milos greece travel guide

The spectacular lunar landscape of Sarakiniko!

Book a stay in Klima, a fishing village on Milos island

Explore the unique Kleftiko sea-caves of Milos Greece

TRENDING IN MILOS

How to get there?

Hotels & Accommodations

Car Rentals

Tours & Activities

TRAVEL GUIDE TO MILOS

Milos is one of the volcanic Greek islands, sitting at the southernmost part of the Cyclades island complex. Thanks to its volcanic origin, Milos boasts a magnificent colorful landscape and a coastline that counts more than 40 exotic beaches.

Find out everything about your holidays in Milos in our travel guide! Discover the best things to do , exciting tours & activities , fantastic beaches, top hotels , and restaurants , as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos !

The island can be reached by plane from Athens or ferry from by ferry from Piraeus and Lavrion ports in Athens and many other islands. Being relatively close to famous Cyclades islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos, Milos offers the perfect chance for island hopping!

How to travel there?

Best Hotels (+40)

What to do? (+25)

Where to swim? (+20)

Top tours & attractions (+15)

Where to eat & drink? (+20)

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN MILOS

Book your trip to Milos with Greeka, the Greek islands specialists! We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays. From tours to hotels and from car rentals to ferry tickets, we provide all the essential services to make your travel to Santorini the most epic and smooth one. Our travel services are rated . Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020) at the annual Tourism Awards in Greece . Read reviews about our services.

ABOUT MILOS GREECE

Milos is one of the most exotic and laid-back Greek islands! Sitting in the heart of the Aegean Sea, overlooking the rest of the Cyclades, Milos has enchanted many with its unpretentious charm! Standing out for its majestic ambiance, rich history, picturesque fishing villages, amazing food, and indigo bays, Milos Island is a timeless Cycladic gem that will steal your breath with its enchanting beauty. The variety of landscapes in Milos is unreal- you’ll see nothing twice, and there’s always something new to discover.

This enticing island is particularly famous due to the Venus de Milo statue, which was discovered in 1820. The stunning statue is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where thousands of visitors stand in awe in front of its beauty! The beaches on the island are iconic, with the most famous being the gorgeous Sarakiniko beach . This beach boasts a lunar landscape that consists of volcanic gleaming white rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Whether you choose to explore its sea caves, jump off the cliffs, or doze under the sun on a beach towel, you’ll remember the enchanting atmosphere of this beach forever.

Kleftiko is another attraction, only reachable with a boat tour . Boasting towering rock formations and emerald waters, this former pirate hideaway is now the imposing trademark of the island! Except for Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, Milos has over 40 beautiful exotic beaches worth visiting.

The hidden gems of Milos are its colorful fishing villages ! In these picturesque villages, you’ll find little whitewashed houses ( syrmata ) with shutters painted in vivid colors and boat garages where fishermen park their colorful little boats. Many fishermen’s houses have been turned into cozy accommodations by the sea. Pop over the villages of Klima and Firopotamos and you will feel like you have traveled back in time!

Milos welcomes everyone, but it is particularly popular with couples, who find the serene natural landscape of the island the perfect setting for their romantic holidays. Indeed, the numerous caves, mysterious catacombs and emerald beaches squeeze enough charm to bewitch any traveler.

Doesn't this sound like heaven to you?

PHOTOS OF MILOS / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Milos island through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community . Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

On the charming island of Milos, numerous hotels and other accommodation facilities are available for you to book for your holidays! Your options include cozy hotel rooms and luxurious suites, well-equipped studios and apartments, spacious villas and the traditional seafront houses "sirmata" . Hotels in Milos have a stunning Cycladic design, offering an authentic experience! The majority of hotels are located in the regions of Adamas and Pollonia.

Some of the most popular hotels are: • Psaravolada   • Santa Maria   • Tania   • Delmar

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

The most popular way to reach Milos is by ferry from Piraeus port in Athens and other Cycladic islands but the island can also be reached by plane. You can also include Milos in an island-hopping itinerary as it is relatively well connected to other islands of the Aegean sea. Book your ferry tickets with us !

Discover more about the different ways to get to Milos & how to move around.

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF MILOS

Discover the best things in Milos! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, we present you the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience! You can also view the best things to do .

OUR ISLASND HOPPING PACKAGES

Discover our best island hopping packages including Milos!

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Continue your trip to the best Greece destinations! The most popular destinations after Milos are Kimolos, Sifnos, Paros and Santorini, all easily accessible by ferry .

• Share this page on Facebook
• Share this page on Twitter
• Copy the URL of this page

Sign in to the Greeka Community.

Upload your best photos of Greece and interact with other Greeka members!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Island Vacations

This Might Be the Most Photogenic Island in Greece — With a Moon-like Landscape, Gorgeous Sea Caves, and Some of the Bluest Water You've Ever Seen

Here’s your ultimate guide to Milos, the low-key Cycladic island that became an Instagram sensation.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do.

• Best Shopping

Best Restaurants

Best time to visit, how to get there, areas to visit, how to get around.

Maico Presente/Getty Images

With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike. There's no denying the Cycladic isle, where the famed Venus de Milo marble statue was unearthed by a farmer in 1820, is breathlessly romantic. Otherworldly landscapes sculpted by wind and sea shot to fame via Instagram in recent years, transforming the once low-profile island into a sought-after hot spot. 

Rich in minerals and precious metals, Milos has been mined since the Neolithic era, starting with obsidian. Its volcanic origins explain the kaleidoscope of colors gracing the rugged cliffs and coastlines. But tourism wasn’t taken seriously here until recently. Today, Milos features prominently among Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Award-winning destinations . Travelers are drawn to natural phenomena like the bone-white cliffs of former pirate lair Kleftiko and Sikia sea cave with azure waters ideal for snorkeling. Top of the list for travelers are two beaches: Papafragas and the lunar-like Sarakiniko. And let’s not forget the traditional technicolor boathouses.

"Milos offers the cultural connection many of today’s travelers are seeking," Mina Agnos , a T+L A-List advisor and founder of Travelive , said. It's ideal for those looking for a “laid-back vacation focused on culture, beaches, food, yachting, and relaxation,” she added. Foodie experiences, island tours, and boat charters are especially popular, but with limited hotel inventory, early booking is key, notes Agnos.

Here’s how to plan the perfect island escape to Milos, Greece.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Explore the moonscape-like beach of Sarakiniko. The bravest dive into a cobalt Aegean below.
• Stroll around the small fishing village of Klima, where traditional boathouses come in all shades of the rainbow.
• Take a boat tour of Kleftiko and Sykia sea cave, best seen from a private yacht charter.
• Catch the sunset from a church courtyard in the island capital of Plaka.
• Chow down on delicious, farm-to-table food at O! Hamos!, Milos’ best-loved taverna.

Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa

Honeymooners flock to Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa , set on manicured grounds on the island’s northeastern tip. According to Agnos, “the little oasis” is a consistent winner with clients — not only for its personalized attention, but also for its waterfront location in Pollonia and romantic design, which includes four-poster brass beds.

Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel

A family-owned property with warm service, Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel is a firm favorite among travelers. “It really conveys the feeling of the island and makes people feel like they’re being welcomed into somebody’s home,” said Agnos. Plus, its elevated location lends an air of seclusion and delivers panoramic views of Pollonia. 

Domes White Coast Milos

Situated on the northern coast, Domes White Coast Milos is “a little more remote,” but worth the extra effort to reach for the high-end service, according to Agnos. A member of upscale Greek hotel brand Domes Resorts, the adults-only property has 30 white suites with uninterrupted sea views, and Sarakiniko is just a seven-minute drive away. 

Courtesy of Skinopi Lodge

Skinopi Lodge

With seven, secluded, stone-built villas perched on a scrubby hillside above the island’s deep natural harbor, this sublime retreat was fashioned for the wild at heart. Surrounded by olive trees, thyme, and lavender, Skinopi Lodge offers a contemporary take on traditional syrmata. Even better, a private swimming spot lies just few steps away. 

White Pebble Suites 

A dream come true for its three Greek-Australian female founders, White Pebble Suites throws a curveball at classic Cycladic architecture. Sinuous lines flow between the 12 cream-hued suites of this design-savvy couple favorite in Pollonia. Earthy textiles, polished cement, and wicker accents make for a soothing blend.  

Cavan Images/Getty Images

Visit an otherworldly beach.

Formed from volcanic pumice sculpted by the wind and sea, Sarakiniko’s lunar-like appearance, contrasting with cobalt waters, is surreal. Only the strongest swimmers should consider cliff diving into the sea, which can become rough when northerlies blow through. Kids can explore old mining caves and marvel at a shipwreck washed ashore. 

See unique boathouses. 

Check out Milos’ traditional boathouses, known as syrmata, where fishermen would store their wooden boats for the winter. Painted in vivid red, blue, green, or yellow shades, many have been converted into ultra-minimalist holiday dwellings. The fishing village of Klima is well-known for its syrmata, but minuscule Firopotamos is equally appealing.  

Explore by boat. 

“Milos is a great place to charter a sailboat, yacht, or RIB [rigid inflatable boat] because there are so many places only accessible by sea,” said Agnos. Your trusty captain will transport you to the towering limestone cliffs of Kleftiko — once a pirate hideout — Sikia sea cave, or off-radar Polyegos isle to swim in ultramarine waters. 

Go on an off-road excursion. 

Milos’ western flank is so untamed that it’s off-limits to rental cars. Instead, take an off-road guided tour . Highlights include a visit to an inactive volcano, bird-watching at the Achivadolimni wetlands, and a hike through an abandoned manganese mine. End your day with a refreshing dip at a remote beach. 

Uncover geological wonders.

You don’t have to be a science expert to enjoy a tour unearthing Milos’ geological wonders, according to Agnos. You’ll visit the Milos Mining Museum , salt pans, and a sunken crater, among other highlights. Perhaps the most evocative sight is the abandoned sulphur mines, replete with rusted-out wagons and ghostly buildings.

Best Shopping 

f9photos/Getty Images

Pore over a fascinating array of sand exhibits and pick up memorabilia made with sand, wood, and glass from Milos Sand Gallery. At Totem, freshen up your wardrobe with a breezy cotton dress or colorful sun hat. Meanwhile, Pliatsiko’s one-of-a-kind items such as cross-stitch embroidered earrings and macramé necklaces are hard to resist.

Fashion boutique Vanilla carries resort wear by Greek designers, including bold print dresses and flowing caftans. Foodies should make room in their suitcase for delectable local goodies like sundried tomato paste, available at Ark of Tastes. Tip: Don’t leave without sampling the watermelon pie. 

Westend61/Getty Images

This wildly popular taverna, which sources raw ingredients from the family farm and local producers, doesn't accept bookings, but it’s worth waiting in line. Choose standout dishes from a whimsical handwritten menu, including slow-cooked wild goat with lemon, mustard, and marjoram and braised chickpeas with curry, cumin, and red peppers. 

