Are you traveling to Milos, Greece, and wondering what the must-sees and must-dos are? I assure you, it is one of the most exciting and interesting Greek islands to visit!
Milos, Greece, is among the top five most popular Cycladic Islands, along with Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, and Paros.
It is also one of the most stunningly beautiful Greek islands in the center of the Greek island group widely known as the Cyclades.
On the north of Milos Greece, you find Serifos and Sifnos, and on the east Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, and Amorgos.
Milos Greece is a typical Cycladic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea alleys, crystal clear blue waters, and mouth-watering Greek food.
The extra with Milos is that it has some of the most impressive and fascinating beaches in the Cyclades, like the famous Kleftiko and Sarakiniko.
There are public buses on Milos and water taxis but I got around the island with a rental car as it offered the freedom to explore Milos in depth.
Next, I will tell you about the best things to do in Milos Greece!
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Best Things to Do in Milos Greece
Swim in Milos’ Best Beaches
Milos, Greece, has over 70 beaches, each with its striking beauty and allure formed by volcanic eruptions, sea salt effects, and local mineral ground ingredients.
The best way to explore Milos’ beaches is by taking a yacht tour around the island.
Sarakiniko (Top Milos Greece Beach)
Sarakiniko Beach is just remarkable. Imagine a lunar-like rock formation with white polished rocks beach and azure diaphanous waters.
Sarakiniko Beach has a small sandy part but other than that it is pure white rocks.
This beach, named after the Saracen pirates who once used it as their hideout, is as wild and untamed as you can imagine. The dramatic landscape gets an extra dose of mystery from a partially buried shipwreck, just waiting for you to uncover its hidden treasures!
It is a thrilling place to watch the sunset or stargaze.
It’s on the northeast side of the island, 6.4 km (4 miles) from Adamas port. You can get there by public bus.
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Papafragkas Beach
Papafragkas beach rock formations and cliffs are impressive and jaw-dropping. This beach however is challenging to get to, resulting in few people managing it.
There is a carved staircase on the cliff but if it is very windy, you will have no protection. Climb at your own risk. It is about 7 km from Adamas.
Kapros Beach
Kapros Beach, is 7.3 km (4.5 miles) from Adamas, with an amazing ark that you can swim through, easily accessible through a sandy beach, and most of the time a quiet place.
Kleftiko Beach
Kleftiko, once a pirate’s hideout place, today is a breathtaking steep white cliff and turquoise waters beach, perfect for scuba diving and reachable only by boat.
It’s more of a network of caves and alabaster-white rock formations than a traditional beach, but there are plenty of swimming opportunities.
Secluded Kleftiko is located southwest of Milos Greece and nearby you can find the Agios Ioannis Siderianos monastery.
Sykia Cave
Sykia Cave (Sykia = Fig tree in Greek) is accessible only with small boats and inflatables, a spectacular place in Milos Greece. What makes it really special is that part of the roof of the sea cave has caved in over time, creating this cool “hole” where you can see the sky.
Inside, there’s this tiny beach with pebbles, rocks, and super clear water. And you know why it’s called that? Because right near the roof opening, there’s a fig tree!
Tsigrado Beach
If you’re up for an adventure, Tsigrado Beach is the place for you! It’s the most secluded beach on Milos, and you can only reach it by boat or by climbing down a long ladder set into the rocks.
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, getting there isn’t easy—but the experience is totally worth it.
Make sure to bring your own water and snacks since there are no nearby facilities. The closest tavernas are in Fyriplaka. Once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden paradise, with soft sand, crystal-clear water, and caves waiting for you to explore.
Tsigrado is just 11 km (6.8 miles) from Adamas. Fun fact: this area was the site of Milos’ last major volcanic eruption about 90,000 years ago!
Paliorema or Thiorichio
Paliorema or Thiorichio is an unusual beach with a disused sulfur mine above it. Here lies the old sulfur mining quarry that operated until 1956, with the building, the caves, and some of the machinery still in their place.
