ANO MILIA & WINE TASTING TOUR

Duration: 5–6 hours

Starting time: 08:00 a.m.

Every Wednesday – Friday 

We begin our tour with a comfortable, air-conditioned private van and head towards Ano Milia, in the Pierian Mountains, a village hidden among lush greenery.

During the visit, you will experience the authentic atmosphere of the village, while enjoying the views and the peacefulness of the landscape. Afterwards, the experience leads us to the small chapel of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia, an ideal place for a short relaxing stop in nature.

Next, we enjoy a walk along the magical Path of Love, where the natural scenery, the sounds of nature and the coolness of the forest create a deeply relaxing experience. The path is pleasant and accessible, offering a balanced connection with nature without being physically demanding.

The experience concludes with a wine tasting by a local producer. There, you will have the opportunity to enjoy selected wines in a peaceful natural environment. It is a relaxing and enjoyable moment that offers the perfect ending to the tour.

An experience that combines knowledge, pleasure and authentic Greek hospitality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Impressive views towards the highest peaks of Mount Olympus and the Thermaic Gulf
• Stress-free program
• Away from mass tourism
• Wine tasting

INCLUDES

✓ English-speaking and Greek-speaking escort-driver
✓ Pick-up and transfer from your hotel
✓ Transportation by air-conditioned van
✓ Wine tasting
✓ Civil liability insurance
✓ Coffee / Water / Snack
✓ All taxes
✓ Hiking poles
✓ First aid kit
✓ Child seats available upon request

✕ Tips

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TOUR

• The tour is low difficulty
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Suitable for ages 4 to 85
• Hiking shoes are recommended
• Light jacket recommended
• Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen recommended
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people with heart problems

For availability, please contact us.

LEARN MORE

ANO MILIA, PIERIA

Ano Milia is located 26 kilometers west of Katerini, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, on the southwestern slopes of the Pierian Mountains. The first settlement of the area goes back deep into the centuries, with references dating to 1537. Ano Milia is also mentioned as an armatoliki area.

Saint Kosmas of Aetolia passed through this area in 1763. On a pine tree, the iron cross that he placed into the trunk is still preserved today. At that spot, he spoke to the villagers about the faith of their ancestors. Recently, a small chapel was built there in memory of Saint Kosmas.

The Saint was hosted in the famous Tower of the Lazaioi, whose ruins still survive today. The Lazaioi were a well-known family of klephts and armatoles who operated in the wider Olympus region before the Greek Revolution of 1821. They were known for their bravery, strong bonds and friendship with Nikotsaras, while the chieftain Georgakis Olympios also came from this family.

In 1822, the Battle of Milia took place, during which the Tower of the Lazaioi was blown up and the settlement was destroyed. At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the residents gradually moved to lower areas, forming Middle Milia and Lower Milia.

In 1943, the settlement was completely destroyed by the Germans. Ano Milia was reborn in 1960 with the first building of the mountain refuge of the Hellenic Mountaineering Club of Katerini.

CHAPEL OF SAINT KOSMAS OF AETOLIA

In 1765, Saint Kosmas of Aetolia passed through Ano Milia. He was hosted in the Tower of the Lazaioi and served in the old church of Saint Paraskevi. In the surrounding area of the church, he preached the word of God for the spiritual rebirth of the nation.

At that time, a pandemic was affecting the region, and the residents asked for his help. Saint Kosmas, together with the priests of the village and with the participation of all the residents, walked around the village three times. Finally, he stopped on the eastern side of the village and placed an iron cross into the blessed pine tree, in order to stop the evil.

Saint Kosmas used to place the cross of Christ and repentance wherever he passed — in the earth, on rocks, on trees and, above all, in the hearts of suffering people. According to tradition, from this faith came the rebirth of the nation.

Indeed, the village was saved from the pandemic. Since then, this location has been called “Iron Cross”. The Holy Church of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia celebrates on August 24.

PATH OF LOVE

The Path of Love is a beautiful and easy hiking route of 1.5 km in the lush Pierian Mountains. Its name is connected with romantic and love stories.

The vegetation along the route mainly consists of beech trees, chestnut trees, oak trees and fir trees. The path also includes wooden bridges and stone fountains.

On the Path of Wishes, there is a tree where visitors hang a ribbon or thread as a personal wish.