Roots in the land. Heart in the village. A story from Crete.

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The story of MILONAS begins in the Messara plain, where our parents, Georgia and Michalis Spyridakis, farmers who worked the land of Kamilari with dedication, respect, and quiet strength.

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They raised hens and chickens, geese, turkeys, pigeons, rabbits, sheep and goats — even pigs.
Around them grew oranges, lemons, figs, mulberries, loquats, and a large vegetable garden that fed the whole family.

They harvested olives, ran a traditional Cretan mill, baked their own bread, produced wine, and distilled raki at the family kazani — a privilege passed down from father to son, following old Cretan rules.​

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These were the foundations of everything that followed:
work hard, stay humble, take care of the land, take care of each other.

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A taverna is born (1985)

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As the family grew, so did the desire to build something new. Our father dreamed of opening a bakery. Our mother dreamed of opening a restaurant. And so they followed an old Cretan tradition: the husband is officially the boss… but in the end, it is usually the wife who decides. That is why, in 1985, the Milonas Taverna opened its doors — the first taverna in Kamilari.

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In the early years, there was no printed menu, only the famous “vitrina” where guests could see the day’s dishes. Georgia spoke only Greek, but hospitality has no language barrier. Tourists pointed, smiled, and returned year after year.
Locals found a second home.

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Vangelis and Alekos were the first to work in the taverna.
Later, Giorgos and Manolis joined in.
Across decades, all four brothers — and later the grandchildren — had their seasons standing behind that counter or carrying plates through the terrace.

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A place of community, food, and memories

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The taverna became a beloved meeting point where good food and simple warmth created friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Everything we served came from our land: meat from our own animals, vegetables from our gardens, wine we produced, raki distilled in the family kazani, and olive oil from our groves.

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For many guests, the Milonas Taverna became a tradition as strong as ours.

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The end of an era — and the beginning of new ones

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In 2022, after 37 unforgettable years, the Milonas Taverna served its last meal.
It was emotional for us, for the village, and for all who had shared moments there.

But endings often lead to beginnings.

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• Manolis transformed the old taverna building into Milonas Home, preserving its soul and its view, while continuing to run Plaka Studios.

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• Vangelis dedicated himself to developing the Cozy Houses rentals in the village.

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• Alekos and his wife Marina continued running the long-standing Milonas Supermarket, where their children Georgia and Michalis grew up learning the rhythm of village life. In 2025, those same children, together with Kostis, Georgia’s husband, opened the new Milonas Family Restaurant & Café, bringing a fresh and youthful chapter to our family’s hospitality story.

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• Giorgos, together with his wife, expanded our olive-growing tradition into the SAFIkala Extra Virgin Olive Oil brand. He also welcomes guests to his house and apartment in the village — peaceful, authentic places to experience everyday life in Kamilari.​

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The next generations

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The third generation has already taken its place —and now the fourth generation is here.

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Georgia and Kostis are now the proud parents of a little boy — growing up with good food, between the supermarket and the new restaurant, yet never far from the olive trees, the animals, and the stories of those who came before him.

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The future of MILONAS is in good hands — young hands, full of curiosity, kindness and Cretan spirit.

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Across all these years, some things have remained constant: a warm welcome to every visitor, a deep respect for the land, honest and simple food, strong family bonds, and a genuine love for our village of Kamilari. This is the essence of MILONAS — in our olive oil, in our accommodation, in our supermarket and new restaurant, and in the welcome we offer to every person who finds their way here.

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Our family, our village, our story.

Thank you for being part of it — whether you have known us for decades or are discovering us today.

MILONAS — past, present, and future, all on one land.