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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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Greek Island Hopping: Ultimate Greece Travel Guide

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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

last Updated: February 15, 2023 greece milos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milos Logistics

Weather and when to visit milos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Crowded is Milos?

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

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

Where is Milos?

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

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

How to Get to Milos

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

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

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

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

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

A few ferry tips:

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

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

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

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

How to Get Around

Renting a Car/ATV/Scooter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public Transportation

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Milos

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

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

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

Adamas (short for Adamantas)

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

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

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

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

Recommended hotel options in Adamas:

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

Find more accommodation options in Adamas here!

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

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

Recommended hotel options in Pollonia:

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

Find your favorite spot in Pollonia here!

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

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

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

Recommended hotel options in Plaka:

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

Find more places to stay in Plaka here!

Fishing Villages

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

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

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

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

Find more places to stay in Klima here!

How Long to Stay

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

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

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

Best Beaches and Swimming Spots on Milos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Fun Things to Do in Milos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunset at Plaka Castle

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

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

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

Wander Plaka

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

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

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

Take a Boat Tour!

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

There are two main boat routes to choose from: 

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

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

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

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

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

Where (and what!) to Eat in Milos:

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

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

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

Restaurants in Milos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended 3-Day Milos Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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September 8, 2022 at 3:18 am

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

September 8, 2022 at 10:16 am

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

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18 Best Things to Do in Milos, Greece

Ready to explore the best things to do in Milos? Discover geological marvels, colourful villages, and one-of-a-kind beaches with this in-depth guide. 

The charms of Greece ’s thousands of islands are no secret, with some islands in the Cyclades (Santorini and Mykonos, I’m looking at you) feeling more and more like a stomping ground for the whole of the continent in the peak summer months. 

But another island is slowly earning a reputation as an off-the-radar gem. The lesser-known Cycladic island of Milos is home to an incredible coastline with rocky volcanic shores spilling into translucent blue-green waters in nearly all of its 90 beaches. 

With only 6,000 people living on the island, finding information on where to go and what to do on Milos can be a little tricky. Luckily, that’s exactly what this guide will do. I spent a few weeks on this elusive island, exploring everything from ancient ruins to far-flung beaches – not to mention with plenty of restaurants and thrilling activities in between. 

What I found was a heady mix of otherworldly landscapes like Sarakiniko (one glance is enough to see where it gets its nickname “Moon Beach” from), to less familiar historical treasures like the Roman ruins at the Ancient Theater of Milos – all complemented by a food scene that is *chef’s kiss*.

Ready to explore the island’s treasures? Let’s go.

PS: Take a peek at my top recommendations on my YouTube video.

Watch on YouTube

Best things to do in milos, chill at a hidden cove in kleftiko.

Keen to explore a “beach” that you can only approach by boat? I thought so. Venture to Kleftiko , where you can see a stunning series of white cliffs etched in voluptuous shapes that jut into an impossibly blue sea below.

It’s not a surprise that this used to be a pirate lair. The way the stark volcanic rocks encircle the pristine bay lends itself to a natural hideout as much now as it did then.

So how do you get there? You can only reach Kleftiko by water, but you owe it to yourself to do so. Spend some time swimming in the series of arches and small pools and see why it’s one of the most famous spots on the island.

It’s more popular than it used to be, but if you get a great captain (like I had), you can tuck into a quieter cove and have the area all to yourself.

Sail, Swim, and Snorkel in Kleftiko

Flop and Drop on Milos’ Stunning Beaches 

There are more than 90 beaches on Milos. Naturally, I hit a few dozen on my last visit, so I can tell you that these aren’t just any beaches. The island’s unique geography and geology culminates in white volcanic soil that lines the rocky shores contrasted with bright blue waters to produce some of the most scenic coastal landscapes anywhere in Europe.

Flop down on brilliant sandy beaches like Firiplaka Beach (one of the most popular locations on the island), where you can stare from a cool little beach bar at the brilliant, crystal-clear waters that look like they’re straight off a postcard.

And then there are the hidden beaches that take a bit more effort. Choose the latter, and you can putter along the coastline to Agia Kiriaki Beach – another fabulous swimming beach with cerulean waters and the bonus of shade from trees.

Or, pack water and snacks and use a series of ropes and ladders to get to the mysterious Tsigrado. The small sandy cove is completely surrounded by volcanic rock that’s slowly crumbling into the sea. Paliorema Beach is even more unusual, as the beach sits below the ghostly remains of abandoned sulphur mines.

Rather scoop a spot with one of the best restaurants on the island? Paliochori Beach, with its fine rocky “sands” (perlite) and Sirocco restaurant, makes it another great area to explore.

Long story short: This is a trip where you won’t want to forget your swimsuit at home.

Take a Boat Trip Around the Island 

You already know that if you’re visiting Milos, you’ll spend lots of time in and around the water. So, it’s no surprise that one of my top experiences in Milos was taking a boat trip around the island. This day cruise offers an all-day excursion, which you can embark on any day of the week (weather permitting).

What can you expect? You’ll zip along the impressive coastline, admiring bizarre rock formations and pristine beaches you won’t be able to find in a car. I had a wonderful time on this smaller group tour (many travellers I talked to were added to boats with 25+ people).

A group of 10  of us set out with the brother-sister team, who honestly took excellent care of us the entire day. Best part? They even served up some hearty Greek cuisine, which was much appreciated after-hours swimming and snorkelling.

They typically leave from Adamas, but we embarked from Paliochori Beach due to the windy weather. It all worked out. We got to explore the famous Kleftiko Beach and its blue waters and white cliffs and spent the perfect day splashing in the sun.

But the coolest part was snorkelling in the Sykia sea cave, where you can peer through a massive opening (where a cave collapsed).

Book the same small-group boat tour here

Explore Milos’ Culinary Scene

There’s no question that it’s all about the beaches in Milos. But there’s also a fantastic culinary scene you don’t want to sleep on when you visit the island.

Unsurprisingly, you’ll find incredible seafood all across Milos. Make the most of that, settling into long, lazy meals at some of the best restaurants on the island. Medusa is a charming restaurant right by a cove in the small village of Mandrakia serving traditional Greek seafood, Milos style. Tuck into dishes such as calamari and octopus against a backdrop of sparkling water. 

The freshly caught octopus at Astakas – with its stunning views of the coast, and the grilled sardines at seafood specialist Yialos Restaurant in Pollonia, should also be high on your list.

There’s more to Milos’ culinary scene than seafood alone – know where to look and you’ll find excellent dishes bursting with fresh veggies and slow-cooked meats (special mention goes to the baked lamb at O! Hamos! Tavern). 

From the laid-back Avli in Plaka (Avli means backyard), a local favourite that’s revered for its uncomplicated (if fantastic) traditional dishes like feta pie, to the best ice cream in all of Greece at Aggeliki (yeah, I went there) – Milos is a dream for foodies.

Eat Your Way Around Milos’ Best Restaurants With This Guide

Stroll Around Milos’ Capital, Plaka

Plaka, the charming capital (or Chora) of Milos , sits atop a rock overlooking a vast swathe of sea. 

It’s the archetypal picture-perfect Cycladic town: flowers and vines climb up the walls along the narrow alleyways and meandering stairways. Slow down and take a look – there are surprises around each corner.

Plaka’s history dates back hundreds of years, but the majority of the cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings you see today are from the 19th century.

While much of the town’s charm is just wandering around its quiet paths and alleys, there are a couple of things I recommend making time for. 

Perched on Plaka’s highest point, the Venetian Castle is worth the short but sweaty hike it takes to get there. Only a fraction of the castle (namely the old walls) remains, but its location next to a gorgeous white-domed church and the fact that it offers some of the best views on the island are reason enough to sweat your way to the top.

You can also pop into the rather quirky Sand Museum, where you can browse through a collection of sand the owner has gathered up from places all over the world. He also sells artwork, so feel free to take home a souvenir.

I should mention that the sunset views in Plaka rival anywhere in Santorini . In fact, I think they are better and without *quite* the same level of crowds – go to Utopia for cocktails and the very best views or grab a cocktail at Verina and walk the short distance to sit on the church walls to watch the sun dip below the horizon. 

You can’t drive into Plaka, so you need to leave your cars at the car park at the bottom of the town and walk in. There are several free parking lots, but avoid the ones in the north as they’re only for residents.

Cliff Jump and See the Lunar Landscapes at Sarakiniko Beach

I’m not one for issuing mandates, but you have to go to Sarakiniko Beach during your Milos trip.

Moon Beach (as it’s nicknamed) features sweeping boulders as famous for their extraterrestrial appearance as they are for being epic cliff-jumping platforms. To say the rocky shores are nearly blinding with the sun hitting the bright white surface isn’t an exaggeration. 

The beach isn’t the sandiest by any means (though there’s a small stretch you can wade in the water). Instead, it’s the smooth, chalk-white volcanic rocks that you can use to sunbathe or plunge into the sparkling blue waters that are the main draw.

Nearly all of the best beaches in Milos are in the South, so it’s quite striking that this unusual beach is in the North. But the secret is out, so you’ll want to pull into the parking lot as early as possible.

On my last visit, we arrived around 8:30 am, and there were already quite a few other people there. By the time we left at 10 am, the parking lot (and rocky shores) were full. Go early in the day or late in the afternoon, or prepare to deal with crowds.

Alternatively, Papafragas Caves is another popular cliff-jumping locale and former hideaway for Byzantine-era pirates.

Venture to Postcard-Perfect Klima 

Milos has quickly earned a reputation as a stunningly scenic island with beautiful, colourful fishing villages dotting the volcanic shores.

Klima is arguably the most beautiful of these villages, with white-washed coastal homes featuring brightly coloured doors and windows on the edge of the sea. The bright and varying colours on the doors are no accident. Historically, they coordinated with the boats, so you knew which house belonged to which fisherman.

Plan to spend an hour in the early evening strolling around the village by daylight before watching it glow in the golden hues of sunset. The light on the water is absolutely magical. 

Round off the day with dinner at the waterfront restaurant Astakas, one of the best restaurants on the island. 

Getting There

There’s parking right behind Astakas. It’s a bit of a steepish drive down, but it’s easily doable.

See the Abandoned Sulphur Mines  

Heading down to the abandoned sulphur mines might not sound like the most charming afternoon, but trust me, exploring the rocky sands and abandoned buildings at Paliorema Beach is a treat.

Ready for an adventure? Venture to the eastern side of the island, where the eerie abandoned sulphur mines emerge from a rainbow-coloured cliff on Milo’s coast. The stark contrast between the dramatic volcanic cliffs, buildings etched into the hillsides and stone arches framing perfect views of the Aegean Sea cemented it as one of the highlights of my time on the island.

Keen to explore? It’s a cool spot to see the abandoned buildings and rusting machinery that are so at odds with the idyllic setting, it’s hard to believe it’s real. Until you realise you can still smell the sulphur.

Getting there is easy enough – before we went it wasn’t very clear from online comments how hard it would be to drive all the way to the mines, but if you’re a relatively confident driver you can drive all the way to the bottom, even in a 2-wheel drive car.

Just take it slow, particularly at the end as it does get quite bumpy. If you’re worried, there are a couple of places to park higher up, and then you can walk down (bring water).

There’s a nice small beach for a spot of relaxed sunbathing, or you can schedule a kayaking tour that stops along the edge of the cove via kayak. However you choose to go, it’s worth a visit.

It’s dangerous to go inside the mines or buildings themselves, as they’re highly unstable. Don’t do it.

Spend Your Evenings in Pollonia

Pollonia is one of the larger towns but somehow still laid-back and not too crowded.

If the name looks familiar, it comes from Apollo, as there are rumours that the Temple of Apollo was once located near the town. It’s a beautiful beachside village with sandy shores dotted with lively bars and restaurants. 

