The 7 Most Traditional Hotels in Portaria Pelion

I live in Athens, but whenever I get the chance, I love escaping to Pelion for a few relaxing days.

One of the best bases up there is the mountain village of Portaria — it’s only about 12 km (7 miles) from the port city of Volos.

It is built at about 650 meters on the green western slopes of Mount Pelion, and it is full of hydrangeas, stone houses, and views that sweep over the Pagasetic Gulf.

During my last trip in late October 2025, I stayed in Portaria and checked out some of its most traditional hotels — the kind with wooden decoration, fireplaces, homemade pies, and that warm, old-fashioned Greek hospitality.

So, in this post, I’m sharing the 7 most traditional hotels in Portaria Pelion.

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Quicks Links for Portaria

• Loved my stay at Archontiko Portaria!
• Nothing beats renting a car — total freedom to explore Greece.
• Book a private tour for Portaria, Makrinitsa, & Wine tasting.
• YouTube Video: Walking Tour of Portaria.

The Unique Architecture of Portaria Mansions

There are two main architectural types of “Archontiko” (mansion) in Portaria:

• The traditional Pelion-style houses which have their entrance at courtyard level and usually don’t include a balcony, just many windows.
• The so-called “Egyptian” mansions which have a double exterior staircase leading to the entrance on the upper level and often include a balcony on the top floor.

These beautiful old houses were the summer residences of Greeks from Egypt, known as Egyptiotes. 

The mansions of Portaria date mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries, when the village was thriving thanks to trade and crafts.

Local gray stone was the main building material, used for thick, sturdy walls to protect from the mountain’s cold winters.

The upper floors were usually made of wood, often painted white or light pastel colors to contrast with the darker stone base.

Roofs were covered with the distinctive Pelion slate slabs, giving a uniform, elegant look that blends beautifully with the mountain scenery.

So here are my favorite traditional hotels in Portaria Pelion:

1. Archontiko Portaria

I stayed at Archontiko Portaria during my last trip to Portaria (October 2025), and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice.

It’s a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion with painted ceilings and vintage furniture that give it so much charm.

I was lucky enough to get one of the most beautiful corner rooms, with stunning views overlooking the main square.

The bed was super soft and comfy, the radiators kept me cozy all night, and there was even a sofa and a small table with a coffee machine and a little bottle of liqueur — perfect for treating myself to a quiet drink.

But the best part? The newly renovated bathroom with an excellent shower — such a nice surprise! Breakfast was also included in the price, which made the whole stay even better.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience, and I’d definitely stay here again!

Check out Archontiko Portaria prices and availability on Booking.

2. Archontiko Kantartzi

Archontiko Kantartzi feels like stepping back in time — a beautifully restored Egyptian-type mansion from the 19th century (1859), full of character and warmth.

The rooms are spotless, cozy, and thoughtfully decorated, and breakfast is a real treat: fresh, homemade, and served in the sunny courtyard, which makes your mornings unforgettable.

You can really feel the care and love the owners have put into this place. If you’re looking for an authentic stay in Portaria with true Greek hospitality, Archontiko Kantartzis is a fantastic choice.

Check current rates and availability for Archontiko Kantartzi on Booking.com or Expedia.

3. Archontiko Naoumidi

The classy Archontiko Naoumidi was built in 1893 by the wealthy Naoumidis family, who had lived in Egypt.

The current owners restored the building beautifully, respecting both its history and the local Pelion architecture.

They also added two new buildings with two deluxe suites and four more rooms — all with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs — and they designed them to blend perfectly with the Pelion style.

And yes — there’s an outdoor pool too, open May to September.

Every morning, they serve a homemade Greek breakfast, based on the Mediterranean diet, laid out on a generous buffet full of flavor and aroma.

In winter, you eat by the fireplace, and in summer, you sit in the beautiful courtyard under the old chestnut tree.

Tip: The hotel has four brand-new mountain bikes, and guests can use them free of charge.

Check Archontiko Naoumidi’s current rates and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.

4. Guesthouse Filokalia

Guesthouse Filokalia is warm, intimate, and full of heart. Everything here — from the handmade décor to the homemade pies — feels personal.

There’s also a lovely little garden where you can enjoy breakfast surrounded by herbs like oregano and lavender, with the sound of running water from their stone fountain.

I also love their family rooms with a fireplace and a small kitchen — perfect if you’re planning to stay in Portaria for more than just one weekend.

But my favorite corner is their cozy dining room, filled with antique furniture and stacks of books. This is where they serve their homemade phyllo pies, jams, and sweets, using ingredients straight from their garden.

It’s one of those places where you instantly feel at home — and you really don’t want to leave.

Find out the best prices for Guesthouse Filokalia on Booking.com and Expedia.

To make the most of your visit, don’t miss my full guide on The Best Things to Do in Portaria, Pelion, Greece — it includes everything from local attractions to the best spots for authentic Greek food.

5. Archontiko Panagoula

Archontiko Panagoula is a beautiful old-style guesthouse with the classic 19th-century Pelion charm — wooden ceilings, stone walls, and antique furniture that tells stories of another time.

Breakfast is simple but delicious, with some homemade dishes — think fresh bread, local cheese, and traditional pies made with love.

The decoration inside is beautiful, with small details everywhere — lace curtains, vintage lamps, and colorful rugs that make the rooms feel cozy and lived in.

From the balcony, the view is just breathtaking — you can see the mountains and the rooftops of Portaria spreading below.

It’s the perfect spot if you want to experience real Pelion charm — traditional, laid-back, and full of history.

Discover today’s rates and offers for Archontiko Panagoula on Booking.com and Expedia.

6. Gastronomy Hotel Kritsa

Gastronomy Hotel Kritsa is the ultimate foodie stay and home to one of Portaria’s most beloved restaurants.

The hotel is a 3-storey 1900s neoclassical building right in the main square of Portaria — surrounded by hydrangeas, ancient plane trees, and running spring water — with elegant rooms.

Breakfast here is special, and their kitchen is one of their most beautiful rooms on the property.

Here you will enjoy a big buffet full of local tastes such as homemade phyllo pies, local cheeses, olive breads, strapatsada with tomato and feta, trahanas in the cold months, honey donuts, apple pie, semolina cake, pancakes, honeycomb, and of course Greek coffee brewed in a briki.

No matter what you like, breakfast at Kritsa is something you’ll always remember.

Plan your stay at Gastronomy Hotel Kritsa—compare rates on Booking.com.

7. Hotel Filoxenia

Hotel Filoxenia is the oldest guesthouse in the village, operating since 1939.

It offers warm, cozy rooms with rugs and serves a delicious homemade breakfast with pies and sweets — the walnut cake and revani are absolutely amazing — all lovingly prepared by the owner herself.

There’s also a beautiful living room with traditional furniture and a fireplace that makes you want to sit down and enjoy a good cup of tea.

This isn’t a flashy hotel — it’s a simple, honest stay with authentic details and true Greek hospitality that comes straight from the heart. Plus, the reviews are amazing — travelers rave about it.

Explore Hotel Filoxenia prices and book directly via Booking.com or Expedia.

FAQs about the traditional hotels in Portaria

Why It Matters

These places aren’t just hotels — they’re part of Portaria’s soul. When you stay in one of them, you don’t just sleep in a room. You wake up to the rhythm of the mountain, you taste real homemade Greek breakfast, and you feel the quiet history that lives in every corner.

This is the reason I loved staying here — it made me slow down, disconnect, and really feel Pelion. And I think you’ll feel the same when you come.

Have you stayed in Portaria? Share your experience below!

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