Situated in the traditional village of Trypiti, Barriello has cemented its reputation as Milos’ most innovative dining venue. Chef-owner Takis Loukakis sources ingredients from his organic farm, serving dishes such as lamb picanha with black garlic, eggplant, and miso as well as vegan fare like king oyster mushroom carpaccio.

A spectacular setting for lunch or a sunset dinner, Klima’s sole restaurant is known for serving some of the best seafood on the island. Kritharoto (orzo) with shrimp and lobster spaghetti are among the highlights at Astakas, but if it’s grilled fish you’re after, take your pick from the day’s catch.

Situated on the water in the fishing settlement of Mandrakia, old-school taverna Medusa is a choice lunch and sunset dinner spot, so it’s always busy. Watch fishermen untangle nets and potter about their wooden caiques as you dine. Don’t miss the grilled eel with fava, fried calamari, and pitarakia (a local cheese pie).

Alevromilos

Chef Vassilis Papikinos showcases Milos’ wealth of produce through Cycladic cuisine that marries comfort and creativity. At his restaurant Alevromilos in Parasporos, he also blends in Italian influences, crafting dishes like skordolazana (handmade tagliatelle with a garlic sauce). For dessert, fresh local figs are served with xynomizithra cheese and honey.

Gatsi/Getty Images

Agnos suggests visiting Milos between mid-May and early October. “Seasonality is less of a factor than it used to be,” she said. “More clients are traveling in the shoulder season.” July and August are peak tourist months, so expect the island to be bustling with fellow visitors and cruise passengers. Summer is also the hottest time of year, though cooling northerly winds can take the edge off. While the Aegean waters are still rather cool for swimming in May, you may well have beaches almost completely to yourself. June is one of the best months to visit, with long, languid days and comfortable temperatures. Meanwhile, September is proving increasingly attractive for many travelers, followed by October, when the island winds down and prepares to close shop for the season. 

The quickest way to reach Milos is by plane. Flights from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Milos operate daily and take about 45 minutes. Alternatively, take the ferry from Piraeus. A fast catamaran takes around three hours and 25 minutes to reach the island. Milos also features on cruise line itineraries, including those of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , Ponant , SeaDream Yacht Club , and Celestyal Cruises .

Aleh Varanishcha/Getty Images

Head up to Milos’ hilltop capital Plaka, where the maze-like alleyways and whitewashed homes are characteristically Cycladic. The ideal time to visit is just before sunset, which is best viewed from the courtyard of Panagia Korfiatissa church. Arrive early to nab a good spot. Agnos suggests “visiting the town’s little shops, jewelry boutiques, and galleries.” 

Spend a day roaming around Pollonia village. Take shade beneath tamarisk trees on the sandy beach and watch fishing caiques rhythmically bob on the water. Pay a visit to the Kostantakis Winery and sample cave-aged wines. When dinnertime rolls around, take your pick from the plentiful dining options lining the town jetty.

Jump in your rental and take the ferry from Pollonia to neighboring Kimolos island. Make your way to the Goupa-Kara settlement and walk among picture-perfect boathouses. Cool off in the cyan waters of Prassa Beach, then head up to the main town of Horio to stroll along cobblestoned paths, pausing for meze at a taverna. 

Rental Car: Book a rental car well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during peak season. “I recommend a car rental on Milos. For people comfortable with driving, it’s the best way to get around. Otherwise, have a driver on call,” said Agnos. Tip: Stick to paved and gravel roads, which can be narrow, and rely more on road signs than Google Maps.  

Taxi: Silver taxis are available at the airport and there is a cab rank near the port in Adamas. They may cost more if booked via a hotel. Prices vary, ranging from around 15 euros from Adamas to Plaka and about 30 euros from the airport to Pollonia. 

Bus: Milos has a small yet relatively comfortable bus fleet . Routes connect the airport with Adamas. From Adamas, you can reach Pollonia, Plaka, Sarakiniko, and Papafragas, among other destinations. Tickets cost two euros.

Related Articles

• Meet Selena
• Destinations
• Accommodation
• Travel Guides
• Discussions
• Shop Presets
• Shop Prints

March 19, 2019

The complete milos, greece travel guide.

The best way to experience the Greek Islands (especially Milos and Santorini ) is by ATV or motorcycle. We opted for ATVs this time around, and ours was already at the hotel waiting for us when we arrived. That’s about all you need for the island to be yours to explore! Our first priority was heading straight to the beach, then off to grab a Greek dinner downtown.

Unlike most places, you don’t need to have a schedule upon arrival to Milos. I’d recommend having a few places in mind that you want to hit – beaches, towns, and restaurants. Typically our routine here was: sleep in, head to a beach, grab lunch, explore another beach, and then make our way home to get ready for dinner in town. This Milos Travel Guide starts with some of our favorite spots around the island, then breaks down the beaches we loved. The only thing I found tough about Milos, Greece (besides the spotty WiFi!) was not knowing which beaches would have lunch nearby – so I made sure to include this so you can plan your day accordingly.

PRESET COLLECTION USED IN THIS BLOG POST: GREEK ISLANDS COLLECTION

5+ DAYS — BEST TIME TO VISIT – MAY THROUGH OCTOBER, LESS WIND & WARMER WATER LATER IN THE SUMMER WEATHER – MILD, RAINY WINTERS & WARM, SUNNY SUMMERS GETTING AROUND – MOTORCYCLE, ATV OR RENTAL CAR CURRENCY – EUROS, MOST PLACES TAKE CREDIT CARDS LANGUAGES – GREEK, MOST PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH NEARBY AIRPORT – MILOS AIRPORT (MLO)

Where to Stay

Our hotel near Sarakiniko Beach: Asterias Boutique Hotel .

We stayed at Asterias Boutique Hotel , a family-run boutique hotel located between Sarakiniko beach and Papafragas beach – which turned out to be two of my favorite beaches on the island! Each night we’d take our ATV for a 15 minute drive into the seaside town of Pollonia to grab dinner. Note that Milos doesn’t have many hotels, so book months in advance as they fill up quickly. We originally had our eye on Melian Boutique Hotel in Pollonia, but it was fully booked during our visit in September.

Hotels in Milos

Asterias Boutique Hotel – $ – we loved this family-run boutique hotel. It was affordable, comfortable, and in a perfect location for exploring the best beaches in Milos. Where I stayed. Milia Gi Suites – $$ – a new boutique hotel located nearby the town center of Pollonia, a short walk to the beach. The rooms are spacious, some with private jacuzzis. Volcano Luxury Suites Milos –  $$$$ – beautiful whitewashed rooms with ocean views and jacuzzis, situated between two large stretches of beach in the south. Miland Suites – $$$$ – luxury villas located on a hilltop, close by to the main port town of Adamantas. Great if you want a quiet location, a short drive from local restaurants. Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel – $$$$ – a mix of traditional architecture and modern design, this hotel has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Located in Pollonia. Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa – $$$$ – one of the few luxury boutique hotels on the island – snap it up if it’s available during your trip! Where I’d want to stay next time & where I’d want to splurge.

View Additional Hotels and Homes in Milos

Houses in Milos

I recommend staying on the North side of the island, which has the highest concentration of nearby beaches and isn’t far from shops or restaurants in Plaka or Pollonia. Note that Plaka is a much bigger town than Pollonia! My top picks in terms of amenities, view, and location:

Venia’s Guesthouse – $ – a comfortable apartment-style building with a sea-view patio in the quaint town of Pollonia. Seaview House Mandrakia – $ – a cozy one-bedroom with lounge chairs and a balcony that is steps from the ocean. Sirma Klima – $$ – the most traditional beach house stay on popular Klima beach. Blue Mare – $$ – a Greek beachfront home on one of my favorite beaches on the island. Apollon by Akropolon – $$ – one of the top-rated Airbnb’s in downtown Pollonia. Captain Zeppos – $$ – the perfect set of whitewashed suites with a pool, steps from the beach in Pollonia. Aigeis-Milos Suites – $$$ – a traditional Cycladic-style space with a brick fireplace and sea views. On the south side of Milos, but between two beautiful beaches. Manolis and Filio Home by the Sea – $$$$ – Cycladic house in a traditional fishing village right in front of the sea, where you can swim and enjoy sunsets from the balcony.

If I went back to Milos, I would split my time between a hotel and house on two different parts of the island. There is truly so much to discover, and having two points to explore from will give you a whole new perspective on the island! Plus, I love the homemade Greek breakfasts on the patio in the morning, which come with a family-run hotel like Asterias Boutique .

Where to Eat

Hanabi Sushi restaurant in downtown Pollonia.

Medusa – this was easily our favorite meal on the island. It’s located adjacent to Mandrakia beach, and serves up fresh fish right on the water. Be prepared for a short wait (it’s popular for a reason!), and don’t miss the octopus.

Jordan’s Meating Place – for melt-in-your-mouth chicken souvlaki (chicken skewers)! This restaurant is basic, but they don’t mess around.

Astakas Klima – for an evening out, this waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sunset. You’ll want to come early to explore the quaint town of Klima, a little fishing village. Reservations recommended.

Ergina – recommended to us by a local, this Greek restaurant serves up amazing homemade pasta and lots of other Greek specialties. Perfect for a date night – make reservations.

Hanabi Sushi – this sushi spot is on the pricier side, but we loved their rolls and location in downtown Pollonia. Perfect for a lazy afternoon lunch or a nice dinner.

Avli-Milos – authentic Greek food in the heart of downtown Plaka. You can’t go wrong at this restaurant, with tables all along the side streets!

Fatses – in terms of Greek food, this spot doesn’t quite hit the mark for the tastiest (or most traditional). However, in terms of atmosphere it can’t be beat. The patio takes over a main square in downtown Plaka, with string lights in the trees, candles, and live music. My tip: go early for a drink and appetizer, then make your way into town for round 2.

Palaios Pastry – a MUST for dessert! Everything is homemade and the entire shop smells delicious. Don’t miss the orange cake with olive oil, it melts in your mouth.

Views from our boat on our day trip to Kleftiko caves.

Try food cooked in the sand –  Paliochori Beach is known for its red rock and sand that gets so hot…you can cook food on it! Don’t miss this unique beach. We ordered our food delivered to our lounge chair.

Watch the sunset – we loved finding different spots around the island to catch the sunset. I included a list at the bottom of this post with photos of some of our favorites. I highly recommend exploring on your own though, you never know what views you’ll find.

Visit the Catacombs of Milos – these preserved catacombs date back from the 1st – 5th century and are located nearby the fishing village of Klima. We didn’t get a chance to visit during our trip, but I’d love to see them if we return.

