best time to visit milos greece

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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.

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

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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.  

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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 

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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. 

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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.

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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 .

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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.

Milos, Greece: 12 Best Things To Do

Milos: a volcanic greek island, with unforgettable charm. Spend your days here soaking up the island’s time-old traditions, laid-back charm, and slow pace of life. The most beautiful part of Milos is its endless beautiful beaches, complete with white rock formations, and the deep blue Aegean sea. Milos’ understated character, and undeniable beauty, truly make it feel like the Greece you see in movies. Enjoy all the top things to do in Milos!

Things to do in Milos, Greece

Milos is small and close to the other Cyclades, making it a perfect stop on a Greece island hopping trip! Once you’re on the island, you can drive anywhere in just 40 minutes! This makes it perfect for travelers looking to explore. Milos’s horseshoe shape creates a home for awesome beaches, rock formations, and sea caves with clear water that’s excellent for snorkeling. 

1. Plaka, Milos

Plaka, the beautiful capital of Milos, sits on top of a rock formation overlooking the sea. The traditional Greek stone pathways lead between white cottages and vibrant blue doors, with pink flowers creeping up the walls. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of streets, as they were made this way to confuse pirates!

Here are all your hotel options in Milos.

Its high vantage point makes it an excellent place to see views out across the sea and the rest of Milos. Enjoy slow evenings here, eating food outside, people-watching, and enjoying one of the epic Milos sunsets. 

Tip: Plaka is a great place to stay on your trip to Milos. It’s close to many of the top things to do in Milos, and it’s home to beautiful churches, museums, and island walking paths.

2. Sunset or Sunrise at Plaka Castle

This has to be one of the most memorable things to do in Milos! All that’s left of this old Venetian castle is the old walls, and in its place is a beautiful white-domed church that sits high up on the hill above the sea. It’s a short hike to the top, and well worth it for the stunning views. We recommend getting up for sunrise to have this place all to yourself and see the soft dawn colors over the island.

Read: The best things to do in Santorini!

3. Kleftiko Beach, Milos

Once you visit Kleftiko Beach, you won’t ever want to leave! Huge white cliffs and rock formations tower out over the gorgeous clear sea. Because of how these rocks have been formed, there are lots of archways and small pools, which are fantastic for snorkeling. Beautiful colored fish can be seen everywhere at Kleftiko Beach in Milos. You can also visit Kleftiko beach on a sailboat tour around the island.

Also read: Best Things To Do in Athens, Greece .

All of this makes Kleftiko Beach the most iconic beach on the whole island. This popularity means you’ll see many snorkeling and boat tours advertised, which normally leave from other coastal towns on the island. Afterward, relax on the boat or lie on one of the flat rocks near the sea, jumping off into the cool water. Make sure to spot the wild goats that roam nearby! 

More about Boat tours on Milos

Hotels in Milos 😴

4. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos 

Another popular beach on Milos is the stunning moonlike landscapes of Sarakiniko. The whiteness and shapes of the rocks are more like another world than a typical beach. Its exposed position means that over time the winds and waves have shaped the cliffs and rocks into unique shapes, bridges, and archways for you to jump off and explore from. There’s also a shipwreck to take photos of and swim out to.

You can get there by bus or by renting an ATV or moped and zooming across the island.  

Tip: Wear bright colors and get some awesome photos of you standing against the white rock and the blue sea. Read more travel photo tips

5. A Boat Tour around Milos

The size of the island and the multitude of coves and swimming spots make it the perfect place to take a boat trip. Most of the boat trips will pick you up and take you to numerous spots throughout the island, including snorkeling, and even lunch if you opt for the full-day trip.

Full-day boat tour Milos

It’s well worth taking the full-island tour and having the experience of reaching secret beaches, which can’t be accessed by road—for example, Gerakas beach, a stunning strip of sand backed by a huge rock formation. Taking a full tour also gives you plenty of time to relax both on the boat and land and fully absorb the beautiful atmosphere of this dreamy island.  Book your private boat trip with Salty Rides .

Salty Rides

We spent our day on Milos’s waters with Salty Rides and captain Manolis; a day to never forget. From stunning white beaches to lagoons, top-notch lunch, a great selection of drinks, the welcome package to all the additional tools provided like a drone, action camera, and SUP boards – a complete experience!

Book a day on the water with captain Manolis here.

Tip: It can be windy out on the sea, so make sure to pack your reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Depending on the weather, you may need a dry bag for your belongings.

6. Catacombs and Ancient Theater of Milos

People have lived on Milos for thousands of years, and the history is astonishing. Two of the must-see historical sites to visit on the island are:

The Catacombs of Milos

One of the unique historical sites is the Catacombs of Milos. This is a huge underground burial place with deep dark passageways. It’s believed 7000-8000 Christians were buried here, and it’s known as the 3rd most important religious burial site after the Catacombs of Rome and the Holy Land. 

Also read: Rome, Italy – Complete 3-day guide

The Catacombs of Milos sit next to the Ancient Theater (200 meters away) and close to the town of Trypiti. The area is well known for the caves that have been cut into volcanic rock and used as burial chambers. It’s also a great place to go on Milos and cool off after a hot day outside! 

Opening times: Wed-Mon: 9 AM – 6.45 PM. Closed on Tuesdays. Entrance fee: 4 EUR

Ancient Theater of Milos

This is the most ancient historical site on the whole island, dating all the way back to the 3rd century BC. The marble theater rows have been carefully preserved, and sitting here you can really transport yourself back to that time. It’s thought that in its day it would have held 7000 people! Now it can hold 700 and is still used for musical and theater performances from time to time.

Besides its history, the view is breathtaking too, as it sits on the cliff looking down to the glistening sea. It’s also easily accessible from the nearby town of Trypiti; you can walk there in just 15 minutes or drive on your moped in 3 minutes. Another bonus is it’s free to enter!

Tip: It’s very exposed so try to come first thing in the morning or in the early evening for slightly cooler temperatures, especially in the summer.

Join this cultural tour of Milos to explore some archaeology

7. Klima Fishing Village

This charming little fishing village is different from the typical blue and white villages you’ll see in Greece . Here, each house that faces the water has a different colored door, painted by the fisherman to recognize which one was theirs.

Nowadays, most houses are not used by fishermen, but as holiday rentals ( see here ), so you can even stay right on the water here yourself! Coming here for sunset and watching the colors in the water against the colorful houses is truly magical – a photographer’s heaven! 

Tip: It’s a half an hour hike down the hill from the village of Trypiti. If you don’t want to hike back up, we recommend using a moped to visit. 

Visit Klima on this multi-stop cruise 

8. Mandrakia Point

Mandrakia is a colorful fishing village on Milos. Here boats are stored in special garages carved out of rock and closed with a brightly colored door. The harbor is still used for fishing, so you’ll see plenty of the traditional boats, and it’s a great place to eat seafood!

It’s famous across the island for Medusa Restaurant – a fantastic spot where you can stop and have a relaxed lunch or dinner. The restaurant sits right on the water’s edge. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your surroundings and eat traditional Mediterranean food, great salads, and seafood.

9. Diving at Shipwrecks

If you’re interested in diving or want to try diving for the first time, Milos is a great place to do it! The sea is super clear and home to incredible marine life. Between the three islands of Milos, Kimelos, and Polyegos, the seafloor is packed with shipwrecks that are fascinating to swim amongst and explore. Check out the shipwreck that lies close to Kleftiko beach too!

10. Best Beaches in Milos

The horseshoe shape of Milos, and the white rock that makes it famous, are two reasons why this island has such unique and beautiful beaches. One of the best things to do in Milos is travel between secret coves and sweeping bays, relaxing on the beach, or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. These are the best beaches on Milos:

• Firopotamos Beach – A beautiful sandy cove with old boathouses that line the shore. 

• Sarakiniko Beach – Moonlike landscape, one of a kind!
• Papafragas Beach and Caves – An channel of clear water that runs between a white cliff gorge. Enjoy finding all the secret swimming pools and caves here. 

• Fyriplaka Beach – A wide horseshoe bay with soft white sand and rocks at the shore. Because of the rocks and exposed position, you get more waves here, making it fun to swim.
• Alogomandra Beach – A sandy cove that is sandwiched between flat white rock cliffs.

• Kleftiko Beach – Best area on the island.
• Paliorema – This is the most unusual beach on the island. Here, you’ll discover an old abandoned mine that can be explored—a truly off-the-beaten-track experience.

• Tsigrado Beach, Milos – One of the best beaches on the island. Its remote location, and breathtaking sea, make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Milos to visit. Climb down the ladder to reach the beach itself!

Most of the beaches on Milos are close together, so it’s easy to visit most of them during your visit. Some of the more remote beaches don’t have good roads leading to them. Because of this, be prepared that you may have to drive down dirt tracks or walk quite a bit to the beach.

11. Pollonia Town

Pollonia is a gorgeous holiday village still used for fishing and has plenty of beautiful taverns and streets to explore. Its tree-lined beaches, cobbled streets, and climbing flowers make it incredibly picturesque. Because it’s more popular, it is a bit busier and more expensive than other villages on the island. However, it’s perfect as a base for those who want to have great amenities while still exploring the island easily. 

See here all the beautiful hotels in Pollonia, Milos.

12. Visit Trypiti village

This charming hilltop village spreads slowly down the hill, and visiting is a thing you must do in Milos. Within the village, you’ll find traditional windmills, beautiful churches, and a maze of streets to get lost in.

Trypa is the Greek word for ‘hole’, and the village is named this way because of the holes in the rocks surrounding the town. These holes were used as storage by the local people and burial chambers like the Catacombs of Milos. The Catacombs and the Theater are just down the hill from the village. 

You can walk to Trypiti along the hiking trail from Plaka (roughly a 20-minute walk). We advise doing island hikes during the spring or autumn months when there are cooler temperatures and a lovely Greek island breeze! 

Where to Eat

Greek food is delicious, with colorful salads, olives, and fresh seafood. There are great restaurants and cafes spread over the entire island; however, most of the options are in Plaka, Trypiti, and Adamantas (at the port). 

Our favorite restaurants in Milos were:

• Glaronisia (Greek)
• Kayak Cafe (Delicious coffee and breakfast)
• Medusa (Seafood & Greek)
• Phatses (Lovely atmosphere)
• Pizzeria Stasi (Pizza)
• Methismeni Politeia (Mediterranean)
• Bakalikon Galanis (Greek)
• Kivotos ton Gefseon (Cafe, Desserts)
• Hanabi Seaside (Sushi)

Where to Stay in Milos

Plaka is a great spot to stay in Milos. It’s close to the harbor and has everything you need: great accommodation, beautiful restaurants, and easy access to other places on the island. As an alternative to Plaka look for accommodation in Trypiti or Adamantas. ( See all hotels on the island )

If you’re looking to distance yourself from the busiest spots, have a look for accommodation in Pollonia .

How to visit Milos

Milos is easy to visit from other Cyclades Islands. For example, you can take a ferry from Santorini or Mykonos.

Getting to Milos

Ferry from santorini or mykonos.

There’s a great ferry connection at Milos. For example, the ferry from Santorini takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 50 euros (one way) during the high summer season. There are also larger ferries if you’re travelling by car. ( More about the car rental options )

Check the ferry tickets and prices here .

Milos Airport

Milos is has a small airport with a few flights a day from Athens . However, taking the ferry from Athens might sometimes be a faster and sustainable travel option. The ferry takes around 3-5 hours, and boats leave throughout the day from various ports in Athens.

Tip: Once you reach the harbor in Milos, taxis cost about 15 euros to take you to the town of Plaka.

Getting around Milos

Milos is the perfect island for exploring by car, motorbike, or ATV. This gives you all the freedom to reach more remote beaches and spots of interest on the island. However, public buses are running between the towns and taxis too.

We recommend to rent a car in Greece through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

What’s more, many of the best sightseeing spots and towns are situated very close together, and it is possible to walk between them. Be aware, that Milos is very hilly, so once you walk down to the sea, you’ll have to walk back up again!

Your Budget for Milos 

The prices for accommodation and restaurants are comparable with the other popular islands like Santorini. However, you definitely get better quality for your budget on Milos. Expect prices to double between June and August during the high season. Credit cards and European cards, like Maestro, are accepted everywhere on the island, so it’s not necessary to carry a lot of cash on you.

Costs of Traveling in Milos

Travel on a budget in Milos, from $510 − $1570 USD weekly per person, mid-range $2000 − $3750 USD, and high-end from $4120 − $6540 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $45 − $450 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $50 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $10 − $40 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $90 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $15 − $35 USD
• Activities: $25 − $350 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Milos

Greece has great summers and is a popular tourist vacation spot. This means prices are much higher during the months June-September and the beaches will be much busier. The spring and fall months are the perfect time to visit. It’s shoulder season so it’s less crowded, cheaper, and the temperatures are cooler so it’s easier to explore.

Be aware that outside of the summer there are fewer ferries running. This means it can be harder to travel between islands.

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Santorini travel guide: things to do in santorini, greece, renting a car in greece in 2024: all you need to know.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Amazing pictures and super informative! How many days would you recommend to stay in order to visit the key attractions at a comfortable rate?

Hi Chloe! Most travelers visit the island for 2-3 days but if you want to explore at a more leisurely pace 4-5 days gives you a good amount of time to see all the highlights. Hope that helps!

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The Best Time to Visit Milos, Greece for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Milos for ideal weather are

March 12th to June 17th

September 10th to december 16th.

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Milos Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Milos Travel Info

Weather in milos.

Average temperatures in Milos vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The area is more temperate than most — in the 67th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Milos, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally late July where highs are regularly around 88.6°F (31.4°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 74.9°F (23.8°C) at night.

Milos Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Milos temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Milos Perceived Temperature (F)

Milos perceived temperature (c), average milos temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Milos are July, August, and then September. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid April. For example, on the week of April 16th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid February with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of February 12th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Milos.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Milos (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Milos has some slightly muggy months, with moderately humid months on the other side of the year. The least humid month is July (41.3% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (65%).

Wind in Milos is usually moderate . The windiest month is August, followed by February and January. August’s average wind speed of around 10.9 knots (12.5 MPH or 20.1 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late January where average top sustained speeds reach 16.8 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Milos.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to milos.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for Greece; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 30, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Milos, Greece is June, followed by July and May. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Milos in October. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall milos travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. Highs range from 78.7°F (25.9°C) and 59.5°F (15.3°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 1 to 3 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the least precipitation with 0 to 1 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Milos, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 84°F (28.9°C) and 64.9°F (18.3°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 0 to 3 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is too cold this time of year in Milos to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 62°F (16.7°C) and 55.6°F (13.1°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 4 to 6 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Greece › Milos, Greece

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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

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101 Comments

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

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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!!

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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 😉

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The Best of Milos Island: My Milos Greece Itinerary for 3-5 Days

When it comes to the Greek Islands it can be hard to choose. Everyone has their favourites and some have reputations for specific things. For Milos, that’s beaches. This island is famous for its incredible beaches (some of which are hard to access) where you can swim, sunbathe, and even cliff jump.

So, if Milos has your attention and you are looking for the best things to do in Milos, Greece then this guide is for you. I spent over a week on the island exploring and am sharing my suggested Milos Island itinerary. Ready? Here we go.

How to Get to Milos, Greece

Milos Greece is located in the Cyclades island chain. It’s a larger island and one of the most popular ones which means it is accessible by both ferry from Athens or the neighbouring islands or by plane.

I prefer travelling around the islands by ferry. I find it is often easier to get to/from the port than the airport with the bus schedules and it is very relaxing (assuming you aren’t prone to sea sickness). There are multiple ferry companies that operate in the islands and you will also have the option of fast or slow ferries. Whatever you choose, treat your ferry like a flight. This means you get better deals if you book early. Leaving it to the last minute can get very pricey. I use and recommend ferryhopper.com to book your ferry tickets.

Getting Around Milos Island

Milos isn’t a huge island but you can’t walk everywhere. Especially since it’s quite hilly in some parts. There is a local bus that operates out of Adamantas, the main town by the port. Bus tickets range from 1.60 euros to 2 euros each way and you can purchase them with cash on board.

It’s also very popular in the Greek islands to rent a car or a quad bike. This gives you much more freedom but can be costly. Also, most vehicles are standard, not automatic so keep that in mind! You will need to have a license even if you choose to rent a quad. If you choose to get a car, you want to get something tougher and not low to the ground or else they will tell you that parts of the island are off-limits. The roads are rough in some spots!

Finally, there are some local taxis but they are incredibly expensive. I paid 15 euros for less than 10 minutes to get to one of my hotels. The cheapest option is to just walk up to the stand, but if you have to reserve or book in advance it will cost you even more.

How long to Stay in Milos, Greece

Many travellers come to Milos Island for only 2-3 days before moving on to the next island. While you can see some highlights in this amount of time I think it’s kind of rushed. I spent 8 nights here and travelled a little slower and loved every minute of it. That being said I know not everyone has that amount of time, so I’d suggest at minimum 3 nights but ideally 4 or 5 based on my recommendations for a Milos Itinerary.  

The Best Time to Go to Milos, Greece

Milos, as one of the Greek Islands, is a seasonal destination. The season starts in May and ends at the end of October. The busiest months are July and August with June and September also getting good crowds, which is why I love to visit in May. It is cheaper, much quieter, everyone is super friendly because they have had months without tourists and the weather is warm enough to swim without being too hot to explore. That being said, the water can be chilly and sometimes restaurants or properties may not be open yet for the season if you come in early May. So, do some research first if you have your heart set on somewhere specific.  

Where to stay on Milos Island

When it comes to where to stay on Milos most people base themselves in Adamantas, which is the main town with the port where the ferry comes in. It’s incredibly handy because this is where tours leave from, where the bus is based, and of course the ferries. There are also lots of banks, restaurants, and shops to keep you busy and entertained in the evenings. I stayed at Hotel Apartments Giannis which was family run, clean, comfortable, affordable and central! If you want something fancier, try Capetan Giorgantas or Olea Bay Hotel.

Another option is Plaka, which is located on the second-highest mountain on the island. It’s a little more atmospheric with winding streets that Adamantas is lacking. However, it’s very small and comes off as somewhat pretentious with higher end restaurants and hotels.

If you want something special and unique (which I HIGHLY recommend) book a traditional sirma in one of the tiny fishing villages. A sirma is an old boathouse and many of them have been converted into little studios or apartments for tourists to rent. I rented one in Klima for two nights, the most popular of the fishing villages, and it was honestly probably the most magical stay I’ve ever had anywhere in my travels. I loved it that much. The downside with these places is that they are remote so best if you have a car and can bring some snacks and drinking water. Also, these spots are not suitcase-friendly. There are no proper paths and it’s a very and rocky beach walk so bring a backpack. These tend to book up incredibly quickly but if you are looking for a sirma in Klima take a look at:

• Blue Traditional Boathouse in Klima
• Sunset Klima Boathouse 
• The Yellow boathouse 
• Nefeli’s Sirma Klima 
• Klima on the Waterfront 

Last, but certainly not least, if you want a touch of luxury then be sure to take a look at Cave Suites Milos. I saw this property pop up on social media and was intrigued. The hotel is relatively new and consists only of 6 suites. Each suite has a beautiful view of the sea and a private pool. Unsurprisingly, it books up very quickly but I found 2 nights of availability during my stay and booked myself in for a treat. And wow was it ever spectacular. Incredible breakfast served by the pool, so quiet and relaxing, beautiful room and one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in. And the staff was very warm and welcoming. It’s not cheap, I paid early season prices at $320 CAD/night but it goes up over $1200 CAD/night in high season but if you want something luxurious this is the place to go. Again though, book early! You can book your stay here.

Best Things to do in Milos, Greece: Suggest Milos Itinerary

So, what should you do in Milos and how should you spend your time? Here’s my take on a Milos Itinerary based on my time on the island. Keep in mind I chose not to rent a car and instead focused on a couple of unique accommodation options for more of an experience.

So, with that being said here’s what I suggest based on how many days you have in Milos.

Milos Day 1: Arrival

Your first day is arrival day which could be any time depending on your flight and/or ferry so it will probably be a pretty chill day. If you are staying in Adamantas, which I do recommend as a base for exploring, then use this opportunity to explore the town. There are lots of little boutiques and shops, some great seaside restaurants to grab a cold beer/glass of wine or even ice cream. If you are into museums, you can also check out the Mining Museum.

If you are only here for 3 days, then leave Adamantas for the evening and head to Sarakiniko Beach. More on this below.