I chose to base myself in Pollonia on this trip as I wanted to stay within easy reach of the island’s top sights and in a location with plenty to see and do within walking distance. It was a great decision – particularly because it was within easy walking distance to many of the island’s best bars and restaurants. 

The advantage of staying in a more populated area like Pollonia is you don’t need to drive to dinner or sundowners after spending all day outside.

I was surprised by the variety of choices, with anything from sushi at Hanabi Seaside to romantic (and delicious) Italian dinners at Maronne di Milos.

Then there are other finds like the unassuming Deck Milos, which was a great all-rounder on the first floor with nice views of the village. It’s a reliable spot to tuck into burgers, sandwiches, coffee, or juice, and they made a pretty good (if hefty) breakfast.

You can find some great prices in hotels in this area. We thought our spacious suite at Phos Milos was a great find at €260 per night .

Relive the Discovery of Venus de Milos 

Ever been to the Louvre in Paris ? Then you’ve probably seen the 2-metre-high solid marble sculpture of Venus de Milo on display. Bet you never knew that there is quite the story behind its discovery and that you can see a replica of the very place it was discovered in Milos itself. 

In fact, the tale of the statue’s passage to Paris it’s a narrative so farcical, you could be forgiven for thinking I was reading the script of a Hollywood caper. But hear me out.

In 1820 a local farmer named George Kentrotas found the abandoned sculpture in his field. He tucked it away – not knowing the importance of what he’d found – until a visiting sailor, Jules Dumont d’Urville, took notice and arranged (via the French ambassador to Turkey) for the French government to purchase the statue. 

In the meantime, a village priest also wanted in and begged the farmer to sell it to him so he could give it as a gift to the Sultan of Constantinople. He *almost* succeeded, but a French official saw the statue going onto a ship bound for Istanbul and successfully procured it for the French, transporting it to Paris where it was placed in the Louvre, the very museum it still stands in to this day. 

No one knows why, but at some point during the whole farce  – either during the transportation of the statue, or during the argument over it, the arms were cut off and lost.

Anyway, all that to say that there’s more to this replica – two metres high and made of over a tonne of solid marble from Paros – than first meets the eye. 

Tour the Port Town of Adamas

Adamas will serve as your introduction to the island if you arrive by boat, as it’s home to the island’s main harbour. It’s a lively port town (well, for Milos anyway) that serves as the hub for travel from Santorini and Mykonos (and other destinations) by ferry. 

There are lots of bars, restaurants, and a few nightclubs (try Plori) that come alive during the summer months. So, what should you do when you’re here? I have a few suggestions.

First, you need to schedule at least one meal at O! Hamos! Tavern. It really feels like you’re eating in a Greek grandmother’s dining room – with lovely slow-cooked meats and little puff pastries stuffed with salty cheese (divine). And cocktails from the small but adorable courtyard patio at Akri Bar are a must for some of the best views of the Aegean harbour below.

Looking to dig deeper into the island’s history and geology? You can also learn more about the thousands of years of mining for Obsidian and other minerals on the island at Milos Mining Museum, for only €7 with an audio tour. 

Visit the Charming Fishing Village of Mandrakia 

Looking for things to do in Milos that are a bit more off the beaten path? Check out the small fishing village of Mandrakia, home to the stellar seafood restaurant Medusa. Sure, I mentioned it earlier on in this guide, but Medusa is the main attraction in this quaint village. It’s a charming setting with a white & blue beach house perched above the clear blue waters. Look closely and notice freshly caught octopus drying in the sun. Mandrakia is an active fishing village, and as charming as it is tiny. But if you perch yourself above the cliffs over the harbour, you can get some stunning shots of the boats lined up in the cove in front of the boathouses ( syrmata ) etched into the chalky-rocky shores. You’ll also notice the white-washed orthodox cathedral Zoodohos Pigi, with its bright blue doors and eye-catching bell tower.

Walk Through Milos’ Catacombs 

Walking through the Catacombs in Milos may only take a few minutes, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its history.

The cemetery of the early Christian era dates back sometime between 1AD – 6AD. Thousands of Christians are buried here (some estimate as many as 8,000). 

Venture through the subterranean complex of halls and corridors to see the unique tombs inside. There are arched tombs (both in singular stones and paired) and horizontal tombs. You’ll also see floor-pit graves.  There are 200 metres in total carved out of the volcanic rock, and what remains is a truly incredible reminder of ancient religions in Greece. Sadly, a large portion of the catacombs were heavily damaged years ago through looting, erosion, and weather.

Top Tip: Be sure to keep an eye out above ground for the Tomb of the Witness, which is one of the only graves you’ll see outside of the underground catacombs.

Visit the Ancient Theater of Milos

Sitting above a spectacularly pretty stretch of coast, Milos’ Roman Theatre is a quiet spot that not many venture to. You should – not only is it free, but it’s an interesting place to take a deep dive into the island’s Roman connections.

It’s not an amphitheatre, as it’s semicircular rather than circular, but it is one of the best preserved ancient theatres in the Cyclades and an extraordinary reminder of just how long Milos has been inhabited.

The ancient city of Melos dates back to sometime between the 9th century BC and 7th century AD, with years of prosperity, largely due to the obsidian on the island (used to make tools and weapons), and its location between Greece and Crete.

This Roman Theatre overlooking the ancient harbour (Klima today) was constructed from marble sometime between the 1st and 4th centuries AD and used for hundreds of years, most recently as dwellings and workshops in 7 AD. 

Excavations of the 7,000-seat theatre began in the early 19th century by German architect Carl Haller, but efforts as recent as 2015 have helped bring the theatre to the pristine condition you see today.

Try out the marvel of ancient acoustics – stand on the stage and whisper, and the acoustics carry the sound to every part of the theatre.

Stroll Through Trypiti 

The ancient village of Trypiti sits high up on a hill, overlooking Milos’ ancient harbour. But it’s worth spending a couple of hours getting to know it and its scenic reminders of its history – like the numerous windmills on its white-washed buildings. These were active for decades, processing wheat and other grains for the village. Nowadays, you’ll mostly find bars, restaurants, and a few hotels in town, along with great views of landmarks like the catacombs from atop the hill.

Self-Guided Hike on a Miloterranean Geo Walk

Want to try something completely different? Explore the island via a series of cool self-guided hikes put together by the Milos Mining Museum. 

The hikes explore the geology of the island, taking you to spots including the Archaeological Site of Phylakope and the Sulphur Mines.

The Archaeological Site of Phylakope is home to one of Greece’s first-ever cities, and while the site is a bit hard to navigate, it’s pretty interesting to retrace steps from the 5,000-year-old village.

Check Out the Miloterranean Geo Walks Here

Explore Western Milos

Lots of guides tell you that you need a 4×4 to drive on the western part of the island, which simply isn’t true. Although some of the roads are unpaved, they’re in really good condition, and we had no issues driving on them in our standard rental car.

You do need to watch out, though, as some roads are harder to drive on. We had a handy map that showed the type of road and whether it was paved or unpaved – so we just avoided the rough dirt tracks.

I’m so glad we made it to the west side, as it’s way quieter and incredibly scenic. It’s an area where wild goats roam in numbers 100:1 for every human, even with the smattering of tourists who make it this far over.

So what should you see when you’re here? The Monastery of St John Siderianos is a stunning 16th-century monastery, with a pretty fascinating backstory. Locals apparently hid from pirates inside and willed the door to turn from wood to iron to lock them out.

I couldn’t verify this, as the monastery itself was closed when I visited. It didn’t much matter. Another treasure lay just beyond, reached via a short fork leading down to the coast.

There’s a small (basically deserted) beach with turquoise water and a sort of desolate beauty. The kind with rough-hewn cliffs tumbling into the sea waves crashing (it was a windy day) onto the shore with no one but us to hear them. It might not be as pretty as some beaches on the island, but the drama and isolation set it apart in a class of its own. 

Take 4×4 Trip to the Volcano 

You can take a 4 x 4 drive through some of the lesser-travelled roads in Milos on a guided tour of the dormant volcano. I didn’t get a chance to do this, but it looked epic. I mean, where else are you going to truck it up to the top of a volcano?

Your expert guides will pick you up around 10 am in Adamas and drive you up the Agia Kyriaki Volcano Crater. Then, you can set out on a hike, where you’ll see some of the most interesting geology on the island.

Look closely (but not too close), and you’ll see the volcanic fumaroles unleashing their power high into the sky.

Go Off-Roading to an Epic Volcanic Hike

Practical Tips for Your Milos Trip  

• The ferry ride can be quite choppy, and I heard plenty of stories about getting seasick. Take seasickness tablets if that’s likely to be you.
• Personally, I think you should hire a car when you get to Milos. Having your own wheels opens up a lot more of the island to you.
• You can also opt for an ATV, which helps youreach places on dirt roads.
• We found a handy map that showed which roads were paved, which was very helpful in planning our routes. Try and get one on the island, or you can buy one here. 
• Most of the best beaches are on the south of the island, besides the otherworldly Sarakiniko Beach.

Getting There 

Most visitors fly or take the ferry to Milos. If you take a plane, you’ll need to fly in from Athens (there are no international airports). The return ferry from Santorini in October set us back €374 for two adults and books out well in advance. Don’t forget to check in online before boarding.

How Long to Visit in Milos? 

Spend at least a week in Milos to hike, sightsee, and relax on the beach.

Best Time to Visit

I went in October, and it was lovely, but you’ll have warmer temperatures from May to September. I’d recommend avoiding July and August as this is the peak season for the summer Meltemi winds. 

Where Should I Stay in Milos? 

Phos milos (mid-range) .

This brand-new hotel features great deals on pared-back, contemporary Greek rooms, with white walls and natural materials like woven lampshades adding a comfortable feel.

Check Rates and Availability

Volcano Luxury Suites Milos  (Luxury) 

Upscale, adults-only accommodations with spa baths on balconies overlooking the ocean in Paliochori.

Recommended Tours

Read More Milos Guides

• Where to Stay in Milos
• The Insider’s Guide to Sarakiniko Beach
• The Best Restaurants in Milos
• A Complete Guide to Plaka, Milos
• Here’s Exactly What You Need to Know About Visiting Kleftiko

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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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

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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?

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

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

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

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

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

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

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

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF MILOS

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

OUR ISLASND HOPPING PACKAGES

Discover our best island hopping packages including Milos!

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

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

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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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Milos, Greece: the Greek island of the summer

By Helen Iatrou

Up until the last few years, the luminous Cycladic island of Milos was a secret destination surreptitiously shared among Greek couples. With more than 70 beaches , considered among the best in the Aegean, the isle where the Louvre’s prized Venus de Milo was found has a fascinating history and spellbinding volcanic landscapes like lunar-like Sarakiniko. With fresh new places to stay, exciting restaurants, and classic waterfront bars, Milos is evolving into one of the Mediterranean ’s most sought-after vacay spots.

Where to stay on Milos

1. White Coast Pool Suites

Serving up Cycladic simplicity in all its stark white cubism, White Coast Pool Suites’ clutter-free form echoes the rhythms of the island’s settlements. Set between Sarakiniko beach and the Papafragas caves, this low-key seafront resort has no neighbours. All rooms have ecru polished cement bathrooms, stained oak accents and terraces with ultra-private pools . At Greco-Italian restaurant Bianco, sought-after chef Yiannis Liokas refines a fisherman’s soup with split pea puree, red saffron and golden herring caviar. As night falls, take a seat beside the pool and trace constellations above, with a rosemary-and basil-scented gin cocktail in hand.