Get lost on an ATV – there may be plenty on your list to explore, but spend at least one afternoon getting lost on the island. We stumbled on a deserted pebble beach with no one around whilst exploring the coastline.

Go on a boat trip to Kleftiko Caves – this incredible part of Milos is only accessible by boat. We rented our own boat for a half day through this site . There’s also plenty of charter boat tours to choose from, but I recommend booking in advance as they do fill up. This full day boat trip on a yacht is my pick if you don’t want to captain your own boat.

Beaches to Visit in Milos

Sarakiniko beach.

A unique beach made of lava that’s been bleached by the sun and sea. There is a sandy beach, cliff jumping spots, and a swimming hole open to the ocean. Food options nearby: only a local food truck at the entrance of the beach, so it’s not guaranteed.

Tsigrado Beach

This small beach is only accessible via a steep set of two ladders, but opens out to turquoise blue water that’s perfect to wade in. Food options nearby: there is nothing on Tsigrado Beach, but you’ll find drinks and snacks across the way at Firaplaka. It’s within walking distance.

Firiplaka Beach

A long stretch of sand with beach snacks for food and drinks. The rocks are a beautiful red color – not to be missed! Food options nearby : yes, there are food and drink options on the beach.

Papafragas Beach

This beach is actually made up of two ‘fingers’ of water that carved the rock out from the ocean, so be sure to check out both. Looking at a map, the left one features calm water and is easy to access just off the road. The right one is completely protected by walls and white-washed caves. Food options nearby: none. The closest place to grab lunch is downtown Pollonia.

Firapotomos Beach

A pristine stretch of beach protected by the nearby cliffs. Known for its white-washed houses, and nearby cliff jumping spots. Food options nearby: Yes, there are food and drink options on the beach and nearby.

Paliochori Beach

Restaurants on this beach will cook your food on the sand! There are lounge chairs here, and it’s also the best beach to go to if it’s windy on the island. Food options nearby: Yes, there are restaurants and you can even order food straight to your lounge chair.

Kleftiko Caves

Where To Watch The Sunset in Milos

Klima Village   – this traditional fishing village features multicolored houses along the rocks, steps from the water. Few inhabitants still live here, but if you’re visiting around sunset, you might catch them going for an evening swim! I recommend catching the sunset first and then making your way to dinner nearby.

Venetian Castle – one of the highest points on the island, this castle dates back to the 13th century and is still preserved. It offers panaromic views of the island, and is easily one of the best spots to catch the sunset – if you don’t mind climbing stairs! Try to arrive at least 20 minutes before sunset to snag a good spot, then head down the hill to Plaka for a Greek dinner in town.

Sarakiniko Beach – we visited this beach so many times during our stay, and each time it was a different experience. It is fairly empty at sunrise, and you’ll likely only see a handful of other people around. The water is a perfect turquoise mid-day, and at sunset the sky tends to turn into a pink-purple haze. It’s a surreal experience – I highly recommend watching the sunset from here at least once during your visit.

From the road – you could search all around the island, but sometimes the best spots are just off the road during a drive home at sunset. We captured this moment after the sun went down over Plaka, during a late trip home from the beach. Milos is just stunning!

My top 3 favorite Milos photo spots — Anywhere on Sarakiniko Beach –  Instagram  |  Google Maps The white-washed buildings and blue water at Firapotomos –   Instagram  |  Google Maps Venetian Castle at sunset –   Instagram  |  Google Maps

Pin me for later

read post: How to Choose Which Greek Islands to Visit

This Is The Travel Item I Use The Most

I'M SELENA TAYLOR

You'll Also Love

Hidden gems in tenerife, canary islands, honeymooning in tahiti, the complete cook islands travel guide, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

102 Comments

Hi Selena! This blog is so great! I keep coming back to it as my husband and I are planning a trip to Greece in September and are highly considering staying at the Asterias boutique hotel when we are in Milos! I would like to know if they provide or could arrange transportation to and from the port for arrival and departure?

Lisa Steiner Says

Hi Selena. WOW I just love looking through your amazing website. Right now I am trying to plan a trip to Greece the end of this May/first part of June. We are celebrating our daughter graduating from college and it’s our 30th wedding anniversary. I am working with a travel agent and this is a rough itinerary. I would love your insights. Fly from Atlanta to Athens.-1 night 2 night-Santorini-Oia 3 nights-Milos- 3 or 4 nights Naxos 1 more night-Athens

I’m not sure whether to stay just 3 nights each in Milos and Naxox or bump to 4 in either Milos or Naxox(I see your info on Milos is dated 2019) so would love your insight? Have you been to Naxos? Also do you have any updated info on Greek islands especially where we plan to go. Thanks so very much. Love ALL your gorgeous photos. Lisa–

Selena Says

Congrats! 4 nights on Milos for sure. To be honest, I would consider focusing in on 2 islands rather than 3 islands, so you aren’t moving around as much. We stayed 6 nights on Milos and felt that gave us just enough time to explore most parts of the island. We loved Naxos as well and it is not as crowded as either Milos or Santorini.

Hi Selena! This is so informative and helpful. What company in Milo’s did you rent your ATVs from?

I don’t remember unfortunately, I believe our hotel just recommended a place in town for this trip.

Charlotte Says

BEST BLOG. THANK YOU🤍

you’re so welcome x

My husband and I are planning our honeymoon in the Cyclades in late June/early July and your blog has been very helpful as we decide where to go!

We have 9 days to explore the islands and are looking for a trip that consists of both relaxing and exploring/getting to know the greek islands! We are definitely going to do Santorini and then we’re deciding if we should just do Paros and visit islands nearby (Naxos, Antiparos) for day trips or if it wouldn’t be too much, we’d love to include Milos as well!

Do you think fitting the 3 islands in 9 days would be too much or would you recommend that plan? If we do that we’d probably do 4 nights Santorini and 2-3 nights in Paros/Milos.

Thank you again!

I would personally keep it to two islands! You’ll have more time to explore and enjoy the local spots without feeling rushed through each experience.

Hi Selena! Thank you for sharing good tips about Milos. Me and my friend are going there late September. We are interested in renting a push or electric bike to get around, instead of car or ATV. Do you know of an good rental places? Or do you have any experiences with biking in Milos?

Thank you!!

Unfortunately not, I don’t have experience with bikes here as we rented an ATV for the duration of our trip.

Courtney Says

Your post has helped me SOOO much. Thank you for this.

I am going to Greece next next week. I have 9 days to spend alone before meeting my family in Crete and Santorini.

Should I do Milos and Paros, or Milos and Naxos before I leave to meetup with family. Or all 3?

Or just stay in Milos for 9 days.

I am single. Traveling alone. I’ll be working and heading to the beach, relaxing and exploring.

I def will rent a boat as well.

All of these options sound amazing! I personally wouldn’t get tired of Milos in 9 days, and you’ll definitely have the opportunity to see most of the beaches on the island. If I were traveling alone and wanted to do 2 islands I’d opt for Naxos since it’s smaller, a bit different, and the downtown is really special; that said you can’t go wrong with Paros either. Enjoy!

Miguel Almeida Says

Hello Selena! Thank you for such a complete and usefull guide!

I will be going there this summer! So I have just some questions….

did you travel allways by ATV? is it better than a small car?

Other thing, the boat ride, even without boat experience, is it okay to travel by yourself, visiting the caves?

Thankyou once more!!

It depends on the island but because Milos is relatively small, we found that an ATV was the best way to get around. On the other hand, for example, we rented a car in Paros so we could explore more of the island as it’s quite a bit larger.

If you aren’t comfortable on a boat yourself I would recommend using a boat guide! We have rented boats in a number of places and Jacob is knowledgeable about boats, so he usually captains. As far as Milos goes the water is generally not rough when you stay near the shore, but that said you will be more relaxed having someone else captain if you don’t have experience.

Sierra Says

Hi Selena!! Thank you for all these insights! 🙂 We’re planning a honeymoon trip to Greece and are planning to stay in Santorini and Milos? We’re planning on being gone 10-11 days and go to Milos first for about 6 days and then Santorini for 4 days. Do you think that order is good and is it a good amount of time? Lastly, how expensive were renting boats for the day? It’s something we wanted to do while in Milos.

That sounds like the perfect itinerary! I wouldn’t change a thing. I want to say the boat rental was around 40-50 euro an hour, but it’s been a few years since we’ve been so I could be off. The best thing to do is email them in advance for a quote and reservation.

Amanda DiRenzo Says

Hi Selena! Your website is so helpful and filled with important details (such as food spots) and your pictures are stunning! You named a lot of great places I cannot wait to visit for my first time in Greece/Milos. But I was wondering where is the best town to stay location wise? The closest or most central spot to have the easiest access to all the wonderful beaches and caves.

When it come to Milos, it’s truthfully hard to go wrong as there are so many beaches scattered all around the island. We loved staying in between Sarakiniko and Papafragas. The town of Pollonia was a short ATV ride away, but we had peace and quiet in the evenings since we weren’t centrally located. You’d have a hard time staying somewhere that’s more than a 5 minute ATV ride from a great beach! So I would prioritize staying either in town (if you want a walk away from shops, restaurants, etc) or nearby a beach (for quiet and easy access to swim). Hope that helps.

Gabriella Zina Says

Hi Selena! Thank you so much for all the details on your trip to Greece, it’s making planning a honeymoon so much easier. We are planning on going for 12-13days. We are landing in Athens and then planning on heading to Santorini, Milos and Paros. Do you think this is a good order? Also how many days do you think we should spend on each island? We are planning on just spending 1 day in Athens as we would rather explore the islands.

Congrats Gabriella! Sounds like a wonderful honeymoon. I think that schedule sounds perfect. It depends on your priorities, but you could easily spend 4 days on each island or prioritize based on your travel style (Santorini is romantic and has beautiful dining out and shopping experiences but can be crowded; Milos is great for exploring unique beaches and adventuring, and is more laid-back; Paros has great towns and beaches but is the largest and lends itself to day trips around different parts of the island). Purely from my own experience, I would do 3 nights Santorini, 5 nights Milos, 4 nights Paros. That way I’d maximize my time on Santorini with a beautiful hotel and dinner reservations (it’s the pricier of the three islands), hit some incredible beaches in Milos, and then spend the end of my trip in Paros exploring at leisure. Enjoy, you’re in for an amazing trip!

Francine Hattingh Says

Thankyou Selena for your helpful article. However thought I’d let you know wherever I look up your Asterias hotel – Booking.com or luxury hotels etc and whichever dates I choose until 2023 and opting for different numbers, it says unavailable, which is strange as they are still on the site.

Thanks for the heads up Francine! I’m seeing availability starting in June 2022, so it’s possible bookings were temporarily paused due to current events.

Hi there! Would you please tell me if in Milos you can encounter many wasps/hornets like e.g. you do in Ionian Islands of Greece? We are planning to visit in late September time. Thanks!!