Milos Day 2: Sail Around the Island

I did this tour which circles the entire island and also did a swim stop at neighbouring Poleigos Island (which is apparently a goat island) and it was fantastic. It was a great way to see some of the beaches of Milos, especially those only accessible by boat. Our guide, Dora, was bubbly and full of fun facts and energy and was a great tour guide for the day. We had four swim stops, lots of drinks and snacks including a sandwich, cake, mezze style snacks of bread with local sundried tomato, salami, olives, and cucumber, then Greek salad and tuna pasta for lunch. It’s a pricey day trip but I do think with everything you see and do, the time spend on board, and all the (good) food and drinks it has great value. You can book the tour here.

Milos Day 3: Explore Plaka, Trypiti, and Klima

Take the bus (or drive) up to Plaka. As I mentioned earlier it is on the second-highest mountain on Milos Island so you can get some great views. At the top, there are castle ruins that you can hike to. If you aren’t into hiking then you can take the time to just explore the narrow streets of the town. As with most typical Greek villages, you’ll find lots of scenic spots for photos, boutique shops, and restaurants.

If you took the bus you can walk downhills a bit to the next town, Trypiti. There isn’t too much going on here but there are a couple of nice restaurants overlooking the water that make for a good lunch stop. Trypiti is also a main point to get to a couple of archaeological sites on the island including first-century catacombs and …

Finally, make your way down to Klima, the colourful fishing village. It’s best experienced in the afternoon light and is a spectacular place to catch the sunset. There is one restaurant in town too. It’s a bit pricier but the food is good. If visiting during high season, you will need reservations.

Again, if you can, I 100% recommend staying the night (or 2!) here to really experience it. It’s laid back and relaxed. You can swim here and just enjoy the incredible views.

Milos Day 4: Sarakiniko Beach

This is the most famous beach in Milos and for good reason! Sarakiniko Beach has a lunar-type landscape that makes it very unique and also very popular. People come here to swim, sunbathe, take photos, and cliff jump! There are some pretty cool cliffs and caves you can jump off of and climb back up. Of course, only do this if you are a strong swimmer. There are no lifeguards around.

There is a small stand at the top of the beach that sells snacks but you are best off bringing your own water and snacks for the day. There are no facilities so keep that in mind. There is a parking lot if you want to drive or you can take the bus. Since the beach faces east, it’s nice to visit in the morning (also less crowded) but you could easily spend a day here.

At this point, your time on Milos might be up, and that’s ok! You’ve seen the main highlights. If you do have more time then this is a great opportunity to book Cave Suites Milos to have some relaxation time. If it’s booked up but you want something similar, try Domes White Coast Milos.

If you still want to explore, don’t worry. I have more suggestions for you.

Milos Day 5: Relax or Explore More

This is my suggested final day with the expectation that you will either leave Milos in the evening today or tomorrow. If you did book a suite with a pool like Cave Suites Milos then you may just want to relax and enjoy that experience. If you are still keen to explore then here are some more places you might want to check out.

You could also join a group tour like this guided island tour or this kayaking trip . 

If you don’t have a car/quad: I suggest visiting Pollonia. This is another small village on the island. It’s quiet but known for its delicious seafood and the local winery . You can visit by bus. You can also tie in a visit to Papafragas Beach which is between two large rocks and accessible by ladder.

If you do have a car/quad: There are some more cool beaches on the island that are worth checking out.

• Tsigrado is a famous beach with a couple of (precarious-looking) ladders that you need to climb to get up and down. Not a good choice if you have mobility issues or are afraid of heights.
• Firapotomos Beach: Known for cliff jumping
• Paliochori beach: this is near the sulphur mines and well-known because there is a restaurant that will cook your meal in the sand.

There are also a couple of more cute fishing villages that are worth a scenic stop. These include Mandrakia, Fyropotamos, Fourkovouni, and Agios Konstantinos but you will need a vehicle to get to them. 

Final Tips for Milos, Greece

Milos surprised me. I knew a lot of people loved it and I was worried that it was overhyped but I ended up loving it and would say it’s now one of my favourites. Again, I visited early in the season (mid-May) so it wasn’t too busy but I had an incredible time.

While the towns are not quite as cute as in the other Cycladic islands, the beaches of Milos were some of the best I’ve been to in Greece. I also loved the sailing that allowed me to see so many of the highlights without having to rent a car, and of course, the unique fishing village of Klima.

I absolutely hope to go back someday and I hope that this Milos, Greece itinerary was helpful! 

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

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• The Ultimate Milos Travel Guide for First-Timers

Are you planning to visit Milos for the first time but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, this Milos travel guide is here to help you out!

Located in the Aegean Sea, Milos is part of the Cyclades island group and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. And it’s no wonder why – the island is absolutely stunning, with its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and quaint villages.

If you’re planning a trip to Milos, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. This Milos travel guide was specifically put together with first-time visitors in mind and it includes all the essential information you need to know, from how to get around the island to where to stay and what to eat.

Let’s get into it!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Milos Travel Guide: Useful Info for Your First Visit

Where is milos located.

Milos is located in the Aegean Sea, about 150 km (95 miles) from Athens. It’s part of the Cyclades island group, which includes other popular Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini , and Naxos.

How big is Milos, Greece?

The island has a total area of 151 km2 (58 sq mi) and a coastline of 117 km (73 miles).

This might sound big but in reality, the western half of the island is considered a protected area and therefore it’s uninhabited. The roads are in very bad condition so it’s only possible to visit them with a 4×4 but honestly, apart from a few stunning and deserted beaches, there’s not much to see there.

The eastern side of Milos is where all the action takes place and it’s here where you’ll find the island’s main towns, villages, and beaches.

What is Milos known for?

Milos is famous for its volcanic landscapes, deep blue waters, and cute fishing villages. Apart from that, the island is best known for the world-famous Venus de Milo, which was found on the island in 1820 and is now on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

How many days to spend in Milos?

Ideally, you should spend at least 3 days in Milos to have enough time to explore the island. This gives you enough time to visit the main towns and villages, go for a swim at some of the best beaches, and take a boat ride along the shores.

Of course, if you have more time, you can easily spend 4-5 days on the island as well. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and won’t have to rush from one place to another.

What currency is used in Milos?

In Milos, as in the rest of Greece, the currency is the Euro (€).

Credit cards are widely accepted on the island but make sure you have some cash with you as well, especially if you’re planning to visit any of the smaller villages.

Do I need a visa to visit Milos?

If you’re a citizen of the European Union, all you need to visit Milos is a valid passport or ID card.

Tourists from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can stay in Greece for up to 90 days without a visa.

For citizens of other countries, please check the visa requirements for Greece .

Is Milos safe?

Yes, Milos is a very safe island. There’s very little crime and you can walk around alone at night without any problem.

Of course, as with any other place, it’s always best to take some basic safety precautions and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas.

How to Get to Milos

Flying to milos.

The most convenient way to get to Milos is by flying. The island has its own airport, located about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the capital of Plaka.

However, since this is a domestic airport, there are only a few flights per day and the selection is quite limited.

At the moment, there are only two airlines operating a direct flight to Milos from Athens: Olympic Air and Sky Express. The flight from Athens takes about 40 minutes.

If you’re coming from another city or country, you’ll first have to fly to Athens and then take a connecting flight to Milos.

In case you’re flying back to Athens from Milos, you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t need to get to the airport 3 hours before your flight. Due to the airport’s small size, if you arrive 1 hour before your flight departs, it will be more than enough.

How to get to Milos from the airport

The easiest and quickest way to get from Milos airport to your hotel is by taking a taxi. Depending on where you’re going to stay, it will take around 10-20 minutes to get to your destination and you can expect to pay between €15-30.

Another option is to rent a car at the airport, which I would strongly recommend. This way you’ll have the freedom to explore Milos at your own pace and won’t have to rely on public transportation (more about this later).

Your last option is to use the public bus. There is one bus route between Adamas and the airport but since buses don’t depart that frequently, I wouldn’t recommend this option. You can check the bus timetable here.

Taking the ferry to Milos

If you’re already in Greece and would like to take the ferry to Milos, there are several companies operating ferries to the island.

The main port on Milos is located in Adamas, from where you can easily get to any other town or village on Milos by public bus, rental car, or taxi.

You’ll find daily ferries departing from Athens, as well as from the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Ios.

The ferry ride from Athens to Milos takes about 3.5 hours and costs around €75, while the journey from Santorini is slightly shorter at 2 hours and costs around €85.

Depending on which island you’re coming from, there are different companies operating the ferry route but the most popular one is Seajets.

You can check the latest ferry schedules and fares in the below search box.

Best time to visit Milos

High season.

The high season on Milos runs from mid-June until the end of August. This is when the weather is at its best, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F).

However, since this is also the busiest time of year, you can expect higher prices for accommodation and activities.

If you’re planning to visit Milos during the high season, I would recommend booking your accommodation and activities in advance.

Shoulder season

May and September are considered the shoulder season on Milos. The weather is still very good at this time of year but it’s not as hot as in the summer months.

This is a great time to visit Milos if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, lower prices, and fewer tourists. If you want to swim in the sea, the water is the warmest in September but it might be still a bit too cold in May.

If you visit at the very beginning of May, some of the restaurants will still be closed but most of them should be open by the end of the month.

The low season on Milos runs from October until the end of April. Although the weather is still mild, you can expect many rainy and windy days.

This is also the quietest time of year, with most of the restaurants and bars being closed. Ferries still operate during these months but the schedule is more limited which means it’s significantly harder to get to Milos.

I would only recommend visiting Milos during the low season if you’re looking for a very quiet and relaxed experience. Otherwise, I would say go for the shoulder season!

How to Get Around in Milos

Public transport.

There is a public bus service on Milos with the central bus terminal located in Adamas. The bus network covers the entire island and you can use it to get to almost any town or village.

The most popular tourist destinations, such as Sarakiniko Beach and Pollonia, are served by multiple buses per day. However, if you want to go off the beaten path, keep in mind that bus schedules can be very limited.

The fare is €1.80 per person and it’s best to have the exact amount ready. You can buy your ticket from the driver when you get on the bus.

Buses run on different timetables depending on the season so make sure to check the bus schedule in advance.

If you want to explore Milos at your own pace, renting a car is the best option. This way, you’ll be able to visit all the remote beaches and villages that are not accessible by public transport.

Renting a car in Milos during the peak tourist season costs around €70 per day excluding fuel but if you’re traveling during the shoulder season, you might find rental car deals for €30-40 per day.

The main car rental companies are Volta4u, Enterprise, and AutoUnion. They all have their main offices in Adamas but you can also ask for your car to be delivered to the airport in case you’re arriving by plane.

If you’re planning to rent a car on Milos, I would recommend doing it in advance to make sure you get the best rate.

As I mentioned before, the western part of the island has unpaved dirt roads so it’s off-limits to regular cars. However, there are a few companies that rent out 4×4 vehicles if you’re interested in exploring this part of Milos.

If you don’t want to drive, taking a taxi is another option. Since Milos is a pretty small island, you’ll only find around 15 taxis on the island.

You’ll find the taxi rank in Adamas so if you’re staying there and you only want to travel to one or two places a day, taking a taxi can be a good option. You can also arrange for a taxi in advance to pick you up at a specific time after you’ve done your activity for the day.

The most recent prices will be displayed on the windows of the taxis but a ride from Adamas to Pollonia should cost around €20.

For more information about taxis on Milos, check out their official website .

Where to Stay on Milos

There are several great places to stay on Milos, depending on your preferences and budget. Generally speaking, the most popular towns are Adamas, Plaka, and Pollonia but there are also some great hotels in more remote areas.

Adamas is one of the best places to stay on Milos if you want to be close to the main port, as well as to some of the best restaurants and bars on the island.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Greek experience, Plaka is the perfect place for you. This is the oldest and most picturesque village on Milos, located only a 10-minute drive from Adamas.

Pollonia is a great choice for those who want to be close to the beach. This village is located on the northeastern side of Milos and it’s also close to some of the most famous attractions such as Sarakiniko Beach and Papafragas Caves.

If you want to know more about each area with pros and cons and hotel recommendations, make sure to check out my in-depth article about where to stay in Milos .

Do you prefer staying in apartments and holiday homes rather than hotels? Then you need to check my article about the best Airbnbs in Milos !

If you’re in a hurry, here are my top recommendations for different budgets.

LUXURY – Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel

Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel is situated in Pollinia and offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Each room at this hotel has a balcony or terrace so you can enjoy the beauty of this area. Some even come with a spa bath or private pool! 

MID-RANGE – The White Suites

The White Suites is located in the main town of Adamas and is just a 6-minute walk from the beach. There is a terrace at the hotel where you can enjoy scenic views of the town, and a car rental service is available which is always handy!

BUDGET – Plaka Suites

Plaka Suites is a great budget option if you’re looking for a room with sea views. Some rooms even have a terrace or balcony. All units include a kitchen which is handy if you ’re looking to prepare your own meals.

Best Places to Visit in Milos

There are so many great places to visit on Milos that it can be hard to decide where to go.

To help you plan your trip, as part of this Milos travel guide I’ve put together a list of the best places on the island that you absolutely can’t miss!

Sarakiniko Beach – One of the most famous beaches on Milos , Sarakiniko is a must-visit. This beach is known for its white cliffs and turquoise waters. You will feel like you’ve just landed on the moon!

Plaka – The oldest village on Milos, Plaka is a great place to wander around and soak up the traditional Greek atmosphere. Make sure to visit the Venetian Castle for sunset and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants with panoramic views.

Kleftiko – Located in the southwest corner of the island, the gorgeous rock formations at Kleftiko are a must-visit on every Milos itinerary. Although the area can only be visited on a boat tour, it’s well worth the effort!

Papafragas Caves – One of the most popular places to visit on Milos, the Papafragas Caves are located on the north coast of the island. This is a great spot for swimming and enjoying the incredible views.

Mandrakia – Mandrakia is one of the cutest fishing villages on the island. It’s a great place to visit if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the scenic views. Stop for a lunch at Medusa while you’re there!

Firopotamos – Another unmissable fishing village on Milos, Firopotamos is located on the northeast coast of the island. This is a great place to relax by the sea and enjoy the tranquility of the village.

Catacombs of Milos – The catacombs of Milos are one of the most unique places to visit on the island. These ancient burial chambers are located in Plaka, close to the Ancient Theater so you can visit both places in one go.

Ancient Theater of Milos – The ancient theater of Milos is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. This is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about the history of Milos.

Pollonia – Pollonia is one of the best places to stay on Milos but it’s also worth visiting for the day. This village is located on the northeast coast of the island and it’s a great place to relax by the sea. Make sure to try the fresh fish at one of the restaurants!

Tsigrado Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches on Milos, Tsigrado is a must-visit. This beach is only accessible by boat or by climbing down a ladder so it’s definitely not for everyone but the views are totally worth it!

Fyriplaka Beach – If you’re after something easier, make sure to stop by Fyriplaka Beach. It’s located right next to Tsigrado but it’s a lot easier to get to.

Best Places to Eat in Milos

As well as being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Milos is also a foodie paradise. There are so many great places to eat on the island, from traditional Greek tavernas to chic beachfront restaurants.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of the best places to eat on Milos.

Sirocco – Located in Paleochori Beach, this all-day volcanic restaurant is one of the best places to have dinner in Milos. During the summer months, they use the area’s geothermal energy to cook some of the dishes which makes it super unique.

Medusa – Known for its delicious seafood selection, Medusa is a great lunch spot while you’re exploring Mandrakia. The views of the village and the sea are absolutely incredible.

Nostos Seafood Experience – One of the best seafood restaurants on Milos, Nostos offers an incredible dining experience. The restaurant is located in Adamas and it has a beautiful terrace with views of the sea.

O! Hamos! Tavern – A traditional Greek taverna located close to Adamas, O! Hamos! is one of the best places to try the local cuisine. Make sure to try the Greek salad and the grilled lamb.

Gyros of Milos – One of the most popular places to eat on Milos, Gyros of Milos is a great spot for a quick and delicious lunch. The restaurant is located in Adamas and it specializes in, you guessed it, gyros!

Kokkino – Hands down one of the best breakfast places on the island! Located in the heart of Plaka, Kokkino offers a range of healthy breakfast options as well as some amazing coffees.

In case you want to know about more amazing places to eat on the island, make sure to check out my article about the best restaurants in Milos !

Planning a trip to Milos?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Milos. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in Milos: 9 Best Areas & Hotels
• The Perfect 3 Days in Milos Itinerary for First-Timers
• 13 Stunning Luxury Hotels in Milos for a Relaxing Holiday
• 22 Amazing Things to Do in Milos You Can’t Miss
• 17 Incredible Airbnbs in Milos, Greece to Book
• 17 Best Restaurants in Milos You Have to Try
• 14 Best Beaches in Milos You Can’t Miss

Other Amazing Destinations in Greece: Athens  |  Santorini  |  Mykonos  |  Paros | Naxos

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The Ultimate Travel Guide for Milos Greece – 10 most amazing things to do

• Published on January 27, 2023
• Last updated on November 30, 2023

Milos Island gained much popularity in the last few years, and we can understand why. We didn’t get bored for a second while in Milos as there are so many amazing things to do on this island. For us, it was a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. In this blog post, we share the 10 most amazing things to do when visiting Milos and everything you need to know to plan your trip.

Best time to visit Milos Greece

The best time to visit the greek islands is from May to October. July and August are the hottest months and also high season, which means most visitors to the island.

We recommend visiting May/June or September/October for better prices, fewer people, and great weather. We prefer the shoulder months and visited Milos Greece in September, which was perfect. Typical sunny weather but not too busy.

How to get to Milos Island

Milos Island can either be reached by ferry or airplane, depending on where you come from. The national airport of Milos is small and does not serve any international flights. If you want to fly to Milos, you can fly from your home to Athens and change there on a flight to the island. 

If you are island hopping between the Cyclades, you can easily do so with the local ferries. We used the website and app of  ferryhopper  and found it very convenient. We recommend pre-booking your ferry tickets, especially in the high season.

Tip: Ask your accomodation for a transfer from the harbor. Some hotels offer a shuttle. We made the experience that there are barely any taxis in the port, and when a ferry arrives, everyone wants one. 

10 most amazing things to do in Milos Greece

What we loved about Milos is how much this little island offers. From the cutest fishing towns to cliff jumping at Sarakiniko beach and evening strolls in the dreamiest greek towns. These are the 10 most amazing things to do in Milos, Greece:

Refresh and snorkel at Paralia Firopotamos

One of the places in Milos that we fell in love with was Paralia (meaning beach) Firopotamos. We didn’t actually spend time at the beach but continued the road to the little church. Next to the church, we found some rocky stairs where we could jump off into the beautiful, blue, and refreshing water. We loved this spot and jumped in several times but also brought our snorkeling great to snorkel along the rocks and find some small but colorful fish.

Visit Sarakiniko Beach for Sunrise

Probably the beach that made Milos so famous, and the funny thing is the actual beach is super tiny, but what attracts all the visitors are the white rocks looking like a landscape on the moon. It’s volcanic rocks that got bleached by the sun over the years.

We wondered if this place could live up to the hype, and yes, it does. It’s genuinely super unique, and it’s a true gem for photographers like us. We loved watching the sunrise from Sarakiniko, jumping off the cliffs countless times, and drying in the sun on the unique white rocks. This place can get crowded, so we recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon.

Sunset stroll at Klima Beach and dinner by the sea at Astakas Cafe

One of our favorite evenings and dinners on the Island was when we visited Klima Beach and strolled along this little fishing village by the sea. It was super idyllic and picturesque. Until we found a restaurant by the sea called Astakas Cafe, and that made the evening even better. We got lucky that they had a table available for us. We highly recommend making a reservation. The food was so good, and they had great options for plant-based food. We enjoyed watching the sunset with a glass of greek white wine and this delicious dinner. It was absolutely perfect.

Visit the cute Mandrakia fishing village

Mandrakia is another cute little fishing village by the sea in Milos and is very picturesque. It’s worth a visit and makes an excellent place for photos, and there were cute cats everywhere. There is not much to do, but we found that next to it is a beautiful and uncrowded beach called Tourkothalassa beach which is nice to go for a refreshing swim.

Explore the beaches in the South

Most of the main attractions of Milos, Greece, and also the main towns and lots of hotels are located in the northern part of the island. But when you visit Milos, you can’t miss the southern coast. It’s less crowded and has a lot of amazing and especially sandy beaches.