2. Milos Cove

After a bumpy 20-minute drive through archaeological sites and remote wilderness, you reach what feels like the edge of the world. Really, it's the entrance to the isolated Milos Cove Inception Resort. Emerging from the lunar-like landscape, this futuristic piece of architecture was designed by Athens-born Dionisis Sotovikis, who plays with harsh lines and geometric shapes. 42 beige suites are designed to blend into the environment rather than stand out like the typical Cycladic white. Surrounded by colourful volcanic rock of sulphur yellows and pink minerals, the geological references pay homage to the design and earthy energy of the hotel. Obsidian, a rare slick black rock that when sharpened is comparable to glass, can be found scattered in the natural landscape, and has become the symbol of the hotel. The spa even has crystal healing and alternative massage therapy. Every corner is designed to complement the striking landscape, from the reflective windows that mirror the sea views to the  infinity pool , carefully moulded into the rockface. With a private pebble beach and rooms with private pools, there's not much reason to leave the hotel. The restaurant is also worth shouting about – it switches between casual dining in the day to fine dining in the evening. Dressed-up guests emerge for sundown cocktails, late-night dancing and star gazing. Sophie Knight

3. Skinopi Lodge

Skinopi Lodge is owner Nausika Georgiadou’s greatest labour of love, three decades after her first encounter with Milos. Her eco -credentialled remote retreat encompasses seven villas sited amid olive trees, lavender and thyme on a slope by the sea above minute Skinopi village. Taking inspiration from traditional fishermen’s houses, Athens -based architecture firm Kokkinou-Kourkoulas designed the stone-built structures so as to blend seamlessly into the scrubby landscape. Air flows through laidback indoor-outdoor living spaces. Decor is purposely sparse, with linen furnishings in dove grey and white adorning bedrooms and lounge areas. When the sun starts to slowly descend into the Aegean, guests settle into acacia deck chairs to quietly savour the spectacle.

4. Terra Mare Suites

This syrma-turned-pirate-like refuge lies in Mytakas, between Sarakiniko and the beachside village of Pachaina. Peeking over a rocky cliff within a narrow cove, Terra Mare Suites is a unique two-level waterfront property that serves extended families particularly well. Youngsters adore the open-plan ground-level suite, catering for up to four adults, for its whitewashed cave-like aesthetic and verandah offering direct sea access. The first-floor suite, which hosts up to three adults, has a bedroom and separate lounge plus a roomy, shaded balcony. Interiors are all soothing monochromatic tones, rattan furniture and driftwood. Bathrooms are hand-moulded and kitchens fully equipped. Stay there if only to let the sea lull you to sleep every night.

5. Volcano Luxury Suites Milos

Set on a hill in Paleochori in southwest Milos, this adults-only retreat has been crafted for couples . And some guests would prefer it be kept a secret. A calming blend of sable, caramel and off white dominates the interior decor of its six intimate suites, all equipped with outdoor hot tubs. Whimsical circular weavings adorn walls above beds and fringed macrame lampshades softly diffuse light, setting the tone for a romantic seaside escape. Generously-sized bathrooms feature charcoal-hued hand-carved Riverstone sinks and Hermes toiletries. A decadent breakfast can be ordered in-room or at Sirocco restaurant , on spectacular Paleochori beach, a two-minute walk away.

6. White Pebble Suites

A bold Greek-Australian female trio is behind the freshest entry in the fishing village of Pollonia, where most of Milos’ boutique hotels are huddled along a shoreline of sand and rock. Architectural studio KKMK fashioned sensual, curved creamy-hued exteriors referencing the island’s lunar-like landscapes on the east coast. The seaside spot's 12 cosy suites are created for lovers, with pale marble, timber and polished cement enhanced with natural textiles, pebble-shaped sinks and wicker accessories. Honeymoon penthouse suites have private terraces with a plunge pool and views of Kimolos island. Add restorative spa treatments like a hot stone massage with indigenous obsidian, seasonal Mediterranean dining and a boutique highlighting Greek designers and the deal is sealed.

7. Ventus di Milo

Ventus di Milos's six suites may be a little further inland but what they lack in a waterfront backdrop, they make up for with their understated design and secluded location. Sarakiniko, visible from verandahs and the pool area, and Mandrakia’s technicolour boathouses are each a mere six-minute drive away. Eschewing the Cycladic blue-and-white for earthy neutrals, room interiors are warm and inviting, with mottled hazel walls, black woven hanging lampshades and oak headboards. Each terrace has a hot tub with pool or sea views , while a fireplace in the common outdoor seating area further adds to the mood.

8. Milos PLV

A boundary-breaking Greek architectural firm envisioned this sustainable three-hectare seafront estate to emerge from the landscape in an organic way. Built with white limestone to blend in with surrounding cliffs, the property uses geothermal energy and desalinated water, while fruit orchards and a vegetable garden provide sustenance. Up to 10 guests can stay in a villa with an infinity pool and sweeping terraces, a guest house and a studio cottage. A winding path leads to a pebble beach otherwise only accessible by sea. In this uniquely wild environment, soul-cleansing alone time is just what the doctor ordered. 

9. Villa Costa Mare

One of the sleekest villas to open in Milos, Villa Costa Mare is all about suave lines and discreet barefoot luxe living. Swirls of exposed white rock serve as the backdrop to the upper-level lounge, which looks out onto a slim cove and across to Kimolos. Furnishings are exquisite, from a rough-hewn marble dining table base to delicate sculptures of hands. Six guests can stay comfortably in three bedrooms, all with king-size beds and ensuite bathrooms. While away the day on jet black day beds, cooling off with a languid dip in the mini pool before heading out for supper at one of the nearby upscale tavernas.

What to do on Milos

1. Explore Milos’ wild west with a 4WD safari

Almost all of the island’s wild, tough-to-access west falls under the protection of the EU’s Natura 2000 network. The best way to explore it is by four-wheel-drive on an insightful full-day tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Visit an inactive volcano and learn about its morphology, spot migratory birds at the Achivadolimni wetlands and trek through rust-red caves at an abandoned manganese mine in Cape Vani, before cooling off at sandy, little-trodden Agathia beach.

Website: milosgreece.gr

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

2. Take a self-guided hike through history

You don’t need to be a geology, history or cartography nerd to find the six Miloterranean Geo Walk routes to be fascinating. Experts in these fields, together with mining engineers and foresters, created the detailed self-guided online hiking maps on behalf of the Milos Mining Museum, which is worth a visit in itself. Trails of varying lengths lead to the old sulphur mines at Theorychia, a prehistoric obsidian quarry and the Fylakopi archaeological site, among other highlights.

Website: miloterranean.gr

3. Track down beaches loved by locals

Escape the crowds at Milos’ hotspots and head northeast to peaceful Alogomandra beach, where locals gather. Arrive early and snare a shady spot on fine sand below a partially-collapsed cave. Fewer venture to Gerontas beach, around 40 minutes drive southwest of Adamas, to which you should factor in a 20-minute walk. The waters here are deep and tranquil and the sand volcanic. Solitude seekers should rent a four-wheel drive and head west to Triades to cavort across a trio of pristine, often people-free sandy beaches.

4. Sail to dreamy Sykia and Kleftiko

Milos-born and-bred captain Elias Xydous and his wife Mary run one of the island’s most comprehensive full-day sailing tours aboard their trusty 40-foot sailboat Oneiro. Take in views of syrmata villages before dropping anchor for a swim and snorkel within the wondrous Sykia sea cave, followed by former pirate hideout Kleftiko’s soaring limestone cliffs. Kalogria is the final swim stop and, in between, Mary will keep you well fed with seafood pasta and assorted mezze.

Address: Adamas, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: milosoneiro.com

5. Dive where pirates roamed

While it’s unlikely you’ll stumble onto buried treasure, you can don scuba gear and take a closer look at the vibrant volcanic seabed in Kleftiko or inspect the Africa shipwreck off Sarakiniko. PADI-certified Dive in Milos caters to both novices and experienced divers. If you’re extremely lucky, you may spot a Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s rarest marine mammals. A small population of this protected species breeds in the waters between Milos, Kimolos and Poliegos islands.

Website: diveinmilos.gr

6. Cruise the coast at your own speed

Milos has around 78 beaches, yet less than half are accessible by land. Boat rental is a rarity in the windswept Cyclades , so take advantage of the opportunity to beach-hop at your leisure. Hire a 30-horsepower motorboat, for which a boating licence isn’t required, from Blue Mile Boat Rentals. Pack a picnic lunch, protective clothing and suncream and seek out secret swimming spots like Gerakas, where the sea is an eye-watering shade of cyan.

Website: bluemile.gr/en

7. Swim off heavenly Poliegos

East of Milos lies Poliegos, home to a retired couple and what some argue are Greece’s most surreal blue-green waters. You’ll want to tap Salty Rides for a customised, all-day excursion aboard a speedy RIB exploring the islet’s seemingly limitless coves and peninsulas. If the weather permits, skipper siblings Manolis and Michael Tourlos might take you to isolated Soufi Bay and a fjord in northern Kimolos. Included are take-home beach towels, sea toys and Milean cheese pies.

Address: Pollonia, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: saltyrides.gr

8. Sample cave-aged wine

Milos’ geological profile lends itself to a centuries-old European tradition of ageing wine in a cave. Inspired by Greece’s wine-making heritage harking back to antiquity, vintner Kostas Mallis recently introduced fermentation of the wine in clay amphoras at his family-run winery housed in a cave. Pay a visit to the warmly-welcoming Pollonia winery and be one of the first to sample these experimental wines, produced with Roditis and Savvatiano grapes from vines planted by his grandfather more than 50 years ago.

Website: kostantakiswinery.com

9. Spend the day on Kimolos

Hop into your hire car and board the ferry that crisscrosses regularly between Pollonia and Kimolos island, whose minuscule size belies its rare mineral bounty. Photogenic syrmata line the waterfront in Goupa-Kara, where rocky outposts beckon swimmers to dive in. Even more impressive waters, a dazzling shade of emerald, await at Prassa beach. In cobblestoned main town Horio, alleyways lead to a fortified settlement. Down at Psathi port, To Kyma taverna tempts yachties with fine carpaccio and ceviche.

10. Catch a performance at an ancient theatre

While the Aphrodite of Milos may be in the Louvre in Paris , the island retains an important piece of its ancient past in the form of a painstakingly-preserved marble amphitheatre. Located on a hill above a bay near Tripiti, the monument is thought to date to the Hellenistic period but was remodelled during the Roman era. Reminiscent of the ancient Greek theatre in Turkey’s Ephesus, it hosts occasional theatre and music performances for an audience of up to 700.

Address: Tripiti, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: odysseus.culture.gr

Best bars on Milos

After years living in Athens and spending summers in his native Milos, Stelios Mathioudakis found the perfect location to open a bar in the island’s picturesque hilltop capital of Plaka. He named it Verina, which translates as twisted nautical knot. Low-lit and atmospheric, the bar is decked out with timber rafters, fishing net light fixtures and a seafarer’s portrait. Order the Sailor’s Punch, a mix of aged rum, pineapple, passionfruit, falernum liqueur, ginger and aromatic bitters and catch the sunset from neighbouring Panagia Korfiatissia church’s courtyard.

Address: Verina, Plaka, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: instagram.com/verina_cocktail_bar

2. Aragosta

Milos’ nightlife is concentrated in the port town of Adamas and, while the scene is exceptionally subdued compared to its sleepless Cycladic sister Mykonos, there are a couple of small, casual spots where you can party. Everyone seems to congregate at longstanding meeting spot Aragosta after 11pm to people-watch or groove to RnB and pop tracks. Order an Aragosta Champagne with prosecco, Moët, strawberry and Amaretto.

Address: Aragosta, Adamas, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: aragosta.gr

Akri, which means edge in Greek, certainly lives up to its name. Alexandros Desbordes converted his grandmother’s traditional home in a quiet corner above Adamas’ port into a classic bar in 1995. Jazz, lounge and ethnic beats dominate the three stone-paved outdoor spaces, where patrons can watch ferries silently come and go. Around 10pm, the DJ turns up the volume indoors and switches to disco, funk and pop. Akri’s namesake cocktail blends mastiha liqueur, gin, lime, grapefruit soda and cardamom bitters.