We don’t remember this being significant during our trip (and we went in September), however I know this year there was a general increase in bees/wasps as we encountered more than usual on the islands. I believe this has more to do with the months leading up to summer and can vary depending on the year.

Love your blog about Milos. Thank you for sharing your precious Knowledge, I used it exclusively for our week trip here right now, found it much better than google! We went to Astakas restaurant in Klima for sunset, we were a bit disappointed with the service and food compared to all the other restaurant we ate at off your recommended places, but the view of sunset was unbeatable. Another amazing restaurant is called Tarantella, it is off Provatas beach, amazing authentic food! And the Provatas beach is also amazing, less people and sandy calm beach. I honestly enjoyed it more than Fyriolaka.

All the best for the future 🙂

I’m so glad it was useful! Thanks for the restaurant tip — hope to make it back again and I love to hear of new spots to add to my list x

Paloma Castillo Says

Quick question! I am planning on going to Milos with my sister in August – we are on more of a budge trip but still trying to enjoy! How much should we budget per night for dinner?

Depending on your choice of restaurant and how much you order, you could eat very inexpensively (think $9-18 for dinner) or find a three-course meal and drinks for around $20-40 per person. So, all depends on your preference, but there are a variety of restaurant options so no shortage of places to choose from!

Kira Cooper Says

Loved this post! We are going in October and thinking about staying at Asterias – feels our vibe! Wanted to ask – how did you get the ATV ready for you at the hotel on arrival? Did the hotel folks help arrange that?

Good question! We asked the ATV company if they could deliver it, and I recall that they planned to arrange it with the hotel but we ended up picking it up anyway. You could certainly request it from the company directly, or Asterias might be able to point you to a company they recommend that will drop it off for you. Good luck, and enjoy!

Annabelle Says

Hi! loved the article and pictures, I’m currently booking a summer vacation, island hopping in Greece and we want to visit Milos as well, however I’m hesitating on how long we should stay on the island, we like to be active during our vacations, any recommendation for length of stay?

We stayed for 6 days and I honestly could have stayed more! It was enough time for us to see a variety of beaches, explore the downtowns, and even go back to some of our favorite spots.

Hi! We are going to Greece for two weeks in august so your guides have been super helpful! Where did you get most of your dresses/outfits in all your Greece pictures? I am having a hard time finding good options haha

Exciting re: August trip! Some of my favorite places to shop are: & Other Stories, Sezane and Anthropologie, but I will say there are plenty of cute boutiques on the Greek Islands so shopping locally is always preferred. : )

Kailyn Says

Any tips on what to wear? We will be going to Milos in June. Cover ups? Bathing suits?

I lived in a bathing suit and light dresses during our trip (think linen or breathable cotton). Definitely bring: lots of swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, hat, dresses, light pants/shirts, and some type of sweater or jacket to throw on in the evenings when you’re sitting outside for dinner or walking around town after sunset. The evenings are still relatively warm, but the wind will pick up depending on the time of day or part of the island you’re on. Hope that helps!

What are AVT ?

Lee Sanderson Says

The Greeks call them ‘Oinks’. 4 wheel drive buggies. ATV = All Terrain Vehicle.

Can’t wait to use this term next time I’m there!

ATV = small vehicle used for off-roading, but is frequently used in the Greek Islands for getting around.

Another question: you’re allowed to use the ATV anywhere? On regular roads too?Or just at the beaches..

Lyanne Says

Love it so much!! Question: did you- or is it possible to- travel to different islands during your trip?

Definitely! We visited Milos, Paros and Naxos on this trip. There are ferries between each, but it’s important to check ferry schedules as they don’t run every day (and change frequency during certain times of the year). This post has more info on other islands I recommend: https://finduslost.com/greek-islands-how-to-choose-which-to-visit/

Hi Selena, thanks for all useful tips and recommendations. I’m writing this while having brunch in Hanabi! And will heading to Medusa for lunch. Your blog is incredibly informative and help me to have the best time here in Milos. xoxo

I’m living vicariously through this comment! Have THE BEST time! I can taste (and remember) every dish I had at Medusa…

My husband is Greek and we’ve been coming to Milos for many years. Your guide and insights about the island are absolutely spot on and really well put together. Unusual for an ‘ξένος’ (foreigner 🙂 ). Thank you.

I love hearing that, thank you so much! Probably the best compliment I could receive. My mother’s side is Greek-Cypriot..so perhaps it’s innate 😉

Hi Selena, thanks for this amazing guide! We are planning to visit Milos at the end of September/beginning of October and I’m trying to gather some information about the boat trip to Kleftiko. Do you remember how much was the private boat rental? I checked some of the boat tours organized by many companies on the island, now they usually take about 20 people but it costs even 150 euros (for two), so I’m wondering whether a private boat is a better option… But I’m also a bit worried if we handle navigating this thing 😀 How difficult it was? I’ve heard it may be a bit windy or even stormy in October, that’s why I’m worried. BTW, you wrote in other comment that Plaka is closed to cars. How about ATVs? We are thinking about staying in Plaka for a few days and we will probably rent an ATV so I’m just wondering if it would be an issue. Anyway, thanks again, your post is super informative and we will definitely try some of the restaurants you recommended! 🙂

Hey Zooey! Good question. I asked my husband and we remember it being maybe 40-50 euro an hour, but it’s been awhile so don’t quote us on it! You can email them for an accurate quote, which is what we did prior to going. I would only suggest this route if you’re comfortable captaining a small boat. There is a fair amount of wind on Milos and you’d also want to be comfortable navigating in coves, around land, etc.

The actual downtown of Plaka that’s shut for motor vehicles (and ATVs) is reaaaally small! We only had an ATV during our trip and we visited Plaka to have dinner a handful of times. In those cases we parked just downhill of the downtown and walked to our dinner spot in 5-7 minutes. So you can always navigate to and around Plaka without an issue. It just means you would likely have to park your ATV elsewhere if you’re staying in the center (though it’s likely your hotel or bnb will be outside of the small downtown center anyway). Hope that helps!

Hi Selena, thank you so much for replying! We ended up booking a hotel in Trypiti, 10 minute walk from Plaka so the problem with ATV is solved! 😀 We will only use it to go to more remote areas of Milos. Thanks for the boat trip recommendation. I contacted a few companies, but it seems like it’s a quite expensive thing (at least if you want to rent it for a half day), and I’m not so sure about navigating it after all! So we are now thinking about a short trip to Kleftiko with a small tour, they says it’s max. 10 people. We are going there at the beginning of October so hopefully there will be no crowds 🙂

Sounds like a great plan! And I’m sure you will love the boat trip – that’s an ideal size and means all your focus can be on enjoying the scenery, not navigating the boat 😉 enjoy every minute!

Thank you Selena for such an informative post I cant wait! I tried clicking onto the link to hire the boat for half day but it redirected me to another one of ur post.. could you let me know which site you used to book the private boat 🙂

Here it is! https://rentboatmilos.com/en/our-boats/

Stephy Says

What a beautiful article! Thank you so much. I am surprising my partner with a trip to Milos for a week in July for our anniversary and his birthday. Someone told me to stay in Adamas however I am worried that it will be incredibly touristic. Is this true? We won’t be hiring a car and probably only want to get an ATV for two days. Would you recommend any specific area to stay in that it is easy to get to the beaches, restaurants etc. We are both in our late 20’s and want to spend our days by the beach and night at some of the beautiful restaurants you suggested above. Thank you!

Hi Stephy! What an incredible surprise. Yes, I did find Adamas to be more touristic than the rest of Milos. It’s on the water so has many more outdoor cafes, shops, and ATV rentals catering to tourists. It also has access to the port, which means tourists entering the island are dropped off here by boat (usually daily). By contrast Plaka (inland from Adamas) had many more locals, and we found ourselves going there more often for dinner. In Pollonia (near where we stayed) we also thought the restaurants were more authentic, though there were fewer options. It’s a much sleepier town at night, but it is on the water. I really liked this part of the island because it was really accessible to Sarakiniko beach and Firapotomos, two of my favorites.

The good news is the island is not huge so you’ll never be too far from a beach. When we were visiting most beaches by ATV, a lot were within 5-15 minutes of where we were staying. When we went to the complete opposite side of the island, the drive was anywhere from 20-40 minutes. I think the longest drive we had was around 40-45 minutes. We really enjoyed going by ATV and it never felt difficult to get around. We rented one for the entire time, which may give you more flexibility on where you choose to stay (and you’re likely to spend less if you’re staying right outside of a town, rather than in the center. So it might be a decent trade off if you’re budgeting).

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for your reply!! You have really helped me with organizing and planning:) Do you think it is an issue if we do not get an ATV nor a car? Do you really need to have one or the other to be able to travel around Milos? We are trying to get my partners driving license sent over from Australia but because of covid, it seems to be taking longer. I really love the place you stayed at, would you recommend staying there during our time without a car? It looks like it is a bit out of nowhere. Thanks:)

I’d highly recommend having an ATV or car. Otherwise you’d have to rely on taxis or far walks to get around, which isn’t ideal. If you don’t rent either, staying within a town probably makes the most sense.

We enjoyed the location of where we stayed because it was quiet at night and we were positioned halfway between some of Milos’ best beaches and the small town of Pollonia. Since we had an ATV it took us less than 10 minutes to get to either. That said, it’s not for everyone – you may find it more convenient to be closer to restaurants/shops.

I should also add – Plaka is closed to cars, which is also why it is a more charming small village. Both Adamas and Pollonia are not closed to cars.

Hi, thank you so much for this stunning guide to Milos! I have followed you on Instagram for a while and have only just recently migrated over to your blog, but I am finding all your travelling so inspiring. At the beginning of 2019, I decided to finally follow my dream and moved to Oslo all by myself for a year. It ended up being the best thing I’ve ever done and I found a second home there. This year I’m planning to go somewhere a bit sunnier and do some travelling around the Greek Islands so this guide is absolutely perfect! All your food and drink tips are extremely helpful, so my question is do you have any favourite suncream brands you prefer to use when you travel to these warmer destinations? Any recommendations that are waterproof and non-greasy would be wonderful since it’s often hard to find sun protection products that really cover all bases. Thank you again

Ooh that’s a good question! Congrats on the move btw, and glad to have you on the blog! I personally have used Avene in the past and love it, but I’m planning on buying supergoop this year since it seems to be the only brand out there that’s completely reef-safe. Linked below! Hope this helps.

