Milia is a tiny settlement of stone houses in the mountains of western Crete. It was built at the end of the 16th century, but it was deserted just over fifty years later after an outbreak of cholera. Some twenty years ago, two local families started to rebuild the ruins with the idea to turn them into guesthouses and combine this with biological farming, reforestation, and environmental protection. They created a fabulous little getaway, not only for nature lovers, but for anyone looking for seclusion and absolute quiet, and in the process also turned Milia into a fully sustainable operation. Electricity is generated from solar energy, gas- and wood-fired boilers heat water for showers, shower water in turn is used for irrigation, and waste is recycled.
Inside, the houses are cosy and utterly country-stylish. They are appointed with old local furniture with the added luxury of Cocomat mattresses, cast-iron stoves, and little touches such as starched linen curtains, cream-white duvets and a candle set by the bedside table. It all combines beautifully with the bare stone walls and floors made of wood and smoothed concrete. With shady terraces outside and greenery all around, the place is just perfect.
Meals are served in a large sitting/dining room. Everything is prepared with organic, home grown products (except the coffee). For breakfast you can try mountain tea or coffee with fresh goat’s milk, home-baked bread, fresh eggs, local honey, strawberry and blackberry juice and yoghurt. The cooks are incredibly skilled and turn the freshest possible ingredients into fine-tasting meals: zucchini and chestmut casserole, tender, oven-baked porc with orange, rabbit stuffed with soft, local cheese, cheese pies and of course fresh salads are among the favourites.
Open
All year
Rates
From 60 Euro
For further information regarding rates and booking periods please go to the tab ''On line booking''.
Rooms
8 doubles
3 triples
2 quadruples
Breakfast
From 8.30 to 10.30
Restaurant
Open all day
Notes
Children welcome, cots available
Pets allowed
Parking at a few minutes’ walk from the houses
Room facilities
En-suite shower
Wood-burning stove (no other heating)
Other facilities
Sitting room with fireplace
Terraces and relaxation areas outside the rooms
Wi-fi internet acess in the central building
Parking few minutes far from the houses
Distances
Sea: 22km
Beach: 22 km
Shops: 12 km
Restaurants: 6 km
Kissamos: 22 km
How to get there
From Kissamos take the road that goes to Elafonissos via Korfanolas and Elos. About five km after Topolia, turn right towards Vlatos and follow signs for Milia (4.5 km along a breathtaking dirt road).
Activities
In such a remote place, won't you get bored? If your interests are nightlife and shopping, the answer is yes. But if you enjoy walking, mountain biking, cooking, bird watching, farm activities or simply relaxing with a book or a game, the answer is no, you won't. Also, by car you can easily make a day excursion to Elafonisi, one of Greece's most beautiful beaches, and we also recommend you sign up for a travers of the famous Samaria gorge.
