The Traditional Bakery in Lafkos, PelionIn the picturesque village of Lafkos in Pelion, a traditional wood-fired oven remains a living part of the village’s history and daily life. Every morning, the scent of freshly baked bread fills the cobblestone alleys, drawing locals and travelers alike to gather around the old stone bakery.
The bakery of Lafkos is housed in a stone-built structure from the early 20th century. It was built in 1904 and was originally intended to serve as a railway station — a project by Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, father of the famous painter. The train may never have arrived, but this beautiful building — with its distinctive style reminiscent of a station — found a new identity as a bakery. Since 1952, the traditional wood-fired oven has operated continuously, keeping the old art of bread-making alive. The architecture of the bakery immediately catches the eye: the high-ceilinged stone building with arches is a true ornament of the village and an integral part of its traditional character.The Drositis Family The history of the bakery is tied to the Drositis family, who for decades have kept the fire of the wood oven burning. The old baker, Mr. Giorgos, and now his son Yiannis, knead with love and bake with wood, just like their predecessors. Every dawn the same scene repeats itself: koulouria (sesame bread rings), herb pies, and cheese pies with handmade filo come out of the oven aromatic and warm, while sourdough loaves bake patiently. Recipes and secrets are passed from generation to generation — with every bite, you can taste the love the family puts into each product.A Social Hub of the VillageMore than just a shop, the bakery serves as a social hub for Lafkos. Early in the morning, villagers gather for warm bread and conversation, exchanging news and smiles. For the local community, this wood-fired oven has always been valuable — in the past it was essential for supplying bread to homes and taverns, while today it keeps tradition and a sense of community alive. Travelers from all corners of Pelion, and even from abroad, come to Lafkos to taste its products.Lafkos – A Village with SoulLafkos is not an ordinary village of Pelion. It is a peaceful, sunlit place, with well-preserved stone houses and jasmine-filled courtyards. Built at an altitude of 310 meters with a view of the Pagasetic Gulf, it retains an air of old-world charm and authenticity. Its large, stone-paved square with towering plane trees is the heart of social life — there you’ll also find Forlidas’ café, the oldest traditional café in Pelion. With its wooden bar, shelves lined with old bottles, and the smell of Greek coffee simmering on hot ash, this café is the perfect companion to your visit. One taste leads to another, and together they create a whole scene of life, unadorned and genuine.So, the traditional bakery of Lafkos is not just a shop — it’s an institution that persists, creates, and brings people together. And if you find yourself there, grab some warm bread, sit for a while in the square, listen to the people, breathe in the air. Bet you won’t want to leave…Traditional Bakery of Lafkos (T: +302423065046)Open daily except Sundays, 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Related TagsPELION - A Four Season Dream,
