Milies and Visitsa in Pelion are two of Greece’s hidden mountain gems worth discovering.
Located on the green southern slopes of Pelion, the villages of Milies and Vyzitsa are two of the most charming and historic destinations in Thessaly. They are located approximately 28 km east of Volos. They are a perfect combination of natural beauty, traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Although Pelion is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, these two villages lack the fame of the more prominent settlements on the mountain of the Centaurs. In these villages, life unfolds at a slower pace, and they remain relatively undiscovered by most visitors to the region.
Milies: A prefect combination of tradition and nature
Milies embodies all of the features that distinguish Pelion’s villages. The square in the village centre, with its cafes and taverns under plane trees, serves as the starting point for treks through the village. Spectacular historic residences line the settlement’s stone cobblestone streets, while stone fountains spurt cool water year-round, quenching visitors’ thirst. Finally, the village offers panoramic views of the Pagasetic Gulf, creating an idyllic atmosphere for traveller
The cafe Anna na ena milo (which translates to ‘Anna, this is an apple’) is located just a few metres from the square. It is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive cafes in Pelion. With dozens of images on the walls, old posters, album covers, and souvenirs, the visitor’s eye takes some time to adjust and comprehend all of the information on the walls. However, what remains in the end is a flood of nostalgic recollections and welcoming longing. These are accompanied by coffee, mountain drinks, and traditional delicacies.
Taxiarches Church: A remarkable example of religious art
In the central square, the village hides one unique monument. It is the Church of the Holy Archangels (Taxiarches). Although the exact date of its construction remains unknown, an inscription on the right side of the building confirms that they renovated in 1741. From the outside, the structure appears simple and modest, almost blending into the surrounding buildings. In fact, it does not resemble a church, as there is a complete absence of visible religious symbols on its exterior. Architecturally, it is a three-aisled basilica with twelve hidden domes, consisting of a narthex and the main church.
But the interior of the church reveals even more remarkable surprises. The most impressive of them is its extraordinary acoustics. Hidden within the ceiling are 48 clay jars placed upside down, along with five interconnected wells. They are all designed to amplify sound naturally, creating an echo effect similar to modern speakers. The church has also exceptional iconography, believed to have been painted by an unknown monk from Mount Athos. Another masterpiece is the gold-plated wooden iconostasis, carved from linden wood by skilled craftsmen from Epirus. These all remarkable elements make the Church of the Taxiarches not only a place of worship but also a remarkable example of Pelion’s religious art and architectural ingenuity.
Vizitsa: A hidden Pelion gem
Vyzitsa, located just a few kilometres from Milies, is a true hidden treasure of Pelion. The village is lined with beautifully restored old mansions that showcase some of the finest examples of local architecture. Many of the houses are distinguished by their well-preserved stone masonry on the lower floors and elegantly designed loggias on the upper floors, reflecting the area’s rich architectural heritage.
Another distinctive feature of the village is that most of the settlement is accessible only through traditional stone cobblestone streets, which add to its timeless charm. The picturesque village square is also unique, as it is not located at street level but on a lush, elevated green area at the heart of the settlement. Surrounded by traditional buildings and shaded by tall plane trees, the square is an inviting spot where visitors can relax and enjoy excellent traditional desserts and local dishes.
Enjoy local product and discover hiking trails
Vyzitsa is the best place to discover authentic local products that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Pelion. A visit to the shop Melenio offers the opportunity to taste and purchase a variety of delicacies. These include traditional spoon sweets made from seasonal fruits, homemade jams, and local honey. Equally important is the Agrotouristic Women’s Cooperative of Vyzitsa. Here local women prepare handmade products based on traditional recipes passed down through generations. Their selection includes sweets, jams, liqueurs, and other homemade treats made from Pelion’s fruits and herbs.
Vyzitsa is also an ideal starting point for exploring the beautiful hiking trails of Pelion. From the village, visitors can follow well-preserved stone paths that once connected the mountain settlements. They are part of a scenic network of walking routes. These trails lead through dense forests, olive groves, and traditional villages such as Milies and Pinakates. They offer hikers the opportunity to experience Pelion’s rich natural landscape. At the same time, they offer the hikers impressive views over the Pagasetic Gulf.
The historic “Moutzouris” train experience
One of the most iconic experiences in Pelion, during a visit to the two villages, is a ride on the “Moutzouris”. This train earned the nickname “Mountzouris” due to the thick black smoke emitted from its exhaust, as “Mountzouris” translates to “one who has a smudge on his face”. It is the historic narrow-gauge train that connects the villages of the region with the coastal plain near Volos. Built in the late 19th and the early 20th century by the Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, the railway was originally designed to transport goods and passengers between the mountain villages and the port.
Today, the restored train travels on a spectacular route from Ano Lechonia to Milies. On the slopes of Pelion, it crosses stone bridges, tunnels, and lush forests. The slow journey allows visitors to admire the stunning views of the Pagasetic Gulf. At the same time, it gives them the opportunity to experience a piece of Greece’s industrial history. This train is not only a means of transportation but also one of the most memorable sights in the region.
On the official site you can find information about the timetable and tickets.
Taste the flavours of authentic Pelion
In both villages, visitors can enjoy the authentic flavours of Pelion through a variety of traditional dishes. Local specialities include the famous spetzofai, a hearty dish made with sausages, peppers and tomatoes. Other local dishes include cooked lamb and rooster served with pasta. Homemade pies, such as cheese pie and wild herb pie, reflect the rich gastronomic tradition of the region. These excellent dishes, often accompanied by a glass of local tsipouro, offer a real taste of the gastronomy of Pelion. The tavern Aegli in Milies is a great place to try the local gastronomy, especially during a warm day under the shady plane trees.
Visiting both villages
A visit to these two villages of Pelion, easily accessible from Volos, offers a wonderful introduction to the authentic character of the region. Milies and Vizitsa, two hidden gems of mountainous Greece, combine rich tradition, local gastronomy, and stunning natural beauty. Stroll through their charming streets, admire the sweeping views of the sea, drink fresh water from a fountain, and savour a traditional dish in a tavern while breathing in the crisp mountain air. Paired with a ride on the historic Pelion train, this journey creates a truly memorable and unforgettable experience.
Exploring Pelion with the lovely town of Volos as your base is a highly recommended alternative. Without a doubt, Unique Living Apartments is the best option for lodging in Volos’ centre. The apartments are stylish, modern, comfortable and fully equipped with all modern comforts.