Address: Akri, Adamas, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: facebook.com/akrimilos

Seats at Plaka’s only bar with an alfresco terrace that looks out onto the Aegean are highly sought-after, particularly when the sun starts to go down and casts a burnt sienna glow on the sea. Jazz, RnB and Greek ballads are the music mainstays, while the crowd is a mix of families, couples and parties of friends. There’s an excellent selection of premium spirits, fine Greek wines, cocktails and mocktails like Vir-Gin Fizz, an amalgam of zero alcohol gin, redcurrant syrup and soda water, plus local cheese platters.

Address: Utopia, Plaka, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: facebook.com/UtopiaCafePlakaMilos

Couples of all ages gravitate to this super mellow watering hole for its spacious, elevated sea-front terrace offering front-row seat views of yachts jostling for space in Adamas’ busy port, their lights twinkling in the night. The soundtrack at Mostra, which is part of Hotel Adamas, comprises lounge, soft melodic and rhythmic vibes. Cocktails are of the classic kind so you can expect the full gamut, from Negroni and Old Fashioned to Cosmopolitan and Aperol Spritz.

Address: Mostra, Adamas, Milos, 848 00, Greece

Website: instagram.com/mostra_cocktail_bar

Getting to Milos

For more information on Greece, see visitgreece.gr . Aegean Airlines flies from London to Athens direct three times daily year-round and on to Milos and more than 30 more Greek destinations. For four-wheel-drives to rent, visit milosrent.gr .

Milos, Greece: My New Favorite Island for a Summer Holiday

Have you been to milos, greece.

Milos, oh Milos. Where do I begin? Of course, most people fall in love with the Greek islands when they first visit. No matter which one you choose, the islands manage to cast a spell on you like the song of the Sirens Odysseus heard so long ago.

But there is something about Milos island that sets it apart from the other Cycladic islands. As soon as my husband and I stepped off the ferry, we were entranced by the island’s rugged beauty and laid-back lifestyle. There are no ‘tourists’ in Milos like you’ll encounter in Santorini and Mykonos. In Milos, it’s about enjoying the sun and sea and letting Mother Nature restore you. Right away, we knew it was a place we could truly unwind and forget about life’s problems, if only for a few days.

Now that we are back from one of the most idyllic vacations we have ever taken, I can’t wait to share all of my tips with you in this Milos, Greece Travel guide. So, are you ready to learn more?

Milos, Greece: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Where is Milos?

First thing’s first. Where is Milos?

Milos is an island that is part of the Cyclades, a group of 220 Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. The island was formed by volcanic activity in the region millions of years ago. It is approximately 117 hundred miles (188 km) south of Athens.

How do you get to Milos?

There are two ways to get to Milos, by boat or plane.

During the high season, ferries leave from Piraeus, the main port in Athens, multiple times a day. Seajets is one of the main ferry companies in Greece and offers both conventional and high-speed ferry routes. The Seajets high-speed ferry takes approximately 2.5 hours and the minimum cost pp is $56. (It costs more if you bring your car on the ferry.) The other companies that travel to Milos are Aegean Speed Lines and Zante Ferries .

You can also fly to Milos. Bear in mind, the airport in Milos is tiny, but a flight to the island gets you there in 40 min versus a minimum of 2.5 – 4 hours on the ferry. Flights are run by Olympic Air (part of Aegean Airlines) and Sky Express . During the high season, there are multiple flights per day. The airport in Milos is located a few km from Adamas, where the port is. Tickets start at around $65 (56 Euros) one way.

The Climate in Milos

Like most of the Greek islands, during the summer months, the weather is hot in Milos. The upside is there is very little humidity so it’s dry heat. That said, I won’t sugarcoat this. It gets very, very hot, starting from 9 am in the morning until about 6:30 pm in the evening. Because Milos has a very arid climate, there are not a lot of trees, so shade is hard to come by. Make sure to bring plenty of sunblock and sun hats to protect yourself from the sun.

(My go-to sunblock is Supergoop and I always bring a long sleeve rash guard to protect me from the sun’s harsh rays.)

If you really hate the heat, then I recommend traveling to Milos (or any of the Greek islands) during the shoulder seasons, April/May and September/October. The weather will be more bearable and you’ll also have far fewer crowds.

Visiting the fishing village, Klima, at sunset

The Different Towns in Milos, Greece

Compared to other Greek islands, Milos is on the smaller side. However, the island has a few different towns that are all worth visiting. Below is a quick breakdown:

Adamas – Your typical port town. This is where you’ll get disembark if you take the ferry. While Adamas is a bit touristy, it’s also the central hub of the island and has all of the amenities you need – supermarkets, restaurants, bars, shops, pharmacies, and a gas station.

Klima – A tiny fishing town on the edge of the Aegean with colorful buildings. It’s a great place for taking photos and make sure to visit during sunset.

Plaka – The capital of the island, Plaka has a magical setting up in the hills. It’s more like the typical, picturesque island town that you’ve probably seen in a million photos. Aside from Klima, Plaka is one of the best places on the island to see the sunset.

Pollonia – A small, charming, seaside town at the opposite end of the island from Adamas and Plaka, with the main drag of bustling restaurants and shops. We stayed at the Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa, which was a 9-minute walk from the center of Pollonia. This was our favorite town in Milos (and our favorite hotel in Greece).

Melian Hotel and Spa in Pollonia

Where to stay in Milos 

Melian Boutique Hotel in Pollonia   – We are biased because this is where we stayed but the setting is unbeatable and the hospitality was among the best I’ve ever experienced at a hotel. Plus, enjoy epic sunset views every night from your private balcony.

Artemis Deluxe Rooms in Paliochori – Located on the opposite end of the island from most of the other towns, this hotel offers chic, white decor, and an infinity pool.

Milos Cove Hotel, Komia – a 5-star luxury hotel with modern and minimalist suites and villas, with a pool and access to a private beach. This hotel is a bit removed from everything else on the island.

Salt Hotel in Pollonia – Right next door to the Melian Hotel, these simple rooms offer incredible views of the sea.

Santa Maria Suites in Adamas – This centrally located hotel, just outside of Adamas is ideal for getting around the island. Rooms come with private balconies and there is also a pool.

Asterias Boutique hotel near Pollonia – If you’re looking for no-frills, more affordable accommodations, I recommend Asterias. It is simple, clean, and right near one of the very popular, unorganized beaches, Papafragas. It’s also about a 10-minute walk from Pollonia.

How to get around Milos Island:

If there is one piece of valuable advice I can share in this Milos travel guide, it’s to book your own form of transport on the island, because that is by far the best way to get around. The only other options for traveling around the island are the public bus system, which is slow at best, or taxis which are expensive and hard to come by.

If you rent your own transport, you have three options: a motorbike, an ATV or a car. We rented an ATV and it was fantastic! An ATV allowed us to do more off-road exploring and find parking more easily. There’s also something freeing about the wind whipping through your hair as you cruise along the seaside roads. The only downside is that there’s no shade or AC with an ATV and it gets quite hot during the day.

We rented our ATV through our hotel but there are many local companies on the island through which you can book your vehicle rental, including Pollonia Motors in Pollonia and Nikos Cars & Moto ATV or Auto Moto Adamas , both in Adamas.

Firopotamos Beach in Milos

The beaches in Milos:

There are two kinds of beaches in Greece, organized and unorganized. Organized beaches have amenities including lounge chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, and food. Unorganized beaches don’t have anything, so you literally have to bring everything you want for the day, including water, food, towels, umbrellas, etc.

Milos is known for its very special and unique beaches, so below is a quick breakdown categorized by organized and unorganized.

The famous Sarakiniko Beach

Unorganized Beaches on Milos Island:

Sarakiniko – Arguably one of the most famous beaches in the Cycladic islands, Sarakiniko was formed from greyish-white volcanic rock that people compare to a moonscape. (It was my favorite beach and my initial inspiration for booking a trip to Milos.)

Part of Papafragas Beach

Papafragas – This beach is actually a couple of tiny coves formed from fingers of land that protrude into the sea. It’s a bit of a climb down rocky terrain to get to the small beach so I suggest wearing sneakers or water shoes with rubber soles rather than flip flops.

Tsigrado beach is tiny but quite popular

The way down to Tsigrado beach

Tsigrado – This beach is tiny and very hard to get to but well worth it. Reaching this secluded oasis takes a bit of maneuvering, including navigating two, rickety, wooden ladders and a rope. Many people make it down in flip flops but I recommend wearing sneakers or water shoes for an easier descent.

Firopotamos Beach gets quite crowded

Firopotamos – This beach is easy to get to but we didn’t stay long because it was so crowded. (In pre-Covid days we probably would have braved the crowds.) While there are some colorful homes built right along the beachfront, it’s not really an organized beach. There was nowhere to buy food or get umbrellas and sun chairs. All of that said, the water is a bright turquoise blue, and the setting is very picturesque.

Firiplaka, an organized beach, and one of our favorites

Milos Island – Organized Beaches:

Firiplaka – This was our favorite organized beach. It’s a beautiful crescent beach with sand. There were plenty of options for lounge chairs, umbrellas, food, and drinks. The only downside is the cafes tend to play loud music, so it’s not the most peaceful of Milos’ beaches.

Paleochori – This is a black pebble beach where you’ll find the well-known Sirocco restaurant, where you can order unique dishes cooked in a volcanic oven.

Karma Beach Bar  – Located on a strip of beach not far from the airport, Karma offers full-service amenities including lounge chairs and umbrellas, food and drinks, and more.

Pro Travel Tip: Regarding all of the beaches in Greece, one piece of advice I want to share is to bring a pair of water shoes with you that have rubber soles. Many of the beaches in Milos and the other Greek islands are very rocky, so it is challenging (and sometimes painful) to walk on them on bare feet. I got these water shoes from Amazon for $10 before our trip and they were a game-changer!

Watching the sunset in Plaka

Things to do in Milos:

Visit the Kleftiko Caves During a Boat Tour of the Island – I highly recommend taking a boat tour if you come to Milos because there are some beautiful beaches and sea caves, including Kleftiko and Sykia, that you can only access by boat. We did a full-day tour with Polco Sailing on a sailboat with 8 other people and loved the entire experience.

Sunset & Shopping in Plaka – You can see the best sunsets from Plaka. I recommend either watching from the main Church in town, hiking up the hill to the castle overlooking the town, or snag a table at Utopia cafe for sunset drinks. (Pro-Tip: Get to Utopia early if you want to get a prime table.)

Sunset and Dinner in Klima – Another great place to watch the sunset and take spectacular photos is the tiny fishing village of Klima. The town is known for its white-washed buildings with colorful doors. I also recommend eating dinner at Astakas Café . Make a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table to watch the sun sink into the sea. It is truly breathtaking.

Sarakiniko Beach – If there is one beach you visit in Milos, it should be Sarakinikos. It is truly otherworldly and feels like you’re walking on the moon. I highly recommend going at sunrise or sunset for spectacular light and fewer crowds. Of course, we also went in the middle of the day for a dip in the sea and it was glorious.

Milos, Greece – Where to Eat:

A Milos travel guide wouldn’t be complete without telling you where to eat! Here’s a brief rundown of some of the best restaurants on the island.

Hanabi Sushi – In Pollonia, we loved it so much we went twice. Book in advance.

Astakas Café – In Klima, for great views of the sunset and traditional Greek food.

Enalion – In Pollonia, a solid lunch spot with traditional Greek food

Medusa – In Adamas, another spot for Greek food. They don’t take reservations so be prepared to wait.

Jordan’s Meeting Place – In Pollonia, a hole-in-the-wall spot with incredible gyros.

