Red, green and blue balconies nestled against white houses, large colorful gates that used to serve as boat garages and a bay where the sea water is crystal clear – Klima, a small settlement on the island of Milos, is probably the most photographed place there.
“With the colourful boathouses of Milos, the Aegean Sea is right on your doorstep. Where fishermen used to moor their boats in winter, holidaymakers can now spend the night directly by the sea.”
But these traditional Milos boathouses are not only found in Klima. In other places on Milos such as Firopotamos or Mandrakia you can also visit the so-called Syrmata. If you book in time, you even have the opportunity to spend a very special holiday right by the sea in one of these historic fishermen’s houses.
These small settlements with their colourful houses appear at their most beautiful in the quiet evening hours or during the low season, when the rush of day tourists has subsided. Enclosed you will find all the important information about the boathouses of Milos:
🗺️ Milos Map: This card includes all Milos Highlights, 67 Places to Visit & Insider Tips, 31 beaches & bays, as well as personal recommendations for 17 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Milos Map
#1 Klima Boathouses
The village Klima has only a handful of inhabitants and is heavily geared towards day tourism, especially in the high season – there is a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Otherwise, the place lives from its location directly on the sea and the pretty boathouses with their colorful gates, balconies and shutters, which give the whitewashed houses colorful accents.
The Syrmata in Klima are certainly one of the most photographed motifs on the island and spending the night in one of these boat garages is a very special holiday experience. Because when the day tourists are gone, the peace settles over the place and the setting sun reflects reddish in the water, then Klima unfolds its full magic.
Of course, you can use Klima as a starting point to see even more of Milos from there. In the immediate vicinity of Klima, for example, you can visit the Catacombs of Milos, a sprawling complex of underground tombs dating back to the early Christian period.
Even though the public part is quite small and you have seen the narrow tombs and burial chambers in a short time, the catacombs are still an important part of Greek history.
From the Venus of Milos it is also not far from Klima. The famous statue of Aphrodite now stands in the Louvre in Paris. A memorial plaque and a faithful replica of the goddess still remind us of the important archaeological find from 1820 on Milos.
The next largest settlement from Klima is Tripiti, a charming village with traditional Cycladic architecture. Narrow streets, spruced up windmills and the large church of Agios Nikolaos give the place its flair. Thanks to its location on a hill, you have a magnificent view of the extensive bay of Milos from Tripiti.
→ You can find our accommodation tips for Klima Milos here (links to Booking.com*):
You get to Klima easily via the village of Tripiti in the north of Milos. The road winds down the mountain, and a free car park is located about 300 metres from the sea.
From Adamas, the port town on Milos, you can also take a taxi or public transport bus to Klima. From the Katakomves stop, you can walk the rest of the way. You can check the current bus connections from Milos here: Milosbuses
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
✓ Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
✓ Best price guarantee via Discover Cars
#2 Firopotamos Boathouses
Firopotamos is located on the north coast of Milos, just a few minutes from Plaka. You can reach Firopotamos by your own vehicle or taxi. You can get there via Plaka, Plathiena or Pera Triovasalos. The small town consists of a handful of traditional Syrmata, picturesquely arranged around a sheltered bay.
In front of the boathouses stretches a small beach with turquoise-blue, clear water, which invites you to swim and snorkel. The view of the town is a postcard motif in itself, but so is the white and blue church of Agios Nikolaos at the end of the bay, as well as the surrounding rock formations, give Firopotamos its special character.
There are no restaurants or shops here – only a small beach canteen My Beach Bar – Firopotanos, which sells cool drinks as well as sandwiches, burgers and salads in the summer and rents out loungers on the beach. In the low season, however, Firopotamos is heavenly quiet.
The Boathouses of Firopotamos you can either visit as a photo and swimming stop as part of your daily program, or spend the night in the white Syrmata with the boat garages painted mainly blue and turquoise here.
→ You can find our accommodation tips for Firopotamos here (links to Booking.com*):
#3 Mandrakia Boathouses
The picturesque Mandrakia Fishing Village joins the ranks of postcard motifs. Here, too, the typical Syrmata with the blue garage doors meet a turquoise bay. Mandrakia is also located in the north of the island, only about 4km from Firopotamos and you can easily combine visiting both places.
From Plaka you can get there by car or scooter in about ten minutes. The town of Mandrakia itself has no beach, but the rocky coast offers several small entry points into the Aegean Sea for swimming or snorkeling. Highlight is the tiny Port of Mandrakia, where the fishing boats lie in front of the white houses and colorful gates and rock in the waves.
Directly on the water is also the Tavern Medusa, which is only open in summer and is known for its delicious seafood dishes such as succulent swordfish souvlaki, grilled octopus and freshly caught sardines. The view of the blue sea is correspondingly beautiful, which is why the tavern is always well attended. Reservation strongly recommended!
If you just want to quench your thirst for coffee, take a look at the Oasis Canteen past the entrance to the village – you can enjoy the Freddo Espresso with a view of the bay. From Mandrakia it is not far to the famous Sarakiniko Coast, the next highlight on Milos.
→ Everything you need to know about Sarakiniko We’ll tell you here: Sarakiniko Milos
Next to Mandrakia there is a small beach, called Tourkothalassa Beach, but you’ll have to descend a steep path to reach it. You will be rewarded with little crowds, crystal clear water and some caves that you can explore from the water.
