Milies Travel Guide

Come discover the hidden beauty of Milies in Greece. Explore its attractions, hiking routes, culture, and customs, how to get around, where to stay, and what to buy.


Introduction to Milies

Located on the hills of Mount Pelion, Milies is a charming village that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and ancient history to its visitors. This small Macedonian settlement is built around 7 springs that supply water to the village’s famous arched bridge and picturesque traditional houses. In this Milies travel guide, you will discover some of the top places to visit, hiking trails, where to stay, what to buy, and when to visit this paradise.

List of Places to Visit in Milies

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Library of Milies

The library of Milies is a renowned mansion located in the village’s square. The library was established in 1785 and today houses thousands of rare books, manuscripts, and archives, including a copy of the ancient map of Magnesia.

The Church of Agios Taxiarchis

Agios Taxiarchis is a beautiful church that depicts the Byzantine era’s religious art and architecture. The church’s wall paintings, which date back to the 17th century, are remarkably preserved.

The Folklore Museum of Milies

The Folklore Museum displays a collection of antique furniture, ceramics, handmade textiles, and traditional costumes that reflect the village’s history and heritage. You can find the museum at the mansion of Topalis.

Natural Attractions of Milies: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Agia Triada Monastery

Agia Triada Monastery is a peaceful and holy place lying amidst the lush green forests of Pelion. Monks live here who follow strict rules of prayers and rituals practiced from the ancient Byzantine times.

The Watermill of Milies

The watermill of Milies is a cultural heritage monument that shows ancient technology. It is located near the famous arched bridge of Milies and is one of the village’s oldest watermills.

The Mountain of Pelion

The mountain of Pelion is a fascinating place for nature enthusiasts with several scenic hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and slopes with trees and shrubs. The mountain has several villages, hamlets, and chapels scattered on its slopes that make for a delightful day-trip excursion.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Milies

Pelion has several hiking and biking trails that pass through Milies and offer an exciting view of the natural and cultural wonders of the region. Some of the popular trails include the Old Train Route, the E4 Trail, and the Milies to Tsagarada Trail. These trails include steep inclines and long descents, but they offer moments of refreshing views and fresh air.

Best Things to Do in Milies: Activities and Tours

Some of the exciting activities and tours include the Pelion train trip which passes through the villages of Ano Lechonia, and Velestino, Canyoning in the Torrento of Mylopotamos, and kayaking in the Aegean Sea.

Week-Long Itinerary for Milies

Day Itinerary
1 Explore the library of Milies and the church of Agios Taxiarchis
2 Visit the Folklore Museum of Milies and a hike through the mountain of Pelion
3 Trekking of Old Train Route and rest in Agia Triada Monastery
4 Take a Pelion Train tour
5 Kayaking in the Aegean Sea and Canyoning in Mylopotamos
6 Visit The little fishing town of Oreoi and relaxing day at the seashores
7 Leave Milies, stopover at Agios Ioannis Beach, and the Sunset at the Ai Giannis Chapel.

Food and Drink Scene of Milies

Must-Try Dishes

The local food in Milies comprises traditional recipes, snacks, and dishes that incorporate fresh herbs, olives, cheese, and spices. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Spetzofai: Spicy sausage and pepper
  • Boubari: Meatballs made with rice and herbs
  • Palesntina: An old-style meatloaf made with lamb and beef
  • Revithada: Traditional chickpea stew
  • Melopita: A pineapple-shaped cake with honey and cheese filling.

Local Beverages

Milies produces a wide range of high-quality traditional drinks, such as Tsipouro, a grape-based brandy, and Raki, another fermented beverage with an anise-flavored spirit. Other drinks include the famous Greek wines like Santorini, Crete, and Nemea wine varieties.

Where to Stay in Milies: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Milies offers various accommodation options that cater to different budgets and tastes. Some of the popular accommodations include Milies Art & Suites, a boutique hotel located in the center of the village, and Alexander Guest House, which offers comfortable rooms at an affordable rate. Other notable accommodations include Mare Verde Boutique Hotel, which provides a fantastic sea view, and the Archontiko Stathopoulou Mansion, which gives its guests a feel of traditional Greek hospitality.

What to Buy in Milies: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Milies offers some of the fascinating shopping experiences that provide local products, such as honey, cheese, olive oil, handmade ceramics, and woolen rugs. If you’re looking for something unique and traditional, a Milies ‘Martouro’ hand-woven woolen rug is a perfect choice.

Local Culture and Customs of Milies

Milies cultural events and local customs reflect the ancient Greek tradition and rural customs. Some of the popular festivals and cultural events in Milies worth attending include the Cherry Festival in June, the Festival of Aghia Marina in July, and the Festival of Aghios Andreas in November. Each event provides a cultural significance that has survived through generations.

Best Time to Visit Milies

The best time to visit Milies is during spring and summer when the town is bustling with life, and the weather is mild and bright. September to November is also an excellent time for nature lovers as the mountains’ forest turns golden, making it an ideal time for hiking trails.

Do’s and Don’ts of Milies

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress modestly, especially in religious places.
  • Try local delicacies.
  • Hike the mountain and explore the beautiful waterfalls.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink in public places.
  • Don’t litter and keep the environment clean.

Safety and Health

Safety in Milies

Milies is known for its peaceful and safe environment. It’s a place where locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors. However, travelers should take necessary precautions like keeping their valuables and belongings safe and secured.

Health in Milies

For Medical emergencies, there is a public health center in nearby Kalamos, about 5 km away from the village, and a private health center in Volos about 25 km away.

Getting to Milies: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Milies

The nearest international airport is Thessaloniki International Airport, around 230 km away. Alternatively, there is Volos International Airport, about 50 km from Milies.

Bus Stations Near Milies

The nearest bus station is in Volos, where daily buses connect to the village. Taxis and car rentals are also available from Volos.

Other Options

Another way to reach Milies is by taking a scenic train ride from Athens and disembarking at the Milies Railway Station. The railway station is closed during winter, and trains operate usually during high tourist season.

How to Get Around in Milies

The most convenient and effective transportation option is to rent a car or a motorcycle. Taxis are also readily available, and the rates are reasonable. Buses also run from Volos, and hiking is another fun and exciting way to explore the village.

Where to Go Next from Milies: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Makrinitsa, a charming village in Pelion, boasts stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The village of Tsagarada has a beautiful beach and impressive natural views. You can visit the nearby beach towns like Agios Ioannis, Damouchari, and Chorefto for a relaxing day-trip excursion.

Conclusion

Milies is a haven for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a small village with a big heart, where every corner has a tale to tell. Make it a point to visit Milies on your next Greek holiday and experience the enchanting world it holds for its visitors.

Saint Taxiarchis church on central square Saint Taxiarchis church on central square Railway bridge close to Milies train station Railway bridge close to Milies train station Pinakates Pinakates The steam train travelling to Milies. The steam train travelling to Milies.