Agios Ioannis in Pelion is a beautiful seaside village on the eastern side of Mount Pelion, known for its crystal-clear beaches, lush green surroundings, and relaxed atmosphere.
I’m Greek and have been visiting Pelion for many years. I last visited Agios Ioannis in October 2025, and it once again confirmed why this village is perfect not only in summer, but year-round.
In this local travel guide to Agios Ioannis Pelion, I share my favorite things to do, the best beaches, nearby villages to explore, where to stay, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
Here’s a short walk through Damouchari, Agios Ioannis, and its beaches to help you see what the village looks like before visiting.
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Things to Do in Agios Ioannis Pelion
Swim at the Beaches of Agios Ioannis
There are three gorgeous beaches in Agios Ioannis: the one in front of the village, one slightly to the north, Plaka, and the one near the Camping, Papa Nero beach.
Agios Ioannis Beach (Blue Flag)
What it’s like
Agios Ioannis is the main, fully organized beach of the village and proudly holds a Blue Flag. It has a mix of golden sand and small white pebbles, with consistently clear, clean water and easy access from the village.
Who it’s best for
Perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want comfort, swimming, and everything close by. It’s also ideal if you don’t want to rely on a car.
Facilities/shade/food
You’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas, cafés, taverns, bakeries, and mini-markets just steps away from the beach. Everything you need is within walking distance.
Local tip
I always walk to the far end of the beach near the small port early in the morning — it’s the best spot in the village to watch the sunrise and enjoy the sea before it gets busy.
A great tour you can book in Agios Ioannis is to travel by boat to the underwater caves of the area.
Plaka Beach
Plaka is my favorite beach in Agios Ioannis. It feels more wild and natural, with deep turquoise water and a lush green forest right behind the shore, giving it a very Pelion-style atmosphere.
Who it’s best for
Ideal for nature lovers, confident swimmers, and travelers who enjoy quieter beaches. It’s less organized and more relaxed than Agios Ioannis Beach.
Facilities/shade/food
There are no umbrellas or sunbeds, but you don’t need them — the forest provides plenty of natural shade. There are no beach bars, so bring water and snacks.
Local tip
Near the beach, there’s a small stream with fresh, drinkable water — perfect for rinsing off salt or cooling down on hot days. You can reach Plaka easily on foot from Agios Ioannis via the port.
Papa Nero Beach
What it’s like
Papa Nero is a beautiful, long beach with tiny pebbles that feel almost like sand and crystal-clear water. It’s framed by greenery and has a lively but not overwhelming summer vibe.
Who it’s best for
Great for families, couples, and travelers who want a mix of nature and comfort. It’s one of the most popular beaches in eastern Pelion.
Facilities/shade/food
Part of the beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are several taverns right on the beach serving fresh local food. The rest of the beach remains free and natural.
Local tip
The walk from Agios Ioannis takes about 15 minutes. Further along, closer to Papa Nero beach, you’ll find the spacious and well-organized Papa Nero camping site.
Stroll the Agios Ioannis Main Street
Parallel to the beach, you will find the main road of Agios Ioannis. Its right side has been turned into a picturesque seafront promenade, where everyone strolls during sunset.
On the other side of the road, you will find a few apartments, supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and taverns.
“Galeos” and “Poseidon” are top choices for fresh fish and tasty seafood meze, while “Paralos the bar experience” is perfect for enjoying expertly crafted cocktails and a lively party scene with regular DJ sets.
I often take a beer walk to the end of the beach where the tiny port with fishing boats is, find a cozy spot, and admire the beauty of the billions-star sky in Pelion.
Visit the Churches and Monasteries of Agios Ioannis
Right next to the camping in Papa Nero and under the trees, you will find the small church of Agios Ioannis the Baptist.
If you would like to discover the uphill area around Agios Ioannis village, there are a few quite old chapels and churches that you can explore and visit if they are open.
Some of the most significant churches are:
- The Chapel of St. John the Theologian is in the southern part of the village, right after the ravine. The chapel is the center of the celebrations in honor of the saint on June 24th, and part of the celebrations is the traditional custom of Klidonas that comes alive during the village festival.
- Church of Agios Georgios
- Church of Profitis Ilias.
Explore Nearby Villages from Agios Ioannis
Agios Ioannis is a great base for exploring eastern Pelion’s villages and beaches.
From here, you can easily reach some of the most beautiful and historic villages on the mountain, many of them just a short drive or hike away.
Tsagarada
Known for its lush greenery and traditional stone mansions, Tsagarada is home to the famous 1,000-year-old plane tree and the stunning Mylopotamos Beach.
It’s perfect for combining village life with dramatic coastal scenery.
Mouresi
Built on a hillside above the Aegean, Mouresi offers breathtaking sea views and a quieter, more authentic atmosphere.
It’s ideal for nature lovers and hikers, with trails leading down to nearby beaches and waterfalls.