The beach found right by the mines has yellowish pebbles due to the sulfur but the waters are clear and you can combine your swim with a visit to one of the geologic sites of the Milos mining history.
Firopotamos, a Top Beach in Milos Greece!
Firopotamos’ beautiful beach takes you back in time with the fishermen’s houses, and multi-colored doors housing the fishing boats of the locals.
The heavenly, turquoise, and transparent waters are inviting for countless dives as with all of Milos’ exquisite beaches. Firopotamos is one of the northern beaches of Milos. To enjoy it at its best, check the weather and prefer it when it has south winds.
Explore Milos Greece Villages
Adamas or Adamantas
Adamas, Milos’ Port, has a striking large natural harbor, the biggest in Greece. It is a good place to stay as it is central and is connected by bus that runs Milos.
Adamas has a lot of food and bar choices and a few other entertaining options.
If you love museums you should visit the Mining Museum (closed on Sundays/Mondays) and the Ecclesiastical Museum (Daily 9:15-13:15 & 18:15-22:15).
Klima is one of the most colorful fishing villages in Greece. Take some time aside to walk beside the 35 pretty two-story old houses, watch the sunset, and stroke the stray cats that always hover around in wait for fresh fish.
There is a single tavern, and some houses have been turned into gift shops or hotels, such as Dream Boathouse.
Other interesting close-by sites include the Early Christian Catacombs of Milos (Tuesday to Saturday 08:30-18:30 Sunday 08:30-15:00 Monday closed), the Ancient Theatre, and the discovery site of the statue Aphrodite of Milos.
Plaka
Plaka is the beautiful capital of Milos, and it has traditional Cycladic architecture. Whitewashed houses, colored windows, and doors, balconies full of flowers and greenery, and narrow white streets characterize it.
On top of Plaka is the Kastro area with remains of a Venetian Castle and the Church of the Panagia tis Korfiatissas, marvelously located on the edge of the high cliffs: both of these places offer incredible panoramic views and the most romantic sunset in Milos.
The Archaeological Museum is housed in an Ernst Ziller neoclassic building and contains a replica of the original statue of Aphrodite of Milos donated by the Louvre. Open 8:00-15:00 daily (except Mondays)
In Plaka, you will also find the fascinating Folklore Museum, where you can have an inside look at Milos’ past times.
A unique property to stay in Plaka is Eiriana Luxury Suites in a lovely quiet location, with a swimming pool and huge breakfast.
Pollonia or Appolonia
Pollonia, or Appolonia is located northeast of Adamas, 10 km. It is a low-key, and family-orientated small fishing village of Milos Greece, built around a beautiful bay with a sandy beach, with traditional taverns by the sea.
Pollonia is a popular area to stay in as it is close to all the beaches on the north side of the island of Milos and the nearby islands: Kimolos, Agios Georgios, Polyaigos, and Glaronissia.
The best property in Pollonia is the seafront, which is beautifully decorated with swimming pool Captain Zeppos rooms.
Mandrakia (Best Thing to Do in MIlos Greece)
Beautiful Mandrakia village, just like Klima, is a typical example of Milos’ folk architecture. The village is a complex of cave buildings where fishermen stored their boats to protect themselves from bad weather during winter. The boats were stored in the lower part and the upper floor used to be the boatman’s house.
There is a nice sandy beach east of Mandrakia with trees called Geraneia.
Check out Seashell Mandrakia Sea View, it is built right on top of Mandrakia with amazing sea views.
Hiking in Milos Greece
Milos is part of the Hellenic volcanic arc and has strong hydrothermal activity, caused by the subduction of the African under the Aegean plate. The highest mountain is Mount Profitis Elias at 748 meters (2,454 feet) in the west.
There is Fyriplaka volcano, in the central and southern part of Milos, which has an impressive crater of 1700 m and a height of around 220 meters and is a must-visit hike in Milos. There is a second, the smaller volcano Trachila, in the northwest, and only a small part still exists.
Both volcanoes are impressive sights to visit and hike and some volcanic activity in the hydrothermal form near Agia Kyriaki or Achivadolimni.
