Where to stay in Milina Pelion: The best areas and 16 accommodations

Milina is one of the most well-known villages in Southern Pelion, built amphitheatrically around a small cove in the Pagasetic Gulf, with calm waters that are almost never wavy due to the sheltered position of the gulf. The village still retains its fishing village character, with a few accommodations and tavernas right by the small harbour.

A little further west, the neighbouring village of Horto has the area's largest organised beach, with fine sand and shallow waters suitable for families with young children. Agios Andreas, east of Milina, is a more secluded location with fewer accommodations and a quieter character.

In this article, you will find a detailed overview of the areas around Milina, the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to help you organise your stay in Southern Pelion.

What to see and do in Milina Pelion

Milina is approximately 38 kilometres from Volos, a journey that takes about 50 minutes by car through the villages of Southern Pelion, such as Lafkos and Argalasti. There is no airport in the area; the closest is Nea Anchialos, about 45 kilometres north, a journey of approximately 55 minutes. Access is primarily by car, although there are also KTEL bus routes from Volos to Southern Pelion, with less frequent services compared to the eastern part of the mountain.

The name Milina is associated with the apple trees that were once cultivated in the area, one of Pelion's traditional crops along with chestnuts and walnuts. The village developed around its small port, which once served to transport goods to Volos and the surrounding areas, before gradually turning towards tourism in recent decades. Small shipyards for traditional fishing boats also operate in the area, an activity that has continued for decades and is part of the harbour's local identity.

Milina's main beach is right next to the small harbour, with pebbles and calm waters due to its sheltered position in the gulf. In Horto, about 2 kilometres west, the beach is larger, with sand and shallow waters, which makes it a popular choice for families. To the east, towards Agios Andreas, there are smaller, less crowded coves, mainly accessible by car via a dirt road.

The Pagasetic Gulf, where Milina is located, is an almost enclosed sea, which explains the constant calmness of its waters compared to the open coasts of eastern Pelion facing the Aegean. This makes the area particularly popular with families with young children and those seeking relaxing holidays without waves, while also meaning warmer waters during the summer.

For food, Milina is famous for its fish tavernas by the harbour, offering fresh fish from the local fishing boats, while in the surrounding villages there are traditional tavernas serving Spetzofai (sausage and pepper stew), goat with lemon sauce, and local cheeses. The area also produces honey and tsipouro (a local spirit), products easily found in small local shops in nearby villages like Argalasti.

Seasonality in Milina is less pronounced than in other coastal areas of Pelion, as it primarily attracts families and couples seeking tranquility, resulting in increased but not as intense traffic in July and August as in Agios Ioannis. May, June, and September offer better prices, while many accommodations operate only from April to October.

Getting around Milina is easy on foot, as the settlement is small, but for Horto and Agios Andreas, a car is needed due to the distance. The main road of Southern Pelion is narrow in several places, with sharp turns through wooded slopes, so the drive requires attention, especially at night.

Near Milina, the village of Argalasti, about 7 kilometres north, serves as the commercial centre of Southern Pelion with pharmacies, banks, and more shops, a useful reference point for those staying in Milina and needing supplies not available in the small village.

Hiking enthusiasts will find Milina a starting point for trails that pass through olive groves and chestnut trees, connecting the village with Argalasti and Lafkos via old cobbled paths. These trails were formerly used by residents to transport goods between villages before the current road was built, and today they are a popular route for those who want to combine mountains and sea on the same day. The route to Argalasti takes about two hours at a gentle pace, with shade almost throughout due to Pelion's dense vegetation.

Small boat trips also depart from Milina harbour to Trikeri Island, at the entrance of the Pagasetic Gulf, where a small settlement with a few permanent residents and a traditional taverna operates. The boat trip takes about forty minutes and offers a different perspective of the gulf, away from the main road. Many visitors combine the excursion with a stop for swimming in one of the sheltered coves around the island, where the waters are even calmer than in Milina itself.

The best areas to stay in Milina Pelion

Central Milina

The central settlement of Milina is built around the small harbour, with most accommodations within walking distance of the beach and fish tavernas.

A good choice for those who want to enjoy the traditional character of a fishing village with direct access to food and a calm beach.

Most accommodations here are small, family-run businesses, with owners often recommending tavernas and activities to their guests themselves, which provides a more personal experience compared to larger tourist complexes in other areas of Pelion.

