Location - Mili and the Surrounding Area
Mili is a traditional Greek fishing village near to Nafplio, in the Peloponnese, in Greece.
 One of the fish tavernas on the front. |
 Traditional Greek fishing boats in the harbour. |
 Cafes with views across the bay to Nafplio. |
The village is quiet and peaceful, and is a lovely spot to get away from it all, but is still close to the cosmopolitan centres of Nafplio and Argos, and is near to some of the best known ancient sites in Greece, including Mycenae and Ancient Epidavros.
Getting There:
Milli is a two hour drive from Athens. Thanks to recent improvements in the road network it is now possible to drive from the airport without going into the centre of Athens. A car is recommended for the duration of your stay in Mili.
The Peloponnese
The Peloponnese has lots to offer the visitor. We've outlined some of the highlights below:
Nafplio Old Town
The old town of Nafplio is considered to be one of the most picturesque in Greece.
Elegant neo-classical architecture, cafes and bars from which to watch the world go by, tempting gift shops, narrow pedestrian alleys to explore...
Bourtzi
Built by the Venetians in 1473, this island fort had a chain linking it to Akronafplion to prevent enemy ships from entering the harbour at night.
Captured by the Greeks in 1822, Bourtzi was used to assist the siege of the then Turkish-controlled Nafplio.
During the nineteenth century the fort became home to Nafplion’s executioners, who operated the Marseille-made guillotine installed on Palamidi – apparently it was considered bad luck for them to live within the confines of the town.
Today Bourtzi is used as a venue for the Nafplion Folk Music Festival, held in May and June each year, and can be visited by boat - €4 per person for a return trip.
Palamidi
The castle Palamidi towers over the town of Nafplio, and is reached after a gruelling climb up 999 steps, or a leisurely drive for the not so adventurous.
The castle is well preserved and hosts open air concerts in the summer.
The resistance leader Kolokotronis was imprisoned here in 1832, and you can visit his tiny windowless cell. Entrance is free on Sundays.
Hydra & Spetses
The islands of Hydra and Spetses are lovely, and a day cruise will take you to them from the harbour in Tolo in the summer months.
Hydra is arguably one of the most picturesque of all the Greek Islands, as there is no motor traffic, and everything is transported up the steep winding steps by donkey.
Strict regulations demand that all houses be built in the traditional style.
Sailing
During the summer months Captain Aris will take you sailing on his 12 metre yacht.
Depart from Nafplio (or from Tolo by prior arrangement) in the morning, learn how to handle the sails and steer the ship. drop anchor in a remote bay for lunch and a swim, and return in the evening.
Dolphins and other marine life are often spotted on these trips, so keep your eyes peeled!
Mycenae
Perhaps the best known of all ancient sites, Mycenae is fascinating, as is the museum and Agammemnon's 'beehive' tomb nearby.
Mycenae can get crowded in the summer, and the site closes at 3pm, so it's best to go early.
From Pitsaki House the site can be reached by car in about five minutes.
Not to be missed!
Tiryns
Often overlooked in favour of Mycenae, the ancient site of Tiryns is well worth a visit.
The walls are made of such massive stones that it's hard to imagine how they were built.
There is a wonderful arched corridor, shown in the picture on the right.
Behind the site, tucked away in an orange orchard is a beehive tomb, similar to the one at Mycenae but less frequented by tourists, and equally well preserved.
Kitesurfing
For the adventurous there is a kitesurfing school in Kios, about twenty minutes by car from Villa Katerina.
During the summer months a steady thermal wind of 3-4 bft blows most afternoons, and the water is shallow, making it an ideal location for beginners.
Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal is a spectacular feat of engineering and must be seen if you are visiting the region.
A new motorway bridge has been built across the canal, but it's still possible to walk across the old road bridge and gaze at the ships passing below.
Epidavros
The ancient theatre of Epidavros is less than an hour's drive from Villa Katerina.
Probably the best preserved amphitheatre anywhere, it is still used today during the summer months.
The acoustics are spectacular - watch what you say when you are standing on the stage because everyone will be able to hear you!
Market
The Wednesday and Saturday markets at Argos are a noisy colourful affair.
As well as locally grown produce there are stalls selling clothes, flowers, domestic goods, tools and other bric-a-brac.
Browse at your leisure in this Mediterranean car-boot sale!