Sirocco – In Paleochori, go for lunch and enjoy unique dishes cooked in a volcanic oven.

Avli – In Plaka, a traditional Greek taverna. Everyone goes there to eat after watching the sunset so try to snag a table ahead of the crowds.

Melian Boutique Hotel and Spa – In Pollonia, for modern Greek food in a spectacular setting. (This is also the hotel where we stayed.)

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Are You Ready to Travel to Milos, Greece?

So, what do you think? Has this Milos travel guide gotten you excited to plan a trip to the island? I certainly hope you found all of these travel tips and recommendations helpful. My husband and I had such an incredible trip and we are already planning to come back to Milos next summer.

If you have any questions about things I might have missed about Milos, (or Greece in general) please comment below and I’ll do my best to answer.

About Meredith

Merry Lerner is an Emmy Award Winning TV Showrunner and Executive Producer with a passion for sharing travel, wellness, and lifestyle tips. She is a certified yoga teacher and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition health coaching program.

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John Coutsoulis

What time of the year did you visit?

And if I can suggest something? Take a day trip to Kimolos, the sister island of Milos.

Merry Lerner

We visited at the end of July. And yes, the locals recommended a day trip to Kimolos. We really wanted to do it but we ran out of time. This just gives us a good excuse to visit the island again soon!

Adventurerz

It is truly otherworldly and feels like you’re walking on the moon in Sarakinikos. Thanks for sharing great places!!

Indeed! It is now one of my favorite beaches. My husband and I can’t wait to go back to Milos again. Glad you enjoyed this post!

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Real Greek Experiences

Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

How To Get Around Milos In Greece – Transportation And Travel Tips

Visitors often ask how to get around Milos in Greece. Here are some suggestions, based on my own experience after having driven pretty much all around the island.

Explore Milos Greece – Best way to get around Milos

Milos is a fantastic place to explore. It has dozens of beautiful, natural beaches , strange landscapes, pretty villages, interesting museums and archaeological sites. Here’s what to see and do in the Greek island of Milos , but you’ll need to get around to see it.

The most common ways to get around Milos are by rental car / ATV / motorbike, bus, taxi, and boat. Milos travel options also include exploring the lovely hiking trails around the island.

Of course, before you start exploring Milos, you first have to get there! Ferryscanner is a great place to book ferries to all the Greek islands. If you book your tickets through this link, I will get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, which helps me run this website.

And now, here’s how to get around Milos Greece.

Getting around Milos by Road – Milos blog

If you want to be independent, the best way to get around Milos is by some form of rental vehicle . Most people should quickly get used to driving on the rural, winding roads.

Driving in Milos is a real treat for the off-road adventurer. While many of the roads in Milos are paved, there are long stretches of dirt roads, often in bad condition.

In order to reach the more remote eastern beaches, or to explore the west, barren side of the island, you will need to rent an appropriate vehicle. Just remember to top up with fuel before you set off.

As for us, we brought our own car in Milos. It’s an old and trusted Toyota Starlet from the 90s, which has taken us around much of Greece. As it’s a small car, it’s ideal for the narrow, winding roads in Milos and the other Cyclades.

We took our Starlet on most of the dirt roads with no issues, however, certain parts were very challenging. We actually damaged the car on the way to Thiorichia beach. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed, but in retrospect it wasn’t so clever 😊

If you rent your own vehicle, just take it at a nice steady pace and let the locals who literally know every little curve of the road do their own thing. Which normally involves overtaking you!

Here’s some more information about driving in Greece .

Driving around Milos – Car Hire in Milos

There are plenty of places to rent a car in Milos. Most of them are located in Adamas, and there are also a few in Pollonia.

If you are going off-season, you could consider booking your vehicle on the spot. Nikos cars and Matha are among the most popular choices, and some of the bigger car-rental companies are also represented on the island. 

However, most people will want to book a vehicle in advance. DiscoverCars is an online platform where you can compare several car hire companies, and book a vehicle. You can find very competitive prices, especially if you book early.

Overall, prices vary a lot, as they depend on the season and the type of car you are booking. Also, most agencies will give you a discount if you are renting the car for several days.

If you are booking the car on the spot, it’s always a good idea to compare prices between agencies. Bargaining could save you a few euros too, if you are up for it.

If you are visiting Milos during peak season, it will definitely be best to book your rental car in advance, especially if you are looking for a particular type of car, e.g. an automatic.

Before you travel to Greece, check if you need an International Driving License to drive here. While some companies might not ask for it, a suitable driving license would be necessary in case of an accident.

Milos Car Rentals – Do I really need a 4WD in Milos?

Before deciding on what type of car to rent, you should have an idea of what roads you need it for. As you will have gathered by now, if you are planning to fully explore the island, yes, you will need a small 4WD.

Many (but not all) of the roads of the eastern side of the island are paved. Still, many coastal areas are only accessible through dirt roads. This includes the stunning Thiorichia beach, and a remote bay with lovely pebbles called Kastanas.

As for the west part of the island, you won’t find any paved roads at all. After damaging my own car, I wish we had rented a 4WD for a day… Oh well.

Though many people take regular cars on dirt roads, these cars are typically not covered by insurance in case of a breakdown. Check the insurance policy carefully before you book.

The last thing you want to do during your Greek vacation is to deal with car problems – or the famous Greek bureaucracy…

Touring Milos – Take a road trip around Milos 

This magnificent tour was one of our Milos highlights! The off-the-beaten-track Milos day trip is simply fantastic, as you will get to see much of the island that few people get to see.

This was a great introduction to Milos, and we learnt a lot about the beautiful Cycladic island and its mining history.

Getting around Milos by ATV or Motorbike

Another way to get around Milos is by ATV or motorbike. You will need a valid driver’s license if you want to rent any of these in Greece.

ATVs are popular, especially with younger visitors, as they are small and can navigate easily through the narrow streets in Milos. They can be a fun (though slightly bumpy!) alternative to a car, and they are suitable for dirt roads. 

If you haven’t driven one before, proceed with caution, as they are quite easy to turn over. In fact, every travel agent will be quick to bring up a story or two of drivers that lost their balance on an ATV. I’ve seen that happen, and it didn’t look pretty.

There are many companies on the island offering good quality motorbikes and ATVs. Walk around Adamas, check them out, and don’t hesitate to ask for more information.

If you rent an ATV or motorbike, remember to use sunscreen, and don’t forget your legs! In addition, bring a hat, sunglasses and a scarf with you. They will protect you from the sun, and also the fine dust coming from the quarries, especially on windy days.

Getting around Milos by Bus – Milos Bus Schedule

Like most of Greece, Milos has a dedicated local bus service, with buses going to a few places around the island. The buses are called KTEL, and they are a fairly inexpensive way to see some areas in Milos, with most fares costing around 2 euro.

There is a bus station in Adamas, walking distance from the port. The bus network covers the main destinations: the biggest towns, some places of interest, and a few of the best beaches in Milos .

Generally speaking, Pollonia has fewer routes per day than Adamas Port or Plaka , but this might change from time to time.

As you would expect, if you want to reach the smaller villages or the most remote beaches, you will need to find an alternative way to get around Milos. You could try hitchhiking, but don’t bet on it!

Also, note that there are very few buses after it gets dark. If you are staying at Adamas but want to go out at Pollonia or Plaka for the evening (or vice versa), you will need to find another way to return to your hotel.

Check this link for Milos bus timetables and bus services .

Getting around Milos by Taxi or Transfer

Another way to get around Milos is by pre-booked private transfer . This could come very handy if you are arriving to Milos by plane at an awkward time.

Some people may prefer to go around Milos by taxi. There are taxi services located in Adamas and Triovasalos, running several routes for set costs. You can book taxis by reaching out to 22870-22219 and 22870-21306.

If you are staying in Adamas and want to spend a whole day in Pollonia or Plaka, you can get there on the KTEL bus and ask for a late evening transfer or taxi service back to your hotel.

Getting around Milos by Bicycle

Cycling around Milos would be a bit of a challenge, as many parts of the island are steep and mountainous. It would also be rather unpleasant in summer, when Milos gets 30 degree temperatures and meltemi winds.

With that said, certain parts of the island are fairly flat. As an example, the 6-km route from Adamas to Achivadolimni is very pleasant.

Overall, if you are aiming to cycle around Milos, you would enjoy it more in spring or autumn. Still, brace yourself for some very sharp inclines.

Hiking around Milos

Milos is a breathtaking place to go hiking, as you will be able to see more of its unusual landscapes.

The mountainous, wild island has a long network of hiking trails and paths, some of which are in better condition than others. Many of them are signposted.

A good place to start is the Miloterranean Geo Experience, a network of routes guiding you around the geological points of interest in Milos. You can also find great detailed hiking maps of Milos at Terrain Maps and Anavasi .

Most visitors hike up from Plaka to the top of the Venetian Castle. It was one of my favourite spots in Milos.

Another popular hiking trail in Milos is a 2.5 km route. It covers Trypiti, Milos Catacombs and the Ancient theatre and ends at the spot where the statue of Venus of Milos was found. You can also continue to the quaint Klima fishing village . 

If you are planning to go hiking in Milos, bring some proper walking shoes. Although many of the trails can easily be done in sandals, it’s always better to keep your feet protected and safe from the red vipers that live in Milos.

The best seasons to hike around Milos are spring and fall, when average temperatures peak at 20-25 degrees. Some people might find the 30+ summer temperatures uncomfortable. I sure did when we hiked to Kleftiko beach – and it was 25 September!

Here is some further information on the best time to visit Milos Greece .

Sailing Trip around Milos

Let’s face it. You are on an island famous for its beaches, some of which can only be reached by sea. The best way to get to them is on a sailing trip.

Few Cycladic islands have such an impressive coastline, and viewing Milos from the sea is an experience you are unlikely to forget.

As you would expect, there are several boat tours and sailing trips around Milos available, ranging from half-day to full day. Some names that will come up if you research Milos sailing trips are Chrysovalandou, Thalassitra, Kapetan Giagkos and Zefyros.

Generally speaking, those trips will give you the opportunity to see much of the coast. They typically include Kleftiko, Gerontas and Sikia cave, as well as certain rocky islets, like Glaronisia and Arkoudes.

Often, you will also visit the uninhabited Polyaigos island, and there may even be a short stop at Kimolos. However, the exact itineraries may vary and will largely depend on the weather.

Our Experience Sailing around Milos

In 2018, we took a catamaran cruise around Milos with Chrysovalandou II boat. This was a full day trip departing from Adamas. We visited many key places in Milos, including Kleftiko Bay and the nearby Polyaigos island.

Our cruise included a full lunch, some snacks, all drinks, and plenty of time to relax, swim and snorkel. It gave us a great first impression of the island, and we even saw some dolphins!

If a full-day sailing trip sounds too much, there are shorter cruises departing from Kipos, on the south coast. These are run on smaller boats called Delfinia . There’s also a wooden boat called Armi , departing from Agia Kyriaki.

These Milos sailing  trips normally stop at Gerontas and Kleftiko beach. While both of these spots are accessible on foot, getting a boat is definitely more relaxed. You can even put your feet up 😊

You can look around for the latest information and compare up-to-date prices at the agencies in Adamas. Always take into account that a sailing trip might be cancelled in case of strong winds.

My advice is to plan your trip early in your holiday, so that you can reschedule it if necessary.

Michalis Vamvakaris at Milos Experience is a friendly local who can help you with a sailing trip, or any other information you may need about Milos. Their agency is right on Adamas port.

Getting around Milos on your own Sailing Boat

If you are sailing around the Cyclades islands on your own boat, Milos will undoubtedly be one of your most memorable stops. It will take you several hours to sail all around the island’s 125-km long coastline. Allow for a few days for Milos, and don’t miss Polyaigos and the nearby Kimolos .