Advantages:

• Direct access to the harbour and fish tavernas
• Calm waters without waves, suitable for children
• Traditional fishing village atmosphere

Disadvantages:

• Few nightlife options
• Beach smaller compared to Horto

Recommended accommodations:

1. Athina-Milina
Rental rooms with a simple layout, close to the village centre and the sea.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

2. Sea Front
Accommodation by the sea, with views of the Pagasetic Gulf from most rooms.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

3. Milina Apartments
Apartments with a kitchen, suitable for families staying for several days.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

4. Ikosimo Guesthouse
Traditional guesthouse with stone decoration, known for its friendly service.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

5. Diplomats' Holidays
Apartments with a simple layout, close to the centre of Milina.

• Average cost: approximately 68€ per night

Horto

Horto is located approximately 2 kilometres west of Milina and has the largest sandy beach in Southern Pelion, with shallow waters suitable for families.

Suitable for those who want an organised beach with sun loungers and a quiet environment, without the heavy traffic of more touristy areas.

Horto beach also has some tavernas right on the sand, ideal for lunch after swimming, while the accommodations in the area are mainly small apartment complexes set around gardens, suitable for longer stays without needing frequent car travel.

Advantages:

• Large sandy beach with shallow waters
• Quiet environment, ideal for families
• A few minutes' drive from Milina

Disadvantages:

• Fewer accommodation options
• Car needed to get to Milina

Recommended accommodations:

6. Myrsini's Studios in Chorto Pelion
Studios near Horto beach, with a simple layout and good price.

• Average cost: approximately 72€ per night

7. Leda Village Resort
Apartment complex with a garden, near Horto beach.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

Agios Andreas

Agios Andreas is located east of Milina, in a more secluded spot with small coves and fewer accommodations.

Suitable for those who want absolute peace and don't mind the greater distance from shops and tavernas.

Visitors who choose Agios Andreas usually love nature and are not bothered by the absence of organised services, as they prefer to bring everything they need themselves from Argalasti or Milina before settling in the area for their holidays.

Advantages:

• Very quiet environment with few visitors
• Small coves with clear waters
• Ideal for an escape from crowds

Disadvantages:

• Distance from shops and tavernas
• Access to part of the area via a dirt road

Recommended accommodations:

8. Saint Andrews Bay
Accommodation with a view of the bay, near the small coves of Agios Andreas.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

9. Piges
Apartments in a quiet environment, near the natural springs of the area.

• Average cost: approximately 78€ per night

10. Helen's Home
Traditional house with a garden, suitable for families who want more space.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

11. Violetta Studios & Apartments
Studios with a simple layout and special offers for stays longer than 7 days.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

12. Notus Villa
Villa with more space and privacy, suitable for larger groups.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Rent a car to see all the beaches. Horto and Agios Andreas are a few kilometres from Milina, but without a car, you'll be limited to the main beach only.
• Choose Milina if you want calm waters. The Pagasetic Gulf almost never has waves, ideal if you're travelling with small children who are afraid of the sea.
• Stock up in Argalasti. The small village of Milina doesn't have large shops, so nearby Argalasti covers most needs.
• Try the area in May or September. Temperatures remain pleasant, the waters are already warm, and accommodation prices are lower.
• Be careful on the narrow road to Southern Pelion. The route has several bends through wooded slopes, so it's best to drive it during daylight if you're unfamiliar with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Milina from Volos?

Approximately 38 kilometres, with a journey of about 50 minutes by car through the villages of Southern Pelion, such as Lafkos and Argalasti, on a road with several bends that requires attention.

Is Milina suitable for families with children?

Yes, the calm waters of the Pagasetic Gulf and Horto's sandy beach make it a good choice for families, while the short distance between the beaches allows for easy switching depending on the children's needs.

Do you need a car in Milina?

Not within the settlement itself, as everything is within walking distance, but for Horto, Agios Andreas, and the surrounding areas, as well as for supplies from Argalasti, it is essential.

What is the best time to stay in Milina?

From May to October, with July and August having the most traffic and higher prices, while May, June, and September offer a calmer stay and better accommodation prices.

Is there an airport near Milina?

The closest is Nea Anchialos, approximately 45 kilometres north, with a journey of about 55 minutes, so most visitors arrive in the area by car or KTEL bus service from Volos.

Which area has the largest beach, Milina or Horto?

Horto has the largest sandy beach with shallow waters suitable for children, while central Milina has a smaller pebble beach next to the harbour, more convenient for those who want to combine swimming with dining at a fish taverna.

The conclusion

The choice between Milina, Horto, and Agios Andreas mainly depends on how important direct access to food and services is. If you want to be close to the harbour and tavernas, central Milina is the most practical base.

If you prefer a larger sandy beach, Horto is a better fit for families, while Agios Andreas is the ideal choice for those seeking absolute tranquility away from any hustle and bustle. All three areas are a few minutes' drive from each other, so you can easily combine them during your stay in Southern Pelion.

See also our guides for where to stay in Perissa and where to stay in Plaka Naxos.