Supergoop: https://shopstyle.it/l/bex2n

Avene: https://shopstyle.it/l/bex1e

Hi, thanks so much for this beautiful and informative guide. My husband and I have got 9 days booked in Milos in July this year, and we’re very excited. I’ve heard it can be quite windy on the island – what was your experience of this like? Is it bad? We will be staying in Pollonia and will have a scooter to get around. xxx

Hey Linda! We visited in late August / early September and didn’t have any issues with wind. From what I understand though, it tends to be windier in the early summer months (June/July) and mellows out towards the end of summer. The nice thing about Milos is that there are beaches on many different sides of the island, so I’d always ask a local where to go when it’s windy if you’re in doubt that day! Enjoy, Milos is incredible xx

Hi, Thanks for your guide it is incredibly informative and beautifully collated. We are heading to Milos next year and deciding where to stay. I have taken on your above advice and will certainly look in to those, but what are your thoughts on staying in the waterfront fishing village houses at Klima. Do we have easy access to best beaches and town from here. We have 2 young children. Thank you. Regards Naomi

Hi Naomi – I personally didn’t stay in Klima, but it’s a great little area and so beautiful at sunset. In terms of being close, the island of Milos isn’t very large so anywhere you stay you’ll be close to amazing beaches. That said, you’ll definitely want a car or other mode of transport to get around. Klima is at the bottom of a hill so you’d be driving up to get into town, go on the road to head to other beaches, etc.

Hope that helps!

Thomas Says

Hi Selena, We plan a trip to Milos in two weeks for about one week. Our plan is to take a car getting around , but there is no choice of booking an ATV online . Are you having links to do this? We plan to stay in Polonia , but not sure we split the time of staying there and have another time in Adamas before we leaving to Athens. By car getting around is not as far as it seems . Are there more good hotels or private rooms from Airbnb than on booking.com? We need also good Greek restaurants around for dinner . ? Thanks , also a very good information site and I guess it makes a lot of work. I Work for airline Industrie and when I should do this beside my job , oh my good . If there is anything you want to know for your next trip, ask me , maybe I can answer some of your questions. Regards

Hi Thomas – I think I already responded but for some reason my comment is gone! Sorry about that.

It’s really up to you if you want to move around while staying on Milos, but you really don’t need to. Everything is fairly close as long as you have a car or ATV.

My go-to is booking.com because they tend to have the most options, if it’s not on there or Airbnb either I’d just make sure to double check reviews before committing!

As for restaurants, our favorites are listed above. 🙂 hope that helps!

Louisa Says

This guide is so thoughtful and beautiful. it inspire me to book my trip there this September ! Thank you love it !!!

Thanks Louisa, I’m so glad! Enjoy it!

Jazmin Says

Hi Selena! This is so amazing! I’m going to Milos in two weeks and have been having a hard time deciding between car and ATV. We want transportation the whole time we are there and currently think of doing car for 3 days and atv for 1 day. Do you think this makes sense or should we add another atv day? Currently for ATV we were thinking of doing Firipalka, Tsigrado, Paliochori, and Paliorema Sulfur mines. The rest of your highlights done in car. Thank you! It’s hard to find a map that shows where it’s best to ATV.

Hi Jazmin – so excited you’re going to Milos! I’d honestly choose one or the other for the duration of the trip, so you don’t have to organize returning / swapping them out halfway through! You can take the ATV on all the roads around the island (there aren’t separate roads for cars versus ATV’s, everyone drives on the same one) so it’s really up to your comfort level. The main benefit of using an ATV is that you can also go on dirt roads and potentially explore lesser-known beaches, but if you’re going for 4 days and mostly planning to hit the main ones, it’s not necessary. The benefit of a car is A/C…haha!

I hope that helps! Have a great trip. xx

Pingback: The Most Beautiful Greek Island - Milos | La Dolce Fit Vita

Lyla Iljaz Says

Wow such a great guide! Going for my birthday thanks for the inspo and tips! Xx Lyla

Best birthday trip ever! Enjoy!!

Pingback: The Greek Islands: How To Choose Which Ones To Visit - Find Us Lost

Where did you rent the ATVs from?

Honestly, not sure which company it was! We contacted a couple and chose the one that would deliver the ATV’s to our hotel. You can also ask the host / where you’re staying for a recommendation. xx

Ariana Says

Are there taxis on Milos? What is the best way to get around? I’m visiting in July and can only seem to find a place available in Parasporos village, just 5 minutes from Adamas town. Your photos are getting me so excited though 🙂

Hey Ariana! There are taxis but you will likely need to arrange them beforehand whenever you need a ride, so I wouldn’t recommend it as a main form of transportation. We rented ATVs which was great for getting around, you can use them on all the roads around the island. There’s also the option to rent a car or motorbike.

Hope that helps! I’m excited for you 😉

Yay! Thanks so much! When will your full guides to Paros and Naxos be out? Can’t wait to read them!

Hopefully soon 🙂 lots in the works at the moment! xx

Hi Selena! Thank you so much for the advice about Milos. We decided to add two nights to our time in Turkey and spend 6 nights in Milos. We are so excited! Thank you for helping me discover such a cool place!

That sounds amazing! Have the best time – and send me a DM on Insta @finduslost so I can see your Turkey pics (we still haven’t made it there!).

Lindsey Says

Hello! So glad I found your blog. My husband and I are trying to plan a short Greece trip and are torn between doing Rhodes and Symi together or just camping out at Milos and maybe visiting Santorini. Any tips on deciding?!

So glad you found me too 🙂 That’s a tough one – I’ve heard great things about Rhodes (and Symi!), but personally haven’t been to either of them. So I can only comment on Milos. I’d say if you’re in it mainly for the beaches, Milos has the most diverse beaches of any island I’ve been to. Santorini is the opposite as the beaches are mostly rocky and not very swimmable. But, Oia in Santorini is breathtaking and worth a visit alone as it’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been. Note that – it’s also quite crowded!

Hope that gives a bit more insight. No matter where you end up, both are great itineraries xx

rosieruby Says

This is Wonderful! Greece is a very popular place for holidays. The best time to visit Greece is between May and October. Especially that is the best time to visit I think so….i have to plan next month.

Yes so true! I love shoulder season (May and September/October). The water is still warm at the end of summer, which is perfect. xx

I was inspired by your blog to make the trip to Milos in late October – do you know whether I will still be able to catch a ferry from and to Athens around that period? I am wavering between taking a gamble for a ferry vs. booking a flight and being done with it. The websites don’t have any information about ferry trips in this period. Not sure if it’s too early, or just that the service stops after peak period.

The ferries get far less frequent in October, so booking a flight is a great option! You can also try letsferry.gr which should allow you to search and book ferries in advance (it’s what we used for our last trip). Hope that helps – enjoy Milos, it’s amazing 🙂

Hi Selena, I love your instagram and blog so much, I check in every day to see your posts. I have gotten so much inspiration from you!

My husband and I travel quite a bit and typically prefer to stay in one destination for an extended time rather than rush many destinations. We have 8 days to spend in the Greek islands and I can’t decide if we should spend the whole week in Milos or split it and do 4 nights each in Milos and then Naxos. Any advice?

Thanks Alina, that made my day! 🙂

And this is a tough one. I could easily spend 8 days in Milos! But if you want something totally different, Naxos can offer that. And 4 nights in Milos is definitely enough to see plenty of beaches – especially if you’re hitting two a day (and really, it’s just beach, sleep, repeat!). If I were you, I’d do both if you want to have a more active schedule, and only one if you just want to relax. Hope that helps!

Selena, thank you so much for responding! I was so excited you wrote back!

My husband and I went to Santorini 10 years ago and spent 5 nights there. We spent every day exploring the island and beaches on our scooter and then meandering through towns in the evenings. It felt like home for the week and we loved it so much!

That is pretty much what I have in mind for Milos. Does it have cute towns to walk around and explore? Do the towns of Naxos offer something more unique/special over Milos? Or does Milos also have charming towns with good restaurants to sit at for hours?

Thank you so much for your help! I will let you know what we end up doing. Congratulations on your place in NYC, how exciting to live in and experience different cities like you have!

Milos definitely has cute towns to walk around at and explore! And sit down for hours at. 🙂 We loved having our hotel near Pollonia since it’s on the beach. Adamantas is next to the port and is fun to walk around, and Trypiti and and Plaka are both so picturesque and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Naxos is unique because it has lots of mountain towns in addition to the picturesque main town on the port. When you’re driving the island it’s easy to forget you’re on an island – you can kind of get lost in the hills (which has it’s own perks!). I found there to be less tourists as well, but it could’ve been more due to the time of year we went (mid-September).

Hope that helps. Have the best time…Greece never gets old!

Selena, It makes one yearn to go over to Milos wherever they are right now. When I was in Greece I went to Athens, the sceneries, beaches and all you described are worth every penny. There is so much to experience in Milos,now I know.

Yes, every time we make it to Greece i’m just reminded of how many places I have yet to see! Hope you make it to Milos soon. 🙂

Clarissa Zhu Says

I went to Greece in the summer and loved it but holy moly this is next level amazing. I will have to put Milos on my bucket list. I am going to the states this May-June and I’ve already got my travel bug on. I can’t wait to read your guides and see what other places I have to go to!

https://sheislostinwanderlust.blogspot.com/

Thanks Clarissa! Yes Milos is definitely next level 😉 great to combine with another Greek Island as well. Enjoy and happy travels! xx

oh wow this place looks absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sahring all this info – Milos is now on my bucket list!

Nofilter Travel

So glad to hear it 😉 thank you xx

Ana Mafalda Silva Says

This is making me want to go to Greece right now!! Your photos are amazing!( as always!:p) Your travel guides are the best, I have used them to my trips to Lapland, and last week to Slovenia and Budapest!! I always wanted to go to Greece, been looking the last couple of years for a summer holidays but seems so expensive! But definitely gonna look again this year, specially to Milos!!! <3

Thank you so much Ana! I love hearing that! Hope you had the best time in Slovenia and Hungary – we loved both countries so much.

Hope you make it to Milos, definitely worth the trip 😉

Pingback: Greek Island Hopping in Milos, Paros and Naxos - Find Us Lost

@FindUsLost

Let’s get lost together.

• Privacy Policy & Disclosures

Subscribe To Our Newsletter and Receive 10% Off Our Lightroom Presets

Curated travel inspiration, whether you’re after a weekend getaway or bucket list bound.

Copyright 2024, Find Us Lost.

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

The Complete Guide to Milos, Greece: The Most Stunning Greek Island in the Cyclades

last Updated: May 13, 2024 greece milos

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Greece and looking for the best things to do in Milos? In this complete Milos Island travel guide I’m sharing all my favorite beaches in Milos, when to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and more!

Before we really get into it, it’s true — Milos is an absolute dream. Picturesque whitewashed towns. Lunar-like moonscape beaches . Traditional fishing villages like Klima . Mesmerizing blue waters. Catamaran trips around the island . And it actually still feels (kinda) authentic! Keep reading for all our favorite things to do in Milos.