Zagora
Zagora is one of the largest and most historic villages in Pelion, known for its libraries, apple orchards, and traditional architecture.
It’s a great stop if you want to experience local life beyond the coast.
Damouchari
A small seaside village with a postcard-perfect harbor, Damouchari is famous for its wild beauty and for being a Mamma Mia! filming location.
It’s easily reached by car or hiking paths from the surrounding villages.
Hike Agios Ioannis
If you love hiking, you should try the circular trails starting in Agios Ioannis.
One of my favorite trails is Agios Ioannis – Papa Nero Beach – Damouchari – Fakistra Beach.
This is a 10.5-kilometer round-trip trail, a moderately challenging path, that typically takes around 3 hours to complete. This trail is well-frequented by hikers and walkers, but you can also relish moments of solitude during quieter times of the day.
Find details of the trails on Pelion Mt in the fantastic blog of a hiker located in Volos here.
Explore Pelion Mountain
Pelion, a densely forested peninsula, boasts 28 charming traditional villages adorned with old stone mansions, trees heavy with pears, apples, chestnuts, plane trees, babbling streams, and centuries-old bridges.
This impressive mountain is also encircled by endless stretches of golden sandy beaches, with the Pagasetic Gulf to its west and the Aegean Sea to its east.
Pelion Mountain is famous not just for its stunning natural beauty but also for its rich traditions, fascinating legends, enchanting myths, and historic battles.
This mountain has been home to legendary creatures like the Centaur (half man, half horse), brave warriors, and mythical heroes.
Throughout the year, Pelion offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, horse riding, kayaking, and rock climbing.
If you love history, you’ll find an abundance of monasteries, centuries-old churches, libraries, folklore, and religious museums. Agios Ioannis, a beautiful village, is no exception and provides a rich experience for its visitors.
Where to Stay in Agios Ioannis Pelion
- Best beachfront: Kenta Beach Hotel
- Best family-friendly: Akrogiali
- Best budget: MARIA Studios & Apartments
FAQ for Agios Ioannis Pelion
How to get to Agios Ioannis
Pelion Mt is roughly in the middle of mainland Greece, so you can reach it from everywhere by car. It doesn’t work as a day trip, and 2 days is too little if you are traveling from Athens.
Reaching Volos, the major town before you start your trip to Pelion, either from Athens or Thessaloniki, is easy.
The town is connected through modern highways (326 km to the north of Athens, taking about 3-4 hours to drive, and 206 km to the south of Thessaloniki, with a travel time of 2-2.5 hours).
Agios Ioannis is located 55 km to the east of Volos town, accessible via a relatively narrow road with numerous twists and turns.
It’s important to note that, apart from the summer months, this route can experience foggy conditions in certain areas.
Here are the different ways to reach Agios Ioannis:
By car – The easiest way to reach Agios Ioannis in Pelion is definitely by car. This is because if you are traveling by bus, you will have to get to Volos and then take the bus that goes to Agios Ioannis, which runs infrequently. We always book with Discover Cars and recommend them.
By KTEL buses (public) – Each region in Greece has its own website. As Pelion belongs to the Magnesia region, you can find info for buses from Athens or Thessaloniki and also local buses connecting the villages here.
By Guided Tour – I have found this private tour of a great Greek company with new Mercedes cars leaving from Athens (they have free airport pick up and return!). Check out the 3-Day tour to Pelion here. This is the easiest and most convenient way to travel from the comfort of a new car.
Is Agios Ioannis worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Agios Ioannis is one of the best seaside villages in Pelion, known for its beautiful beaches, lush green surroundings, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal if you want crystal-clear waters, easy beach access, and a base for exploring eastern Pelion.
How many days do you need in Agios Ioannis?
Ideally, 3 to 5 days. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, explore nearby villages like Tsagarada and Mouresi, and relax without rushing. If you love hiking or beach hopping, you could easily stay longer.
Is Agios Ioannis good without a car?
You can visit Agios Ioannis without a car, but it’s not ideal. Once you arrive, the village itself is walkable and beaches like Plaka and Papa Nero are reachable on foot. However, a car makes it much easier to explore nearby villages, hiking trails, and more remote beaches in Pelion.
Is Agios Ioannis windy?
Agios Ioannis can get windy, especially on days with strong meltemi winds in July and August. That said, the bay is often more protected than other east-facing beaches, and nearby spots like Papa Nero and Plaka are usually calmer.
Travel Guides to the other Pelion Villages
If you’re looking for deeper information, check out my in-depth Pelion Villages travel guides for a ton of details on accessing all these places.
- Travel Guide to Pelion Mount
- Makrinitsa, Pelion’s balcony
- Portaria, the stone mansions village
- Zagora, the apple village
- Tsagarada, the artists’ village
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Happy and safe travels,
Evgenia