Fyriplaka Beach

A beautiful big sandy beach with huge rocks in the back. Fyriplaka beach offers sunbeds in the first part of the beach for those who like, but you can also walk a bit further and just chill in the sand.

Tsigardo Beach

Tsigardo is a little adventure beach, and we always love that. It is located between the cliffs, and the only way to get down is through the rocks and to climb down a small ladder. Totally worth it, though, to jump into the clear blue water at the end. It is best to go early as it can get crowded quickly. It’s just a small beach with golden sand.

Agia Kiriaki Beach

Another bigger beach in the south is Agia Kiriaki. It offers sunbeds and also has a restaurant at the beach. A great place to chill and spend some beach time.

Visit Pollonia Beach and have dinner by the sea

Pollonia is another lovely part of Milos on the northeast of the Island. It is a picturesque fishing village built around a windless bay, ideal for unwinding. It offers sandy beaches and a cute town with restaurants close to the ocean. We loved having dinner by the sea here.

Rent a boat for a day and visit Kleftiko

If we had to choose our favorite activity in Milos, then it would be renting a boat from Blue Mile . You can rent their small boats without a permit. Blue Mile gives excellent instructions at the pick-up of the boat, and we felt confident about exploring on our own. It was the best feeling to have our own boat and to explore at our own pace. 

We traveled along the south coast with the rental boat until we reached Kleftiko, a famous rock formation surrounded by the most turquoise and clear water. There we anchored our boat and spent the whole day swimming, diving, and jumping from the ship. Tourist tours came and left, and as we stayed all day, we sometimes had the bay all to ourselves. Highly recommend this unforgettable experience. We recommend bringing a picnic and enough water to drink and then you can enjoy all day here. 

Dinner and sunset at Milos Plaka

The Plaka (main town) of Milos is located in the hills and offers fantastic views at sunset. It also is the prettiest greek town on the island. We loved coming here for sunset and enjoying a beautiful dinner in town. The best sunset spot is at the Plaka castle at the top of the city. It can get very crowded at sunset, but we found a great location above the castle on the walls.

After sunset, we strolled through the cute Plaka and found a charming dinner spot at Avli-Milos. The food was delicious, and the vibes were great.

Best places to eat in Milos Greece 

O hamos tavern, adamas.

Adamas’s most popular greek tavern is famous for a reason—very traditional greek food in a lovely garden restaurant. Eating plant-based was not the easiest here.

Avli-Milos , Plaka

Astakas cafe , klima.

We found this restaurant by surprise when e wanted to photograph Klima at sunset and got lucky that they still had a table available for us. A reservation is highly recommended, and we had our favorite dinner in Milos here. Great vegan options and super delicious food. Eating by the sea and watching the sunset is just magical.

Barko Tavern , Adamas

Rifaki , pollonia.

Where to stay in Milos

There are many different options for which part of the island you can stay, and these are our recommendations for choosing a place.

Milos Plaka

Many visitors stay in the Plaka of Milos, which is very convenient for going out for dinner at night but far from the beaches. This wasn’t an option for us as we preferred to stay in an excellent location for exploring the island.

This is our preferred location to stay. It’s close to the harbor when you arrive in Milos, offers lots of food options, and is a great location to explore in all directions of Milos.

We stayed at a cute place called Anita Rooms & Apartments that we found on booking and were super happy with our choice. 

We stayed for some nights in Pollonia at the new and magnificent Phos Suites  and loved this part of the island. It’s a charming town with great restaurants and. a lovely beach—another place we highly recommend staying.

South of Milos

Staying in the south of the island is great for those who want to spend relaxing beach holidays as it is closest to all the island’s sandy beaches. There aren’t many food options like in other parts, and the drive to the towns is a bit far. But we found that there are cheaper accommodation offers there.

How to get around Milos Island

The best and easiest way to explore Milos Island is by renting a Scooter or a car. The freedom that comes with riding your vehicle is priceless. Milos Greece has a lot to offer, so it’s worth having a vehicle to see most of the Island. We recommend Discover Cars  to get the best prices for car rentals.

Budget for traveling in Greece

The following budget helps you to plan your trip to Ios and island hopping the Cyclades islands. Of course, the costs can vary depending on the accommodation, for example.

• Price per night for accommodation: 60.00 – 150.00 Euro per night (budget to midrange)
• Cost for two meals per day for two people: 60.00 – 80.00 Euro per day (for lunch and dinner)
• Cost of scooter rental in Milos: 20 Euro per day / Cost of car rental: 45 Euro per day
• Boat rental for a day: around 200 Euro for a half-day
• Ferry Ticket to get to Milos: around 50 Euro per person (depending on which island you are coming fro

Travel Tips

Internet access in milos.

We recommend buying a local SIM card for the cheapest and most reliable Internet connection while in Greece. We sometimes had bad connections in our Airbnbs.

The most convenient option for travelers is the eSim Card (digital SIM card) from  Airalo . You can download and install a digital data pack and get connected anywhere in the world as soon as you land, so there is no need to waste time looking for a local plastic SIM card. 

Milos quickly became our favorite island of the Cyclades. The island has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches, places to adventure, and pretty greek towns with amazing food options. The highlight for us was Sarakiniko Beach, and the day we rented a boat and explored Kleftiko. We can never get over the incredibly beautiful, turquoise, and clear water of the greek islands, and Milos offered plenty of it. We would go back instantly and can see why this island gained a lot of popularity.

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Milos 3 Day Itinerary – What to do, where to eat, and place to stay

Last Updated February 21, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Milos 3 Day Itinerary – What to do, where to eat, and place to stay

What do pirates, Venus, Aphrodite, volcanoes, and lunar surfaces all have in common?  They’re all connected to the island of Milos in the Western Cyclades and it’s this wild melding of dramatic beaches, coves, Roman history, unique volcanic rock formations, traditional settlements, and nature preserves that make this island an adventure seeker’s haven.  Follow this Milos 3 day itinerary to learn about how to plan your vacation to see the best of its beaches, restaurants, fishing villages, hotels, and secret gems.

Read more about Greece

• 14 day Greek islands hopping itinerary
• 3 day itinerary of Santorini
• How to spend 3 days in Folegandros
• 2 days in Athens itinerary

Where to stay in Milos?

• Wanting to stay in a central location, we discovered an apartment rental on Booking named Giannoulis Hotel in the port town of Adamas.  This might’ve been one of the nicest places we stayed at on our entire trip.
• Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this itinerary and travel guide?  Jump to what you want to read.

In This Article

Day 1 – Milos – Catacombs & Castles

Day 2 – milos – surface of the moon, day 3 – milos – tsigrado beach, next: head back to athens, where to stay in milos, what we missed, tours to consider, the milos travel guide, top 5 tips for milos, how i feel about milos, the milos 3 day itinerary.

Having decided to forego Mykonos when planning the  14 day Greek island hopping trip , I was seeking out an island that was popular but perhaps not quite as busy.  Milos popped up on my radar when I saw a photo of Kleftiko Beach and the bizarrely smooth rock of Sarakiniko.  I added it to the itinerary and it worked out really well.

Milos is an island that has a bit more pace to it compared to Folegandros and coming from there, we were recharged and ready to explore.  What you’ll find with this island is that there are so many unique pockets of areas to discover that are all so diverse and not at all what you’d expect in Greece.

The goals of this Greek Island itinerary is to supplement the high level breakdown of how we did our trip Greek island hopping across 14 days .  Use the full itinerary as the larger guide for how we went about going from island to island.  Also, don’t miss the comprehensive Greek Island travel guide  which will have an incredible amount of detail on everything you won’t find in a guide book or “top things to do” type of blog post.

Let’s jump into how to do Milos in 3 day including what to do in Milos, where to stay, where to eat, and more.

From your previous island, you’ll catch a ferry .  If like us where you’re coming from Folegandros, the ride will only take an hour.  Before you know it, you’ll be disembarking on Milos , an island blessed with astonishingly diverse beaches, otherworldly geology, wealth of good food, historical castles, and colourful fishing villages.

The first step is to get settled into your hotel and for that I highly recommend staying in the harbour town of Adamas for convenience and proximity to restaurants and groceries.  Check into Giannoulis Hotel in what has to be one of our favourite properties of the entire trip.  As a heads up, this property is managed by a travel agency called Milos Accommodations so they’ll ask you to check-in there first.  I’ve marked this on the map as their instructions were extremely confusing.

I mention Milos Accommodations because they can also book anything else you need.  Since we didn’t have a specific car rental in mind, we asked about cars vs ATV’s.  Ultimately, ATV’s were the cheapest option and recommended by the local.  We also felt pretty comfortable at this point with all of the experience we gained in Folegandros.  The 170CC quad cost $75 EUR over 3 days (25 EUR a day).  We later learned that this was actually through Moto Christos if you’d like to work with them directly.  They offered drop off at Milos Accommodations and pick up from the hotel on our last day which is super convenient.

Your first day in Milos is all about the old city and its surrounding attractions.

You’ll no doubt be hungry so drive down to Klima .  On this road where Waze seemed to take us through a ton of narrow streets of Trypiti, I remember so glad we had an ATV because navigating those tight turns and side mirror to mirror alleyways were quite harrowing.

When you arrive at the seaside fishing village of Klima, have lunch at Astakas which has one of the most picturesque views where the other side of Milos can be seen across the water and the pastel paint of the boat garage doors can be seen as well.

Take some time to walk over to the houses where fishermen keep their boats and some have even been converted to B&B’s and souvenir shops.  This is one of many villages where colours of the rainbow are splashed on these boathouse doors.  Klima is by far the easiest to explore, largest in terms of number of houses, and most approachable so definitely go nuts with the photos.

Up the hill are two attractions of archeological significance – the Catacombs and the Ancient Theatre.  Getting there is a bit tricky from Klima because there isn’t a direct road so you’ll have to drive back up to Trypiti and cut through local alleys before descending down the other side of the valley.

The Catacombs date back to the 1st and 5th century and are a well-preserved example of a communal burial site and Christian place of worship that is possibly larger than the one in Rome.  Currently Gallery Chamber A and B are available for visitors through periodic guided tours.  This is truly one of the most unique catacombs and has been ranked as one of the top three in the world .

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  Trypiti, Milos 84800

Hours: Mon to Sun: 9AM — 6:45PM.  Closed on Tuesdays.

Price: 4 EUR for adults, 2 EUR for seniors, and free for EU students.

Do they accept credit card?: Yes

Tips:  

• The tour is actually conducted by the staff that man the ticket booth who double as “security guards” and so when you’re guided into the burial chambers, you don’t get any official commentary.  That said, they are quite knowledgable and are willing to answer questions in English.

From the parking lot for the Catacombs, you can walk up to the entrance of the trail that takes you down to the Ancient Theatre.  Along your walk, you’ll pass by ruins of what’s speculated to be the gates to the city that used to be here.  Eventually you’ll arrive at the theatre which is open access but you may see a set up for a local production.  This is a miniature version of the large Roman theatres you’ll see later in Athens.

Best of Milos Island Tour

If you’re looking for a guided tour of the island that includes a visit to Papafragas, Plaka, Klima, the catacombs, and more, take a look at this affordable full day (8 hour) experience.

BOOK THE TOUR

Ride around the villages of Trypiti , Pera Triovassalos , and Triovasalos to get a glimpse of where locals live and the practicality of the tightly woven neighbourhoods.

Eventually make your way to Plaka, the current capital of Milos.  Founded in 1800, this village spreads on all sides of the conical hill and is beautifully covered with traditional Cycladic whitewashed houses, coloured doors, balconies, narrow and winding stone streets, and lush flowers.

Plaka village is a bit of a tale of two sides as there are parts of the town that’s gentrified and made to be tourist friendly with shops, restaurants, lots of lighting, and that welcoming atmosphere but you’ll also find other areas that aren’t on the typical path and this is where you have real locals, abandoned homes, and structures that are in disrepair.  In that way, I love the collision of authentic living with the glossy finishes.

PARKING:  When coming to Plaka, look for the big lot labelled with the “P” sign.  This is your best bet for stress-free parking.  From here, you’ll be walking upwards.

Start making your way up to the Kastro or “Venetian Castle”.  There are signs in place to guide you up there.  Eventually you’ll see the church standing above and it’s at this juncture that you’ll make a right towards the church.  Keep heading up and in no time you’ll be at the very top of Plaka.

There are very few ruins up here except a few stone walls.  It gets the name Venetian Castle from the 1204 to 1566 period when the Venetian Dukes of Naxos ruled the island.  While the ruins aren’t necessarily impressive, it’s the view from the top of this lava done that everyone comes for.

From here, you get magnificent views of the Gulf of Milos and all the land below.  Sunset is a particular magical time here as you get a great shot of the white-domed church and Antimilos in the distance.

If you’re feeling the vibes here, you can certainly have in Plaka and I’d recommend Avli-Mil o s or Phatses .

Alternatively, for us since it was the off-season I made the call to actually head out of Plaka and make a beeline to Oh Hamos .

Now Oh Hamos is something special.  Locals in Folegandros told us we had to come here and practically every review of Milos mentions it as well.  Located by the seaside and only 5 minutes from Adamas, this is a Greek taverna in the very traditional sense that is incredibly inviting, the setting warm and homely, the energy abuzz, the staff super friendly, and above all else, the food is created from homemade recipe and that extra ounce of love.

Coined Aegean cuisine, all of their menus are facsimiles of the original hand-written menu that was further hand-translated into many languages.  Their must-order items include their baked cheese and zucchini appetizer, Greek salads, and Melitzana “Boulouka” (stuffed aubergine), and especially their Gourounopoulo Petimezato (baked piglet).

Another thing to know is that their meats, cheeses, and vegetables are source from either their own farm or other locals.  They also local beers.

Lastly, if there is anything in the menu that really stands out, they also have recipes printed out to take home!

When I think about Milos, I think about how the landscape of the island is a rocky garden oasis.  As you move from corner to corner of Milos, you never see the same thing twice.

On the north-east corner of the island is the seaside village of Pollonia and another prominent area for visitors because of its calm waters, community built around the pretty inlet from the sea, an active fishing industry, tons of hotels, and excellent harbour-side restaurants.

Once you park in the community lot, take a stroll along the beach and over to the pedestrian street which is flanked by restaurants on both sides.  You almost can’t go wrong with any of them but one to check out is called Enalion which has fresh local fish and seafood, vegetables from the family garden, an extensive wine list, and great service.

One thing you will notice here though is that it’s not quite like Naoussa in Paros.  It doesn’t have build up of a town with grids of shops and restaurants.  Instead, it’s much more chilled out and beyond that beach and the restaurants that surround it, there is not that much more to see since I’d say there are better and more dramatic beaches elsewhere.

Before you go though, you have to visit Kivotos ton Gefseon .  You would have passed by it on your drive in but this is actually a bakery and restaurant.  You’ll be full from lunch but I urge you to head inside and check out their shop that’s a pantry full of goodies such as thyme honey, special olive oil, cheeses, spreads, and other herbs.  You also can’t leave without trying their homemade ice cream and Galaktoboureko (pastry with custard cream and vanilla).

Starting with Pollonia, you can now start to make your way back and hit some of the stellar highlights of Milos, some of which you won’t even believe.

One is a place called Papafragas .  From what I understand, this refers to a general area of rocky coastline but what makes it incredibly unique are the two narrow inlets that exist here that make for a very different beaching experience.  Again, I’ve marked the two clearly on the trip planning map so you know where to find them.

The first is a very narrow channel of water that comes in.  The path to get down to the beach is a bit harrowing and is marked with all sorts of warning signs but we saw many make the attempt.  It’s walk hugs the cliff walls and then you have to take a spiral staircase carved out of rock down.  It’s not ridiculously dangerous but erosion and lack of handrails is something you have to be hyper-aware of.  Most of the water is shoulder high.  I wouldn’t say it’s a beach you’d want to spend all day in but it’s a fun to play in for 30 minutes.  If you walk around, you’ll also find a few caves carved out of the rock and also an awesome view of the Aegean.

The second Papafragas also has a narrow channel of water that comes in but is a bit larger and isn’t walled in like the first one.  There are considerably more people beaching out here since there’s more space and there’s no dangerous hike to get down.

Follow the north coast and you’ll start seeing a startling shift in the natural geology.  Jagged piercing rock give way to smoothed bone-white rock that undulate in mysterious ways.  Many have likened Sarakiniko Beach to the surface of the moon and in a very 70’s James Bond kind of way, I can see that.

Sarakiniko Beach is unlike any one you’ve ever been to because of some of the obvious and not-obvious reasons.  Very apparent is the rocks’ smooth surface that takes over the landscape and sticks out like a sore thumb.  Some of it is very much like chalk.  Walk further in to where the beach is and you have similar features of Papafragas with the narrow channel of water coming in but the beach part seems to be more of an accessory because most beach-goers end up setting up on the rock and jumping off different platforms.  Lastly, you walk further inland on the sand and you find a full network of pirates’ chambers land tunnel systems cut out of stone.

On a calm and sunny day, the beach is a great spot to be and many locals’ and visitors’ favourite on the island but if it gets windy like how it did for us, it’s really hard to enjoy because the sand kicks up and gets all over the place.  Still, it’s worth it to take photos from here with so many different angles to play with.

Before heading for sunset and dinner, there’s one more thing you can squeeze in.  Hop on your ATV or car and head over to the seaside fishing village of Firopatamos .  It’s a very small village but what you come here for are the colourful boathouses, its beach, picture perfect church, and ancient ruins that has a doorway that looks out to the water.

DRIVING TO FOURKOVOUNI:  After Firapatamos, we thought we could drive to Fourkovouni to see another fishing village and according to Google Maps it looked like there was a road but in reality, once you’re out there, the route takes you through roads that eventually disappear or are reshaped in a different path that made things really confusing.  Passing through large do-not-enter open-pit mines also made us a bit nervous so we ended up turning back.

As the sun starts to set, ride over to the village of Mandrakia which I argue is the most beautiful of the rainbow coloured fishing villages.  The mini-harbour is protected the larger currents of the sea and surrounding it are the the docks of fishermen and their equally small watercraft to match the scene.  At sunset, this spot was one of my favourites.

For dinner, eat at the highly rated Medusa, a seaside restaurant touted for its seafood and views of the turquoise waters and volcanic coastline.  Every visit here is a culinary adventure with crisp salads, classics like fried zucchini, freshly caught swordfish, and blackened calamari.  During low-season it is easy to walk in but during high season expect a crowded scene so come here early for dinner.

One of the things that you might notice is missing is the standard boat tour around Milos that most have on their itinerary.  This is a popular way to see the island because the left half of Milos is mostly protected lands and not driveable.  As a result, many of the nicer beaches and the Kleftiko Caves can only be reached by water.

The reason for this is that in the month of June, there’s a high chance of wind and choppy waters and so many boat cruises were either cancelled or on standby.  Instead of risking seasickness, we opted for a more chill route where we could still see an interesting beach.

To start off your day, spend some time in the town that you’re living in which in our case was Adamas .  This thriving port city is the centre of commerce and where you’ll find souvenir shops, boutiques, tons of restaurants and a great harbour view.  Walk around and use the morning to explore.  Along the way, grab yummy bread and pastries at Artemis Bakery .

For the afternoon, drive down to a new part of the island you haven’t seen yet, the south.

Tsigrado Beach is a small sandy cove surrounded by rocky cliffs that really makes you work for it.  When you get to the entrance, you’ll see rope tied to a metal pole, a wooden ladder, and a long and narrow red rock canyon that heads downwards.  This one is more challenging than others because there are no instructions and just figuring out how to get down is a bit of a puzzle.

I recommend that you watch a few folks head down first.  To go down, the key is to leverage the right slot to head down without using the rope.  When coming back up, you’ll want to use the rope to pull yourself up and you’ll come up from the left slot if you’re referencing the photo above.

Even once you’re down the first ladder, there’s a passage way you have to squeeze through before there’s the final big ladder to make it down to the beach.

WARNING:   This is not recommended for anyone that isn’t physically fit.  Good footwear is recommended and be careful of scraping against the rock.  Also, you’ll be peppered with sand throughout the passageway so be prepared.

Once you get down, you’ll realize why it’s so popular and what makes it so awesome.  First, the setting that Tsigrado is in is just something you can’t make up.  The challenge of getting down plus the beautiful exposed rock cliffs that you’re flanked with set the scene.  From there you have the caves that you can swim to and through on both sides.  There’s a small rock that sticks out of the super clear water that you can swim to and jump off of if you want. Then you have the sand which is surprisingly clean for a beach that isn’t maintained.

