Hiking in Pelion – Exploring the Enchanting Springs and Waterfall of Tympanos – Kissos

Pelion, located in Thessaly, boasts an idyllic setting that combines mountainous terrain with stunning coastal vistas. The region is famous for its dense forests, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear water springs. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a beach lover, or someone seeking tranquility amidst nature, Pelion has something to offer for every type of traveler.

In this post, we will explore a nice, easy but still exciting hike towards Tympanos springs and waterfall. This hike starts from the picturesque village, Kissos. Kissos, located on the east side of Pelion at an altitude of 520 meters, serves as the starting point for this enchanting expedition. Positioned approximately 48 km from Volos, the charming village offers the perfect gateway to the springs of Tympanos.

Waterfall

About Pelion

Welcome to the captivating world of Pelion, an absolute natural paradise! This vast mountainous region is adorned with picturesque traditional villages and surrounded by mesmerizing beaches, creating a harmonious blend of stunning landscapes.

Quaint Villages: Treasures of Pelion

Among the gems of Pelion are its quaint villages, each one a unique treasure waiting to be explored. Makrinitsa, Portaria, Milies, and Tsagarada stand out as some of the most beautiful villages in this enchanting region. Delight in the charm of traditional houses with grey stone roofs and meandering paved alleys, exuding an ambiance that will transport you to a bygone era.

Exotic Beaches: Eastern Pelion’s Coastal Beauty

On the eastern side of the Pelion peninsula in Greece, you’ll find a collection of exotic beaches with mesmerizing cobalt waters. Mylopotamos, Fakistra, and Horefto rank among the most popular Pelion beaches that beckon you to their pristine shores. Bask in the tranquility and soak in the beauty of these coastal wonders.

A Haven of Natural Beauty

For those seeking an escape from the beach, Pelion offers an abundance of natural beauty that extends far beyond its coastline. The diverse landscapes of this region make it a top holiday destination all year round. Whether you visit during the lush greenery of spring or the snow-covered splendor of winter, Pelion never fails to amaze.


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How to reach Kissos Village

Your road trip to Kissos Village commences in the vibrant city of Athens, the capital of Greece. Before you hit the road, ensure your car is in good condition and your tank is filled with fuel. Also, have a map or GPS navigation system handy to guide you along the way.

Route Via E75 and National Road 1: This is the quicker and more direct route. From Athens, head north on E75 towards Lamia. Then, join the National Road 1 (E65) and continue north until you reach Volos. From Volos, follow the signs to Pelion and drive towards Kissos Village.

Upon reaching Kissos, you’ll be greeted by the village’s timeless charm. The stone-paved streets, traditional houses, and colorful flowers create a picturesque ambiance that is quintessentially Greek. Park your car and take a moment to immerse yourself in the tranquility of this idyllic haven.


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Hiking to Tympanos Springs and Waterfall

Commencing from the central square of Kissos, the trail leads westward, taking you along a concrete and dirt road. Keep an eye out for the first crossroad, where you’ll divert from the dirt road and proceed towards the stream. Here, you’ll notice the red signs marking the path, guiding you to your destination.

As you follow the red signs, the slope becomes steeper but is not difficult to be followed. A highlight of the trek is the short section where you’ll navigate alongside a waterway with a drop beneath. While the experience might seem daunting for those with acrophobia, fear not, for it is manageable with a little encouragement.

For added safety, consider walking barefoot through the cement waterway or carrying a second pair of shoes. A short crawl through a tunnel along the waterway leads you closer to your destination.

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Kissos village Main Square – Agia Marina Church

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This road leads towards the trail

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entering the dirt road

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Here is where the actual trail starts

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Some scrambling

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Hiking

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a small waterfall


The Tunnel before Tympanos springs

As I was alone with a kid and no other hikers around, I decided to conclude the hike just before the tunnel that leads to the final section for Tympanos waterfall. However, if you choose to continue further, after passing through the tunnel, you’ll be welcomed by the sight of the magnificent Tympanos waterfall. Prepare yourself to be awe-struck by the cascading waters and the natural beauty that envelops you. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the tranquility of this oasis and capture the experience through photographs to cherish later.

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We have to crawl for a few meters through a tunnel dug in the rock, along the waterway.

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First view of the waterfall

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Waterfall

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Details of the hike

  • Location: Kissos
  • Trail Signs: Signed path
  • Maximum Elevation: 449 m.
  • Minimum Elevation: 545 m
  • Total Distance: 6 km
  • Hiking time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy (Pay attention at the tunnel)
  • When to Hike: Any time of the year
The Route


Before you leave this blog check out the following map

Below: This map marks all the mountaineering adventures that have been featured on Olympus Mountaineering so far, including several Sport climbing crags – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.

4 thoughts on “Hiking in Pelion – Exploring the Enchanting Springs and Waterfall of Tympanos – Kissos

    1. Yes, I know. He was born nearby Volos “Velestino” (ancient name Ferres and therefore the Velestins Feraios) and he also lived in Kissos. Though, allow me a minor correction to his name, Rigas (Ρήγας) and not Rigos. Thank you for your comment and I appreciate your historical approach in the various posts.

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      1. Yes its hard for me to transcribe in Greek English, we know him as “Riga od Fere”. He was captured and tortured to death in Belgrade, in the fortress tower that bizarly has a same name as I – Pirgos Nebojsa….

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