Get to this secret sun-baked Greek island before it gets super popular! I swear it’s got the best beaches in the Aegean (easily way better than other islands in the Cyclades), and there’s so much fresh fish (way cheaper than Santorini !).

We’d been to Santorini and Mykonos almost 10 years ago (on our honeymoon!), but wanted to mix it up a bit this trip to Greece! And after seeing one photo of the lunar moonscapes of Sarakiniko , I was absolutely hooked on adding the stunning Greek island of Milos to our trip!

The verdict? My new favorite place in Europe. After spending just 3 days on the island, I can understand why it’s been claimed as the most stunning Cyclade Island in the chain. It’s now one of my favorite places in Greece, and I have a slight feeling we’ll be back sooner than later 😉 before it gets wildly popular of course (fingers crossed). 

It’s definitely up-and-coming and increasingly becoming more and more popular each and every summer — go NOW before everyone finds out about it! I swear, after we visited I don’t understand why it’s so overlooked — everyone goes to Santorini (especially the blue domes of Oia !) and Mykonos instead. But it won’t be underrated for long!

So if you’re thinking of going — GO NOW! We loved it! Here’s everything we learned after visiting, and all our favorite things to do in Milos! Promise you’ll have a few honey puffs for me!

Milos Logistics

Weather and when to visit milos.

Like other Greek Islands, Milos is best explored from May through September, coinciding with tourist season. The island is blessed with a Mediterranean climate — meaning mild temps, warm water, and relatively calm seas year round.

But in my opinion, late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, as it’s not as hot and sticky and less crowded. I’ll give you a little run down of the seasons in Milos and you can decide for yourself the best time for you!

Spring (mid-March to May): April and May are a gorgeous time to visit Milos, as the winter rains turn everything green and the wildflowers are in full bloom! It’s also not as exceptionally hot as in summer, so you won’t feel like you’re melting every day. But because of this, the water hasn’t had much chance to warm up yet, so it might still feel kinda chilly.

Summer (June – early September): Welcome to prime tourist season! June, July, and August easily have the hottest days, so if you’re looking for heat, there’s your answer! The air is warm and sunny, and there’s hardly any rain. 

But the months of July and August are definitely the most popular, so you’ll wanna make sure you book your flights, hotels, ferries, and activities way in advance. Things do get booked up, even on Greek island time! 

Summer also sees the strong northerly winds, usually blowing in July and August. These are called “meltemi” and have been known to spoil a beach day or two (they cause rough waves and there’s usually sand blowing everywhere). But thankfully the southern beaches aren’t very affected by this, so you can always change your plans and head on down to Fyriplaka and/or Tsigrado (two of the best beaches in Milos ) .

For reference, we visited Milos in mid-July, and had beautiful weather. Yes, it was pretty hot and sticky, but we were at the beach most of the time, so we just cooled off in the water! Plus, the winds actually helped cool down the air so we never felt absolutely gross.

Fall (late-September to November) : Ohhh, early fall is such a great time to visit. The island starts to cool off and it’s not as crowded, meaning cheaper flights and accommodations. If we had ultimate flexibility, I would have visited Milos in late September.

Winter (December to mid-March): While winter is overall pretty mild, there are still some rainy and cool days. And you don’t want your few days in Milos to potentially be rained out! What a big bummer that’d be! In my opinion, it’d be too chilly to really enjoy the beaches as well, as the average high in winter is roughly 60°F (14°F) or so (although the sea is usually warmer than the air, but still…)

How Crowded is Milos?

Milos is by far way less crowded than other islands in the Cyclades, like Santorini and Mykonos , but it’s definitely already been discovered. And the fact that some super-popular instagrammers have gone and spilled the beans on this spot recently just means it’s bound to see many more visitors in coming years than in the past. 

Let’s just say — if you’re researching things to do in Milos now, come as soon as possible! Before it becomes another Hawaii or Bali !

Where is Milos?

Milos is a small island found in the Aegean sea off the coast of the mainland of Greece (where you’ll find Athens , Delphi , Meteora , etc). It’s part of a group of islands called the Cyclades (the same chain where you’ll find popular Santorini and Mykonos ), and between the other tiny islands of Folegandros and Sifnos (other Greek islands I’m dying to get to).

And being just north of the Sea of Crete means you should absolutely add Crete onto your Greek island hopping itinerary as well!

How to Get to Milos

There’s basically two ways to get to Milos — either by ferry or a short flight from Athens! Your pick, but in my opinion, it really depends on where you’re coming from! If your first island on your Greek island hopping itinerary is Milos, fly! If you’re heading to Milos from another island in the Cyclades, definitely take a ferry! 🙂

If you’re doing some Greek island hopping, you’ll wanna book yourself a few ferry tickets to get around. And that includes a ticket to the port of Adamas in Milos!

Note that there are different types of ferries within the Greek Islands, some being “high speed ferries” which obviously get you to your destination quicker (in just 2 ½ hours) than the “slow ferries” (3-5 hours).

Some of the more popular ferry companies include SeaJets (which we took between Santorini, Milos, and Mykonos), Golden Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Fast Ferries. The quicker ferries are the most expensive, but they get you to the pristine beaches of Milos faster, sooo….. Worth it in my book!

• From Athens (note the port is called Piraeus): 2 ½ hours via high-speed ferry
• From Santorini (note the port is called Thira): 2 hours via high-speed ferry
• From Mykonos: 3 hours via high-speed ferry

A few ferry tips:

• Heading to another island afterwards? Don’t forget to only book a one way ferry to Milos!
• When you’re booking your ferry tickets, note the travel time. You don’t wanna be sitting on a ferry for 5 or 6 hours, especially if the seas are rocky! Always opt for a direct ferry if at all possible (like I said, the ferries are super chaotic – a connection is the last thing you want).
• Make sure to pay close attention while you’re waiting for a ferry — they don’t wait for anyone (nor really check you in)! Be prepared with your ferry ticket and other documents you may need. It’s kinda hectic so expect some madness. Organized chaos at its best — those ferry staff know what they’re doing.
• In our experience, ferries are usually either slightly delayed and/or take longer than advertised to get to your destination. Why? The weather and seas. Don’t make any specific plans right after you’re due to arrive.
• My #1 ferry tip right here → DO NOT EAT RIGHT BEFORE OR ON A GREEK FERRY. I repeat, don’t eat anything AT ALL if you have a weak stomach or are prone to seasickness, and definitely pop a dramamine beforehand. We unfortunately saw way too many people use the paper bags provided… did not look fun at all. Just do yourself a favor and eat after you get off.

→ We like to use Ferryhopper.com to search and book our ferry tickets in Greece. The site shows all the schedules (direct and those with connections), prices, timing, and more. Those Greek ferry websites can be so confusing and clunky (especially if you don’t know Greek)! Thankfully, Ferry Hopper makes it super easy; it’s what we use each and every time and we’ve never had an issue.

If you’re going straight to Milos from Athens (bypassing the other islands or heading to other islands afterwards), there’s direct flights for you to book! Aegean, Sky Express, and Olympic fly to Milos in just around 45 minutes. Sure, it’s way quicker than taking a ferry (even a high-speed one), but they’re typically much more expensive (at around $100 one way). 

If you can’t fathom sitting on a rocky ferry for hours and know for sure you’ll get seasick, I’d just suck it up and pay the price for a flight. You’ll be much more comfortable, although do know the plane will likely be pretty tiny.

How to Get Around

Renting a Car/ATV/Scooter

In order to easily get to all the beaches on Milos and the other areas around the island, it’s best to rent your own set of wheels. More specifically, a car, ATV, or scooter!

Do note that driving can be pretty difficult (something we didn’t read about in advance on other Milos guides), as some of the roads are super narrow and are only wide enough for one car (meaning you’ll undoubtedly need to back up to let others pass).

Let’s just say good thing my husband drove, although I was even stressed at points on the ride (particularly around parking). Was the driving worth it? Ask my husband, haha. Those with ATV’s didn’t seem to have much trouble, so we’ll probably rent one of those bad boys next time.

But of course there’s pros and cons to both renting a car vs. an ATV/scooter. Some things to keep in mind when deciding which to rent:

• You’ve got air conditioning in a car, which is NEEDED on a hot, sticky day (although the wind in your hair will feel amazing on an ATV)
• An ATV is smaller and therefore easier to navigate on the narrow roads, as well as fit into tighter parking spaces
• An ATV can drive off the road and ultimately get you a bit closer to your destination (just be extra careful — some of the roads are literally on a cliff with a steep drop)
• You may be more comfortable driving a car rather than an ATV/scooter if you don’t have much experience with them

We rented a car in advance, but from the looks of it, there were plenty of cars and ATVs ready for hire the day of. But we always like to be prepared, and wanted the car available first thing in the morning, so opted to rent ahead of time.

If I remember correctly, our car rental cost roughly 70euros for the day for a standard sedan with manual transmission. If you need an automatic, expect to pay a higher price and 100% reserve in advance. There’s significantly less automatic cars on the island — I’m so thankful my husband has driven stick in Europe quite a bit!

We were a bit worried as we heard (after we boarded our flight of course) that an International Driver’s License was required in order to drive a car and scooter/ATV in Milos. Thankfully, we were given the car and only had to pay an additional fee of 10euros (per day) — phew!

This worked out totally fine for us as we were only renting the car for one day (to drive around the island), but if you’re renting for a longer period of time, definitely get your International Driver’s License back home in advance. It only costs $20 and you can go to any AAA location. You will be required to show your home states driver’s license, so make sure to have that handy along with your passport.

Note that gas is ridiculously expensive on Milos, and it cost us about 35euros to fill up HALF A TANK of gas. That’s way more than back home in San Francisco , where we have some of the highest gas prices in the states (at almost $5/gallon), and even higher than Hawaii (where we always assume the gas will cost us tons). 

One last thing I want to point out in regards to car rentals: We booked ahead of time with a common car rental chain in Europe (Europcar), but I’m pretty sure they send their bookings to a local company on the island (Matha Rent I think).

So don’t be alarmed if this happens to you — my guess is that the island is too small to have their own separate franchise/spot of the bigger chains.

Public Transportation

Really don’t wanna worry about renting a car? There’s a main public bus in Milos, but the schedule isn’t terribly frequent and I can’t find an actual schedule that doesn’t say it changes without notice.

Do know that there are bus stops at major tourist attractions/beaches, including Triovasalos, Plaka, Trypiti, Pollonia, Paliochori, Achivadolimni, Sarakiniko, and Provatas, with stops on the way to these destinations. You could figure out how to get to all the things to do in Milos via public transit, but it might literally take all day.

I honestly wouldn’t advise relying on the public bus unless you’ve got loads of time and have nowhere to be. In addition, the bus doesn’t run too much in the winter, and really only runs from May to late September (for high tourist season).