Generally speaking, we find no ancient donkey trails on other Cycladic islands like Sifnos.
Some suggested hikes are:
- Adamas – Klima – Plaka: not exactly a trail but it passes by some beautiful scenery and offers the opportunity to visit the catacombs, the Roman Theatre, swim in Klima, and visit Plaka and Kastro with great sea vistas. Estimated Hiking Time: 70-80 minutes
- Agia Marina in Adamas – Profitis Ilia’s loop: Well marked with numerous cairns (koukos in Greek) and one of the best hikes on Milos. Estimated Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Mandrakia – Sarakiniko – Mytakas – Agios Konstantinos – Pachaina – Papafranga – Fylakopi: Estimated Hiking Time: 6-7 hours. There is no real trail, but the views are worth the hike. It is a good opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Fylakopi.
My favorite months to hike in Greece are October (warm but not too much) and April (everything has blossomed).
Outdoor Activities in Milos Greece
Take the small boats and visit the nearby beautiful small volcanic islands of Kimolos, Polyaigos, Antimilos, Glaronisia, and Akradia which also have secluded beaches and landscapes of great beauty.
All western Milos is a Natura 2000 protected area with rare indigenous species such as the monk seals, the red viper (Macrovipera Schweizer), and migratory birds. Milos is a great island if you like bird-watching.
Swim in the thermal springs – they are considered therapeutic if you have arthritis or other similar issues. You can find thermal springs in a configured cave in Adamas (water temp 33 C), Alykes, Kanava & Paliochori (water temp 50 C), and Mandrakia (water temp 52 C).
I am a Vegetarian, Where Can I Eat on Milos?
If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, Greece is your country! Greece has so many vegetable dishes that will satisfy any taste. Greek taverns serve all kinds of salads but also traditional homemade dishes that all Greeks were raised with:
- Briam: a variety of veggies in fresh tomato sauce
- Imam Baildi: sliced eggplants cooked with oil, tomatoes, onions, and spices
- Fava: puree of split peas and olive oil & Tzatziki spread: yogurt, garlic, and cucumber
- Gigantes: broad beans (butter beans) baked in a thick, sweet tomato sauce
- Dolmadakia: vine leaves stuffed with lemon-flavored rice
- Fasolakia (fresh beans in fresh tomato sauce)
- Arakas (peas in lemon sauce with herbs)
- Agkinares: Artichokes and potatoes in lemon sauce
- Bamies: Okras in tomato and oil sauce
- Horta: boiled greens usually picked up from the nearby garden early in the morning
- Spanakorizo: spinach and rice in white lemon sauce
- Gemista: oven-baked tomatoes or bell peppers stuffed with a filling of rice, veggies, and fresh herbs
- Any pie you can think of: tyropita (cheesepie), spanakopita (spinach pie), chortopita (greens pie) use your imagination-pie!
Milos Local Delicacies are:
- Skizes Milou, slices of bread with olive oil and fresh tomato grilled
- Pitarakia, small cheese pies with local cheese
- Watermelon Pie & Milos Koufeto, are the sweet choices.
All the above are usually accompanied by generous proportions of feta cheese, bread, and a lot of local wine or ouzo, choose your poison!
Where Best to Stay in Milos Greece
As Milos has a small number of hotels that fill up fairly quickly, I recommend booking your hotel early, before the season starts.
Agia Kyriaki Beach Hotel: Psaravolada Hotel Milos. It is a super romantic stylish hotel, with gorgeous sea views, quiet and remote.
Pollonia Hotel: Delmar Apartments & Suites – I stayed here and loved everything about this hotel—the good taste and simplicity of the decoration, the location, and the breakfast.
Klima House: Dream Boathouse is one of Milos’s most iconic places to stay. The rooms are literally 2 meters from the sea, you sleep and wake up to the sound of the waves, watching the sunset while having a drink.
FAB PROPERTIES
Check out availability and prices for the best hotels and apartments in Greece on Booking.
FAQ on Milos Greece
How many days do I need in Milos?