Periodically yachts and catamarans will anchor just out of reach in the water but generally they don’t really swim all the way to the beach.  One thing to note is that the beach does fill up so it’s not like Folegandros where you’ll have this all to yourself but this is really the case for most beaches in Milos.

When you’ve had your fill of Tsigrado and want to move on or just had enough of the sand that does fall down from above, make your way back up which is much easier than on the way down.  The final step will take a bit of strength though as you’ll be using the rope to pull yourself up while pushing off on the rock face on either side to you.

Drive a short distance to the neighbouring Firiplaka Beach , the family-version of beaches in this area.  It’s easy to walk down to, quite expansive, and even has a toilet in the carpark area.  It’s a super relaxed beach where there’s plenty of space to go around for everyone that comes here.  At the same time, it’s not as boring as you might think it is.

What makes it unique are the rocks that you’ll find there.  Let me explain.  First are the two rocks that lean on each other in water about halfway through which can be lots of fun for kids to play here because the water is so shallow at this beach.  If you go all the way to the back end of the beach, you’ll see pastel pink, yellow, and orange rock on the cliff which makes great for an impromptu photoshoot.  Lastly, if you’re into looking for interesting rocks of all colours, the beach is littered with them.

To close out your last day in Milos and the Greek Islands, head back home to get cleaned up and have an enjoyable evening having dinner at a local restaurant such as O Zygos and one final stroll through of town.

You’ve had 12 incredible days on the Western Cyclades of the Greek Islands and alas its finally time to head back to the mainland.

With your bags packed, walk down to the port and if you’re hungry, grab something to eat at one of the restaurants across to the waiting area.  Otherwise, you can find something to eat on the boat.

From here, I hand it over to the final guide which is a 2 day itinerary of Athens  which we kick started once we arrived back in Athens from Milos.

Read the full Athens 2 day itinerary

This is the perfect itinerary for those that want to plan some time in the capital either before or after their island hopping and might not necessarily have too many days to work with.

2 Day Athens Itinerary

Milos has quite a number of accommodations that are spaced out on all corners of the island.  There are the beach areas to the south, fishing villages and small towns, the old town of Plaka, the chill area of Pollonia, and of course the port village of Adamas.

For us, the line of thinking was that we wanted to be central and since Adamas looked like a pretty decent place that would put us close to all of the stores and supplies, popular restaurants, and walking distance to our ferry, it just seemed to logistically make more sense

Review of Giannoulis Hotel

Ultimately we landed on Giannoulis Hotel .  What was unique about this property is that it’s not really a hotel.  Yes they kind of have a reception desk on the main floor but it’s really more of an apartment rental than anything.  The other unique thing here is that they’re run by a property management company called Milos Accommodations.

As a result, the check-in process is a little confusing where you still have to go to their offices first, wait for the word that the room is ready, and then walk your way up to the property which is located near the end of the primary development along the main street that runs up and down through Adamas.

It was a bit of a jarring experience but we learned that in this particular case, many Greek owners just aren’t digitally savvy nor do they speak English so they act as an intermediary.

Throughout our entire trip to Greece, this was the largest and most spacious room we had.  With wood beams running above and traditional Cycladic white painted concrete, we loved how this was one open concept with a wall that separated the living space from the bed.

Inside is a mini-kitchen with fridge.  While we didn’t cook, it was nice to have cups, utensils, kettle, and plates for our breakfasts.

The living space was outfitted with a large couch, coffee table and desk for my laptop.  Again, the TV was a tiny one on the desk but we never turned it on.

The bathroom was large and clean, and it was nice that we didn’t have to worry about a hot water tank.

Wifi was ok but I did notice random drop-offs in the evening.  Each suite has its own router and so I often mitigated this by changing to other access points.

Lastly, there’s also a balcony here that overlooks the street so that was a great place to dry our clothes or have an impromptu meal.

The Location

Giannoulis Hotel is located in a super convenient place.  It’s in Adamas and walking distance to the village without being in the middle of it.

Being in Adamas means that you’re minutes away from good restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and services so you never really have to plan around going to Adamas during the day to restock because you know that you’ll always start and end your day there.

The property has its own parking spaces which is great if you plan on renting a car or ATV.

The Service

Being more of an apartment than a hotel, there’s no cleaning during your stay but I am sure that you can request it if you need it.

In terms of checking in, everything was done through the Milos Accommodations office which is also in Adamas.  When we arrived, we actually had to wait a little because our room wasn’t ready but they allowed us to leave our bags at the office and walk around.

Milos Accommodations also helped us book our ATV as well.  They called a few places to find out prices for us and we eventually landed on Moto Christos which had the cheapest price.

When we had a question for the front desk at Giannoulis Hotel, they couldn’t really understand our English and so they ended up calling Milos Accommodations where we spoke to their staff instead.

Book Giannoulis Hotel

See Giannoulis on Airbnb

Hotels to Consider

I’ve selected 4 accommodations including the one we stayed at to give you a few options to choose from when selecting a Milos hotel depending on your budget and where you want to be.

I STAYED HERE

GIANNOULIS HOTEL

An unexpectedly awesome hotel in Adamas that was super spacious with its living space with kitchenette and couch plus separated bedroom.  Wifi is available throughout and there is parking available for cars and ATVs.  Airbnb listing is available.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

KORINA’S ROOM

You can’t beat the price for this property in Pollonia.  These are Cycladic-style rooms just 50m from the beach and tavernas.  Wifi is free throughout and all units have air condition with balcony or patio.  No frills and great location.

UNIQUE WINDMILL

DROUGAS’ WINDMILL

A full two bedroom house at an affordable price in Plaka that is truly a unique experience.  The garden, patio, and terrace overlooking the sea and mountain is truly a highlight.  Fridge is stocked with breakfast foods too.

MILOS BREEZE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Located in Pollonia, this hotel is perched on a cliff offering panoramic views.  Features an infinity swimming pool, modern Cycladic-style rooms, and included breakfast will spoil you every day.

As you go through the itinerary, there’s a huge piece missing from it and that would be the sailing trip out to Kleftiko and the other beaches on the western side of the island.  That wasn’t our intention but because the days we were there were quite windy, many of the boat trips were cancelled or rescheduled.

I definitely would have loved to have seen the pirate cove that at certain angles almost looks like there’s a circular opening to the sky.  It’s a trip that would’ve exposed us to what the landscape is like on the protected side of Milos.

If we could, we would’ve done one of these sailing excursions:

• Kleftiko Full Day Sailing Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch – Perfect yacht sailing trip for those that want to leave from the Adamantas Port.  You’ll visit several beaches along the way and the hideout of Kleftiko.
• Milos Sailing Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch – One of the most popular tours and a great way to see the coastline from a luxury catamaran.  Includes a snorkel safari, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks.  Ideal for families and leaves from Pollonia.
• Poliegos, Firligos and Kleftiko Caves Full Day Cruise – This is a full day catamaran cruise that takes you two 3 beaches that are not easy to get to.  This leaves from Pollonia.

The below is a mini travel-guide for the island as a companion to this Milos 3 day itinerary.  It may not have all the details about travel through the Greek Islands so to make sure you don’t miss anything, read the comprehensive travel guide .

READ THE FULL GUIDE

Money – In Milos and Greece in general, I always recommend carrying Euros in your pocket.  While there are many places that do take credit card (most restaurants, hotels, and larger stores), there are still many situations where it’s advantageous or necessary to have cash.  For us, we found that we were always trying to break change as well because you just never knew when you had to tip.  Even if you’re using a credit card machine at a restaurant, many don’t have the tip option enabled so you’ll still have to leave coins on the table.

Tipping –  The general rule of thumb for tipping in Greece is 10%.  In the case of taxis, don’t feel the need to tip extra because they’re handling your luggage, this is usually already added to your rate.  For hotels, 1 to 2 EUR per day is the norm.

Ferry – Milos is part of a cluster of islands in the Western Cyclades that falls under a very specific ferry route.  If you end up following my itinerary, your best bet would be with SeaJets and the NaxosJet  which covers a majority of the islands you’d want to go to.  The easiest way to find out what’s possible is to use FerryHopper to do a search and you’ll see exactly what works for your dates.

When it comes to making ferry reservations , I always recommend doing it as soon as possible even if you’re going during low-season.  This is one of those things you’d rather not let go to chance.

Use this Ferry Planning Tool

FerryHopper allows you to find out what ferry companies are operating to and from Santorini. We recommend using this to help with trip planning.

Car vs ATV:  When we arrived at Milos, we thought we’d go for a car rental but when we were comparing prices, the ATV was cheaper and since we had gained the confidence of driving in Milos, we felt pretty comfortable and the guy at Milos Accommodations said that the ATV would be more convenient.  That said, we did find that the roads were much busier here than in Folegandros so the extra experience definitely helped especially in a couple instances we had to drive at night.  When we were driving through the tiny streets of Trypiti and navigating really sharp turns, we understood why Milos Accommodations recommended having an ATV instead of a car.

Zones of no insurance coverage for cars:  A unique thing about Milos is that half of the island is protected and off-limits cars despite having dirt roads.  This is strictly enforced by car rental companies because there are drawn lines of where the car is covered by insurance and where it isn’t and effectively “drive at your own risk”.  Most rental companies will warn you against driving to the west where there’s no insurance coverage if your car breaks down.  Some also have areas of the far east covered off as “no service” which means going to the Old Sulfur Mines at Paliorema are also considered to be off-limits.  If you plan on doing any of these areas, a 4×4 is almost mandatory because of the off-road and presence of large rocks.

Taxi:  If you need to take a taxi when you arrive in Milos, there is a small fleet of them on the island.  To give you an idea of the fare, it costs 15 EUR from Adamas to Pollonia.

Bus:  Come to think of it, we didn’t see any buses during our time in Milos but I am sure they were around.  With how expansive Milos is, I am not sure I would recommend this mode of transportation but if you are looking to take the bus, you can find out more information about them here .

When is the best time? – This applies to all of the Greek Islands.  The best time to go is in the summer season since a lot of things closed in the off-season and the weather isn’t the best.  Best months are May – June and September – October.

Beaches:   Milos has over 75 beaches, some of which are difficult to access on the west and others that you can drive to.  They vary from golden sandy to rocky and raw.  What makes Milos a great place is that you can have a completely different beach experience day to day.  One thing to note is the wind direction for the day because that can have an impact on where you want to be.

Getting here – Milos has an airport with code MLO and is located 5KM southeast of Adamas and is primarily serviced by the region carriers Olympia Air and Sky Express.  The tried and true way to get here is by ferry.  Again, use FerryHopper to check which ferries fit your schedule.

Where should I stay? – We did almost all of our hotel reservations through  Booking.com and it’s because they have such a good inventory of properties that range from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts.  I love that cancellation is easy for most properties and the booking management is seamless.  Plus, if you get up to Genius Level 2, you can save up to 15% off on top.  As an alternative, there’s also Agoda and Airbnb .

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended.  My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  Make sure to read our guide on choosing the right travel insurance for you. Overall, World Nomads has the best balance of price and coverage.

#1 Watch the wind conditions

Depending on the time of year you go, this may impact you or more or less.  What we learned is that high winds can very well change whether boat excursions will leave from certain harbours and ports.  In addition, high wind conditions can affect your beach experience as well.  This was the case for us when we were at Sarakiniko where the fine powder of the rock became very disruptive.

If you’re strategic, find out the direction of the wind and go to the side of the island that will be affected the least.

#2 You have to eat at Medusa

If you want to have amazing seafood and have a view while doing it, plan to have lunch or dinner at Medusa in Mandrakia.  They don’t take reservations here so come here during off-hours or expect to wait in line during high-season.

#3 There’s a lot of mining here

There are quite a few active open-pit mining sites on the island and as a result you have to be careful driving here because you’ll pass through zones where there could be large construction trucks carrying equipment or mining products back and forth.

Since it can get pretty windy on Milos and with the open pits, sand gets kicked up.  I was thankful to have my buff when a lot of sand was blasting at our faces while driving the ATV.

#4 Buy honey

While this isn’t exclusive to Milos, we discovered the thyme homemade honey at Kivotos ton Gefseon  in Pollonia which has made a great souvenir and for us to use at home.

#5 Consider staying in a quiet part of the island

Okay I know this totally contradicts my recommendation to stay near Adamas but if you’re looking for more of a getaway property, we met a lovely couple in Mandrakia that raved about their stay at Seadscape Mandrakia .  I can totally see the appeal of a property like this where there aren’t many neighbours in the area, you’re walking distance to the restaurant, Medusa, and the beach is right in front of you.

Where to book your hotels, car rental, ferries, flights, activities

• Hotels – Booking.com has the best inventory of properties and with their Genius tier, you can save even more money.
• Car Rental – If you’ve read our guide, you can book with the big brands combined with car rental coupon codes or you can use RentalCars to do a search of most companies. Make sure to also read the guide on how to rent a car in Santorini .
• Ferries – My go-to booking platform is FerryHopper .
• Flights – Use Skyscanner to look for cheap flights using the Everywhere feature and also setting price alerts.
• Activities – Always compare between Viator and GetYourGuide to get the best price.

Third to Santorini and Mykonos is Milos in terms of being the most well-known of the Western Cyclades but you wouldn’t know it from how you can find your own pockets of paradise on the island.

As the birthplace to Aphrodite and coined “island of Venus” for being the place where the Venus de Milo statue was rediscovered, there’s a sense of mystery and wonder that I could connect with.

With a vast area to explore from small settlements, crazy-looking beaches, active and ruins of mining operations, sparkling waters, and amazing Greek food, it’s the kind of place where I felt like I needed at least another 3 days to see it all.

Milos to me was the perfect in-between island that wasn’t overwhelmingly busy like Santorini but not as quiet as a Folegandros.  The main port of Adamas was a hive of activity and you were never alone in any of the beaches but it was nice that you didn’t have to fight for a spot to catch the sunset or walk through large crowds.

There’s more than enough of Milos for everyone to enjoy.  More than that, I loved that Milos was just a little different from the others.

I would love to hear from you.  Are you having trouble planning your Greek Island itinerary like I was?  Drop a line here if you have any specific questions or just want to share your favourite spots in Milos.

What you should read next

• Greek Island Hopping – 14 Day Greece Itinerary in the Western Cyclades
• The Comprehensive Greek Islands Travel Guide – Read Before You Go
• How to get from Athens to Santorini
• Where and how to rent a car in Santorini
• You won’t regret doing this 3 day Folegandros itinerary

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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• Travel Destinations

Milos, Greece: When To Visit, Where To Stay & Packing Guide

Published: October 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Dulci Perea

• Hotel Reviews
• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to Milos, Greece – a hidden gem nestled in the Aegean Sea. Known for its pristine beaches, charming villages, and stunning landscapes, Milos offers a breathtaking escape for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. With its rich history dating back to ancient civilizations and a vibrant local culture, this Greek island promises an unforgettable experience.

Located in the Cyclades archipelago, Milos is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Santorini and Mykonos. However, it is precisely this unspoiled charm that makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the beauty of Greece away from the crowds.

One of the standout features of Milos is its diverse coastline. The island boasts over 70 stunning beaches, each with its own unique character. Whether you’re looking for secluded coves, crystal-clear turquoise waters, or dramatic volcanic cliffs, Milos has it all. From the famous Sarakiniko beach with its lunar-like landscape to the picturesque fishing village of Klima, the beaches of Milos offer endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

Aside from its stunning beaches, Milos is also home to several fascinating historical sites. The island was once an important hub during the ancient times, and remnants of its rich past can still be found here. Visit the ancient Roman theater of Milos, the catacombs of Tripiti, or the imposing Venetian castle of Plaka to immerse yourself in the island’s history and culture.

But Milos is not just about natural beauty and history – it also boasts a vibrant local culture that is sure to enchant visitors. Explore the charming villages that dot the island, such as Pollonia and Adamas, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine, which is known for its simplicity and emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. From fresh seafood to traditional Greek mezes, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled trip, Milos is the perfect destination. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, this hidden gem in Greece promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Best Time to Visit Milos, Greece

When planning a trip to Milos, Greece, one of the most important factors to consider is the timing. The island experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Here is a breakdown of the best time to visit Milos, depending on your preferences and interests:

• Summer (June-August): The summer months are the peak tourist season in Milos. With warm temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) and endless sunny days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters. However, keep in mind that the popularity of this season means larger crowds and higher prices. If you don’t mind the bustling atmosphere and want to experience the vibrant energy of Milos at its peak, summer is the ideal time to visit.
• Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): These shoulder seasons offer a more tranquil and affordable experience in Milos. The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Spring brings blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures, while autumn offers a slower pace and warmer waters for swimming. It’s a great time to explore the island’s hiking trails, ancient sites, and charming villages without the crowds.
• Winter (November-March): Milos experiences mild winters with occasional rainfall. While the island may seem quieter during this time, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the local life and enjoy discounted prices. Exploring the historical sites and cozying up in local tavernas becomes more appealing in the cooler weather. If you’re a fan of off-season travel and don’t mind the possibility of some rainy days, winter can be a charming time to visit Milos.

No matter when you decide to visit Milos, it’s always wise to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that some businesses and tourist facilities may have limited operating hours during the offseason.

Overall, the best time to visit Milos, Greece, depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience. Whether you’re seeking vibrant beach life, peaceful exploration, or an off-season adventure, Milos has something to offer all year round. With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, this Greek island is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Where to Stay in Milos

When planning your stay in Milos, Greece, you’ll find a range of accommodation options catering to different budgets, preferences, and travel styles. Here are some of the top areas to consider when choosing where to stay on the island:

• Adamas: As the main port and commercial center of Milos, Adamas is a popular choice for many travelers. Here, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Staying in Adamas allows for easy access to an array of restaurants, cafes, shops, and transportation options, making it a convenient base for exploring the island.
• Plaka: Perched on a hilltop, the charming village of Plaka offers stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding landscapes. Staying in Plaka immerses you in the traditional Cycladic architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. This atmospheric village is dotted with cozy cafes, tavernas serving local delicacies, and boutique hotels with unique character. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more authentic and romantic experience.
• Pollonia: Located on the northeast coast, Pollonia is a picturesque fishing village that exudes tranquility and charm. This area boasts beautiful sandy beaches, seaside tavernas, and boutique hotels with a relaxed atmosphere. Staying in Pollonia allows for easy access to popular beaches like Sarakiniko and Papafragas, as well as a variety of dining options serving fresh seafood.
• Provatas and Paleochori: If you’re looking for a beachfront getaway, consider staying in either Provatas or Paleochori. These areas offer a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to family-friendly hotels, all within steps of the inviting turquoise waters. Both beaches boast beautiful sandy stretches and a mix of facilities, including beach bars and restaurants.
• Klima: For a truly unique experience, consider staying in Klima, a traditional fishing village with colorful houses situated right on the water. These charming fishing huts, known as “sirmata,” have been converted into cozy accommodations where you can fall asleep to the sound of the sea. However, note that Klima has limited amenities, so it’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful and secluded retreat.

With its diverse range of accommodations, Milos has something to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. Whether you prefer the convenience of a bustling port town, the charm of a traditional village, or the tranquility of a beachfront escape, you’ll find the perfect place to stay on this enchanting Greek island.

Packing Guide for Milos, Greece

When preparing for a trip to Milos, Greece, it’s essential to pack appropriately to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some essentials to consider when packing for your adventure on this beautiful Greek island:

• Light and Breathable Clothing: Milos experiences hot summers, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, sundresses, and skirts. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit for those refreshing dips in the Aegean Sea.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Exploring Milos often requires walking and hiking, so make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals. For beach activities, consider packing water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks or pebbly areas.
• Sun Protection: The Greek sun can be intense, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF, a sun hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. It’s also a good idea to bring a beach umbrella or a lightweight cover-up for extra shade when lounging on the beach.
• Light Jacket or Sweater: Evenings in Milos can get cooler, especially during spring and autumn. Pack a light jacket or sweater to stay warm during those breezy nights.
• Travel Adapter: Greece uses Type C and Type F electrical outlets, so be sure to pack a travel adapter to charge your electronic devices.
• Beach Essentials: Don’t forget to pack a beach towel, a beach bag, and a waterproof phone case to protect your valuables while enjoying the water activities. Snorkeling gear, such as a mask and fins, is also worth considering for exploring the beautiful underwater world surrounding Milos.
• Medications and First Aid Kit: If you require any prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip. It’s also wise to pack a basic first aid kit with essentials such as band-aids, pain relief medication, and any necessary personal medications.
• Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated while exploring the island, bring a reusable water bottle. Milos has several natural springs where you can refill your bottle with fresh, clean water.
• Travel Documents: Don’t forget to pack your passport, travel insurance documents, and any necessary visas for your trip to Greece. It’s also helpful to have a printed copy or digital backup of your accommodations, flight details, and other important travel documents.