Not renting a car? You’re stuck to the bus schedules and this leaves you no room for flexibility, especially if you’ve got lots you want to see! Find out more about the buses here , but note there’s honestly not much info given!

Where to Stay in Milos

There’s a few different options to choose from when deciding where to base yourself in Milos. 

For starters, there’s three main villages — Adamas (the main port area and where we stayed), Pollonia (a cute little seaside village), and Plaka (the capital of the island). And then there’s plenty of little fisherman villages dotting the coastline (like Klima , Mandrakia, etc). If you’re looking for facilities and lively restaurants, I’d choose one of the larger villages.

To be honest, we didn’t put tons of thought into our accommodation in Milos; we knew we’d be out and about every single day and wouldn’t be spending much time at our hotel. Typically, when we have a super packed itinerary, we pick something kinda basic, yet clean and in a convenient location. And that’s exactly what we did in Milos. Although next time I wanna go a bit bougie and stay either here or here .

Adamas (short for Adamantas)

This is the main port area where the ferry will drop you off! It’s a bustling port lined with boutiques and plenty of open-air cafes, and you can easily rent a car or ATV right here. It makes for a great base in Milos, but make sure you venture out past the town!

We loved the fact that it was within walking distance to tons of restaurants (including the ever-so-popular authentic O! Hamas!), was super convenient to the ferry, and had the best gelato spot on the island (pretty important if you ask me…). If you wanna be near all the things to do in Milos, Adamas is your spot.

After splurging big-time in Santorini (check out that hotel — there’s not one but TWO infinity pools overlooking the caldera), we wanted to find something cozy yet affordable in Adamas. And our stay at Aeolis Hotel was just that — it honestly felt more like a guesthouse than a standard hotel.

Granted it was far from chic and there were no seaside views, it was super convenient to just about everything and the owner was super friendly, giving us tons of ideas of things to do. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something simple and homey.

Recommended hotel options in Adamas:

• Aeolis Hotel (where we stayed — cute and simple)
• Alexandros Village
• Orama Milos

Find more accommodation options in Adamas here!

Ohhh, Pollonia is so cute! It’s a seaside village at the northeastern tip of the island; a much more mellow alternative to Adamas. There’s a few luxury boutique hotels over here, and had we not dropped all our cash on that (gorgeous) infinity pool overlooking the caldera in Santorini, I definitely would have stayed here. 

We did eat lunch here one day overlooking the sparkling Pollonia Beach, so at least we got to experience the town a bit! 

Recommended hotel options in Pollonia:

• Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel (I’m dying to stay here next time!)
• Perla Rooms
• White Pebble Suites (great for a honeymoon, sleek and brand new, $$$)

Find your favorite spot in Pollonia here!

Plaka is the capital of Milos, and it honestly reminded me of Mykonos Town quite a bit! Expect a quaint village with narrow white alleyways, cobblestone streets, and beautiful Cycladic houses with colorful doors. While we stayed in Adamas, I kinda wish we stayed in Plaka — next time!

There’s tons of chic seafood restaurants here too which are just perfect for date night!

Do note the town is located up a whole bunch of steps on the top of hill (it’s not too difficult to get to but definitely leave those heels at home!), but this just means great views! Oh — and you can’t bring a car or ATV up here; there’s a huge lot at the bottom of the hill (where we parked for sunset at the Plaka Castle and dinner in town one night). 

Recommended hotel options in Plaka:

• Palaios Rooms
• Piazza Castello
• Sunset Nest
• Halara Studios

Find more places to stay in Plaka here!

Fishing Villages

If you truly wanna experience something different, book a few nights in a traditional fishing village! Known as “sirmatas”, they were traditionally used for fishermen to store their boats in the winter. But lucky for us, some have been renovated and are rented out for tourists to stay!

You’ll primarily find these in Klima (one of my favorite areas to check out on the island, although a little further away from the other things to do in Milos).

Here’s a few to choose from which look absolutely wild!

• Fisherman House : Omg this place is the absolute cutest — the authentic decor and the sunset patio views, swoon! I 100% wanna stay here next time we visit Milos. It got only “exceptional” reviews, so book sooner than later! I’m sure it gets scooped up super fast in the prime summer months!
• Nostromo House : Another traditional home that got only 5* exceptional reviews. Take a look at the photos — the little patio set up overlooking the sea looks like a dream come true.
• On the Waves of Klima : This traditional apartment in Klima looks oh so cute — there’s a bedroom, a kitchen with dining area, a bathroom, and an outdoor terrace (overlooking the sea). And yes, it’s even air-conditioned!

Find more places to stay in Klima here!

How Long to Stay

I could spend a lifetime on Milos and it still wouldn’t be enough. And no, I’m not exaggerating — this tiny island really stole our hearts! 

We spent just 2 ½ days on Milos and could have easily spent another day or two lounging on the beaches — yes, they were that spectacular! And if time weren’t an issue at all, I think we would have been fine with about 5 days!

While we did get to see an awful lot of the island in such a short time frame, we were seriously go-go-go during our 2 full days in Milos. If you want a more relaxed pace (or want to feel the true Greek spirit), I’d definitely opt for 3-4 full days. I so wish we had more time, but wanted to re-visit Santorini (I’m forever in love with the tiny village of Oia ) and Mykonos as well (and had to get home to the pup!).

Best Beaches and Swimming Spots on Milos

While the island isn’t huge, there’s still plenty of things to do in Milos. And the beaches are always a good idea.

When I say Milos has the best beaches in Greece , I truly mean it. Out of all the Greek Islands we’ve been to (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Hydra, etc), the beaches in Milos are really the most spectacular . Deep blue Aegean water. Pristine sandy beaches. Chalky, moonlike landscapes. Turquoise-tinted sea caves. The list goes on and on and on. And luckily, there’s over 75 beaches to pick from, although you obviously won’t visit them all!

If you’re renting a car and/or taking a boat trip around the island, you’ll be able to see oh so many beaches! Just remember to slather on that SPF and wear a hat, as the sun is strong over here. And whatever you do, don’t miss Sarakiniko Beach and Fyriplaka — our two favorites!

→ read next: The Best Beaches in Milos (plus some stunning swimming spots)

Fyriplaka : This was by far our favorite beach in all of Milos, and we easily could have spent all day here! The water is super calm and shallow, the beach is easily accessible, and there’s enough space for everyone. Plus, those colorful cliffs in the distance sure are something else! If you’re only gonna add one beach to your Milos itinerary, make it this one — wading in the waters is one of the most relaxing things to do in Milos!

Gerakas Beach: Absolutely breathtaking. Absolutely unspoiled. Absolutely perfect. The minute our boat anchored off the coast of Gerakas, I knew we were in for a real treat. I mean, just look at that water! The brightest shade of turquoise I’ve ever seen. And it literally sparkled. Psst — Gerakas is only accessible via boat, so you’ll wanna book yourself on a catamaran sailing tour !

Kleftiko : There’s sea caves and rock formations to explore, clear, turquoise-tinted waters, and volcanic landscapes to admire. Apparently pirates used to hide out in the coves over here. No wonder it’s one of the most popular spots in all of Milos!

Again, you’ll need to plan in advance to get to Kleftiko — but it’s a common stop on full day boat tours around Milos (and even half-day tours !), so as long as you book something early on in your planning, you’re golden!

Sarakiniko : One look at Sarakiniko Beach and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to the moon. Just imagine white, chalky volcanic cliffs as far as the eye can see — the landscape here is absolutely wild. Sarakiniko is one of the most popular places to visit in Milos, so be sure to come early and of course take lots and lots of photos!

Cliff jumping is super popular here, and although I wasn’t brave enough, it was super fun to watch others jump! I wrote a full guide to Sarakiniko to ensure you know everything you need to know!

Papafragas Cave: Imagine a huge natural swimming pool and a tiny beach hiding between towering cliff walls. That’s Papafragas Cave, and it’s absolutely wild. It’s actually an enormous sea cave, and is visually stunning and super unique! Can you believe it was used in the past as a pirate base?! Whoa!

You’ll need to venture down a tiny, steep path in order to get into the water (although we just admired from above since we had lots we wanted to see/do that day!).

Galazira Zera (Poliegos Island): Wanna swim in the bluest waters you’ve literally ever seen. Head on over to Poliegos Island. Large white cliffs, sparkling waters, and pristine sandy beach. There’s no question why it’s simply known as “Blue Bay”.

Such an idyllic landscape — I had never seen waters that bright blue before (well, besides maybe in Bora Bora ). Emerald, sapphire, and turquoise swirls; I could go on and on! Swimming here was easily one of our favorite things to do in Milos.

Psst: You’ll need to take a boat tour around Milos and Poliegos Island to visit these blue waters, like we did! Here’s the EXACT full-day catamaran cruise we took , and it was such a blast (probably one of our favorite days in Greece)! All the spots were to die for!

Tsigrado Beach: It’s kinda hard to get to (you gotta climb down some ropes and ladders) and the beach isn’t really all that large, but I mean, c’mon, just look at it!  A secluded, picturesque beach tucked away amid high cliffs, rocky passages, and secret caverns? Yes please! It’s a great option on a windy day, especially if the winds make it difficult to visit beaches on the northern side of the island like Sarakiniko.

Firopotamas: Another semi-difficult-to-reach beach in Milos, but hey, it’s another stunner. Firopotamos is the perfect combination of clear, blue Aegean water, traditional fishermen boat houses (called “sirmata”), and the beautiful little Church of Saint Nicholas. It’s tranquil and family friendly, with a little beach bar sometimes open (don’t quote me on that — seems like it depends on the year). 

If you want LOADS more info on the beaches above (or just wanna see more pretty pictures 🙂 ), make sure to check out my post on the best beaches in Milos ! It’s filled with all the information you’ll need for a few days in the sun! 

Other Fun Things to Do in Milos

Of course you could spend all your time in Milos at the beach (and be perfectly satisfied), but there’s a few other things to do in Milos that we just loved! Although to be very honest we did spend most of our time at the beach — they were just too perfect not to enjoy them as much as humanly possible! But alas — here’s our other favorites!

You can’t visit Milos and not check out Klima — it’s known to be the most colorful fishing village in all of Greece! What makes Klima super photogenic is it’s traditional (and colorful!) fishermen boat houses with apartments above (known as syrmatas) dotting the shoreline.

I loved taking photos here — photographing Klima was one of my favorite things to do in Milos, alongside Sarakiniko and the other Milos beaches of course. We were supposed to see Klima from the sea as well on our catamaran tour, but the seas were rough (it was windy that day) so the boat had to go a different route — a pretty common occurrence.

The syrmatas were once used by fishermen as a place to store their boats and live, but are mostly abandoned now, with just a few residents living there full-time. Some can even be rented out now ( check out these syrmatas for rent here ), and others have been turned into souvenir-type shops. 