Personally, I couldn’t get enough of swimming in the crystal-clear waters and taking in the awesome landscapes of the Milos archipelago. Neither could this guy, from the looks of it.

Something you should seriously consider, especially if you have never sailed in the Aegean before, are the meltemi summer winds. In addition, pay extra attention when you are sailing close to the coast, and if you steer through the Milos – Kimolos strait, where there are many shallow spots.

In any case, don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice – they will provide information that you can’t find in any guide.

Finally, if you are visiting Milos and want to rent a private motor boat for a day or two, there are plenty of options. You can check out several types of vessels, that can be rented with or without operator license. For example, check out Milos Boat Rental and Rent Boat Milos .

Final Thoughts on How to Get around Milos

Renting a car offers more flexibility and you will be able to explore more of Milos. Apart from the catamaran tour, this has been our preferred way of going around Milos. In my opinion it’s hard to explore the island properly without your own transport.

This is not to say that you can’t see Milos without a rented vehicle. For people who don’t want to drive on a Greek island, there are always buses and taxis. In addition, I warmly recommend a sailing tour to see some of the coastline. Whatever you decide, Milos won’t disappoint!

However you plan on getting around Milos, you will have to get there first. Here’s my Milos guide on how to get to Milos Greece . And, last but not least, here’s where to stay in Milos !

And if you are also popping to check out Kimolos… here’s how to get around Kimolos Greece .

3 thoughts on “How To Get Around Milos In Greece – Transportation And Travel Tips”

Can you take a buggy/side by side around the entire island instead of a 4×4 vehicle? Thanks, Jeff

I am assuming you mean a quad / ATV? It is possible to use them on most roads in Milos, however please be careful – I have friends who had accidents, and any car hire service will have many horror stories to share.

useful taxi booking tips … thank you for sharing

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11 Best-Kept Travel Secrets of Greece

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Greece island hopping: A guide to the best routes and how to explore Greek culture

Greece ’s wide scattering of differently sized, culturally distinct islands makes it a dream for a multi-stop trip. Come May and June , ferry services ramp up for summer, with hops between different islands taking as little as 20 minutes.

Some islands are vast and ripe for exploring, requiring a taxi, hire car or moped to get across their width. In others, you’ll simply find a bijou port and a forested interior, fringed by rocky or sandy coves you can stroll to. Wherever you go, you’ll find waterfront tavernas, petite churches, hushed beaches and sunkissed portside bars. Plus, there are Greek Isles hotels that will seriously make you want to linger.

But where to start? Greece’s ferry networks are complex, with different services available at different times of year; it’s best to use a journey planner such as Ferryhopper.com to check ahead for timings and operators. Services can run late, so leave plenty of time between your last ferry and your flight home – an easy (and stressful!) first-time mistake to make.

Read more on Greece travel :

• The ultimate Greece travel guide
• The perfect holiday destinations in Greece for every type of traveller
• The hotels in Rhodes

Best for first timers: The Argo-Saronics

Route: athens-poros-hydra-spetses.

Close to the capital of Athens and its port, Piraeus, these islands huddled around the Greek mainland are fab for a first go if you’re not sure island hopping is for you. Spend a few cultured nights in the capital, then hop on the ferry to nearby Poros, just over an hour away: here you’ll find a smart little red-roofed port topped with a clock tower and a handful of hotels and apartments. Dine by the waterfront, then go off in search of the emerald waters at Love Bay.

Just 35 minutes’ boat-ride from here is Hydra, a tiny but glamorous speck which has attracted artists, musicians and photographers since the Sixties. Bask in its romantic port and sunset bars, then walk the coast road to find secret pebble bays, or take a boat trip to its quietest corners.

Next up is Spetses, 40 minutes away – the mellow, car-free island where recent film The Lost Daughter was shot. Seek out its Cave of Bekiris, tiny whitewashed churches and one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece; then take the 2hr 50min catamaran all the way back to Piraeus for a flight out of Athens.

These undiscovered islands don’t get as much footfall as the Cyclades (below) so you can go in peak July and not feel too much of a crush. However, September is a delightful, quieter time to visit.

Where to stay

In Athens, historic Asomaton is walking distance from the sights.

On Poros, try the mellow Saga Hotel for a bougainvillea-draped pool.

On Hydra, guesthouse Hydra Icons has 360-degree views from its rooftop.

On Spetses, Niriides Guesthouse is a chic three-star with a family-run feel.

For classic looks: The Cyclades

Route: santorini-milos-sifnos-serifos-paros-mykonos.

There are two key ingredients for a successful island-hopping adventure: cheap and plentiful flights into and out of your start and end point, and plenty of ferry links in between. In the Cyclades, where the houses are tiny and whitewashed and the cliffs and bays dramatic and undeveloped, there are UK flights to both Mykonos and Santorini – so compare prices and consider flying into one and out of the other. You could start on Santorini for its jaw-dropping cliffside views, killer sunsets and upmarket dinners, taking the two-hour Seajets ferry on to Milos after two or three days.

Klima’s brightly painted fisherman’s houses are the top sight here, but head to lunar-like Sarakiniko Beach, too (this island is beach central) and take a boat to the Caves of Milos. Next up is Sifnos, 40 minutes away, where you’re spoilt for pretty whitewashed villages to potter around (don’t miss Chrissopigi Monastery); then to Serifos, 20 minutes on, an unspoiled spot with a particularly beautiful Chora, or port town. You’ve just got time for a stop on Paros (a 90-minute service that runs every few days) – which has a slightly more modern feel and a bit of nightlife – before a 40-minute boat on to Mykonos, for ample flights home.

Best time to go

These islands fill up during July and August, so go in early June or mid-September for the best combo of weather and quiet-ish landscapes.

On Santorini, the delightful Vasilicos guesthouse is family-run and tailored to you.

On Milos, Milos Summer Time is all cerulean-painted shutters and sea views; on Sifnos, the Sigma Residences are the trendy pad du jour.

On Serifos, the team at stylish Nostos Boutique Hotel will help you get out and explore

On Paros, affordable Ayeri Hotel is slightly out of the port crush.

On Mykonos, Marisso Hotel is a chilled overnight before a flight home.

For unspoiled nature: The Ionians

Route: lefkada-kefalonia-ithaca-kefalonia-zakynthos.

Substantially larger, with more towns and trails to dig into, these forested isles are some of the nearest to the UK. Flights into Preveza (connected to Lefkada island), Kefalonia and Zakynthos give you flexibility on route and order. We’d suggest flying into Preveza for the first few nights on Lefkada, staying in relaxed Nidri or Vasiliki for boat trips out to its mind-blowingly beautiful beaches. From Vasiliki you can take the West Ferry to Fiskardo on Kefalonia’s north coast (1hr 45m), then spend up to a week seeing undeveloped beaches, pine forests and gorgeous Venetian towns on this dazzling island.

Heading east to Sami port, take the 20-minute boat on to Ithaca, a petite, forgotten-feeling speck of gorgeous wild beaches, tiny port towns and chic guesthouses. From here, you could nip back to Kefalonia and fly home; or voyage 3hr 45m onward to Zakynthos, home to some of the Ionians’ most beautiful beaches. Take in its poster-child “Shipwreck Beach”, Navagio, snorkel with loggerhead turtles or take boats to vivid caves before flying home.

Ferries run between May and September, so go May to early June or September for the best chance of quieter bays and plenty of ferry seats.

On Lefkada, chilled out apartments like Santa Emelia cost from as little as £75 a night.

On Kefalonia, Anthi’s Beach Apartments fit in with the tranquil vibe of Fiskardo.

Further south on Kefalonia, southerly F Zeen is a fitness-focused splurge.

On Ithaca, Korina Gallery Hotel is near the restaurants and boats of Vathy harbour.

On Zakynthos, try the chic Tsamis Zante Suites.

Read more: The best hotels in Athens

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Review: Domes White Coast Milos

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Domes White Coast

Located in greece.

Set against the ethereal beauty of Milos, Domes White Coast Milos emerges as a sanctuary of timeless elegance and tranquil luxury, offering an opulent escape from the clamor of modern society. Designed by renowned architect Giorgos Tsolakis, the resort’s stark white cubism stands out against the island’s imposing landscape, offering a harmonious blend of ancient expression and modern sophistication.

Milos is an enchanting island in the southwestern part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Known for its unique geological formations, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes, Milos boasts a diverse terrain characterized by dramatic cliffs, colorful rock formations, and pristine beaches.

Situated between the islands of Santorini and Sifnos, Milos offers a tranquil and idyllic setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The island is easily accessible by ferry from Athens or other nearby islands, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers looking to explore its captivating landscapes and rich history.

The easiest way to reach the island of Milos is by ferry. Milos is well-connected to the mainland and other Greek islands, with regular ferry services operating from the port of Piraeus in Athens and from nearby islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.

The ferry journey from Piraeus to Milos typically takes 5-7 hours, depending on the type of ferry and the route. Flights are also available from Athens International Airport to Milos Island National Airport, although these flights may be less frequent and more expensive than ferry options.

You can also fly to Milos. Milos Island National Airport (MLO) serves the island with domestic flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) and some other airports in Greece. However, flights to Milos may be less frequent and more expensive than ferry options.

Style & Character

This multi-award-winning, adults-only haven sits perched on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, beckoning sophisticated couples to immerse themselves in the island’s ancient marvels and spellbinding landscapes.

Domes White Coast Milos embodies a sophisticated and contemporary style that harmonizes with the island’s stunning natural surroundings. The resort’s design combines elements of modern minimalism with organic textures and subtle Mediterranean influences, creating a serene and elegant ambiance.

Clean lines, whitewashed walls, and sleek architectural features characterize the exterior, reflecting the iconic Cycladic architectural style for which the Greek islands are known.

Inside, the interiors are thoughtfully curated with luxurious furnishings, soft neutral tones, and natural materials such as wood and stone, evoking a sense of understated luxury and tranquility. Chic and minimalist decor accents, along with carefully selected artwork and lighting, add a touch of sophistication and warmth to the spaces.

The overall aesthetic of Domes White Coast Milos is contemporary elegance. It offers guests a refined retreat where modern luxury seamlessly integrates with the timeless beauty of Milos Island.

Service & Facilities

Beyond your own private pool and the gorgeous shared pool, which offers vistas as far as the eye can see, guests can also partake in curated experiences during their stay, including exclusive beach safaris and captivating historical tours, creating cherished memories that linger long after their stay.

With just 30 spacious sea-view suites, each boasting its private terrace and infinity plunge pool, guests are treated to breathtaking sunsets and panoramic vistas of the lunar shoreline of Sarakiniko Beach.

Spa-ready suites provide an oasis of tranquility where guests can rejuvenate their senses amidst the healing energy of Milos Island.

Food & Drink

At Domes White Coast Milos, dining is a culinary journey that embodies the essence of a 5-star Greek Island vacation. Makris Restaurant, honored with the prestigious FNL Best Restaurant Award 2022, offers imaginative Greek-Mediterranean cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Petros Dimas.

Here, guests can indulge in coastal delights as tantalizing flavors come alive beside the Milos coastline. Meanwhile, The Bar offers handcrafted libations and gourmet finger foods against the backdrop of mesmerizing sunset views, creating unforgettable dining experiences for discerning food enthusiasts.

Milos is a beautiful, peaceful, and remote island in Greece. It has a small-town feel and is an island that welcomes tourists. If you want to integrate with the locals, there are wonderful tavernas hidden beneath the shade of olive trees, where you can while away a lazy afternoon.

If you prefer to laze around your own private pool, just step out of our room and onto your terrace. Domes White Coast Milos makes it very easy to live an island life however you want to.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Image courtesy of Domes White Coast.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

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10 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Greece, from a local

• I'm from Athens, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling to Greece .
• Pace yourself if you're planning on staying out at the bars and clubs all night.
• It's worth it to do some research on smaller islands and local cuisine before your trip.

