High on the verdant slopes of the Pierian Mountains, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, lies a small corner of Greece where nature, tradition, and romance meet. Here, in the village of Ano Milia, two enchanting walking routes — the Trail of Love and the Trail of Wishes — offer visitors an easy yet deeply rewarding journey through lush forests, stone fountains, and wooden bridges.

Named after love stories and symbolic traditions, these trails invite hikers of all ages to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of the Muses’ mountain.

How To Reach Ano Milia and the Wishes & Love Trails

Ano Milia is located in the regional unit of Pieria, in Central Macedonia. To reach the village, follow the provincial road Katerini – Agios Dimitrios. After passing through Kato Milia, the road climbs for approximately 15 km to reach this mountain settlement. The road is in good condition, but during winter months, drivers should take extra care due to possible snow and ice.

The starting point for both trails is located southeast of the Church of Agia Paraskevi, right within the village. Look for the landscaped entrance — a welcoming sign of the well-maintained paths ahead. Both routes were created by the Cultural Association of Ano Milia and have become a popular destination for hikers from Pieria, Thessaloniki, Larissa, and beyond.

Once you will reach Ano Milia, there is a dedicated parking spot with plenty of space and a nice surprise for the visitor.

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Section 1 : Trail of Love (Μονοπάτι της Αγάπης)

The Trail of Love begins just a few meters from the church, leading you immediately into a fairytale setting. The first sights along the way are beautiful stone-built fountains from decades past, fed by crystal-clear mountain water, and wooden bridges blending perfectly with their surroundings. The trail is shaded by a rich mix of beech, chestnut, oak, and fir trees, forming a colorful, textured canopy above.

Interpretive signs along the way identify the tree species, making it both a relaxing and educational walk. This first section is about 1.5 km long and leads to an asphalt junction. From here, you can follow a forest road through an impressive beech forest, eventually reaching two memorial monuments to the Yakovlev crash — the first after 4 km, and the second just 500 meters further.

While this extension adds distance and some elevation, the main Trail of Love remains a gentle, accessible route suitable for families and beginner hikers.

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Section 2 : Trail of Wishes (Μονοπάτι των Ευχών)

Returning to the asphalt junction, the route continues uphill toward the EOS Katerini mountain refuge, where hikers can enjoy a coffee or tsipouro while gazing over the Pierian plain and the Thermaic Gulf.

Opposite the refuge lies the entrance to the Trail of the Muses, but for those continuing the themed experience, a left turn leads into the Trail of Wishes. This path has a unique tradition — along the route, you’ll find a “wish tree”, where visitors tie a ribbon or thread as a symbolic gesture of a personal wish.

The trail ends at the small chapel of Agios Kosmas of Aitolos, where an iron cross marks a viewpoint offering spectacular panoramas of the coastline and the lowland villages of Pieria. Between the rushing streams, miniature waterfalls, and dense forest scenery, this section delivers a truly magical conclusion to the hike. 

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About Pierian Mountains

The Pierian Mountains, often overshadowed by their famous neighbor Mount Olympus, have their own powerful identity in Greek history and culture. Known as the Mountain of the Muses in ancient mythology, the Pierians are home to rich forests, traditional villages, and a wealth of flora and fauna.

Ano Milia stands as a prime example of sustainable mountain tourism, where local initiatives, such as the creation of the Trails of Love and Wishes, have successfully blended nature conservation with cultural storytelling. With altitudes ranging from 500 to over 2,000 meters, the range offers trails for all skill levels — from gentle forest walks to challenging alpine ascents.

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Details of the hike

• Location: Ano Milia (Pierian Mountains)
• Trail Signs: Yes
• Maximum Elevation: 964 m.
• Minimum Elevation: 886 m
• Total Distance: 3.2 km
• Hiking time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy (family friendly)
• When to Hike: All year round

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