Read Next — Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Klima, Milos!

There’s only one restaurant in Klima and it’s pretty popular (Astakas Cafe) — definitely make reservations if you plan on coming for sunset. We unfortunately didn’t know about this spot in advance, or else we probably definitely would have made a reservation for a sunset meal! 

We came in late afternoon, and would have stayed until sunset if I wasn’t set on the idea of watching from Plaka Castle (which was STUNNING— don’t miss it).

Psst: Klima is located at the bottom of a winding road (starting from the village of Trypiti), so be extra careful on your drive down! It’s only about a 15 minute drive from Adamas, but it seemed to take us way longer because of the one-way traffic jams!

If you’re having dinner at the restaurant you can park right by the village, but if not, there’s a large parking area up top with a short walk down (what we did).

Okay, yes, Mandrakia is another fishing village (and it’s typically overlooked by Klima), but I swear it’s got a whole different vibe to it! It’s super cute and tiny and colorful and ohhhh the clear water. It doesn’t take very long to check out the view here, so I say, go to both! Mandrakia is honestly so super quaint with the colorful doors and traditional boats. 

It’s only a few minutes away from Sarakiniko , so make a short pit stop! And make sure to have a meal at Medusa, the restaurant in Mandrakia overlooking the sea (it got rave reviews).

Sunset at Plaka Castle

Plaka Castle is probably the #1 spot to watch the sunset in Milos — and get this, it’s hardly crowded (a complete opposite from sunset at Oia Castle in Santorini ). You’ll need to walk up a whole bunch of steps (we were dripping with sweat by the time we walked up — no exaggeration or joke), but I promise it’s worth it. 

There’s a 360° view of Milos, and the sunset from up here took my breath away (cliche but true)! 

Psst: Plaka Castle is not really a castle — it’s a church at the top of the hill (and will probably be locked when you visit). But the views — swooooon.

Wander Plaka

Plaka is the capital of Milos, and it’s far from what you’d expect! It’s a charming and well-preserved village with cobblestone streets, right on the highest hill on the island. Walk around and admire the charming buildings, have a few cocktails, visit the castle, and eat at Archontoula — that’s how you know you’re doing Plaka right. 

Although we walked through Plaka before heading to sunset at the castle, and then had some dinner in town afterwards, I really wish we had more time here! It honestly kinda reminded me of a mini-Mykonos town! So, so, so cute! Little kitties everywhere and those colorful doors against the whitewashed buildings!

Like Plaka Castle, you’ll have to walk up to Plaka since cars aren’t allowed to enter the village (the streets just aren’t wide enough). I do think you’re allowed to get dropped off by taxi though. 

Take a Boat Tour!

One of the best ways to really see Milos?! By exploring it’s rugged coastline! Taking a catamaran cruise around the island of Milos was one of our favorite days in Greece, so definitely add this to your Greek island hopping itinerary. 

There are two main boat routes to choose from: 

• ½ day tour : typically sails to Kleftiko and the southern side of the island
• Full day tour : circumnavigates the entire island of Milos and makes a stop at Poliegos Island (honestly, one of the best stops), too!

We chose the second option, and boy was it a long (and tiring!) day out on the water! Obviously the full day tours are more expensive than the shorter, half-day ones, but we just couldn’t get enough — jumping in the turquoise-tinted waters and swimming through the caves. Pure heaven! I swear — the water sparkled like I’ve never seen it before!

But don’t wait too long to book it — boat tours are one of the most popular things to do in Milos, so they get filled up fast. 

With that being said, don’t expect to find an empty boat heading out that morning! We had a family come into the office while we were waiting for other members of our tour to arrive inquiring about a boat, and the company told them they were sold out for weeks! WEEKS! 

My recommendation? Sign up for a catamaran cruise right after you book your ferry (or plane) tickets to Milos. That way you know for sure you’ll get to see Kleftiko and all the other amazing spots along the coastline.

Where (and what!) to Eat in Milos:

Greeks eat dinner late, and by late, I mean super late! We joined in during our time in Greece, and didn’t eat dinner until 9 or 9:30 some nights — including all our nights in Milos! With that being said, restaurants do fill up, so if there’s a particular spot you have in mind for dinner, be sure to either make a reservation or come a bit earlier than the masses (I’ll say anytime before 7pm is early).

Before we get into the restaurants, here’s a few foods you shouldn’t miss out on while in Milos: 

• Honey Puffs : ohhhh these were our favorite finds on Milos! They’re a traditional Greek honey cookie covered in sesame seeds, and we just couldn’t get enough! Kinda dense, kinda chewy, but 100% delicious. Find these at the bakery right at the port in Adamas!
• Watermelon Pie : Urm, what? When I first saw these for sale, I wasn’t really sure what to think. But they’re actually a sweet summer specialty of Milos made of watermelon flesh, sugar, thyme honey, flour, cinnamon, and olive oil. Yum! You can find these at basically any bakery on the island during the summer months.
• Octopus at Medusa : Enough said. It’s pure heaven.
• All the other Greek staples : Gyro (it’s hella cheap here!), spinach pie, Greek salad, and fresh seafood (extravagantly displayed on ice although pretty pricey for dinner)

Restaurants in Milos:

O! Hamos! Tavern: Traditional home-cooked meals with an occasional twist in a charming family-owned restaurant. That’s O! Hamos! in a nutshell. It’s easily one of the most popular restaurants in all of Milos, and I’m kicking myself that we didn’t share a meal here (although we were so close!). I’ll explain…

We arrived around 7:30pm and were told there was a 90 minute wait or so. You can’t make a reservation so definitely come on the earlier side — a bit later people were getting turned away due to a much longer wait time (the restaurant closes at 10pm so they don’t keep adding names to the list if the wait time will end up being too close to closing). We hung out on a lounge chair on the beach and watched the sunset, and then took a peek at the (handwritten — yes, handwritten!) menu (I swear it’s more like a book). 

While there were lots of choices, the menu consisted of a lot of goat and lamb — two meats I’m not particularly fond of. We decided to head elsewhere, but I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t have gone hungry had we stayed. I kinda wish we just got a few appetizers; the Grandmother’s Cheese Pies and fried menorah (goats milk cheese) sounded especially delicious.

Seaside at Adamas: We ate in Adamas one night, and there was plenty to pick from right by the water! Most of the menus are pretty similar, but there’s enough variety so you don’t get bored. I had a delicious serving of pastitsio (kinda like a Greek lasagna) one night, my husband had some seafood, and of course we shared a huge Greek salad. 

You’ll find all the restaurants along the water on the way to O! Hamas!. If you want something super simple and super cheap (literally only a few euro), grab a gyro near the port. Both Gyros of Milos and YANKOS are absolutely delicious!

Medusa: Doesn’t a long, leisurely lunch in Mandrakia with views of brightly colored fishermen’s homes and the Aegean Sea sound absolutely amazing? Sure does! Food is served in a laid-back open-air taverna, and there’s usually freshly caught octopus hanging out to dry. Try some salt water eel drizzled with olive oil and capers, fried zucchini balls, and some vinegar reduced octopus. It all sounds just heavenly. Not having a meal here is one of my biggest regrets on our trip to Milos! Next time! 

Aggeliki Ice Cream: Located right in the port of Adamas, you can’t miss this little spot when you get off the ferry. And staying right in Adamas itself, you bet we had some ice cream from Aggeliki each and every night. I mean, why not? It’s easily the best ice cream on the entire island! There’s a huge menu, with sweets like ice cream waffles and even avocado toast or brioche with prosciutto and poached eggs for breakfast.

Seaside in Pollonia: There’s a whole strip of seaside restaurants right along the beach in Pollonia — and some of them are super chic! We had a delicious lunch at Enolian, complete with huge Greek salads, tomato fritters, and baked eggplant.

Plaka: There’s so many great restaurants in Plaka, including Avli-Milos, Mavros Xoiros, and Archontoula. And don’t miss a drink at Utopia Cafe in Plaka for sunset!

Recommended 3-Day Milos Itinerary

If you’ve got 3 nights and just 2 full days like we did, here’s how I’d spend my time! It’s exactly what we did and we honestly saw oh so much! We were pretty go-go-go, so if you wanna see it all and then some at a more relaxed pace (checking off all the things to do in Milos), I highly recommend a third full day!

Day 1: Arrive in Milos via ferry/flight, wander around the port town of Adamas, pick up your rental car/ATV, check into your accommodation, then end the day with a sea-side dinner in Adamas or Pollonia! Get to bed early because tomorrow’s a super super busy day!

Day 2: Today’s a hectic day, so feel free to skip a few things if you want a more relaxed morning/afternoon. I’ve starred the spots I feel are absolute musts! If you didn’t rent a car when you arrived (like us, since we stayed in Adamas), rent a car or ATV early this morning and set off to explore the island! Here’s how we spent the day: 

• Quick breakfast of spinach pies from a nearby bakery
• Sarakiniko Beach*
• Papafragas Cave*
• Lunch at Enolian in Pollonia
• Tsigrado Beach
• Fyriplaka Beach*
• Firopotamas
• Klima Village*
• Plaka Castle for sunset*
• Dinner in Plaka

Day 3: If today’s your last full day in Milos, make sure it’s a good one! Book a boat trip to Kleftiko !!! We had such a fun day sailing around Milos and Poliegos (an island right off the coast of Milos), swimming in the bluest waters I’ve ever seen, jumping off the boat, and eating delicious Greek specialties.

Here’s the exact full-day catamaran cruise we took around Milos — it was one of our favorite days on our entire Greece itinerary!

Have I convinced you to visit this underrated gem yet!? Which things to do in Milos are you most excited about? You can say the beach!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

September 8, 2022 at 3:18 am

What a great post. Thanks so much. What time of year were you in Milos? Looks like your weather was perfect

September 8, 2022 at 10:16 am

We went in July, and yes– we got blessed with perfect weather!

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

• Work with us
• Privacy Policy
• Meet the Team

The magical island of Milos is fast becoming one of the most sought after destinations in the Mediterranean.

With its extraordinary and very unique geology and topography visitors are in for an assault on the senses with vividly coloured cliffs and beaches from the mining and volcanic activity, which bring with them hot springs and incredible landscapes.

Add to the that the unique colourful fishing villages, over 70 stunning beaches, a thriving food and wine scene and wonderful boutique hotels and small resorts, it really leaves people speechless.

If you are visiting the Cyclades then be sure to put Milos on your itinerary. And book early as this largely undeveloped island sells out fast each summer!

Things to do on Milos

Where to stay on Milos

How to get to Milos

Milos Beaches

You may also like, why you must see the greek wedding show santorini, a complete guide to ano syros, how to find the best santorini instagram spots, the best sifnos beaches, a complete guide to kimolos island, greece, ferry ports in athens.