Remember, Milos is a relatively relaxed and casual destination, so there’s no need to pack formal attire unless you plan to attend a special event or a fancy dinner. Keep your luggage light and efficient for ease of travel and to make room for any souvenirs you might collect along the way.

With these essential items in your suitcase, you’ll be well-prepared to explore and enjoy all that Milos, Greece has to offer. So, pack wisely, embrace the island lifestyle, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this stunning Greek paradise.

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Middle east, latin america, north america, the best things to do in milos: a complete guide.

The Greek Island of Milos is famous as the discovery site of the Venus de Milo… but outside of Greece, its fame usually ends there. And that’s a good thing for you if you’re ready to discover this underrated island and plan the best things to do in Milos. 

Neighboring islands in the Cyclades like Mykonos and Santorini get far more attention and tourist traffic. And while Milos, Greece is no longer a secret, compared to its famous neighbors, few people seem to realize that Milos exists.

Their loss is your gain. This hidden gem, well off the beaten tourist path and an icon of Greek cuisine, is where you go if you want adorable whitewashed Greek fishing villages, relatively quiet beaches, and stunning turquoise water. 

And while you won’t find the same crowds as more popular islands, you will find an island brimming with traditional Greek charm and hospitality. In short, you won’t run out of fun things to do in Milos!

Welcome to paradise. Welcome to Milos Island, Greece.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links that earn me a small commission at no extra charge to you.

How to Get to Milos, Greece

Like all Greek Islands, there are two main modes of transportation, plane, and ferry. Quin and I flew into Milos from Athens and then rented a car to drive around the island as public transportation is limited and didn’t give us the freedom to reach all the places we wanted to visit in Milos. 

We chose to fly because we were short on time and not planning on visiting any of the other islands in the area. Instead, after Milos, we headed to the stunning island of Zakynthos on the other side of the Greek mainland.

Fly To Milos

Milos Island National Airport (MLO) is located 5 km southeast of Adama. Regional carrier Olympic Air operates two flights daily to and from Athens.

Take A Ferry To Milos

Most people arrive on Milos by ferry. Several companies offer ferry rides between Milos and the mainland, as well as other Cycladic islands. Use FerryHopper to find ferry schedules and rates.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Milos, Greece

Anytime from May to October is perfect for a trip to Milos. You will find limited rain and warm weather. The hottest month, August averages 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). That being said, some restaurants and hotels begin to shut their doors for the off-season in late September, so make sure to do your research first.

Late spring is a great time to beat the crowds and still get some beautiful weather, although some restaurants and businesses might not be open yet, you’ll find cheaper prices and fewer crowds. Although cooler water temperatures might mean you’re less inclined to add swimming, snorkelling or other water activities to your Milos itinerary!

The Best Things to Do in Milos

1. captain your own boat and find a secluded slice of paradise.

The star of the show on Milos are the sparkling beaches, many of them blissfully overlooked by tourists. Consider renting a charter boat and combing the coast in search of an inaccessible sand nook with a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea – our personal pick for the top things to do in Milos! 

Quin and I rented a boat for the day from Poseidon Milos (+30 6987 930 867). As far as we could tell, none of the rental companies require any sort of license to rent a boat. You simply need to know how to swim (not that they test you), be over 18 years old, have an ID or passport, and have a mobile phone for communication in case of an emergency. We met the owner of our boat at Papikinos Beach where he gave us a quick overview of how to operate the boat and then handed over the keys!

The ease of renting a boat and the unforgettable landscapes and beaches make this one of the must-do activities in Milos.

2. Swim in the waters around Polyaigos Island

6.2 km off the east coast of Milos lies Polyaigos, the largest uninhabited island in the Cycladic chain. Its epic, unspoiled natural beauty makes it well worth the boat ride. Framed by breathtaking limestone cliffs, the sapphire-blue waters off Polyaigos are a swimmer’s and snorkeler’s dream come true.

You can take a full day cruise with lunch included to experience this island in full .

3. Take a boat out to Kleftiko Beach

Kleftiko Beach is the iconic image of Milos—magical white-rock terrain, crisscrossed with caves and tunnels, bursting forth from the turquoise water. 

Perched on the rugged southwest of an island where most of the human settlement huddles in the east, Kleftiko cove is only accessible by small boats or a long hike … but it’s worth all the effort to get there and marvel at its natural beauty.

My biggest regret of our time on Milos is not budgeting more time for a separate boat trip for Kleftiko. We only rented a boat for 5 hours while we were there and we spent most of that time cruising along the coast and then exploring Sykia Cave. If I could do it again I would have rented a boat again and spent the entire day enjoying the stunning beauty at Kleftiko – definitely one of the best beaches in Milos.

You can book a tour here if you don’t want to rent a boat .

4. Explore the moon-like landscape at Sarakiniko Beach

If you’ve seen any photographs of Milos on Instagram, chances are it was a photo of the famous Sarakiniko beach. Sarakiniko, on the north coast of Milos, is justly famous for its otherworldly terrain of white rock formations. 

Walking over the smooth, undulating white lava rock, eroded by water and wind, is like walking on the surface of the Moon (with much better weather, of course). It’s easy to see why this is one of the best places to visit in Milos – the lunar-like landscape is otherworldly.

Consider an electric bike tour if you need help getting to this great spot as it is one of the many hotspots on the island you’ll visit on this tour.

5. Visit Sykia Cave

Accessible by boat, Sykia Cave is an absolute showstopper. Part of the cave roof collapsed in a bygone era, leaving the cave with a massive round skylight. It’s some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Greece.

The day that Quin and I rented a boat we decided to head straight for Sykia Cave. We had the entire place to ourselves and ended up spending far longer than we expected there. So much time in fact that we had barely any time left to spend at Kleftiko on our way back! Time really does fly when you’re having fun and this was definitely top of our list of Milos attractions!

If you aren’t comfortable renting a boat, you can take a tour that includes this cave .

6. Work on your “European Summer” tan on one of Milos’s best beaches

If your goal in the Cyclades is to veg out on the beach and get a toasty golden brown, Milos is the place for you in the summer months. Milos rewards visitors with some of the most gorgeous beaches in Greece. You can hardly go wrong with Milos beaches, but here are some of the best beaches in Milos :

Tsigrado Beach

Tucked under steep cliffs, Tsigrado Beach on the south coast of Milos is a little tricky to reach. If you are afraid of heights, the steep ingress and egress by ladder may be too much for you. But we found it to be relatively easy access for a short climb.

Firopotamos Beach

Steps away from an adorable small fishing village, the cantina at Firopotamos Beach supports a thriving, youthful social scene. Stepping into the crystal-blue water at Firopotamos Beach is like stepping into a giant natural swimming pool: a must-visit in Milos if you’re looking for the best beaches on the island.

Papafragas Beach:

This small beach slopes into a natural swimming pool formed by spectacular rock formations. For archaeology enthusiasts, the ancient ruins of Phylakope are only a few steps away.

If you are interested in learning about the island’s history and culture, consider this tour that includes a stop at Papafragas Beach to discover the ancient sites.

Firiplaka Beach

Located on the southern coast of Milos, Firiplaka is one of the more popular beaches in Milos and was a personal favorite. It features a thriving cantina (although they were still preparing to reopen when we were there) framed by rainbow-colored volcanic rock cliffs. 

Rent one of the comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas for the day and enjoy colorful cliffs, crystal clear waters and the warmth of European summer!

Paliochori Beach

The crystal-clear waters at this south-coast beach makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring, as well as laying out and getting a tan.

7. Go sea kayaking around Milos Island

If a sailing tour isn’t your thing,  then sea kayaking is the best way to get up close and personal with the evocative volcanic island coast of Milos. You can paddle a kayak into sea caves and crannies that a ship—even a small boat—could never fit in. I always enjoy activities that make me slow down and enjoy the moment and for me, kayaking fits the bill as one of my top recommendations for things to do in Milos.

Sea Kayak Milos has a ton of great boat tours and will make sure that you have an awesome time out on the water! They even have multi-day expeditions around Milos if you’re looking for a more unique and active way to experience the island!

8. Explore the colorful fishing village of Klima

There’s more than just natural beauty on Milos. The quaint seaside fishing village of Klima, on the north side of the island, is famous for the colorful doors and terraces on the traditional white Cycladic dwellings. Two wings of the town frame Astakas, an adorable seaside restaurant.

Book a tour that includes this colorful village to make sure you don’t miss it .

9. Watch the sunset at Church of Panagia Thalassitra

This 18th-century church in Plaka overlooks the Aegean Sea to the west—the perfect vantage point to take in a delicious sunset. Also known as Plaka Castle, this Venetian Castle in Milos sits above the ancient town of Plaka with breathtaking views.

We almost missed sunset trying to drive to the church using google maps. So eventually, we just parked in the heart of Plaka and then started heading up! You can see the church sitting on top of the hill from town, so it’s just a matter of finding the path that takes you there. 

In the end, it was actually really intuitive, although it is a bit of a climb. There’s probably a way to drive up there. . . but we never did figure it out.

10. Enjoy the views from Mother of God Korfiatissa Holy Orthodox Church In Plaka

Korfiatissa Church enjoys a vantage point above Plaka where you can soak in panoramic views—not just of the picturesque town, but of the sparkling blue sea and neighboring Cycladic islands. Make an evening of it, and stop by Verina Cocktail Bar to grab a delicious drink to enjoy the view with firs

I actually stumbled across this viewpoint on one of my random evening strolls through Plaka. It turned out to be one of my favorite nights on the island. I sat on the stone wall and watched as people slowly gathered to see the same natural show I was waiting for. Needless to say, Mother Nature didn’t disappoint any of us that night!

Where to Stay on Milos – Best Hotels and Airbnbs

When we visited Milos we stayed in a tiny rooftop studio in Plaka. It was perfect for us, as we weren’t planning on spending much time there anyway. Plus, the rooftop views were stunning! 

The other hotel recommendations on this list have been crowded sourced from my social media community. I have included the most highly recommended accommodations from people who have actually stayed there!

Sunset Studio (Airbnb ) :

Quin and I stayed in this quaint little rooftop apartment in Plaka for three nights while we were in Milos. It earns its name thanks to fantastic western exposure, which means views of the sea and the glorious setting sun. If you have always dreamed of staying in a tiny Cycladic apartment overlooking the sea, Sunset Studio is a great way to go. 

My only warning is that the parking situation leaves something to be desired – it was a pretty long walk from the provided parking spot up through narrow streets to get to the Airbnb. But I have a feeling that would be the case for a lot of apartments on the island.

Milos Bliss (Airbnb) :

This boutique hotel in Plaka is the perfect place to relax, with huge windows and terraces that capture the Aegean air, with white “Greek Chic” decoration and exclusive access to a luxurious outdoor swimming pool. 

It’s also the perfect “home base” for any number of Milos adventures, including ATV rentals, boat charters, kayak launch sites, and day trips to Klima from Milos.

Milos Breeze :

A romantic getaway hotel like no other, Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel lords over Pollonia with a commanding view of the north coast—best enjoyed from one of the suite terraces, stairstep terrace gardens, or the sprawling Infinity pool. Its unique architecture ensures that every room has a view of the Aegean.

Cave Suites Milos :

Far from living in a cave, Cave Suites Milos epitomizes five-star hotel decor and amenities, including sumptuous suites with private balconies, sea views, and plunge pools.

Villa N otos :

Decorated with a keen eye toward local tradition and style, Villa Notos offers studio and two-bedroom accommodations adorned with hand-crafted furniture and cast-iron bed frames. From the upper floors, the views of Adamas Bay just get better and better.

Artemis Deluxe Rooms :

Located in Paliochori on the south coast, Artemis Deluxe Rooms epitomize not only the height of luxury but the proud culinary tradition of Milos. The star of the show, of course, is the ocean-facing Infinity pool, the perfect counterpoint for the minimalism of its white-centric design aesthetic.

Best Places to Eat on Milos

Even compared to its neighboring islands, Milos has a proud tradition of spectacular seafood. The quaint fishing villages that dot its coast spoil locals and visitors alike with a plethora of fish and crustaceans to choose from. You don’t get more “fresh” than the catch of the day at an outdoor restaurant in Milos.

The island’s culinary reputation is on the upswing, so check out some of the following established and up-and-coming restaurants before it becomes too hard to get a table …

Perched above colorful fishermens’ houses near Mandrakia Beach, the high vantage point of Medusa boasts magnificent views of the sea—perfect for sunset. Medusa offers large portions, including mouthwatering thick-cut swordfish steaks and an array of local cheeses, so bring your appetite and someone to share with! Don’t skip dessert, either—the chocolate cake is well worth the cheat day.

This waterfront tavern in the fishing village of Pollonia is the perfect place to unwind and fill your tummy with seafood specialties—stunning fish carpaccio, savory marinated anchovies, and taramosalata, a sumptuous dip made from fish roe.

Astakas Restaurant :

Smack dab in the middle of the precious colored terraces of Klima, Astakas redefines “seaside restaurant”—charming white tables set directly on the beach. The local catch is the way to go. In this fisherman’s village, you will taste fresh fish like you have never tasted it before—the way it is meant to be enjoyed.

O! Hamos! Tavern :

Foodies in the know add Milos to their Cyclades itinerary specifically to score a table at O! Hamos! Tavern. Forget the beaches and the stunning scenery—they’re here for local classic dishes, ordered from a handwritten menu and served to perfection under parasols and leafy canopies.

The reputation of O! Hamos! As one of the best restaurants in Milod has registered far beyond the tiny island, putting the island on the map as only Venus de Milo did before it. Make sure to try the Kleftiko, a rustic traditional lamb dish that melts in your mouth, bursting with flavor.

Utopia Cafe :

I challenge you to find a better place to take in a sunset, a refreshing cocktail, and a sumptuous Greek meal than Utopia Cafe, perched high above Plaka. It goes without saying—the view of the Aegean is to die for.

Kivotos ton Gefseon :

The dish that put this cute Pollonia tavern on the map is the watermelon pie—baked with honey, cinnamon, and sesame. Dine-in with it, or grab some for a picnic on the beach. They also serve spectacular omelets, pizzas, and pasta dishes.

Things To Know Before You Go To Milos

1. rent a car, atv, or scooter to get around..

You won’t see the best of Milos on foot. It really pays to spread out and find your own secluded corner of this remote island haven. Rent a car, scooter, or motorcycle to go exploring. If you really want to find undiscovered vistas, an ATV is the way to go—you can ditch the roads and find your bliss.

If you are from the US, you need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Greece. Before you rent a vehicle, Greek law requires you to first obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies will accept your home driver’s license, but if the police pull you over you may face fines. You can apply for a Greek IDP through AAA or the National Automobile Club.

2. Pack your dramamine.

Falling in love with Milos happens on boats, winding roads, and bumpy ATV rides. Motion sickness is a real buzzkill. If you get carsick or seasick, don’t forget the dimenhydrinate.

3. Avoid Group Tours.

Savvy vagabonds go to Milos to avoid crowds, not join them. Seek out an individual tour guide if you want the inside scoop on best places to visit, or just strike out on your own. Milos has treasures in store for people who value solitude.

4. Expect delays.

Ferries don’t always run when you expect them to. Don’t get frustrated. Part of the fun of the Cyclades is adapting to a slower form of life. Remember, people have been enjoying these islands for thousands of years. Why begrudge them an extra 30 minutes. . . or day?

5. Google Maps is not always your best friend.

If you are used to navigating terra incognita with the power of Google Maps, that crutch may fail you on Milos. Google doesn’t check up on Milos very often and can’t always make sense of the ancient city planning. Local businesses also don’t bother to update their Google listings, if they even have them. Be prepared to ask for directions and recommendations … or just explore and become lost! It’s an island—you can’t ever get too lost.

6. Be aware of the Meltemi, the notorious Greek winds.

The dominant weather feature of the Aegean Sea is Meltemi, a powerful dry north wind that regularly buffets the Cyclades. Strongest in the afternoon, it usually dies down at night … but Meltemi can last for days.

7. Avoid the tap water.

Whereas tap water is safe to drink throughout most of Europe, including mainland Greece, bottled water is the way to go on Milos. The concern is not bacteria, but salt. It’s still safe to brush your teeth and bathe in, but too salty to drink safely.

From turquoise waters, breathtaking beaches and whitewashed villages Milos Island attractions have something for everyone. I hope that this guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Milos, whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation or planning to visit as part of a Greek Island hopping trip. While I haven’t been to many Greek Islands, there’s no doubt that this one is special!

Have any suggestions for this Milos travel guide that I missed? Leave a comment below! 

All images for this blog post were created in collaboration with Quin Schrock .

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How did you get from Milos to Zakynthos?

We flew through Athens.

Did you or Quin have prior experience navigating a boat before you rented one?

Hi Monica. This was our first time driving a motor boat. I would say that you really don’t need any experience to navigate a boat in this area. It’s pretty straight forward.

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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

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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 .

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Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Milos Travel Blog: Tips, Info, & Insights into the Greek island of Milos

This Milos travel blog has my top recommendations and travel tips to planning a vacation in Milos. How to get around Milos, where to stay, what to see, and practical travel info.

You can never have enough Milos travel tips! In this article, I’ve included ideas and suggestions for Milos, one of the best Greece vacation spots. Includes tips on getting around, accommodation, destinations in Milos, and other practical travel info.

Milos Blog – An introduction to Milos

Milos is one of the Cyclades islands in Greece . It is located in the Aegean Sea, to the east of mainland Greece. It is close to other famous Greek islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos.

The rugged island of Milos has become famous for its iconic beaches and unreal rocky landscapes. In addition, it has its fair share of quaint villages, ancient sites and fantastic food. The nightlife is relaxed and low-key, and so far Milos has stayed out of the popular cruise ship routes. 

While Milos has tourist infrastructure, it is by no means over-commercialized. Overall, it’s an ideal Greek island to have a relaxing holiday by the beach. At the same time, there are plenty of options for exploration, especially if you like the outdoors.

Milos Travel Blog

It’s no surprise that Milos is one of the most upcoming vacation places in Greece. This Greece holiday guide will help you make the most of your trip to Milos in Greece.

I've been fortunate to have visited Milos a couple of times now, spending a total of about a month on the island. This collection of Milos travel tips should give you enough insights to make your Milos island travel planning easier.

Visit my Milos Travel Guide for a deep dive into the island.

What is Milos famous for? 

Traditionally, Milos might have been known for the statues Milo de Venus. Today though, it is more famous for it;s wild landscapes and beaches.

Landscapes of Milos

Like Santorini and other Greek islands in the Cyclades, Milos was created after a series of volcanic explosions and earthquakes. As a result, its geology is quite distinctive. Several types of minerals exist on the island, like bentonite, pumice and sulphur. Even today, Milos has an important mining industry.

Because of all those minerals, the stunning Greek island of Milos is full of unique landscapes and rock formations. You will see colourful rocks with diverse textures all around the island.

Beautiful Beaches in Milos

Those fantastic landscape also mean that there are a variety of wonderful beaches in Milos – perhaps some of the most unique in the Cyclades islands.

As an example, the white, lunar-like rocks of Sarakiniko beach are among the most photographed places in Greece. In contrast, Thiorichia beach can be best described as yellow, owing to the sulphur compounds. Other beaches on the island have red, brown and even green colours.

Some of the most stunning beaches in Milos include:Papafragas beach, Firiplaka Beach, Sarakiniko Beach, Kleftiko Bay, and Tsigrado Beach. There are literally another 80 beaches though to choose from!

In my experience, Milos is one of the best parts of Greece to visit if you are looking for beach diversity. There is a great mix of sandy and rocky beaches, along with hidden coves and remote sea caves. Here is a guide on the best beaches in Milos .

Milos island in Greece – History and culture in Milos

Milos has plenty to offer for visitors interested in ancient history. The most important site are the ancient catacombs, dating from the early Christian era. You can also visit the small ancient theatre in Milos, which has recently been renovated.