Thanks to its ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and incredible food, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations. In 2023, over 32 million people visited.

I was born in Athens and currently split my years living between the US and Greece , so I've spent plenty of time in the beautiful European country.

Here are 10 things I think tourists should know before visiting.

There’s so much more to see in Greece than the popular islands.

It seems like everyone visits Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros, but Greece has over 220 inhabitable islands. Plus, most of them are more budget-friendly than the popular spots.

I recommend looking into places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros.

The Greek mainland is also beautiful. There's a lot to see there, from UNESCO sites at Delphi and Meteora and the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese to the stunning mountains and villages of Epirus.

Athens is more than the Acropolis.

Athens has great nightlife , restaurants, museums, and cool neighborhoods like Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati.

Tourists who just swing by to check the Acropolis off their list are missing out. I've always found it to be one of the liveliest cities in the world.

You don’t need to tip 20%.

Greek servers generally rely on hourly wages, so there isn't the same tipping culture as the US .

I normally just round up the bill or leave a couple of Euros on the table as a tip — unless I had exceptional service or dined at a more formal (and tourist-oriented) restaurant.

Pace yourself when drinking alcohol.

A lot of travelers take advantage of Greece's lax attitude toward alcohol restrictions. Coupled with the fact that Greek bars and clubs close pretty late (like 4 a.m. late), some tourists get sloppy.

Locals usually intersperse drinks with food and water so they can last the whole night, and I recommend tourists do the same.

Slow down and take Sundays off.

Greeks have a pretty relaxed relationship with time — people often arrive late and stores may open half an hour after they said they would.

Service in Greece can seem slow to people from more fast-paced places, especially on the quieter islands . A lot of stores and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays, even in Athens.

I know this can be annoying at times, but I recommend just enjoying the slower pace of life.

Don’t try to visit too many islands on one trip.

So many people ask me if they can fit four or five islands into a seven-day trip, and I never recommend it. Take your time and enjoy each destination for at least a couple of days.

Half the joy of the Greek islands is getting to destress. If you're hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover the highlights, you'll miss out on the best parts of the country.

Be sensitive about natural disasters.

I never thought I'd have to say this, but I have seen multiple tourists in the last few years posting about how "pretty" the skies or sunsets are thanks to the glow from raging wildfires .

At a time when a lot of Greek people are wondering if their houses are still standing or their loved ones have gotten to safety, it's a pretty insensitive thing to do.

Don't skip out on experiencing a traditional taverna.

Athens and other popular Greek destinations now have a lot of upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. But make sure to eat in a traditional taverna at least once.

A taverna is a casual restaurant with family-style dining. Diners can spend hours in them chatting with friends while sharing food paired with some great wine or ouzo (a Greek aperitif).

Greek food is more than just gyros.

Well-known dishes like gyros and souvlaki are truly delicious, but Greek cuisine is so much more than that.

For example, a lot of Greeks start their day with a tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee. Each region also has local specialties that I recommend inquiring about.

In tavernas, popular menu items include calamari, octopus, all kinds of fish, grilled and fried cheeses (like saganaki and halloumi), and side dishes like fava.

Learn a few local words.

Most younger Greek people understand English, but you may run into problems communicating with older people — especially in more rural areas.

Even if a local person can understand you, I think it's nice to learn a few simple words and phrases like "good morning," "thank you," and "how are you?"

It's nice when tourists make a little bit of an effort.

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MILOS SANTORINI NAXOS AND ATHENS ITINERARY

As discerning travellers realise there is more to Greece than just Santorini and Mykonos, other islands are now firmly on people’s radar. The magical island of Milos and the perennial favourite, Naxos, are a great combination with Santorini and will ensure a diverse and satisfying vacation. This Milos Santorini Naxos and Athens itinerary covers everything you need to make this trip a reality, including time frames, transport, activities, dining suggestions, and lots more!

PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?

Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time it can be hard to process all the information out there. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary.

And come join our private Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from real travelers!

When to visit Greece  

The best times to visit Greece are April-June and September-October. The weather is mild and most places have few crowds. High season is late June to early September, and prices will reflect that as will the crowds, the number of cruise ships and accommodation availability.

Summer is still great, especially for beach time and in some of the lesser-known spots. The water is warm, there are blue skies every day and a fun holiday atmosphere. 

 important travel essentials for Greece 

Basic facts about greece.

 Greece is actually known as Hellas with its official name being the   Hellenic Republic “Helliniki Dimokratia”.  It consists of 132,000 sq kilometres of land including 227 inhabited islands. The population is just over 10 million people.

The religion is East Orthodoxy ( Christian) , they drive on the right-hand side of the road and the calling code is +30.

What to see and do in Greece

Greece has many   incredible destinations   and is considered home to some of the most beautiful and interesting sites in the world. There are 19 UNESCO   World Heritage Sites   with another 16 under consideration.

There are 6 island groups –   the Cyclades , the   Dodacannese , the   Saronic islands , the   Sporades Islands , the   Northern Aegean islands, the Ionian Islands , and   Crete,   so island hopping in the Greek Islands might be popular but it does require some research, as most of these groups do not connect with each other by ferry or flights.

There are also some incredible things to see on the mainland including   Athens   – ancient sites like Delphi and Olympia as well as places of considerable natural beauty and wonder such as   Meteora   and   Mt Athos . The northern city of Thessaloniki is also wonderful with some incredible sites and attractions close by. It’s also very affordable too.

The   Peloponnese peninsula   is becoming more popular and is thought by many to be the ‘real Greece’. It is one of our favourite parts of Greece, in fact anywhere really.

How to get around the Greek Islands

The train and bus network is not as modern or efficient as those in say, France or Italy but the Ferry network is probably the most extensive and effective in the world.

In Athens taxi drivers, like many cities, can be a bit hit and miss so it pays to have the details of a trusted one. For private transfers, we use and recommend   CATTaxi   and if you use the Promo code “GTS” when you book through   this link   you will receive a further   10% off . If you do catch a taxi make sure the meter is on!

For port and ferry transfers you can book via this article too.

For Ferries we use   Ferryhopper  and we invariably   hire a car   at each destination even if it’s just for a day or two.

Greek Culture

The Culture in Greece is rich and varied and is over 6000 years old.

There are a number of things that make it so unique including the world-famous Greek Hospitality but there’s also the unique architecture,   food , dancing, music and more. The Greek Language is one of the oldest in the world and it always pays to know a few key phrases for your trip.

We have a lot of resources including   a whole page on the Greek Culture   as well as a   Recipe page , and an   article full of reading suggestions , one with our   recommended Greek Playlist   and another about   movies set in Greece   as well.

If you’re a history buff then be sure to check out this   article on Greek Mythology   and where to see the most amazing archeological sites.

Further reading: Frequently Asked Questions about Greece

Milos-Santorini-Naxos-Athens

This article focuses on an itinerary that ticks the most boxes for the most people with these four destinations and can usually be done between May and November.

Why this sequence?

We always recommend doing Athens at the end, if possible. This ensures you are back on the mainland well before your international flight home and allows for ferry or flight delays or cancellations. Athens is also best for shopping so do it at the end and don’t lug everything around the islands with you.

The ferry connections between Milos and Naxos are limited and are usually the smallest (and least enjoyable) Superjets. The options in and out of Santorini are better, hence why we have it in the middle for this itinerary.

Our recommended minimum duration would be:

Milos – 3/4 days

Santorini – 3 days

Naxos – 3 ( 4 or 5 is better)

Athens – 3 nights (although you could spend a month or more)

Looking for famous beach clubs and parties? Swap out Naxos for Mykonos.

Looking for off-beat islands with no airports? Swap Santorini and Naxos for Sifnos and Folegandros .

Not interested in the beach but love culture? Go to Syros or Hydra .

Visiting in the off-season? (November to April): stick to the Mainland .

Further reading: Island Hopping in the Cyclades

Book a flight in to Milos at least 2 hours after your arrival in Athens. The island is serviced by Olympic/Aegean Airlines and Sky Express , both Greek owned and both good, although the former is bigger and will have more flights.  

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

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

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

Due to its many beaches and geology it is especially popular with outdoor enthusiastics and people who love the beach. It has some lovely tavernas and cafes but not a lot of nightlife nor shopping so if you want something more lively Paros is probably a better fit.

How to get arond Milos

It is really important to hire a car on Milos. Things are very spread out but the driving is easy and there is not much traffic nor hazardous roads. Because of mining, there are large parts of the island that are off-limits and you will likely be told not to take your car off sealed roads.

You can also rent an ATV’s but a little air-conditioned car is a better idea in summer when people find them very hot and very dusty.

There is a bus but it is slow and not terribly reliable. There are also a few taxis but they can be hard to find in peak periods.

One final option is to do a   tour of the island . These are new services to Milos and are filling a good gap in the market. See the main attractions and villages as well as a farm and a winery and finish with a traditional lunch in Pollonia, all from the comfort of a 7 seat SUV!

Where to stay in Milos 

For couples : we love Unique Suites Milos   and cannot recommend them highly enough. Right across from the beach ( with a private beach section with huge bean bags) the suites are modern and very spacious. Alternatively,   Delmar Apartments   and Suites or   Captain Zeppos Boutique Suites   are highly recommended, and   White Pebble Suites   is a new, luxury addition to the island in 2022 and is also the topic of a recent   Podcast   episode. 

For families and groups :

Solo : It’s hard to beat the value or location of  Hotel Adamas  which is located right in front of the main pier at the port. The rooms are well-appointed, modern, and have great sunset views. A lovely budget alternative is  The White Suites  which are a few blocks back from the harbour in a very central spot.

Where to eat in Milos

Breakfast : There are several good cafes near the port. Milors is one of the oldest and make great waffles and pancakes as well as coffee. Further out of town is Ice Monkey who sell a great range of sandwiches and subs that you can take to the beach with you too.

In Pollonia be sure to visit is Kovotos ton Gefseon ( Arc of Flavours) and known across the islands as having some of the best cakes and pastries on the islands, the chocolate pie especially. They do coffee as well as sit down snacks and you can visit for dessert, not just breakfast.

Lunch : Considered by many as the best of the seafood tavernas to line the waterfront bay at Pollonia Gialos is a lovely spot to sit and watch the goings on at the small harbour in Pollonia. 

In Mandrakia you will find Medusa Taverna , the only taverna in this tiny village but a very good one. With the traditional hanging octopus, sometimes in a screened box to protect it from insects and wind, you can’t miss Medusa and you won’t regret lunch here either. Very well priced in a truly unique and very special setting.

The legend of O’Hamos has spread across all of Greece, if not too many other parts of the world. Operating for over 30 years, this family established one of the first paddock-to-plate models in Greece, with everything at the restaurant grown by them, including the meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables. You may need to queue during busy periods, but it’s a spacious taverna with a big garden, and the wait times are not usually long.

In Adamas don’t miss Mikras Apoplous right on the waterfront and one of the best seafood restaurants in the Cyclades islands. With a chilled cabinet of fresh seafood to choose from, including lobster and fish, you will be amazed at the value you get for your money here. Not to mention the incredible views, especially at sunset!

In Plaka, you will also find a couple of great bars. Utopia Caffe is the place to be seen and the place to see incredible sunset views, as good as anywhere in Greece!