→ You can find our accommodation tips for Mandrakia here (links to Booking.com*):
#4 Milos Boathouses: Insider Tips
The places mentioned so far are the most famous places in Milos, where you can see the typical boathouses and also spend the night in them. But there are other small settlements on the island with the typical Syrmata that do not yet have so many tourists on their radar. Insider tips around the Milos Boathouses include:
Fourkovouni: The tiny fishing village of Fourkovouni is also located in the north of the island. There are only a few Syrmata in an idyllic location, ideal for a short stop or an overnight stay in one of the boathouses. The bright sandy beach and the small row of houses look like something out of a picture book!
→ Holiday home tip for Fourkovouni: The Cove Beach House*
Areti: Like neighboring Fourkovouni, Areti is not really a village, but a small hamlet with crystal clear water and some of the charming Syrmata. Perfect for a quick stop away from the crowds – or for a very special place to stay in Milos.
→ Accommodation tip for Areti: Milos by the sea – Eco House*
Skinopi: Located below Plaka on the coast, this settlement offers a picturesque backdrop of boathouses and stunning views of Milos Bay.
→ Accommodation tip for Skinopi: Skinopi Fisherman’s house*
Agios Konstantinos: On this stretch of coast in the northeastern part of the island, in a small, rocky bay, there are more white-blue Syrmata. As everywhere in front of Milos, the water is crystal clear and invites you to swim. Don’t miss a visit to the eponymous chapel, which is located directly on the sea and looks like a grotto.
→ Overnight stay tip for Ag. Konstantinos: Achinos By The Sea*
Mitakas: Mitakas beach is divided into two sections. In the narrow bay, which you first reach via the cul-de-sac leading off the coastal road towards Pollonia, you will find the typical Syrmata. In the neighboring, larger bay is the beach with some shady trees and a beach bar open in summer.
→ Accommodation tip for Mitakas: Terra Mare Suites*
In addition to the more well-known places, Milos offers real oases for those looking for authenticity and tranquility with these hidden boathouse settlements. These small settlements invite you to experience the special flair of Milos and spend unforgettable moments in the midst of the fascinating coastal landscape.
To discover the mentioned places, you will need your own rental car. With our partner Discover Cars* you can book your Milos Rental Car in advance:
➲ Check prices on Discover Cars*
→ What else there is to see on the beautiful volcanic island, we will tell you in this article: Milos Highlights
#5 Interesting facts about Milos boathouses
History of the boathouses of Klima & Co.
The traditional boathouses of Milos, known as Syrmata, have a long history and are much more than just an Instagram spot or a trendy place to stay. They date back to a time when the main sources of income were still fishing and seafaring.
By the way, the term “Syrmata” refers to the wires or cables (Greek “syrma”) with which the boats were pulled into the Milos boathouses.
These fascinating boathouses were created out of sheer necessity: after each season, fishermen had to protect their boats from the extreme winter winds in autumn and bring them ashore. The volcanic composition of Milos was made for this: the soft tuff stone could be worked perfectly and the natural coastal caves offered already existing structures.
This is how these unique garages were created directly by the sea, some of which were carved into the rocks or attached. When exactly the first ones were created and whether there were any permits for them at all – that is no longer known. Either way, the Milos Boat Garages are an example of authentic Greek improvisation, without which Milos would not be what it is today.
Many of these houses are already several hundred years old and have been passed down from generation to generation. Nowadays, they are hardly used for their original function. Some have nevertheless been extensively restored, equipped with modern equipment and now serve as exclusive holiday accommodations that offer a special holiday experience.
By the way, the bright colors of the Syrmata gates are a relatively modern phenomenon. In the past, most boat garages were kept in natural, earthy tones or remained completely unpainted, because the fishermen were primarily concerned with practical protection, not aesthetics.
With GetYourGuide* you can book tours around the coast of Milos and even marvel at the colorful boathouses from the sea:
➲ To the sailing excursion incl. BBQ*
Why do the Milos Boathouses exist?
The Syrmata were built to store fishing boats as easily and safely as possible. Since the island of Milos has many small bays and steep coasts, such sheltered campsites directly on the water were ideal.
The large gates made it possible for the boats to be moved in and out again in just a few simple steps. This meant that the fishermen were flexible at all times and, when the weather was right, quickly ready to go out to sea.
By the way, in addition to Milos, there are also on the neighboring island of Kimolos these striking boat garages. You can find them along the coast of the town of Goupa. The best part is that they are nowhere near as crowded here as on the big sister island of Milos.
→ Everything you need to know about Kimolos we’ll tell you here: Kimolos Island
What is special about the boathouses of Milos?
The special thing about the boathouses is their unique construction: they are often built directly into the rock and are always only a few steps away from the sea. The colorful gates and balconies make it a colorful eye-catcher and offer great photo opportunities.
In addition, the living space is extended by the open boat garage and virtually moved outdoors. The result is a living room right by the sea – making Syrmata a unique example of traditional coastal architecture. Should the mood take you now, why not seek out a Milos Boathouse at Booking.com*:
The boathouses on Milos have undoubtedly contributed to the island’s growing popularity as a tourist destination. The unique flair of Syrmata attracts numerous visitors every year who want to immerse themselves in the exciting history of the Cycladic island.
➝ Other useful Travel tips for Milos and the most beautiful highlights of the island you get here: Milos Blog
About the author:
Farina Fontaine loves to travel and has a special heart for Greece. On her Instagram channel @stadtlandreisen, she takes her community on discoveries off the beaten track. Farina comes professionally from the field of marketing and communication and has learned to tell stories in an appealing way. Today, she combines this flair with her wanderlust and creates inspiring content on Greece Moments that awakens wanderlust.
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