The local archaeological museum is home to several artifacts that were discovered on the island. This includes a replica of the Venus of Milos statue. The original is in the Louvre.

The main towns and the quaint fishing villages are among the highlights in Milos. The most picturesque town is Plaka, with all the white-washed houses and narrow streets you ever dreamt of!

From Plaka, it’s only a short drive to Klima. This is the best-known, if a little touristy, fishing village. The so-called syrmata houses, originally designed as boat garages, all have pretty colourful doors. While many of them have been transformed into tourist accommodation, others are still used by the locals.

Greece Milos island – Getting around Milos

Looking at a map of Milos, you could say that it looks roughly like a horseshoe. The eastern (right hand) side is more developed. This is where you will find most of the tourist infrastructure and things to do. In contrast, most of the west side is unspoilt and rugged.

The bus routes in Milos are rather limited, so I would suggest renting your own transportation. As Milos has a long dirt road network, it’s best to rent an ATV in Milos or 4×4. A conventional car will not be good enough in certain areas… Talking from experience!

It would take you several days to explore Milos fully. If you only have two or three days in Milos, you should consider going on a sailing tour . This way, you can see some of the best beaches in Milos. Some of them, like Kleftiko Milos , are not easily accessible by land, so a boat tour is the best way to visit.

A last tip: like all of the Cyclades, Milos is lovely to hike around , especially in spring and autumn. Pack some walking shoes, and you may find yourself hiking to Kleftiko beach !

Accommodation in Milos Greece – Where to stay in Milos Greece

There is plenty of accommodation choice in Milos. As the island is becoming more popular, it’s best to pre-book your hotel, especially if you are going in high season. Most accommodation in Milos can be found in the three main towns: Adamas port, Plaka Milos and Pollonia Greece.

Adamas port is the most convenient place to stay, especially if you don’t have your own transport. There is a couple of half-decent beaches, a few restaurants and cafes. For self-caterers, there are a few supermarkets, minimarkets and bakeries, as well as laundry.

There are plenty of travel agencies, so you can hire a car / ATV or book a boat trip. Buses connect Adamas to the most popular areas in Milos, with timetables varying throughout the year.

Plaka is a good area to stay if you want some Cycladic architecture, beautiful sunsets and bars. Arguably, Milos is not the best Greek island for nightlife, but Plaka has a couple of options. In addition, there are a few nice restaurants and shops.

Finally, you can also consider Pollonia, where I really enjoyed staying on my first Milos vacation. Most of the Milos boutique hotels are located here. In my opinion, Pollonia is better only if you have your own transport. With that said, Pollonia beach Milos beats any of the Adamas beaches. So if you want to be walking distance from a nice beach, you’ll probably be better off here.

Here is my complete Milos accommodation guide .

Milos Greece Restaurants

When it comes to Greek food, I can’t praise Milos restaurants enough! By now, I’ve been to over 20 Greek islands, and I thought the food in Milos was some of the best I’ve had in Greece. From amazing cheeses, to local meats, fresh fish and seafood, everything I've had here was really great!

Check out my detailed restaurants Milos guide for more info.

Getting to Milos Greece

Unlike some other islands in Greece, Milos doesn’t have an international airport. This means that there are no direct international flights. However, the island has a local airport, easily accessible through a short domestic flight from Athens.

With that said, when travelling around the Greek islands, you will be likely to use a ferry at some point. Normally, there are several daily ferries to Milos from Piraeus port in Athens. You can spend a few days in Athens, and then catch a ferry to Milos.

Check out my guide here: How to get from Athens to Milos

In addition, there are also numerous connections with other nearby islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini. It might make more sense to fly into one of those islands, and then take an onward ferry to Milos. Here is a list of Greek islands with international airports .

Ferryhopper is a great search engine for ferries in Greece. I suggest that you book your ferry tickets to Milos in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak season.

Onward travel from Milos

After spending time in Milos, you might want to travel on to another island in Greece. Kimolos , the island next door, is a great choice of an island to spend a couple of days. Other choices might include Folegandros , Paros or Naxos .

I've a guide here on getting from Milos to other islands in the Cyclades . You might also like to take a look at these most picturesque Greek islands to visit.

Best time to go to Milos

Overall, the best time to visit Milos is in spring, summer or early autumn. Roughly speaking, this is between April and October.

Now, Greece is a warm country. While some people will find it too cold to swim in April, others will be perfectly ok. And in fact, you may find that July or August temperatures can be way too high for you.

When planning your trip to Milos, it’s good to be aware of the meltemi winds . These are strong seasonal winds that blow in summer. There's nothing you can do about them, but note that sailing tours (and sometimes ferries) can get cancelled.

In my experience, June and September are the two best months to visit Milos in terms of weather. In addition, these months are typically less busy than the summer months, when everyone seems to go on vacation.

Related: Best time to go to Greece

FAQ about Milos Island 

Readers planning a trip to Milos in Greece sometimes ask questions such as:

How do you get around in Milos?

The easiest way to get around the Greek island of Milos is to hire a vehicle. There are plenty of places to hire a car, although more adventurous people may prefer an ATV in order to visit more remote beaches on unsealed roads. There is also a public bus service which connects the most important destinations and villages on the island.

Where can I stay in Milos without a car?

If you don't want to hire a vehicle in Milos, the best place to stay would be in the port town of Adamas. There are a wide selection of places to stay, easy access to public transport, and you can also take day tours around the island from here either on boat or 4 wheel drive. Regular bus services also connect Adamas with other key destinations in Milos.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Milos?

The quickest ferry from Piraeus port in Athens to Milos takes around 3 and a half hours. Slower, and slightly cheaper ferries can take up to 7 hours and 45 minutes to sail to Milos from Athens.

Where should I stay in Milos?

Most people will find that Adamas is the most convenient area to stay in Milos, followed by Pollonia. You might also consider accommodation in Plaka but it's better if you have your own vehicle if choosing to stay there.

Visit Milos island in Greece

I hope this Milos Greek travel blog inspired you to visit this beautiful Greek island! If you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

2 thoughts on “Milos Travel Blog: Tips, Info, & Insights into the Greek island of Milos”

Ho Dave We are visiting Milos, Kimolos and Sifnos this may . Flying into Santorini then onward ferry… In which order would you recommend please. The final island we would need to get the ferry to Folengendros before returning to Santorini . We are struggling as the ferry timetable still hasn’t been completely updated.

You mention Folegandros – you just want to drop by there or stay? Looking at available schedules right now at Ferryhopper , and using May 15th as a ‘dummy’ start date.. Get a ferry to Milos (2 ferries a day) Get a local ferry to Kimolos (a few a day every day, you can work that out when you are there if you want as it is a local Milos-Kimolos ferry that costs just a few Euros – Timetables might not be available yet. . Read my guide here: Milos to Kimolos ). Get the local ferry back to Milos from Kimolos. From Milos take the ferry to Sifnos * 3 ferries a day) Option to take direct ferry from Sifnos to Santorini once a day (this goes by Folegandros)

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 15 Best Things to Do in Milos (Greece)

15 Best Things to Do in Milos (Greece)

A volcanic island with a big natural harbour and rich geology, Milos has been mined for millennia for minerals and material like obsidian, sulphur, and gypsum.

The island’s geology gives rise to coastal sights that photos can’t do justice, like Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, and the kind of beaches that can make you gasp.

In the Bronze Age Milos was home to the city of Phylakopi on its north coast, the greatest port in the Aegean at the time.

Later Ancient Klima was the place where the Venus de Milo was found in 1820. This iconic work of art was produced in the 2nd century BC, and a copy cast from the original in the Louvre is on show at the Archaeological Museum.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Milos :

1. Kleftiko

From the port in Adamas you can set sail for the southwestern corner of Milos, where one of Greece’s most photographed natural wonders awaits.

Kleftiko is an arena of white cliffs and outcrops that you can only reach on the water.

At the base of the cliffs and rocks are caves, and natural arches, and one has a cave that you’ll pass right through and look up at the captivating layered rock that forms the ceiling.

Like all of Milos these rocks have volcanic origins, and because of their pillar-like appearance they’re compared to the cliff-top monasteries at Metreora.

The name “Kleftiko” is rooted in the word “to steal”, and is from the time when pirates would hide out in these caves.

2. Sarakiniko

If you’ve looked at any tourism material for Milos you’ll have seen images of this alien environment on the north coast of the island.

But you have to go to Sarakiniko in person to gauge the full otherworldly beauty of the place.

The sea and wind have moulded Sarakiniko’s bone-white volcanic rocks into sinuous humps and columns.

With no sign of vegetation, Sarakiniko is like a moonscape, and you’ll want to explore for as long as possible, taking photos of the white rocks and crystalline, blue-green sea.

There’s a long, shallow inlet with a beach at one end and tiered white rocks along the edge where people sunbathe and dive into the water.

3. Firiplaka Beach

One of a chain of inviting beaches on the remote south coast, Firiplaka is hemmed by eye-catching cliffs that are streaked with red, brown and yellow.

The sand at their foot is pale and fine washed by surf that is mostly calm unless there’s a southerly wind blowing.

On all other days, kids will be perfectly safe playing in the water which is no more than thigh-deep for some distance.

On the east side is a beach bar with blocks of sun shades and loungers to rent.

In the middle the cliffs bulge out, dividing the beach in two.

At this point there’s a humungous rock with a crack in the middle that opens to a cave on the water.

4. Milos Mining Museum

The island has a mining heritage that is as old as the Neolithic Period, when it was a source of obsidian for the entire Mediterranean.

Later, Pliny the Elder wrote that Milos provided more sulphur than anywhere in the ancient world, while it was also highly valued for its rich alum deposits.

That mineral history is recorded at this museum in Adamas, offering a summary of all the rocks and minerals mined here down the ages, like gypsum, sulphur, baryte, perlite, bentonite, alum and millstones.

Also interesting is the set of prehistoric obsidian tools and weapons.

You can see the role that these substances still play in everyday life, and get up to speed on mining technology in the 21st century.

In the projection room you’ll hear accounts by miners from different eras.

5. Paliochori Beach

Chances are you’ve never had a bathing experience like Paliochori before.

Some way southeast of Zefiria this beach has a mix of dark golden sand and shingle and is bounded by stratified rocks with red and yellow blotches.

These are laced with sulphur ore and there’s a light smell of sulphur on the air.

Stepping into the transparent water you may sense that it is unusually warm.

That’s because of the many hot springs that bubble up from just below the water’s edge.

At Paliochori you’re close to a dormant volcano, and at the restaurants on the beach you can order food cooked with volcanic heat.

6. Catacombs of Milos

Comparable to the catacombs of Rome and the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, this network of underground galleries near Trypiti is an early-Christian burial site.

The Catacombs date from the 1st century AD and were rediscovered in 1840 and excavated shortly after by the esteemed German archaeologist Ludwig Ross.

To date three sets of tunnels have been discovered totalling more than 180 metres where 2,000 Christians were interred in the cavities in the walls or in the ground in graves covered with makeshift rocks.

Only two short sections can be visited, but that’s more than enough to get a sense of the place and decipher inscriptions on the walls that go back 2,000 years.

7. Ancient Theatre of Milos

No more than 200 metres from the Catacombs is a theatre with tiers of pristine Parian marble seats facing the natural harbour and the dark outline of the hills on the west side.

The location alone is enough reason to come.

Belonging to the ancient town of Klima, the theatre would have first been built in Hellenistic times in the 3rd century BC and had to be reconstructed after the city was razed by the Athenians in Roman times.

The theatre is hewn from the hill, and up to eight tiers have been excavated of a monument that could once seat 7,000 spectators (compared to 700 today). Don’t forget to test the acoustics, and search for the faint vestiges of ancient Klima’s walls and towers nearby.

8. Milos Archaeological Museum

From the 3rd millennium until the 12th century BC Milos had the most important harbour in the Aegean, at Phylakopi in the north of the island.

During excavations at the end of the 19th century this site yielded outstanding Early Cycladic, Minoan and Mycenaean artefacts, and many of these pieces are in Room 2 at the archaeological museum.

There’s patterned pottery, figurines, a bathtub and the compelling Lady of Phylakopi, a shrine from the 14th century BC. In the entrance hall stands a copy of the Venus de Milo, where there’s also a burial jar from the 6th century BC and obsidian tools made on the island.

Rooms 3 and 4 have later Geometric, Archaic, Classic, Hellenistic and Roman-era finds like tools, coins, statues, votive steles, tomb reliefs and tables with the island’s own “Melian alphabet”.

9. Plaka Castle

At the village of Plaka on the east flank of the harbour you’ll come to a narrow stairway trailing up the slope.

After a bit effort this will deposit you at the second-highest peak on Milos at the site of a 13th-century Venetian Castle.

Plaka castle was a refuge from pirate attacks, and even if not much is left today you have to go to the top for a panorama of the whole island.

As you climb you’ll pass two lovely whitewashed churches, Panagia Skiniotissa and Panagia Thalassitra.

The stairway gets crowded just before dusk when people scramble up to see one of the most magical sunsets in the whole Aegean.

10. Paliorema

This beach may not be easy to get to, as you have to take a dirt track through rugged hills for a few kilometres east of Zefiria, but you won’t regret the journey once you get there.

Paliorema is more than just a place to sunbathe and swim, because the beach is backed by the ghostly ruins of a sulphur mine.

This was in business for roughly a 100 years from the middle of the 19th century, and you can find out about the harrowing working conditions at the Milos Mining Museum.

Also at the museum are the tokens that the miners used to buy food from the shop at the mine.

As for the site, there are seams of sulphur in the rocks, and you can venture around rusting pieces of heavy machinery, rails with wagons, a waterfront loading crane, cave houses and the entrances to tunnels.

11. Tsigrado Beach

A small cove at the bottom of red and yellow cliffs, Tsigrado Beach is not for people afraid of heights or with impaired mobility.

Unless you arrive by water, the only way down on to this beach is via a steep and narrow crevasse in the rock.

There’s a rope to cling onto and then a ladder will get you down the final few metres.

A sign at the top of the cliff warns you to make the descent at your own risk.

And yet dozens of sun-seekers go down every day, and that’s because the beach is glorious.

There’s quite a large patch of sand, while the glistening water is an arresting shade of turquoise.

You can also wade around to a little cave, where the walls are illuminated by the sunlight in the water.

12. Cave of Sykia

Like Kleftiko, Sykia can only be approached by boat and you will normally make a stop here on the way round to its more famous neighbour.

Sykia is a collapsed sea cave with a small shingle beach in a breathtaking cauldron of textured white rock.

The light created by the water and this white stone is a joy to behold.

Normally your tour boat will wait outside the entrance to the cave and you’ll go inside on an RIB to take a dip in the sparkling blue water and take snaps of the beach.

13. Trypiti Village

Walking distance from Plaka and the Catacombs, Trypiti is a traditional village arranged in tiers on the hillside and commanded by the Church of Agios Nikolaos.

These houses were built on the ruins of Ancient Klima, and is where the Venus de Milo came to light in 1820. Along the ridge in the upper part of the village is a line of historic windmills, built in this elevated position to catch the breeze but now converted to accommodation with awesome vistas of the harbour.

Like Plaka Trypiti is a gorgeous place to watch the sun setting over the island’s natural harbour.

14. Adamas World War Two Bomb Shelter

In 1941, Milos was a foothold for the Wehrmacht to launch their Invasion of Crete, and a few bunkers like this one in Adamas were excavated to offer protection for personnel and store resources and equipment.

Adamas has the largest of all, and was used as a shelter by many of the island’s inhabitants during an Allied bombardment 1944. For just €2 you can negotiate the bunker’s long tunnels and 12 chambers.

Taking advantage of the atmospheric setting, the bunker is a kind of art gallery, with graffiti, paintings and imaginative installations.

15. Firopotamos Beach

Quite unlike any other beach on the island, Firopotamos is both a beach and a tiny fishing port.

This adds another layer of charm to the scene, as the whitewashed fisherman’s houses come right down to the water and on the ground floors have blue-painted doors for their “syrmata”, where the boats are stored.

The beach has a blend of pebbles and white sand, and being in a cove away from the open sea the water is perfectly clear and a dreamy shade of light blue.

At the tip of the headland on the eastern entrance to the cove are some ruins for share-worthy photos.

15 Best Things to Do in Milos (Greece):

• Firiplaka Beach
• Milos Mining Museum
• Paliochori Beach
• Catacombs of Milos
• Ancient Theatre of Milos
• Milos Archaeological Museum
• Plaka Castle
• Tsigrado Beach
• Cave of Sykia
• Trypiti Village
• Adamas World War Two Bomb Shelter
• Firopotamos Beach

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Our Definitive Guide to the Lesser-Known Greek Island Favored by the Fashion Crowd

Welcome to Who What Wear Travels , a series of curated guides to destinations the fashion set loves. Consider this your download on everything from the chicest stays to the most memorable meals to the perfect travel wardrobe, all vetted by stylish locals and well-traveled fashion folks.

When I was traveling through Greece last summer, there was a single island everyone I encountered was talking about. They were either just coming from it, heading there next, or considering a visit, and it had me seriously considering extending my trip just to see what all the chatter was about. Milos is the Cycladic island that enjoyed an under-the-radar reputation for decades, but amid a post-pandemic travel boom, it's undeniably having a moment.

In case you were unaware, there are more than 6000 islands that make up Grecian territory. Only 227 of these are inhabited, which is still an arresting figure to confront as a casual tourist. For many, a trip to Greece is a once-in-a-lifetime ordeal (even getting there from the U.S. can often be a multiday journey), so choosing the right island to visit is no small feat. There are the well-known choices—Santorini and Mykonos—but for those looking to branch out, it can feel impossible to know where to go.

Milos is a visual feast of rocky white cliffs set against the most brilliant crystal-blue water. Its otherworldly beaches and colorful fishing villages are the main draws, and over the past several years, it's seen a steady uptick in international travel, especially with Americans. What sets Milos apart from nearby Paros and Naxos is its truly remote feel. There isn't one town that everyone flocks to at the same time. Without one central village, the island is more spread out. Yes, this means that you'll probably need a car, but also, even in the height of its travel season in July and August, it rarely feels overcrowded. "There is a lot of range there," explains Yolo Journal founder Yolanda Edwards. "You can go high-end on the hotel and restaurant scene or more middle, and you'll also see a backpacker here and there. I find it so refreshing in that way."

"A few years ago, Milos featured prominently in an ad campaign for Louis Vuitton and was cited as the inspiration for Dior's cruise collection," notes luxury travel consultant Rebecca Bullen . "While the secret is out, it still remains far more chill and cruisey (pun intended) than Santorini or even Paros."

Who What Wear Travels Tip: According to Edwards, mid-September until late October is the time to visit. The sea is warm, and the crowds are gone.

"Compared to the very touristed islands of Mykonos and Santorini, yes, Milos is more up-and-coming," Edwards continues. "But consider that Mykonos and Santorini also became famous over decades when the only way to hear about them was through magazine articles or word of mouth. Milos, Paros—they are quickly becoming very well-known because of the power of social media."

In fact, part of what makes Milos so charming and intimate is its lack of major hotel chains. Instead, you'll find an array of boutique accommodations that range from a private stay in one of the converted waterfront fishing huts the island is known for to a luxury villa that sits atop a seaside cliff. Angela Fink , a Los Angeles–based content creator, chose to renew her vows in Milos last summer. "I was mesmerized by the surreal white volcanic rocks shaped in incredible forms, resembling a landscape from another world," she muses. "At that moment, I knew, without a doubt, that this was the place."

Who What Wear Travels Tip: If deciding between the ferry and flight to transfer between Athens, go for the flight. "The ferry is hot and chaotic," photographer and National Geographic contributor Jessica Sample warns. "The flight is, too, but it's shorter and easier."

Skinopi Lodge is just seven stone villas nestled into the craggy landscape of the island with a footprint so discreet you would be forgiven for forgetting the buildings are there. It is the passion project and brainchild of Nausika Georgiadou, who spent over a decade mindfully bringing Skinopi to life. "The villas are über-minimalist, and the lines between indoor and outdoor blurred. The décor is minimalist so as not to compete with the natural beauty of it all. There are no TVs, and even lighting has been kept to a minimum to minimize light pollution," Bullen says. Skinopi is strategically positioned to face Milos's epic sunsets and maximize the northern breezes that have long been relied upon to cool down spaces. "As Milos becomes a well-known island and tourism increases, these values will become even more rare and important," Georgiadou adds.

