north of Tsagarada, known for its arched stone bridges and plane-tree-shaded square. It has less traffic than Tsagarada and is considered a quieter base.

It is a good choice for those who want a relaxing holiday away from the crowds, with easy access to Fakistra and Papa Nero beaches.

Advantages:

• Quieter than central Tsagarada
• Picturesque stone bridges and footpaths
• Close to Fakistra

Disadvantages:

• Fewer dining options in the evening
• A car is needed for the beaches

Recommended accommodations:

9. Olga Hotel Mouresi
A small hotel in the main square of Mouresi, highly rated for its location and service.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

10. Aroma Piliou
Traditional rooms with the scent of Pelion, a quiet location with mountain and sea views.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

11. Pelagos Mouresi
Accommodation with sea views, a few minutes from the village square, suitable for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 105€ per night

12. Aigeus
A traditional accommodation with a stone exterior and comfortable interiors, close to the village centre.

• Average cost: approximately 88€ per night

Damouchari

Damouchari is the seaside spot of Tsagarada, a small harbour with two nearby beaches and a few tavernas right on the water. The area became internationally known after the filming of Mamma Mia.

It is an ideal base for those who want direct access to the sea, but without the entertainment options of larger seaside destinations.

Advantages:

• Direct access to the beach
• Picturesque harbour with fish tavernas
• Good base for swimming and boating

Disadvantages:

• Uphill road to the main village
• Limited accommodation, fills up quickly in summer

Recommended accommodations:

13. Damouchari Hotel
A hotel right on Damouchari beach, with excellent reviews for its location.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

14. Victoria's Guesthouse
A small guesthouse with good reviews, a few steps from the sea, suitable for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

15. Kastro Damouchari Studios
Studios with views of Damouchari bay, suitable for a small family or couple.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

16. Manthos Blue
Accommodation with blue and white aesthetics, near the harbour, with quiet outdoor spaces.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

17. Petradi
A small stone-built accommodation, by the sea, ideal for a quiet holiday for two.

• Average cost: approximately 105€ per night

18. Leolia Nautical Resort
Accommodation with nautical decor and sea views, with access to a quiet shore.

• Average cost: approximately 125€ per night

Agios Dimitrios

Agios Dimitrios is the quietest of the settlements around Tsagarada, with few accommodations and a family atmosphere. It is very close to Mylopotamos beach.

It is a good choice for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the main village and have easy access to the area's most famous beach.

Advantages:

• Very close to Mylopotamos beach
• Quiet, family atmosphere
• Less tourism than central Tsagarada

Disadvantages:

• Few dining and entertainment options
• Limited number of accommodations

Recommended accommodations:

19. Theta
A small hotel with simple rooms and Aegean views, a few minutes from Mylopotamos.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

20. Hotel Erotas
A family-run hotel with a restaurant, known in the area for its traditional cuisine.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

21. I Filoxenia
Simple accommodation with friendly service, suitable for those who want affordable accommodation close to nature.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

22. Aurora Inn
A small guesthouse with quiet outdoor spaces and a garden, a good base for a relaxing holiday.

• Average cost: approximately 78€ per night

23. Faros Milopotamos
Accommodation near Mylopotamos beach, with simple lodging and easy access to the shore.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Hire a car from Volos. The distances between the settlements are short in kilometres, but the mountain road has many bends. Without a car, it will be difficult to reach the beaches.
• Book accommodation early for August. Tsagarada is one of Pelion's most popular destinations, and good accommodations sell out months in advance.
• Go to Mylopotamos early in the morning. The beach fills up quickly and parking is limited, especially in July and August.
• Consider an alternative season. September and October offer warm sea, fewer crowds, and spectacular colours in the deciduous trees.
• Wear appropriate shoes for the trails. If you plan to hike to Fakistra or Milia, the cobblestone paths can be slippery after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Tsagarada from Volos?

Approximately 32 km, a journey of about 45 minutes by car due to the mountainous road.

Do I need a car in Tsagarada?

Yes, it is almost essential, as the beaches and neighbouring villages are several kilometres from the main village.

Which is the best area for the beach?

Damouchari or Agios Dimitrios, due to direct access to Mylopotamos and Fakistra.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer for the sea, while spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and a relaxing stay.

Is there a ferry connection to Tsagarada?

Not directly. Access is by road from Volos or by car via Agiokampos.

Is Tsagarada suitable for families with children?

Yes, especially the central village and Mouresi, with a quiet atmosphere and easy access to organised beaches.

Conclusion

The choice of area in Tsagarada depends mainly on whether your priority is the sea or the atmosphere of a traditional village. The main village offers the most authentic experience, while Damouchari provides direct access to the water.

Whichever area you choose, the distances are short, so you can easily combine staying in one spot with daily excursions to the beaches and trails of the surrounding area.

See also our guides on where to stay in Vourvourou and where to stay in Almyrida.