About the village
The quite and mountainous village of Anilio belongs to the Municipality of Mouresi and is located in the heart of East Pelion, hidden in lush vegetation. It is located on the road that connects Chania with Tsagarada and is the first village in the municipality encountered if coming from Chania or the last if someone moves from the southeast via Kala Nera and Milies. Apple, chestnut, walnut and other fruit trees are among the rich vegetation of the village, offering refreshing breaths of pure oxygen to visitors while among the attractions of the village is the beautiful waterfall at the entrance and the wonderful view of the neighboring Makrirrachi.
The region in which the village is built, - behind the ridge of the mountain- and the fact that during winter sun hardly hits it, is the reason behind the name “Anilio” meaning sunless. Little of its history is known, the first settlers are said to be from Metsovo, migrating to Pelion during the Ottoman period. In the past the village area was bigger taking up part of the neighboring villages of Makrirrachi and Kissos. Worth noting is that according to local tradition, on its outskirts laid the ancient city of Achillion, whose founder was the Homeric Achilles.
The village is close to the beautiful beaches of East Pelion like Agioi Saranda, Papa Nero, Plaka and Ai Giannis with closest being Plaka, a magical scenery with small pebbles and crystal clear waters. Just as good is also the nearby beach of Banikas the port side of the village, being quite deserted but equally beautiful. In Banikas you will encounter the cave where according to mythology, was the house of centaur Chiron.
Because a Pelion village can’t exist without a square, you must visit the small and picturesque square of Anilio, with its distinctive steps that resemble a grandstand. There you will find the church of Agios Athanasios, a very important religious monument. It is a basilica church of the 18th century with a remarkable wooden, baroque type iconostasis and an impressive despotic throne. In the annual celebration of Agios Athanasios a festival is organized with lots of music and dancing, offering to the visitor a unique experience.
In Anilio, you will discover other religious monuments such as the chapel of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) decorated with splendid frescoes by Ioannis Pagonis. The chapel was originally built in the 18th century, however an earthquake destroyed it and it had to be rebuilt. Also, on the shores of the village between the beaches of Plaka and Banikas is the chapel of Panagias Faneromenis (Virgin Mary)
Plenty of cultural events and festivals are held within the year in the village, with many tourists and people from neighboring villages, participating. The most significant, perhaps, is the celebration held in the main square on the last Sunday of the Carnival, which involves burning the figure of Karnavalos (The king of the Carnival) and releasing hot air balloons.
And of course do not leave the village without buying a local dessert, drink or jam such as the ones made by the famous local women association “Aniliotika”