Going upscale here means booking a suite at Domes White Coast , a design-forward stay that encapsulates Grecian luxury. Its boho rattan furnishings and sleek infinity pools are set against clean-looking, whitewashed buildings. "It's maybe the most expensive and high-end option on the island," informs Sample. She also gushes that the private plunge pools are dreamy, the sunsets are spectacular, and the service is top-notch. "The restaurant felt fussy and deserted for dinner, but the included breakfast was great," she continues. "Overall, a fantastic location."

Terra Mare Suites is another stay I heard repeated throughout all the recommendations I sifted through. "We didn't stay here, but I wish we had if it had been available," says Sample. "[It's] a white-and-blue fishing house on a secluded cove of turquoise clear water with a little patio. There are so many nearby bakeries to stock up for breakfast, and it's near lots of towns for lunch or dinner. It's also 10 to 15 minutes from the famous white cliffs."

More stays to jot down: For a truly unique experience, rent one of the converted fishing huts Milos is known for on platforms like Airbnb . Bullen also suggests Melian Boutique Hotel and Spa , a property of 15 whitewashed suites that she says showcase the best of traditional Cycladic design. Milos Breeze Hotel is a wonderful boutique option in Pollonia.

If there's one thing I learned about Milos, it's that nobody leaves the island without a meal or two at O! Hamos! The bistro is serving up traditional Greek dishes like horiatiki salad and grilled halloumi, and the move is to order a bunch of small plates to share. From the handwritten menus to the terra-cotta dishware, it's filled with plenty of traditional Greek charm, which Edwards echoes. "It's incredible—everything is from the owners' garden. It's also popular, so go for early or late lunch," she suggests.

Edwards also mentions the recently opened Okto , which is run by a local Greek chef. "Nikos had worked in Paris kitchens for many years and returned here several years ago, bringing a farm-to-table approach," she explains. Expect an elevated take on classic Greek dishes using local and in-season produce. Another plus? It's open from breakfast until dinner. Sample says to request a table in the courtyard and not inside or on the side patio.

Who What Wear Travels Tip: Greek wines, often the cheapest option, are not to be missed here. They're harder to find at home in the U.S., so make the most of trying the local varieties, especially the whites and rosés.

For Fink, Medusa was a dining highlight, where its fresh octopus is dried out in the sun a few steps away from the restaurant. Incredibly fresh seafood is one of the treasures that comes with a trip to Milos, and from what I gleaned, Medusa is one of the top places on the island to enjoy it. Sample echoes her love for the Milos favorite and its legendary seaside location in the charming fishing town of Mandrakia, highlighting that the swordfish souvlaki and cured white anchovies were menu standouts. "They don't take reservations, so [it's] best to queue up at noon and get your name on the list while you wander in the village," she adds.

More restaurants to jot down: Edwards also recommends Astakas in Klima for the perfect sunset dinner on the beach and Emborious Tavern, where you can always get a table without a reservation. Georgiadou is a fan of To Kyma in Kimolos, and Utopia Cafe in Plaka is the undisputed place to be at sunset, says Bullen.

With its swath of otherworldly rock formations, Sarakiniko is the must-see item for any Milos itinerary, and for many photographers and creatives, it's not only a stop along the way—it's the main attraction. Our experts describe exploring the sculpted volcanic rock at this beach (if you can call it a "beach") as stepping foot on Mars. While it does tend to garner a crowd during peak sun when beachgoers line up to jump off one of the cliffs into the glimmering Aegean Sea below, many tell me that they returned at sunrise for a serene and visually striking experience.

Who What Wear Travels Tip: The consensus is to wake up before dawn and watch the sunrise at Sarakiniko before the crowds descend.

Firopotamos isn't so much a beach as it is an "enchanting little cove," as Fink puts it. While there is a sandy beach, it's also a quaint seaside town with old ruins. You'll want to dock a boat here and dive into the water, but she ensures that you can drive there as well. "The water is perfection," Sample adds.

Even though Kleftiko is more of a dramatic rock formation than a traditional beach, it was hard not to feature it, as it ranks high on everyone's list for the top swimming spots around the island. Charter a boat for the day—Sample recommends hiring Excellent Yachting for a full-day cruise from Adamas port—and stop here to snorkel and swim through the stunning sea caves.

More beaches to jot down: There are many wild beaches that you can have to yourself, Edwards informs. She's a fan of Kastanas and Fyriplaka. There are also plenty of organized beaches, such as Plathiena, which has umbrellas, loungers, and a taverna.

While Pollonia and Plaka are the two most upscale towns and where you'll likely find yourself dining and shopping the most, Klima is a must-visit. The picturesque fishing village is a former fisherman's village where you'll find colorful homes nestled along the water's edge, many of which have been converted into Airbnbs that make for a very unique stay.

Built by the Venetians who ruled Milos, the castle that is now a Greek church is on the second-highest peak on the island, making for an epic sunset view.

Who What Wear Travels Tip: Renting a car is a must here, as everything is spread out. Prioritize an SUV or four-wheeler that can best navigate the rocky terrain.

One of Georgiadou's favorite things to do when she's not running things over at Skinopi Lodge is to hike through the ancient city—which is close to her resort—past the ancient theatre and the catacombs, and on to the sea.

More sights to jot down: Edwards suggests a hike up to Nychia , the ancient obsidian quarry with incredible views that is accessible via footpaths surrounded by wild thyme. She also mentions Pollonia, the more upscale town that always has a new restaurant or store every season. Fink suggests planning a visit to the Marmara Sand Museum "if you are a rock nerd like [her]."

The general consensus is that a Milos-bound suitcase should adhere to the standard island wardrobe rules: light, airy layers that can withstand the heat coupled with practical but beachy accessories that you can pair with any number of outfits. "A hat that ties under the chin is a must!" Edwards insists. "Whether you're hiking, sitting on the beach, or taking a boat trip, the wind can kick up, and you'll thank me that you had yours tied down."

Footwear should be minimal but walkable—a pair of rubber flip-flops won't cut it here. Instead, you'll want to opt for sandals with a substantial sole that can keep up with all the rocky beaches you'll be exploring, like the Chanel Dad Sandals that Fink relied on for her trip. Since nightlife here translates to an evening dinner overlooking the Aegean, you can skip the party attire and focus on easy, elevated ensembles like airy linen and silk dresses. The main event of your suitcase should, naturally, be swimwear along with cover-ups and SPF-adjacent accessories, like a good sunhat.

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.

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Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

How to Get To Milos Greece – Ferry And Flight Info

You can get to Milos Greece either by ferry, or plane. This guide gives you all the information you need to book your trip to one of the most up-and-coming Greek islands.

The Greek island of Milos

In recent years, many people ask how to get to Milos. The photogenic Milos beaches and the wild, otherworldly landscapes attract visitors who like nature.

Sailing trips to the picturesque Kleftiko beach are among the most highly rated experiences in the whole of Greece! 

But, how can you get to Milos? Well, I am an Athenian and I’ve been to Milos a few times over the years. So I wrote this comprehensive guide for people planning a visit to this amazing island. 

There are two ways to get to Milos island. You can either take a ferry to Adamas, the main port town, or a domestic flight from the Athens International Airport.

And now, let’s break down everything you need to know to get to Milos, including ferry and flight information.

Ferry routes to Milos

Milos belongs to the Cyclades group of islands, and it’s located in the Aegean sea, to the east of mainland Greece. Other islands in the same group include Mykonos ,  Santorini , Andros  and  Tinos . 

A number of ferries depart daily from Piraeus , the main port in Athens, to Milos. There are also ferry connections with Mykonos and Santorini islands, which both have international airports.

Ferries from Piraeus port to Milos

In 2023, there are three companies operating the ferry route from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Milos port. During the summer, there are normally multiple departures per day. Most of these ferries stop at other Cycladic islands first, and there are also a few direct Piraeus – Milos ferries.

SeaJets, one of the best known ferry companies operating in Greece, run a few high speed ferries which take 2.5-3.5 hours to get to Milos. Prices start at 74.70 euro one way.

A slow boat called Prevelis goes to Milos a few times a week. Run by ANEK / Aegeon Pelagos, this ferry is the best budget option. Prices start at 40 euro one way, and the ferry ride takes about 5.5 hours.

Finally, Zante Ferries operates a slow ferry called Dionisios Solomos to Milos on some days per week. This ferry takes around 7 hours to reach the island, and costs 48 euro one way. 

You can check all available ferry routes and book your ferry tickets here: Ferryscanner .

Ferries from Santorini and Mykonos to Milos

Another way to get to Milos is to fly to either Santorini or Mykonos, and then take an onward ferry to Milos. 

For 2023, the fastest SeaJet ferry from Santorini to Milos takes 2 hours, and ticket prices start from 93.70 euro one way. There’s also the slow ferry run by Zante Ferries, which takes 5 hours 20 minutes, but only costs 16 euro.  

The fastest Mykonos – Milos route takes about 3 and a half hours, and tickets start from 108.70 euro one way.

Which Milos ferry is better?

While there is a wide choice of daily ferries going to Milos, not all of them are made equal! Read carefully, especially if you haven’t taken a ferry in Greece before!

Some of the high-speed SeaJet ferries, like the Super Jet, and the Sea Jet 2, are smaller ferries and don’t carry vehicles. While these ferries might run a direct route to Milos, and are faster as a result, they can be pretty bad to travel on when it’s windy. And yes – the meltemi summer winds can get very strong!

Even if you don’t get seasick easily, it’s best to choose one of the large ferries which can carry vehicles, and are generally more comfortable to travel on. Choose between the Champion Jet 2, or the Speedrunner Jet, both departing from Piraeus.

If you are going to Milos from either Mykonos or Santorini, you will have no choice but to travel on the smaller SeaJets. Consider taking some seasickness pills before you travel. This is me speaking from several decades of experience!

While the ports at Mykonos and Santorini are small, Piraeus port is very big and chaotic. Before you travel, check exactly which gate your ferry is departing from. Make sure you are at the port about an hour in advance of your ferry journey, especially if you are travelling in peak season.

As for the slow Zante ferry, I’ve taken this a number of times myself. It’s not very luxurious, but it’s fine if you don’t mind spending a longer time on board. 

Piraeus to Milos ferry timetables

Ferry timetables from Piraeus to Milos vary a lot throughout the year. Ferry schedules change between seasons, and often change from year to year.

In summer, there will generally be a few ferries per day. During the off-season, there are one or two ferries per day on the Athens-Milos route, on most days.

I use  Ferryscanner to compare ferry routes and book ferry tickets to the Greek islands. You can also check ticket prices and book your tickets through this link.

Generally speaking, summer ferry routes may not be published until March or April. Zante Ferries, in particular, tend to be very bad with putting their ferry timetables up!

If you are trying to plan your summer trip in January, you won’t be able to see all itineraries, as the companies haven’t released them yet. Check again in spring, and you will discover most ferry schedules.

Ferries to Milos from other Greek islands

Milos has frequent ferry connections with many other popular islands in the Cyclades. Apart from Mykonos and Santorini, there are direct ferries to Milos from Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros. 

On some years, the slow Preveli ferry connects Milos with Crete and some of the Dodecanese islands, including Rhodes , a few times per week.

Again,  Ferryscanner  is a great place to compare routes and fares for the Cycladic islands. If you are  island-hopping in Greece , it will be an invaluable tool.

Ferry from Milos to Kimolos

Kimolos  is a small, relatively unknown wild island close to Milos. It is ideal for a day trip from Milos, or a longer stay. It’s one of my favourite islands in the Cyclades!

There are a few ferries per week stopping at Adamas port in Milos and continuing to Kimolos. 

The two islands are also connected via a small local ferry, Osia Methodia, departing from the quaint Pollonia port in Milos. There are several daily routes, taking just under 30 minutes.

If you are planning to visit both Kimolos and Milos, this boat is a better option. Ferry tickets are available at the port, or on the ferry itself, and you don’t need to pre-book.

Fun fact – Greeks call this ferry “ pantofla ”, literally meaning “slipper”! You can find more information and up-to-date timetables  here .

Tips for Using the Ferries in Greece

If you haven’t used the Greek ferries before, here are a few final tips to make your journey more pleasant.

The highspeed ferries, like all the SeaJets, only offer designated indoors seats. There are different seat categories. As a rule, the more expensive the ticket, the more personal space you will have.

The slower ferries include a “deck” category, which means that you won’t have an allocated seat. You can either sit at the common areas inside the ferry, or sit outside and gaze towards the Aegean sea.

If you don’t have your own designated seat, you should get to your ferry early and find a seat in the public areas as fast as you can.

Whilst food and drink are available on board, you can bring your own if you want. Some ferries only have snack bars, while some others may also offer hot dishes. However, if it’s a windy day, it’s best to avoid eating if you can!

One last tip – ferries can often be delayed. Allow for at least an hour or two of delays, just in case something goes wrong.

Also, NEVER book your flight back home a few hours after your expected arrival time from Milos to Piraeus. It’s better to spend an extra night in Athens, or at least allow for several hours in between.

Here are some more  tips on Greek ferries , including a complete list of ferries in Greece.

How crowded do Greek ferries get?

At busy times of the year, ferries sometimes get sold out and are fairly crowded. Take that into account when you are getting ready to disembark. You will then get a taste of the Real Greece as everyone tries to get out as soon as possible!

Outside peak season, however, you may have the whole ferry to yourself. I took the photo below on 29 September 2020, on our return ferry from Milos to Piraeus. There were only a handful of people on board!

Ferry tickets can often be booked a day or two before you travel. However, it’s always best to book early , especially if you are travelling in peak season.

After all, you don’t want to be stuck on Milos without a return ticket home… oh, wait… what?!!! 🙂

Travelling to Milos with your own vehicle

Many of the ferries from Athens to Milos can take vehicles on board. So, if you are planning a road trip in Europe or Greece, you’ll find it easy to take your own car or campervan.

Most people visit the Greek islands and opt for a rental vehicle. If you are island-hopping in the Cyclades , it’s cheaper to hire a car / quad on each island you are visiting, to avoid paying the extra ferry ticket for the vehicle. Moreover, certain rental companies don’t allow transportation of their vehicles by ferry.

If you’re driving a vehicle on board, be prepared for lots of shouting and arm gestures as the staff try to get everyone loaded on board super-quickly. For me, this is the most challenging part of a Greek island-hopping adventure!

Flying from Athens to Milos Greece

Apart from Adamas port, Milos has a small domestic airport. It is located about 5 kms south of Adamas, and 8 kms from  Plaka , the capital.

There are currently no international flights arriving directly at Milos airport from abroad. Instead, you would first need to get to the Athens International airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, and then catch a 40-minute connecting flight from Athens to Milos.

At the time of writing, two carriers operate the Athens to Milos route. These are the well-known Olympic Airways / Aegean Airlines, and a smaller company called Sky Express. Ticket prices start from 60-65 euro one way, and can go up to well over 100 euro.

In peak season there are several direct flights per day, but it’s best to reserve your spot as early as you can. Last-minute prices tend to be quite high.

Athens to Milos airfares and luggage allowance

Luggage allowance on your Athens to Milos flight will depend on the airfare you choose. Make sure you pick the one that is suitable for you.

With that said, it’s absolutely possible to travel to the Greek islands with hand-luggage only. All in all, you won’t need to bring many clothes with you. Here is my  guide to packing for Greece , to get you in the mood!

If you decide to fly to Milos, it’s best to arrange transportation to your Milos hotel in advance of your trip.

Usually, there are public buses running to / from Milos airport a few times per day. If the times don’t suit you, you can arrange a private transfer , or perhaps pre-book a taxi through your hotel.

Best way to travel to Milos island Greece

From all the above, you will have gathered that there is no single best way to get to Milos island in Greece.

The good thing is that there is plenty of choice, from short domestic flights to low-budget ferries that will stop on many islands before they reach Milos.

Most people travelling to Greece often combine flights and ferries. I personally prefer the ferry whenever I can, as it sets the mood for an island vacation!

FAQ – How to get to the island of Milos in Greece

Here are some questions often asked by people visiting the Greek island of Milos:

What is Milos known for?

Milos island is best known for its volcanic landscapes and picturesque beaches, like Kleftiko or Sarakiniko beach. The island also has an interesting mining history.

How do you get to Milos in Greece?

You can get to Milos in Greece by flight, or ferry. If you have time, you should get a ferry from either Athens or Santorini, as it’s a lovely experience.

Can you fly to Milos Greece?

Yes, Milos Greece has a small national airport. There are currently no direct international flights, so you would have to catch a short domestic flight to Milos from Athens.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Milos?

There are many different ferries on the Athens to Milos route. They can take anywhere from 2.5 hours to about 8 hours. You can check ferry schedules and book your tickets on Ferryscanner.

How do I get around Milos?

You can get around Milos by car / ATV / scooter, bus or taxi. Cars are the fastest way to go from place to place on the island. Buses will take you to the main towns and a few of the incredible beaches.

More Milos travel guides

I hope this article has been useful! Here are some more Milos travel guides:

• Reasons to visit Milos island in Greece  
• Best time to visit Milos and Kimolos in Greece  
• Where to stay in Milos
• How to hike to Kleftiko Bay  
• How to get around Milos – A complete guide on how to discover Milos island
• Ten best beaches in Milos – Includes the best beaches, and also some of the lesser known beaches

Hi! I’m Vanessa, a travel writer from Athens. I love sharing my local knowledge about Greece and helping visitors fall in love with my country 🙂 Thanks for visiting my blog post on how to get to Milos! You can get in touch through the Real Greek Experiences FB page  and  FB group .

4 thoughts on “How to Get To Milos Greece – Ferry And Flight Info”

Good Morning. Vanessa your info is amazing.I do have questions that need to be addressed, If possible could I communicate will you regarding these.. I will be visiting May 2022. Cruise with Celestial cruises then Naxos & Milos. As a Senior solo traveller some of my concerns maybe a little different than some.If you cannot communicate I understand. Jean From Canada

Hi Jean, sure! Feel free to get in touch through my FB page or at [email protected]

Great information, thanks Vanessa

Glad it helped you! Enjoy your time!

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Woman&Home

Best places to visit in Greece - the destinations loved by experts, locals and tourists

Posted: May 21, 2023 | Last updated: August 4, 2023

Choosing the best places to visit in Greece is an almost impossible task. Home to hundreds of islands, buzzing metropolitan cities steeped in history and culture, and a coastline that spans almost 16,000km, the country truly has something for everyone. 

If you’re looking for one of the best European city breaks, you could start with Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization. Nowadays it’s a city of contrasts where you’ll find archaeological sites nestled next to lively coffee shops, market stalls and cocktail bars. Or you could head to the best Greek islands, all possessing their own unique charm, cuisine, and exquisite scenery. Then there’s everything in-between: the mountainous landscapes, towering cliffs, and endless beaches that you’ll find across the country. 

As someone who's traveled around Greece for the last decade, with a short stint of living in it, I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of the best places to visit. But just to be sure, I've also enlisted the help of my Greek friends and family members to cover a mixture of destinations - from some of the best islands in Europe, to accessible areas of the mainland. Whether you’re looking for sun, sea, sand, culture, or a buzzing culinary experience, as one of the best places to visit in Europe, Greece can satiate all these desires. 

BY ANNA PAUL

No trip to Greece would be complete without a trip to its capital, Athens. A sprawling, modern metropolis overlooked by the Acropolis, a citadel that's sat on top of a rocky outcrop since 5th century BC. Even if you're not interested in history, it's hard not to marvel at the ancient Greek monumental complex, which can be seen from virtually every corner of the city. In the summer months, you can also attend concerts, opera and theatre performances at Odeon Herodes Atticus, the ancient theatre perched on the Acropolis. It's a true bucket list experience. Once you've scaled the heights of the Acropolis, head down to check out the museum which details the history of the site and the city as a whole. 

Next, head down to the heart of Athens, starting with Monisteraki and its buzzing street stalls and tavernas. If you're after street food, head to Kosta's Souvlaki where you can grab a pitta filled with pork, beef or chicken with onion, tomato and Kostas 'secret' tomato sauce. If you want to sit down with the locals for a meal (or just impress your friends with your insider knowledge), head to Avli, a rustic taverna that you can access via an unmarked door at Agiou Dimitriou 12. Once you find the door - which admittedly can be hard - you'll find a lively yard packed with small tables, delicious meals, jugs of local wine and live music. 

