Efipoi Traditional Settlement

The name efipoi is chosen for the building of a traditional residence called ‘aderfomoiri’, which is located in Pinakates, Pilion, in the settlement of Alexeika. It’s a name with a double meaning: on the one hand, its initial letters form an acronym and, on the other hand, it’s a reference to the local mythology of green Pilion, the land of the Centaurs.

Pinakates is one of the 24 villages of Pilion. According to one interpretation, the name Pinakates comes from one of the first residents of the village, who was called Pinakas; the name means ‘constructor of earthen or wooden dishes’ which, in the local dialect of Pelion were called ‘pinakia’. It’s important to mention that the village of Pinakates, along with that of Makrinitsa and Vyzitsa, has been characterized as one of the most authentic and traditional villages of Pilion. The reason why it has maintained this particular character is the relative isolation of the village until recently. A central road axis crosses the village and passes above the sunken square, while all the other streets, pedestrian paths and, in days past, paths for equestrians, form a paved network of walkabouts that runs through the village at the various levels. The route along this network, reveals the stone houses, both mansions and rural cottages, small courtyards with arbores, the flowerpots with the flowers and the abundant natural springs. The green countryside that surrounds the village is unspoilt and has remained unchanged for centuries: plane trees, chestnuts and poplars form a dense forest, while fruit trees, mainly apple trees, olive trees and vines complete the picturesque landscape. As for the distances, Pinakates, with an altitude of 650m, is within a distance of 25 km from the city of Volos, while in the neighbouring area, within 3 km lies Vyzitsa and Ai–Giorgis Nilias as well as the village of Milies (6 km). Finally, within 15 km from Pinakates lie Kalamaki and Lampinou, the blue beaches of the Aegean.

It is, therefore, a traditional residential building, dating back approximately to the 18th century, with an arched door at one side and an internal embrasure. The renovation of the building began in 2002, following a well-thought out study, implemented with great care.

The main materials used in the construction are the local white stone, visible in the walls, wood in the door frames and in the roof, as well as the grey shingle of Pilion, which was used to cover the roof.

The result is four self-contained apartments, four hospitable spaces, each consisting of a living room (in the living room there is always a fireplace, a traditional feature that gathered the people around it), a bedroom, a cooker and a bathroom. In the bedroom, there is a double bed, and additionally sleeping facilities can be provided in the living room for another two individuals. In two of these apartments there is a loft and an attic, ideal spaces for children. The decoration, exterior and mainly interior, is the result of a very careful choice of particular furniture, tables and decorative objects, which enhance the atmosphere and the character of this Pilioritian house in a unique way.

Finally, we should mention that the abundance of modern equipment that is allocated to each apartment, as well as the proximity of car parking spaces, ensure a comfortable stay.