From the very beginning of the collaboration between Damma Mia and 4P’s Marketing Studios, Evgenios Markakis — the welcoming owner of the property — extended an open invitation for us to visit the enchanting Damouchari and experience his unique space firsthand. As the autumn season had just begun, it took some time to align our schedules, but eventually we managed to organize our trip for early October. Although we knew we wouldn’t have enough time to fully experience everything the place had to offer, on a cloudy Saturday morning we set off towards Volos and from there to Eastern Pelion, with Damma Mia as our final destination.
Listening to Evgenios talk about Damma Mia is a journey in itself. In a vivid and engaging way, he creates images in your mind, while his passion for the space and what it offers is immediately clear. Until the day of our trip, however, we had known him as a collaborator rather than a host.
On our way to Volos — a journey that is an experience on its own — we found ourselves wondering what we were about to see. Not out of doubt, but because of the expectations Evgenios had built through the way he spoke about the place. Along the way, we also talked about the stories we had heard about this destination. What does “Damouchari” actually mean? According to the most common version, the name comes from the phrase “dammi” (Venetian for “grant me”), which Venetian sailors would shout during storms, calling upon a higher power for help. There is, however, a more romantic version, linking the name to the love story between Cleopatra Miramare and Apostolos Vainopoulos, the man who built the first houses in Damouchari — including the building that has been home to Damma Mia since 2014. In this case, the name is associated with the French “d’amour”, meaning “for the sake of love.”
Returning to our journey, it is worth mentioning the stunning route that begins as you leave the Volos regional road and start climbing towards Pelion. Portaria, Kissos, Agios Ioannis pass by, until the landscape becomes almost unreal — like a living painting, seemingly untouched by human presence, apart from the narrow road cutting through it. As we descended towards our destination, we reached the square of Damouchari, marked by the characteristic olive tree in the center — the sign, according to Evgenios’ instructions, that we had arrived. Or at least, that’s what we thought.
As co-drivers on this trip, we decided to follow our own instincts and stray from the path we had been given. And just like that… we got lost. To his credit, Evgenios, who had been waiting to welcome us, immediately set out to find us, walking through the wind and bad weather, helping us finally reach the house.
And that’s when we met Damma Mia. A truly unique place, built before 1900 beneath the Venetian Castle, almost right on the sea. As we opened the door, we were struck by the cave and its distinctive atmosphere — so close to the water that we couldn’t resist the temptation of a swim, despite the cold and the wind. A wind that, quite surprisingly, disappears once inside, replaced by a sense of warmth and shelter: cozy in autumn, cool in summer.
The first thing you notice is the courtyard, embraced by the rooms and the imposing rock to which Damma Mia feels almost attached. A space where authenticity meets modern comfort — and goes beyond expectations.
After settling in, Evgenios shared with us the story of the area and guided us through every detail of the space. A visit to the nearby “Karagatsi” tavern completed our first day perfectly. From the very first evening, it became clear that nothing was missing: a fully equipped home, filled with thoughtful details — from a stocked fridge and drinks to blankets and a hammock for moments of complete relaxation.
The night unfolded with board games, laughter and… quick defeats. The next morning, waking up before 06:00, I had the chance to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, with the Aegean in front of me and the sound of the sea in the background. Our second day in Damouchari followed the same rhythm: we cooked, enjoyed our coffee by the water, and explored the surrounding area.
Tsagarada, just 10 minutes away, offered us a beautiful walk among plane trees and chestnut trees, with autumn present in every corner. And yet, by the end of the day, the only thing we wanted was to return to Damma Mia.
Our final morning came with that familiar feeling — the one you get when you’re not quite ready to leave a place. Because Damma Mia is not just accommodation. It is an experience of hospitality, care, and complete tranquility — and that is its true secret.
Evgenios, Damma Mia and Damouchari, the team of 4P’s Marketing Studios would like to sincerely thank you for everything, and we hope to meet again soon — wishing you a very strong season for 2026!
The 4P’s Team - Alexandros, Thanos, Myrto, Mirka, Maro, Konstantinos
