Milia Traditional Settlement

Hidden in the folds of the White Mountains, a beautifully restored settlement of 14 stone houses, with views, trails and organic food

A cross between a Cretan village, an ecological farm and a mountain hostel, Milia is a unique and ambitious project. Set high above the Topolia gorge in the western foothills of the White Mountains, at the head of an enclosed valley bursting with chestnut and arbutus trees, this tiny settlement was used as a hideout by WW2 resistance fighters, and later abandoned.

But, in 1982, two energetic, eco-minded locals decided to bring it back to life. Using private and EU funds, they reconstructed old houses, reintroduced livestock and replanted terraces. Stream water was piped in, solar electric panels were installed and a smooth road has replaced the bumpy track. You'll find 14 beautifully restored stone houses with simple bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious communal dining room, and a warm welcome from gentle Giorgos, tireless Tassos and their hospitable helpers. If you enjoy the simple, slow pleasures of life – home-grown food, country hikes, stunning views – you will never want to leave.

Highs

• The seclusion, high in a wooded valley
• The views, flora and fauna of the surrounding hills
• The delicious, organic, home-grown food - the very best of Cretan
• The absolute serenity: no cars or telephones (though you can get a faint mobile signal) - just the wind in the trees and the mewing of buzzards

Lows

• The rooms are simple, especially the bathrooms
• A solar system provides some electricity but not enough for TV, radio or hairdryers in the rooms (but you’re hardly here for creature comforts!)
• It's best in summer, as an escape from the heat and crowds; from Oct to April it can be rather cold and dark