Travel
Flight
Athens International Airport
We recommend flying into Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, guests can travel to Portaria, a beautiful mountain village on Mount Pelion, in the region of Thessaly in Central Greece. We recommend booking flights early, especially as summer travel in Greece can get busy. All guests traveling from the U.S. will need a valid passport to enter Greece. Make sure your passport is not expired and has at least 6 months of validity beyond your date of return to the US. No visa is required for U.S. citizens staying in Greece for fewer than 90 days for tourism.
Travel Note
Getting to Portaria
Portaria is a 4-hour drive from Athens, and there are a few different options for making the trip. As traveling guests make their final plans and arrangements, we may be able to coordinate a private bus option for travel from Athens if it makes sense. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, and there are many available options, both at the airport and all over Athens. The drive to Portaria is straightforward, taking you through scenic countryside and well-maintained highways. This option is especially convenient if you’d like to explore more of Greece before or after the wedding. For the more adventurous travelers, there is also the KTEL bus system that offers convenient and frequent routes between Athens and Volos. You can find schedules and book tickets through the KTEL e-ticket platform here: https://ktelvolou.e-ticketing.gr/Pages/Destinations.aspx. Once in Volos, there are frequent buses up the mountain towards Portaria available from the KTEL station, as well as taxis available for the 20-30 minute trip. This would be a more "authentic experience" (probably not be the most convenient option for people with children...).
Travel Note
Once in Portaria
Portaria offers a variety of accommodations. The most convenient option is the Xenia Portaria hotel, easily accessible, with lots of parking, and extremely close to both the welcome dinner and reception. We have arranged a special wedding rate for reservations at this hotel (information can be found below)! Additionally, there are charming boutique hotels, guesthouses, and scenic Airbnbs for all budgets in Portaria, but it should be noted that most of these are on the "simple" side relative to what US travelers may be used to. If you are renting a car, the nearby town of Volos, as well as the villages of Makrinitsa or Chania also offer interesting options. However, we would recommend staying in or very near to Portaria to be close to the wedding events and be able to enjoy the walkable village charm.
Hotel
Xenia Portaria Hotel
Our wedding reception will take place at La Veranda, next to Xenia Portaria Hotel. The hotel offers a quiet and comfortable stay just a few minutes from our home in Portaria. It’s surrounded by nature while still being close to the village, and it provides convenient on-site parking for guests. We have arranged special wedding rates for our guests. To book, please contact the hotel directly and mention our wedding to receive the discounted rate: 📞 +30 24280 99980 | ✉️ info@xeniaportarias.gr
Hotel
Kenta Mountain Hotel
Charming hotel with a garden and outdoor bar. Walking distance to the main square and the church. Has parking and AC (no elevator). 📞 +30 2428 090190 | ✉️ info@kentamountain.gr
Hotel
Naoumidis Hotel
Elegant hotel with an outdoor pool, AC, and parking. Steps away from the main square and the wedding church. 📞 +30 24280 99470 | ✉️ info@naoumidishotel.gr
Hotel
Despotiko Hotel
A well-known hotel with good amenities, including a pool and lounge areas. To reach it by car, you need to drive about 250 meters on a cobblestone road (“kalderimi”), or you can park on the main road and walk from there. 📞 +30 24280 99046 | ✉️ info@despotiko.gr
Hotel
Erofili Hotel
A family-run hotel located just before the main square at the turn for Makrinitsa. It has comfortable rooms, air conditioning, an elevator, and limited parking. It’s a practical option close to the main part of the village. 📞 +30 24280 99916 | ✉️ erofilihotel@gmail.com