For fine dining, head to Hytra, a Michelin star restaurant in Koukaki - a creative neighborhood, located in the shadow of the Acropolis. Enjoy the 11-course tasting menu which takes reimagines traditional Greek recipes, re-creating them with freshly sourced raw materials. If the food wasn't enough to convince you, the panoramic view of the Acropolis will be. Head there at sunset for some truly breathtaking views. 

Then there are the bars and coffee shops, of which Athens has many. Go to Minu in Psyrri, a minimalistic haven where you can buy mood-boosting plants and handcrafted homeware, or simply sip your coffee and take in the urban oasis. Stay in Psyrri which is packed with cocktail bars (we recommend Juan Rodriguez but you have plenty to choose from).  

Top tip: Download 'Beat' - Greece's answer to Uber. Most of the city's yellow taxis operate with the app but prices are far lower (and language barriers kept to a minimum).

Eschew some of the more popular islands and head to Milos for a truly romantic holiday. Accessible via a short flight from Athens or a ferry ride from the popular islands of Santorini, Paros or and Mykonos, this unique island is worth adding to any travel-hopping itinerary. 

The volcanic island in the Aegean sea has been growing in popularity over recent years but it still remains unblemished by swelling tourism. Brimming with beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, it offers everything you’d expect from a Greek Island. But the truly unique thing about Milos is its spell-binding lunar landscapes. Its chalk-white cliffs overlooking the azure-blue ocean feel (quite literally) other-worldly. Sarakiniko Beach boasts white rock formations which have smoothed and shaped over time, giving you the sensation you’re walking on the moon. For a truly unique experience, head to the beach before 8am and immerse yourself in the vast, chalky landscape. Drink in the view of the white-bone moonscapes, then jump into the azure sea below. The beach doesn’t offer much natural shade so if you want to avoid the hottest time of the day, plan to go to the beach for the sunset. We recommend traveling in May or early June. August is hot - and windy, which makes swimming difficult. 

There is no public transport operating to the beach, so think about renting a car, scooter, or ATV. The beach is around 10 minutes from Adamas and Plaka so taxis are also reasonable.

Top tip: There are no restaurants or bars at Sarakiniko beach, so come ready with water and food. It’s not far from nearby towns but you will have to hop in the car to get there. Be braced: there are also no public toilets. 

3. Zakynthos

Zakynthos island is known for its wild nightlife, but don't be deterred by its party reputation, as the island offers so much more. Its airport is small but extremely well-served, meaning you can often take advantage of holiday deals on offer. 

Once again, renting a car is advisable to really scale the island and experience its breathtaking views in their full glory. But if you can't, consider staying in Zante Town - the island's capital, where the central bus station is located. Full of picturesque Venetian-style houses and buildings, the town is the cultural hub of the island. But to really immerse yourself in the island culture, head to Vasilikos, the village and community which is located around 15 kilometers south of the town. This part of the island is decidedly sleepy, making it one of the best European vacations for families but solo travelers or couples would enjoy it just as much. While away the day on Gerakas Beach, a long, golden beach on the southern tip of the peninsula, home to the famous Loggerhead Turtles who nest in protected areas of the beaches. Banana beach, the biggest beach on the island is also located nearby. A long, wide beach with sparkling and shallow waters, you can also take part in an array of watersports here. 

If you have a car, take a 15-minute ride to Porto Mela, a taverna perched on Dafni beach that serves up all the favorites plus a selection of fresh seafood. If you're feeling adventurous, try rabbit in red sauce (kouneli stifado) - one of the island's signature dishes. Like most Greek cuisine, it's delicious, messy, and entirely unpretentious. Most restaurants will have different stifado options with other meats on offer too. Wash it down with a carafe of local wine - the island is home to many large vineyards and it's common for families to produce their own.

Top tip: While the south is rich with nature, beaches, and cuisine, don't leave Zante before visiting the north end of the island where the famous Navagia beach is located. Otherwise known as shipwreck beach, the remains of the MV Panagiotis ship have been planted on the white sand since the ship sunk in 1982. It's accessible only by boat, but avoid booking a boat to specifically go there - instead find an itinerary that includes Navagia beach as part of an island tour. In most cases, you'll pay the same price but see multiple destinations. 

4. Kalamata

You might know the name thanks to Kalamata's famous olives, but the capital of Messinia offers plenty more than just that. A pit stop for some of the best cruises and served by many major airlines, Kalamata is a seriously underrated holiday destination. Located 2.5 hours away from the capital, it's a popular hotspot for Athenians and other Greek tourists but it's still completely unspoiled by the swarms of international tourists. Make no mistake though - this is a city built for tourism, with luxury resorts, fine cuisine, and endless beaches. By summer, the beachfront is the place to be, lined with restaurants and beach bars that stay open until the early hours. In winter, the picturesque old town livens up. You can visit the castle or the archaeological museum but the best thing to do in Kalamata is just to do nothing at all and spend days wandering between beach bars, tavernas and dipping in the crystal blue water. There are endless sandy and pebbled beaches along the coastline which progressively get quieter and quieter as you edge away from the main marina.

You're spoilt for choices when it comes to cuisine, but pay a visit to the taverna of Kosta Vassiliadis (Stou Kosta). Regularly featured in top restaurant guides, everything is local and everything is fresh - from the meat, to fish to the verdant salads. The taverna is relatively hard to find unless you have a GPS but that doesn't deter the crowds: it's always packed - and for a reason. Expect to see Kostas floating from table to table chatting to everyone and introducing the food. As all the best tavernas do, they offer their own twist on the classics. The moussaka here is made with finely sliced veal instead of minced meat, layered on top of sliced aubergines and finished with a bechamel sauce. To sample the best local wares though, let your server choose your dishes for you. It goes without saying, too, that you need to sample the local olives when you're there.  

The pace of life is slow in Kalamata but it has a lively nightlife. In the center, enjoy a perfectly mixed cocktail in Luna Loungeor local favorite, Bistroteca. The city can be enjoyed by all ages, making it one of best vacations for over 60s and families alike.

Top tip: Take a day trip to the village of Kardamylli, under one hour away from Kalamata. The sleepy village sits below the Taygetos Mountains so is ripe for hiking, but you'll get equal pleasure just taking in the charm of the settings. The drive through the narrow, sloping mountains is picturesque and relatively short but is admittedly quite terrifying if you're not used to Greek roads. During the summer season, buses run approximately three times a day.

5. Santorini

No list of the best places to visit in Greece would be complete without mentioning Santorini. Probably the most famous Greek island, Santorini is one of the top summer destinations worldwide and home to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. The island gets extremely busy during the peak summer months, making it one of the best places to visit in September or between March and April when it's marginally quieter. 

The windswept volcanic island is known for its whitewashed cubiform houses and mesmerizing sunsets. For the best viewpoint, close your day in the picturesque village of Oia. As one of the most photographed islands, you might feel as though you've already seen the Santorini blue domed churches, and volcanic coves - but experiencing it firsthand is an entirely different experience. As with everywhere in Greece, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to food. Try domatokeftedhes - tomato fritters made with sun-blushed Santorini tomatoes. Wash them down with a glass of Assyrtiko wine from one of the island's 20+ wineries. The microclimate of the island provides a fertile environment for the rare, high-acidity grape. 

Top tip: Consider finding a private tour guide - not only can they give you insider tips but they can help you navigate the island's winding vistas. More crucially, they'll know the best routes to avoid crowds. 

One of the best off-the-beaten-track islands in the Eastern Aegean, Ikaria is an unpretentious and relaxed island, nestled between Mykonos and Samos. It got its name from Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who against his father's command, flew too close to the sun and fell into the sea near the island. With its beautiful beaches, endlessly friendly locals, brilliant local fare and healing thermal waters, it's not the worst place to land.

Despite its laid-back vibes, it's an energetic and vibrant island with a lively nightlife and feasts and all-ages parties that wage on until the early hours. As well as these parties, often thrown to mark religious celebrations (of which there are many), the island is also home to an international music festival, Ikaria festival as well as an annual international chess festival. Then of course there are its beaches; Seychelles Beach easily rivals the beauty of the beaches in its namesake, while Therma beach boasts mineral-rich hot springs. It's no wonder the locals are reportedly famous for their long and healthy lifespans. Speaking of which, don't leave the island without trying pefkomelo, the local pine honey. 

Top tip: Look out for a Panigiri while you're there, or try to plan around one. These are traditional feast days and celebrations that start in the afternoon and last until the morning, marking Saint's name days or other religious holidays. People travel from around the country to attend these and the celebrations can be large-scale with hundreds (or even thousands) of people. Expect lots of food, dancing and general joviality. 

Mykonos is known for its dry and windy climate, windmills, white streets, beautiful beaches - and of course, its nightlife. Despite its party reputation, however, the island caters to all interests and ages. Packed with luxury villas, hotels and premium restaurants, it's undoubtedly the best island for celebrity spotting and real VIP treatment. Start your day people-watching in the old town of Chora with a coffee. Your order, regardless of where you are in Greece should be a fredde espresso: a potent iced black coffee that comes with or without sugar. We recommend getting breakfast in Gioras Bakery, the oldest working bakery on the island which has belonged to the same family for over two centuries. Pick up a spanakopita, a filo pastry with layers of spinach, feta and crunchy, golden pastry. For a luxury dining experience, check out NOA which offers a modern taverna menu, with a big focus on farm-to-table dining. 

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, but our favorite is Agios Sostis beach. Unspoiled, compact, and remote, there are no beach bars (or shelter) at this tranquil beach, so do bring your own towels - and lots of sun lotion. The island is windy, but don't let that fool you into thinking the sun isn't blazing hot. Next to the beach is Kiki's taverna, a haunt favored by locals, and for good reason. Open daily until the sun goes down, the restaurant offers stunning fresh food at reasonable prices. 

Consider taking a ferry to Syros, a neighboring island just 30 minutes away from Mykonos which has its own distinct personality. Cosmopolitan and Cycladic, the main town is built amphitheatrically on two hills, making for a unique landscape. It's definitely quieter than Mykonos but it's by no means sleepy and is packed with buzzing coffee shops, restaurants and live music venues. 

Top tip: Expensive doesn't equate to good quality, so plan your meals before you head out. It's easy to be coaxed into sitting somewhere with a nice sea view, particularly in the center of Chora and the beaches of Platis Gialos, but prices can be exorbitant and the quality of the food can be comparatively low. The island is brimming with unforgettable eateries, many of which are very reasonable, so plan before you head out. Similarly, research beach bars and restaurants before you visit them - some venues at Platis Gialos charge $50 for sub-par cocktails, while neighboring ones will offer drastically lower prices for the same setting and quality. 

Hydra, or Ydra as it's known in Greece is a quaint, bohemian island which is accessible via a two-hour ferry ride from Athens. It's completely car-free, meaning the only mode of transport is on a donkey, water taxi or on foot - which is how we explored it. It was a famous hotspot in the 1960s and 1970s for artists and musicians, perhaps most famously, Leonard Cohen, who lived on the island on and off for years (his house used to be marked by a plaque and street sign but in recent years, renovation works have made it harder to find). To this day, it has an artistic feel and is still a hotspot for international artists and writers. Spend your days getting lost in the backstreets and climbing the island's bastions before cooling off for a dip in its waters. While the island has some pleasant beaches, they're generally not super accessible by foot - so if that's how you're exploring the island, we'd recommend instead finding a good bathing spot, like Hydronetta - a bar carved into the coastline which serves soft drinks, snacks and cocktails from dusk 'til dawn. Here, you can access the sparkling (but often choppy) seas via a small ladder. There are pleasant beaches in the island but if you're looking for some of the best beaches in Greece, there are plenty of other islands you can go to. For us, Hydra's charm lies in the blissful lack of cars, its narrow streets and craggy coastline and its bohemian vibes. By night, there are scores of lively tavernas and fun bars that stay open until the last customer decides to leave.

Top tip: We'd recommend visiting off-season, in May or October time. At this time of year, accommodation is substantially cheaper, as are the prices in local tavernas and bars. 

9. Thessaloniki

Greece's vibrant second city, Thessaloniki offers culture, history, food and adventure, yet for some reason, it often gets overlooked as a city break destination. As far as Greek cities go, Athens can sometimes be overwhelming, but Thessaloniki is decidedly less dizzying - not to mention, much milder, meaning that summers are less sticky and humid. Although it's still throbbing with personality and has a buzzing arts, foodie and music scene, the pace is distinctly slower than the capital.

Start the day with the city's famous bougatsa, a breakfast pastry with custard encased in delicious flakey filo pastry. Walk along the seafront the city is best explored by foot. Marvel at the Walls of Thessaloniki, the churches, monasteries and Byzantine baths, all included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites (the city has 15 on the list in total). Visit the White Tower, a monument and museum at the waterfront of the city, built in the 15th century after the fall of Thessaloniki to the Ottomans. Next go to Aristotelous Square, the central square and beating heart of the city. By this point, you'll be hungry, so it's time to talk about food once again. Although there's a gentle rivalry between Athens and Thessaloniki, the country's second city is where you'll find the best cuisine. 

For meat-eaters, Opsopoion Maganeiai, which translates as 'magical cooking' delivers on its promise, serving up plates of exquisitely seasoned steak cuts with a small but well-curated menu of starters. It's fairly small, so book ahead. For vegetarian choices, head to rOOTS Vegetarian & Vegan Place, a metropolitan eatery with an expansive and creative menu. Although it's easy to find vegetarian appetizers everywhere in Greece, finding a dedicated vegetarian restaurant is tricky as a lot of the cuisine is centered around meat. Beyond those places, look out for little 'ouzeries' - small venues that serve glasses of strong local liquors of tsipouro or ouzo accompanied by meze dishes. Meanwhile, the gyros in Thessaloniki are unrivaled:  pitas packed with meat, tomato, onion, fries and tzatziki (once again, vegetarian options are easy to come by too, which is unusual in Greece).

Top tip: As per the rest of the country, the hottest months are in summer so the best times to catch the good weather are between July to September. However, in early November the city hosts the International Thessaloniki Film Festival making it one of the best places to visit in November if you're looking for a cultural fix. As it's an international festival, most films will have both English and Greek subtitles. 

10. Aeropoli / Limeni

Perhaps one of the best hidden gems in Europe, Aeropoli is a popular destination for Greek holiday-makers but less popular with international tourists. The largest town in Mani, Aeropoli is packed with tavernas, buzzing coffee shops and vibrant bars. It's also 3km away from the picturesque village of Limeni.

Aeropoli is perhaps the best vantage point for exploring the region thanks to its countless hotels and rustic guest houses. It's really only accessible by car, but if you do have your own transport, Gytheio and Sparta are easily accessible for daytrips. Kalamata is less than two hours away, so we recommend combining a trip to both if you're planning a trip to the region. It's also close to the Caves of Diros, a large underground network of fantastical rock formations, located just 11km south of the town. 

If you visit Aeropoli, don't leave without spending a day in Limeni though, a beautiful port town with sparkling emerald water and rocky cliffs. What makes the landscape particularly impressive, however, is the imposing stone towers which look more like forts or watchtowers, build high against the rugged rocks and roads, with few windows. A local told us that they were intentionally built to look menacing; with each family trying to build above the one next to them to show their seniority and power. The result is a rugged, impressive landscape that contrasts with the sparkling seas below. 

Top tip: Don't visit off-season. Unlike more touristy destinations on the list, many businesses close their shutters during the winter months, and driving conditions can become difficult too. 

Packed with quaint villages, towering mountains and exotic beaches, Pelion is a mountainous peninsula in Thessaly, the central part of the country. It's close to the major city of Volos, but there are strong transport links from Athens and Thessaloniki too. As with many parts of Greece, it's best explored by car so you can visit as many of its villages as you can, each with their own unique charm. Despite its central mainland location, Pelion feels decidedly off-grid, with its deserted beaches, sleepy villages and rich vegetation. 

In winter, head to the ski resort of Agriolefkes in Mount Pelion for an unforgettable winter snow holiday, and in summer, retreat from the world in the village of Makrinitsa, a quaint village with cobblestone streets and grand houses, or Portaria - a lush, green mountainous village. And let's not forget the beaches, Mylopotamos beach is probably the most famous and picturesque, divided into two parts by a dramatic rock formation. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday, hike, or just to wander around the villages, the unique landscape of Pelion accommodates all types of holidaymakers. 

Top tip: Think about what type of holiday you want and book accordingly. If you're hoping to ski, it's one of the best places to visit in January but if you want a hiking holiday, consider traveling in springtime when the temperatures are dry but cool. The busiest time for tourists is June, so, much like traveling to the rest of Greece, if you want to get the best flight deals, travel in May or September. 

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Olympic flame passed to Paris 2024 delegation during handover ceremony in Athens

The flame for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 was handed to a delegation from the Paris 2024 Organising Committee today (Friday 26 April) in a symbolic ceremony in Athens, Greece.

The event, which took place at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, marked the end of the 11-day Olympic Torch Relay through Greece and signaled the transition of the relay to France, scheduled to begin on 8 May when the flame arrives in Marseille following its voyage across the Mediterranean aboard the Belem ship*.*

The flame was carried into the stadium at around 18:30 local time by Olympian and two-time European race walking champion Antigoni Drisbioti (GRE) ; she ran a section of the historic track before passing the flame to Beijing 2022 ice dancing champion Gabriella Papadakis (FRA) .

Papadakis in turn then completed her own section of the track and passed the flame to 20-time Paralympic swimming champion Béatrice Hess (FRA). The last torchbearer of the ceremony, Tokyo 2020 water polo silver medallist Ioannis Fountoulis (GRE) , received the flame from Hess in front of the Olympic, Greek and French flags before lighting the cauldron alongside his teammates from the Greek national water polo team.

ATHENS, GREECE - APRIL 26: ATHENS, GREECE - APRIL 26: Greek water poloist Ioannis Fountoulis lights the cauldron during the Olympic flame handover ceremony for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at Panathenaic Stadium on April 26, 2024 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)

Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos then delivered a passionate address, crediting his compatriots for the reception they gave to the flame during its relay around the country and wishing the best for France as the torch begins its 'next journey'.

"Today, in a crowded Panathenaic stadium, a unique journey of hope and pride that has illuminated the whole of Greece from one end to the other comes to its end," Capralos said.

"And yet these 11 days that have captivated our country and captured the attention of the whole world are just the beginning of a great journey. That of the next Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

"It is therefore with great joy and emotion that we all welcome the Olympic flame together here at the Panathenaic Stadium at the end of the torch relay on Greek soil, to hand it over to the Paris 2024 Organising Committee with a feeling of respect and solidarity, but also accompanied by our best wishes for the realisation of a unique event."

ATHENS, GREECE - APRIL 26: ATHENS, GREECE - APRIL 26: Spyros Capralos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, speaks during the Olympic flame handover ceremony for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at Panathenaic Stadium on April 26, 2024 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)

President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and three-time Olympic champion Tony Estanguet (FRA) then spoke, thanking the people of Greece for staging both ceremonies (the flame lighting and handover) as well as Papadakis and Hess—the two French torchbearers of the handover ceremony.

"Thank you to the Hellenic Olympic Committee and its President, Spyros Capralos, for this magnificent start to the Olympic Torch Relay in Greece!" Estanguet said.

"During these eleven days across the country, we've already been able to see some very powerful images, and all the attachment the Greeks have for the flame. And now, what a proud and emotional moment it is to officially receive the Olympic flame at the handover ceremony!

"A big thank you also to our champions Gabriella Papadakis and Béatrice Hess for being at our side to play this powerful and symbolic role as Forerunners of the Paris 2024 Torch Relay."

Then came a big announcement from Estanguet, as he revealed that French swimmer and Olympic champion Florent Manaudou (FRA) will be the first torchbearer of the Olympic Torch Relay in France.

"After a hundred years of waiting, in twelve days' time the flame will be back in France via the port of Marseille. A huge thank you to Florent Manaudou, one of the most emblematic Olympians of his generation and captain of the relay, for accompanying us on this new adventure. We can't wait!"

Following Estanguet's speech, the High Priestess lit a final torch from the flames of the cauldron inside the stadium. She handed the torch to Capralos, who presented it to a joyous crowd inside the stadium, before passing it to a beaming Estanguet.

The flame was then placed inside a lantern, where it will travel to the French embassy in Athens to spend the night before boarding the Belem on Saturday (27 April), bound for France.

What's next?

After crossing the Mediterranean, the Olympic flame will arrive on French soil in Marseille on 8 May .

The flame will then travel across France and visit overseas departments and regions of France (including New Caledonia and French Polynesia) before arriving in Paris for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games on 26 July!

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