A stone-built communal faucet in the main square of Portaria provides a cool drink to travelers.
This small town of Pelion is the first major place of rest for those who take the northern loop of the mountain. Once you leave the town of Volos, the road climbs radically upwards, following a very narrow and winding path that provides great views for the passengers (unfortunately there is no time for a driver to pull his/her eyes off the road).
The first, and probably the only major rest before the long trip to the east coast is the town of Portaria. PortariaÕs only purpose for existence seems to be the catering of the travelers who stop to have a cup of coffee, or a plate of food.
The town is quaint, with stone houses hidden in the thick flora of the western Pelion slopes. A number of restaurants, coffee shops, and gift shops are congregated around the main square that is filled to capacity at all hours of summer and winter.
