SeaLandscape Photography & Art Contest - Makrinitsa, Milies + Mylopotamos

IMylopotamos beach (Μυλοπόταμος / Mylopotamos) can be reached by a nice asphalt road from the village of Tsagarada. In fact, one of the hamlets of the village is close enough, and even the farthest one can be reached in 15-20 minutes by car. There is a parking lot, but it probably fills up completely in the summer. The beach is accessible via two steep but cultivated paths. On the southern one you will pass a tavern and a cafe.

In rough seas, you can watch the waves crash against the rocks, the force of the impact sending foam and spray several meters up the path. So be careful not to get wet.

In fact, the beach is "pinched" or rather divided by a single stone promontory dividing the beach into two almost equal halves. It is in the stone cape that there is a tunnel, which makes the place very magical and suitable for photos.

The more organized part of the beach, where you will find a restaurant, lifeguard, sunbeds, umbrellas, changing room and showers, is the southern part - exactly where the path leads. And the north side of the beach (after going through the tunnel) is wild. There is nothing of civilization there and it is more suitable for solitude and nudism.

I don't know a person who has visited Makrinitsa, who has not vowed to return. Makrinitsa captivates from the first moment you set foot there. The air is cool and the heat is not felt. A light breeze blows and this adds to the pleasant experience.
Last year, visiting Makrinitsa for the first time, we did not have enough time. We couldn't enjoy the evening walks on the cobblestone streets and the relaxed lifestyle.

The village of Milies is the last stop on a journey through time with the steam train up Mount Pilio. Without a doubt, this is the most scenic railway line in Greece.

Since the narrow gauge train is the only one of its kind in Greece, it deserves attention. It was built in the period 1892-1903, connected Volos with Milies and was 29 km long. Today the train connects the villages of Ano Lechonia (Άνω Λεχώνια /Ano Lechonia) and Milies (Μηλιες / Milies) and the length of the line is only 15 km.
A two-way ticket costs 18 euros, and for children it is 10 euros. If you decide to visit it, you should check the timetable in advance.
The cable car route has only one stop – in Ano Gatzea (Άνω Γατζέα / Ano Gatzea). There, the locomotive rests for about 15 minutes, and you have time for photos 🙂
The last stop of the narrow gauge railway in the village of Milies. The altitude of the village is about 400 meters
The journey with the train lasts an hour and a half in one direction. The steam locomotive travels at about 20 km/h and pulls 4 carriages (same as "one time"). The authentic setting has been preserved, and the nature – intact. The ride on the Pilio roller coaster is exactly the same as it was more than 100 years ago.
The train contributed to the prosperity of the district. It was so iconic and a real pride for the area that they started printing it on cards and postage stamps. And if we think about it - how important must the region have been for a decision to be made at that time to build a railway in this difficult mountainous terrain?

A night in the village gives you the opportunity to get hungry again and try another tavern. Hee-hee, and not only, of course. We toured the establishments and were most fascinated and attracted by the most hidden.The tavern is at the end of the main street and the feasts are magnificent! With a view of the surrounding green hills, we enjoyed traditional delicacies smelling of aromatic spices.