3-5 days should be enough to see all the important sights of Milos. And if you fall in love with the island, you can always stay more and extend your Milos holidays!
When is best to visit Milos?
If you love Greek islands at their busiest with high temperatures, then July and August are your months. If you like warm temps but not so crowded, choose late May – June & September – October. If you want to experience a real Greek religious Feast, visit a Greek island during Easter, usually in late April.
How to Get to Milos Island
Airport: Milos Airport has daily summer flights from Athens. 2 Greek air companies are flying to Milos, Sky Express & Olympic, and the flight lasts about 45 minutes.
Ferries: Daily ferries are going to Milos. The ferry to Milos from Pireaus runs all year round. The route is served by conventional and high-speed ferries and lasts 3 to 5 hours. Check out FerryScanner for the best and most reliable ticket information
There is a once-a-week ferry leaving from Lavrio Port but it takes about 15 hours to reach Milos as it passes from many islands (avoid!)
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What are some difficult aspects of Milos Island?
There are a few things that a first-time visitor should keep in mind while visiting the Cyclades Islands and specifically Milos:
- The roads are not good and you need to be careful, especially at night
- Many beaches have no trees or other shade, water, or food supply. You should carry your own supplies if you are visiting such a beach
- When it gets windy (June – August meltemia), it just won’t stop. It can also get a bit chilly in the evening (take a jacket or check my packing list for details).
- For more info on travel dangers and precautions in Greece, you may find interesting Hiking Safely in Greece post here
I am a Solo Female Traveller, Can I Go to Milos?
Greece is a perfectly safe country for everyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. In addition, Greek people are gene-programmed to be hospitable and are always eager to offer directions to your destination or any other advice, so ask freely.
You may find my post First Time Travelling to Greece where I get more analytical about petty theft, especially in the Athens metro.
How to Get Around Milos Island
BUSES: If you will be using the buses, it would be better if you stayed in Adamas or Pollonia. Find here the bus timetable for Milos.
RENTALS: The roads in Milos are extended with many dirt roads and not all are in perfect condition. If you decide to rent a car, the safest option is to rent a small 4WD so that it can take you to difficult places. A normal car won’t be able to go on many of these roads, and the insurance won’t cover you in case of a breakdown.
TAXIS: There are plenty of taxis on Milos that work 24/7.
Useful numbers for Milos: Milos Health Center: +30 2287360000 Milos Police: +30 2287021204
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- When is the Best Time to Go to Greece
- The Smart Traveler’s Guide to Athens Greece: Best Areas, Dining & Tours
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How to Get to Athens Port(Piraeus) from Athens Airport
- Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance), which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7.
- Metro: (€9) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
- Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €45 to Athens, €55 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
- Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable, new cars at affordable prices
- You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece.
Some of my Favorite Travel Resources for Greece
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com mostly for Europe.
- All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
- FerryScanner to book ferries to the Greek Islands
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
I want to see more of the beaches you are writing about here. When I was there, access to Papafragkas was closed because there was damage to the route going down and considered too dangerous. One situation I will mention about car rental is that most of Milos has very bad roads and the car rental companies will say that you cannot take their cars on them. I have seen some of these roads and they really are very bad, and for them they recommend using an ATV. One day I asked about an ATV and they were quite a lot more expensive than a car and even then they were questioning me taking one to the more remote areas, saying that it might be too difficult a trip on their particular model of ATV. I will check this out again next visit because I would really like to see those places!
Hi Fred and thanks for the useful comment.
I agree with you that the roads in Milos have been and still are in the most part of it not good. I am not in favour of ATV’s as there have been quite a few accidents with them, they are unpredictable and terrible for the environment. I believe the secret with Milos and most small places in Greece is to park your car before the place you are visiting where it is the safest place. I got stuck once in Pelion peninsula at Damouchari beach. I was there with my newish Polo VW but the uphill was so steep that the car wouldn’t start going up. I had to seek help. So, after the Damouchari ordeal, I avoid parking very close to my favourite beach, I walk. Great point by the way, thanks for bringing it up!