DISCOVER MILIES

Milies sits 400 metres above the Aegean, 28km from Volos — close enough to reach easily, far enough to feel like another world. Cobblestone paths wind past Ottoman mansions, stone fountains, and a village square that hasn’t changed much since 1821.

The old station next to the hotel is home to the Pelion steam train — Moutzouris, known as “Smudgy” — one of the most beloved narrow-gauge railways in Greece. It climbs from the coast at Lehonia all the way up to Milies at 400 metres, threading through chestnut forest the entire way. Book tickets early — it sells out fast.

Cobblestone paths wind past Ottoman mansions, stone fountains, and houses built without a straight line in sight. Walking here feels like the village was designed to slow you down.

Milies produced two of the Greek Revolution’s most important figures — Anthimos Gazis and Gregory Kostantas — who founded the Psihis Akos school here in 1814

The Old Library holds maps, books and documents from the Greek Revolution — a small building carrying an outsized piece of history.

In the main square stands the church of Panmegiston Taxiarhon, built in 1741. It was from here that Anthimos Gazis led the call to revolution against the Turks in May 1821.

Milies is mountain, but the sea is never far. Kala Nera, Afissos and Koropi are all a short drive down — clean, sandy, and far less crowded than the east coast beaches.

The village square has several good tavernas — order whatever is local that day. And when you’re ready to stop exploring, Palios Stathmos is right where you left it.