Things to do in Milos

• Explore the towns of Pollonia, Plaka and Adamas
• Don’t forget the colourful fishermans villages of Klima, Mandrakia and Firopotomas.
• Visit some of the 73 beaches! As a minimum be sure to visit famous Sarakaniko, Paleochori in the south and Firiplaka Beach.
• Full daily sailing tour to Kleftiko with Lunch and Snorkeling   (best-rated!). There are also tour for families , this one for  small groups and this one /span> for singles  although they are all great and really suit anybody.
• Kayaking Tour to Tsigardo and Gerakas Beaches
• Explore the Catacombs just outside Plaka
• Half-Day Morning cruise to Kleftiko
• Sample local wines at Kostantakis Winery in Pollonia.
• Learn all about the mining history, past and present, at the Mining Museum in Adamas. This is a small but very interesting museum that includes things like Obsidian ‘dragonstone’ to the kids!
• Do a day trip over to Kimolos Island next door. It’s a mini version of Milos and quite lovely.

Ferry to Santorini – BOOK HERE There are limited ferry connections between the western Cyclades, a topic undergoing constant discussion in Greece. The route between Milos and Santorini is typically serviced by Seajets and takes about two hours.  

Santorini is a bucket-list destination for most people, and for good reason.

Despite the cruise ships and the crowds, it remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds them. The views truly are the stuff of legends, and it is little wonder it is so popular with honeymooners .

It can get a bit crazy when the cruise ships come in each day, so a room with a pool and terrace makes for a great escape for an afternoon siesta and sundowners. When you re-emerge for dinner, most of the tourists will have floated away!

And while it can get ridicululousy busy in places when the cruise ships are in it is quite possible to get away from the crowds, there are twenty towns and villages after all, and visit on a budget.

There are a surprising amount of things to do on Santorini with beaches, wineries, hot springs, great shopping, and some of the world’s most iconic and photographed sunsets. There are even a lot of great things for kids too!

How to get to Santorini

You catch the ferry from Milos to Santorini. Book ferry tickets HERE.

TIP : Both the port and the airport can be quite nuts in summer, and there can be long waits for the cable car, taxis, and donkeys. Book your transfers and tours with Santo Luxury Escape with the promo code ‘ GTS2024 ” for a 10% discount.

Where to stay in Santorini :

For couples : Ducato Di Oia ( adults only) suites in Oia or Above Blue Suites in Imerovigli for more isolation and at a lower price point.

For families and groups : White Harmony Suites have 2 bedroom suites or Theoxenia Boutique Hotel has squad rooms and is not far from, dare I say it, Mcdonalds’.

Solo : Kivotos in Imerovigli for a splurge or Abelonas Retreat on a tight budget

Where to eat in Santorini

Breakfast : Breakfast should be included at your hotel. Otherwise, Our Corner in Fira and La Scala on Oia are great choices.

Lunch : enjoy lunch either at one of the wineries or at Aeolos Taverna in Akrotiri. If heading to Black Beach, enjoy lunch at Akro Beach Bar . Lefkes Taverna in Oia is also hard to beat for food or service. It often books out well in advance.

Dinner : Book a sunset dinner cruise on the Caldera or Santorini Mou in Oia, or Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna in Ammoudi Bay. Mextaxi Mas is legendary and is great for both lunch and dinner with views across the island.

Drinks :  V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar in Fira or Le Moustache Pool Lounge 

Things to do in Santorini

• a half-day tour of the island
• do the famous Fira to Oia Hike ( or vice-versa) or one of the other great hikes on Santorini
• Explore the maze of streets in Oia including Panagia Platsani Church
• walk down to Oia Castle and jostle with the crowds for those famous sunset photos
• visit fascinating Akrotiri – Greece’s ‘Pompeii’, and nearby Red Beach
• tour the world-renowned wineries with a sommelier
• visit authentic Pyrgos village and see what Santorini is like for locals
• See the amazing Lost Atlantis 9D experience . Especially popular with kids!
• swim at Black Beach, Red Beach, and Kamari Beaches
• attend a ‘traditional’ Greek wedding !

 Further reading:

Santorini vs Mykonos

3 days in Santorini – a complete itinerary

Winter in Santorini

Ferry to Naxos- BOOK HERE There are many connections between Santorini and Naxos, particularly in summer. The faster catamarans take around 90 minutes and the slower Blue Star ferry takes two hours. We always recommend the later which are bigger and more stable in bad weather. They are also less likely to cancel for this reason.

Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades group. It is known for its excellent beaches, charming mountain villages and thriving agricultural industry which makes it a very different island to both Milos and Santorini.

Naxos has one main town, Chora, and many people see this as an advantage for the island as the port, airport , main town and good beaches are all close together. While it’s a great idea to hire a car to explore some of the more remote parts of the island it does mean that you can have a perfectly nice vacation without one too.

There is a lot to  see and do  and its proximity to several other beautiful islands makes it a firm  favourite with families ,  couples ,  and  solo travellers  year after year. 

Being so big and with so much to do we recommend trying to stay on Naxos for as long as possible. A week is not unheard of and many people stay for months at a time.

Alyko Beach

Where to stay on Naxos

For first-timers we recommend staying in Chora, the main town of the island. This is also where the ferry port is and the airport is only a 10 minutes drive.

Chora is a charming and quite lively town with a Venetian Castle, the ‘Old Market’, and the famous Portara Gate on the headland. There are even a couple of nice beaches so it is possible to spend your entire time here, even without a car.

For a good mid-range hotel check out     Hotel Grotta   or   Nastasia Village,   who have newly renovated rooms in a quiet spot a few streets back from the beach and the main part of town.

Families and groups should check out  Ikaros Studios and Apartments  which has a great pool but is only a short walk to this popular family beach.

Astir of Naxos   is one of the most popular luxury hotels on the island and has a beautiful swimming pool and spa as well as a children’s playground. We also love   Nissaki Beach Hotel   which is right behind Agios Georgios Beach and has a beachfront restaurant and swimming pool, or Hotel Glaros Boutique Hotel which is right next door and less expensive. 

Things to do in Naxos

• 1.   This class   is conducted in a local home and includes dinner there too;
• 2.   This class   is held at Basiliko Taverna and is conducted by their excellent Chef
• Naxos is famous for its food and in particular its honey, cheese, and potatoes. In fact, the Naxos Potato Festival is held each year in July and they are currently world record holders! In the Chora you will find numerous shops that showcase the local produce and, of course, you can sample all the delicacies of Tavernas across the island. Don’t miss the amazing   Naxos Cheese Koufopoulos , where you can do a private cheese tasting with wine, in their cellar and   Antamoma Cuisine Deli.
• Explore the mountain villages. Either pick up a car or catch the buses up into the mountains. There are almost a dozen villages you can see but with just one day stick with Filoti, Aperianthos, and Chalki, with a side trip to the Monastery at Moni if you have time.
• Hike to Mt Zas and the Cave of Zeus. Do this very early before the sun heats up.

Further reading: The Mountain Villages of Naxos

• Explore the beaches. Hopefully, you will also have time to explore some beaches, especially if it is summer. There are many to choose from and if you have a car you can easily visit several before or after the mountain villages.
• Drive down to the Cedar Forest of Alyko, not much of a forest these days but rather a large, sandy nature reserve with several beaches. Then drive north to Paralia Glifada, Kastraki, Orkos, Plaka, and Agia Anna before ending at Agios Prokopios, our personal favorite.

Further reading: The Best Beaches of Naxos

• Archaeology & Mythology – Temple of Demeter
• Do a day trip to another island. Paros is right next door and can be as quick as 30 minutes on the ferry. Mykonos to the north is only 40 minutes away.  You can explore the the ‘small cyclades’ islands by public ferry (Ano Koufonisa then has little sea buses that go around the beaches) or on sailing trips .

Where to eat on Naxos

In the mountain villages stop in Filoti for a coffee at Platano on the square, under the shady plane trees. In Apeiranthos there are some great choices for lunch including Taverna Platanos and ‘ Ο Αμοργινός ‘ ( O Amorginos) is excellent too.

Many visitors also love Rotonda . This is a large restaurant and bar high in the hills before Apeiranthos with sweeping views over the valley and out to sea.

In Chora head to Avaton 1739 for sunset drinks and you can stay for dinner, or perhaps head into one of the small, charming places in the Old Market like Lithos or Labyrinth .

Down near St.George Beach To Elliniko is worth queuing for a table as is Maro’s.

For some great live music, plate smashing, and dancing the Flamingo Bar is the place to be.

Fly or Ferry to Athens- BOOK HERE This is really a personal choice. The costs will likely be similar but the ferry will take longer, which a lot of people enjoy. Again, book the Bluestar and perhaps upgrade to Business Class and enjoy a meal or a bottle of wine with great views. You can even book a cabin and have a nap and a shower!

Athens of course is the Capital of Greece and is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been occupied for around 5000 years.

Named after the fierce warrior Goddess Athina ( which is what it is called in Greek) the city  has a fascinating and colourful past.

There is a lot to do and see in Athens and the ancient centre is easy to get around and very walkable. Apart from the many things you can do in Athens including great shopping, incredible food, and all the ancient sites, there is also great nightlife with a plethora of bars, tavernas, and clubs to choose from.

There are a lot of new hotels and restaurants many with incredible rooftop views, especially of the Acropolis.  It’s surprisingly affordable compared to most European capitals and returns tremendous value for your dollar.

Where to stay in Athens

For couples : Zillers Hotel has only 10 rooms and amazing Acropolis views from some rooms and the lovely rooftop bar and restaurant and is right on Mitropolous dining street, or The Foundry Suites in Psiri are uber cool and was once an industrial foundry.

Great hotels that have one and two bedrooms suites and apartments include Met34 , Athens Ikon and The Gem Society . All are in excellent central locations and all include breakfast too!

Dionysus is a beautiful apartment right in the middle of Plaka. It has 3 bedrooms and can sleep 9 and it’s a great price too given the quality (one thing to note however is that it is not airconditioned).

Auntie’s Home in Plaka is a fantastic 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment with a huge terrace and amazing Acropolis views too. I can’t believe it’s so cheap, actually!

Solo : I love to stay at Ergon House when I’m on my own. It’s across from Zillers and part of the famous Ergon House food emporiums.

Where to eat in Athens

Breakfast : this will likely be included in your hotel tarrif. Otherwise the Brunch Factory does incredible meals for breakfast and lunch.

Lunch : Nikitas in Psiri for cheap and cheerful homecooked meals or Kostas for amazing Gyros. Athinaikon in Monastaraki/Syntagma, or for something really special book Dinner in the Sky (book well in advance). Yiasemi in Plaka ( the much photographed steps) or Lithos Taverna in Psiri does my favourite Moussaka. Taverna Klimataria for live music and the best cabbage rolls in lemon sauce in town.

Drinks : Enjoy sunset drinks at the Grand Bretagne Rooftop bar

Things to do in Athens

• wander down Ermou Pedestrian Street
• Visit Syntagma Square and see Parliament House and the Changing of the Greek Presidential Guard – the Evzones
• stop by the Monastaraki flea market
• walk into the Athens Central Food Market
• Visit the Acropolis either as early or as late as possible. Read our Full Guide on how to do this and the Acropolis Museum.
• Visit the Acropolis Museum
• Catch the Red Hop on Hop off bus to visit various ancient sites and points of interest
• Stroll through the National Gardens and see the Temple of Zeus
• Take in an open air concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Spend time before, during or instead of a concert in the lively area of Psiri including a visit to the colourful and very kooky Little Kook !

  Further Reading:

The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Athens

The Elite Presidential Guard

Private Drivers in Athens

Don’t forget Travel Insurance!

It’s important to make sure you are covered for medical expenses    ( some countries may include this in health insurance) but also for lost baggage, flight and ferry delays and cancellations, theft, and emergencies, including something that happens back home while you are away.

This can save you tens of thousands of dollars, or even more.

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Welcome to Greece Travel Secrets! I’m Sandy, a tragic Grecophile married to a Greek, hoping to help you have the best possible trip to Greece. We want you to experience the famous Greek ‘Filotimo’ before you even get there.

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