MILOS
Milos
Milos is a stunning Greek island located in the southwestern part of the Cyclades archipelago, in the Aegean Sea. It has a land area of approximately 160 square kilometers (62 square miles) and a coastline that stretches for about 125 kilometers (78 miles). Milos is known for its volcanic landscape, beautiful beaches, and rich history.
From a tourism viewpoint it does not have the same profile as Santorini but is definitely in the ‘up-and-coming’ category and is being featured in more and more magazine articles. So get in while it’s still relatively quiet!
The volcanic origins mean that Milos has some unique landscapes and stunning beaches. Sarakiniko, with its lunar-like white rock formations, is one of the most famous and picturesque beaches on the island. Other notable beaches include Firiplaka, Tsigrado, and Paleochori, offering crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings.
You’ll also see colourful volcanic rock formations, rugged cliffs, hidden caves, and hot springs. One famous spot is Kleftiko, a unique coastal formation of sea caves accessible only by boat, where visitors can swim and explore the stunning rock formations.
The island has a rich historical heritage, and evidence of its ancient civilizations can be found throughout. Milos was once a significant centre of trade, known for its mineral wealth, particularly obsidian. The famous Venus de Milo (Aphrodite of Milos), an ancient Greek statue currently displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, was discovered on the island in 1820.
Milos volcanic origins means there has been plenty of mining activity over the years, particularly its production of minerals like sulfur, bentonite, and kaolin. The abandoned mining sites, such as the abandoned sulfur mines at Paliorema, now provide a unique and fascinating glimpse into the island’s industrial past.
Apart from its natural and historical attractions, Milos offers charming traditional villages to explore. Plaka, the island’s capital, is a beautiful Cycladic village with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Other notable villages include Adamantas, the main port of Milos, and Pollonia, a picturesque fishing village with a relaxing atmosphere.
Best places to stay on Milos
The village of Pollonia is a perfect spot to base yourself on Milos. Its an attractive fishing village with plenty of restaurants to choose from, it offers the ferry to Kimolos for variety and most of the attractions are an easy drive.
There’s a good choice on the ‘Pollonia Peninsula’ with properties on the western side offering a bonus sunset view. Well established facilities like Melian Boutique Hotel, Nefeli Sunset Studios, Tania and Salt Suites all have a good position there. It’s an easy walk round to the port for an evening meal. White Pebble Suites and Apollon Rooms are also good.
Plenty more options have opened up along teh north coast in recent years – Domes White Coast is an example of the more up-market accommodation coming to Milos but there are plenty of more traditional places to stay. You can even find a converted fishing hut to stay in to complete that authentic Milos experience – see Beach Suite Syrma.
Also plenty around the port town of Adamantas, generally more of the room/studio/apartment style. Hotel Rigas is well located with a port view and gets good reviews. Santa Maria Suites is a little further out but also offers a good view. Thalassitra and Portiani are both closer to the action.
In the south there are not so many options but a few small rooms and hotels around the southern beaches – you could look at Noma at Kipos for example.
Best sights on Milos
The beach at Sarakiniko is probably the most photographed spot on Milos so you’ll probably want to visit. As a ‘beach’ it’s a bit limited unless you’re happy to jump from cliffs or share a rather small actual beach. But there’s plenty of room to roam around and check out the cliffs/caves and the stunning landscape.
Another option is to take a boat trip and visit Kleftiko. It’s a stunning coastal formation of sea caves and towering rock formations. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the caves are good for a bit of exploring by your boat captain.
If you’re into the history you can find the Catacombs of Milos located near the village of Tripiti. The Catacombs of Milos are an ancient Christian burial site dating back to the 1st century AD. These underground tunnels and chambers offer a glimpse into the island’s early Christian history. There is also the Ancient Theatre of Milos in Tripiti and the Milos Mining Museum in Adamantas.
For villages, there is the capital of Milos, Plaka to explore with narrow winding streets and great views all around. And there are plenty of the picturesque fishing villages with distinctive and colourful ‘syrmata’ fishing boat garages to look at at (of course) photograph. Klima is the best known but there are others dotted along the north coast of Milos like Mandrakia and Firopotamos.
Best beaches on Milos
Well we’ve already mentioned Sarakiniko as a place to visit but there are many more (and more conventional) beaches to visit on Milos.
Easier access beaches include Firiplaka on the south coast. It is a stunning sandy beach with azure waters and rocky cliffs and also the normal beach facilities.
Paleochori is a little further to the east and is a popular beach known for its unique blend of red and golden sands, thermal springs, and impressive rock formations. Just be careful – the sand can get very hot!
Tsigrado is a secluded beach and much more difficult to access descending a narrow staircase and using a rope to navigate through a small crevice in the rocks.
Gerontas Beach is accessible only by boat or a hike down a steep path. It features soft golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a sense of seclusion. Agios Sostis is another option on the south coast.
Nearer Adamantas, Papikinou is a well-organized and family-friendly beach. It features soft sand, shallow waters, and a range of amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and watersports facilities.
If you’re over on the western side, Agathia Beach is a small, secluded sandy beach offering calm, crystal-clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a little more remote and less popular so very relaxed.
Along the north coast Alogomandra Beach is a hidden gem nestled between Sarakiniko and Papafragas. It’s a small sandy beach tucked away in a cove, surrounded by impressive rock formations. Other north coast options worth a look are Papafragas (a small rocky cave beach) and Tourkothalassa.
Best restaurants and bars on Milos
In Pollonia, head straight to Gialos (aka Yialos) for a nice setting overlooking the bay and a superior meal. And say hi to Christos. There are several other good choices in the strip – Enalion is well regarded for its seafood offerings and you watch the waiters avoid the traffic as they cross the road from the kitchen. For something different Hanabi offers Sushi in the same location.
For breakfast/sweets/drinks, Deck and Cactus will look after you well. A little further out is Kivotos ton Gefseon – a traditional products place with great cakes and drinks on offer and a lovely garden to consume them in – well worth a visit.
Rakomelo is a good sunset spot with drinks and food on offer. If you’re wandering round to Pollonia from your accommodation Opsidian Bar is a good place to stop either on the way in or the way back – or both! It’s got a nice outlook and a very casual vibe.
On the road into Adamantas, Vasilis serves up some great food at Alevromilos (good portions, great value). He also does cooking classes and if you like that sort of thing, they are highly recommended – just dont expect to be able to eat everything you create, there’s so much!
Also outside Adamantas you’ll find Thalassographia taverna and the well known Mouratos bakery to stock up on pastries and biscuits.
In Adamantas Mikros Apoplous does seafood well in a waterview setting, Nostos Seafood Experience is nearby and the venerable O Hamos is a bit further along the front.
For cafe/bars you have Mikro, Akro and Plori to choose from, all close to the ferry point.
Island hopping from Milos
Milos is well connected for ferry crossings – Kimolos is obviously an easy trip from Pollonia. Folegandros and Sifnos are also easy connections, just check the frequency of the ferries suit your plans.
Milos tips
A trip to Kimolos is definitely worth considering even if just for a day. It’s a really pretty island with a nice Chora and some excellent beaches.
A boat trip around Milos is another good option – there are plenty of interesting sights that can only be seen from teh see including the best known trip to Kleftiko.
It’s a great island for keen photographers with fishing huts, caves, sparkling seas and unusual landscapes to capture.
