Milos: The 11 most beautiful sights of the Cycladic island

It was a simple pop music video that woke Milos from its slumber and paved the way for international tourism. Today, Milos Island, with its bizarre lunar landscapes, dazzling bays and colourful boathouses, is a tremendous attraction for visitors from all over the world.

»Milos – the island of colors can excite or deter you, depending on the expectations and time with which you enter it for the first time.«

Hardly any other Greek island has developed so quickly from an insider tip to a high-flyer in the last 10 years. Nevertheless Milos, of volcanic origin, is not dependent on tourists: the island, which is only 150.6 km² in size, is rich in mineral resources, and an exploration of the island reveals the many open-cast mines.

We visited Milos in the pre-season at the end of April, had many beaches to ourselves, quickly got into conversation with locals and enjoyed an island idyll that, according to them, you won’t find in summer. Then the picturesque towns of Plaka and Klima are well visited and the landscapes of Sarakiniko and Kleftiko act like magnets on holidaymakers.

Join us on a journey of discovery around the island. We show you the best sights of Milos and our personal insider tips that we got to know during our stay. Whether Milos ultimately enchanted us or rather scared us off, you will find out at the end of the article:

#1 Walk through Plaka

As soon as you enter the extensive Milos Bay, one of the largest natural harbours in the Aegean, the white houses are striking around a steeply sloping rock. Plaka, also called Milos Chora, is the capital of the island, but with just over 800 inhabitants, it has more of a village character.

Plaka is a typical Cycladic village with winding streets, which was laid out in the Middle Ages as a refuge from imminent pirate raids high above the sea. The place is traffic-calmed, from the large free parking lot Free Parking Plaka at the entrance to the village you make your way up numerous stairs to the centre.

On the way through the white labyrinth of alleys, you will pass many typical Greek photo motifs. The houses are decorated with colorful doors and windows, colorful bougainvilleas climb up and cats doze in the shade of the midday sun. Shopping fans will find good boutiques, jewellery and handicraft shops in Plaka, for e.g. Giteftra and MargaritaCreations.

Archaeological Museum of Milos

History buffs can plan a visit to the Historical Museum of Plaka. The striking building above the parking lot was designed by German architect Ernst Ziller in 1870 and is now home to all of the island’s significant finds. With the exception of the Venus de Milo, the famous statue of Aphrodite, which is now on display in the Louvre in Paris (see #2)

• Opening hours Museum of Milos: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Tue. & Thurs. closed, admission 5 €.

Art galleries also open their doors in summer for those interested in culture. Don’t miss the original little Marmara Sand Museum, operated by Asteris. As a trained geologist, he exhibits gravel, clay & Co. from Milos and from all over the world and even creates fascinating works of art from them, which are suitable as great island souvenirs.

In addition to the many shops, there are of course also cafés and restaurants to linger in Plaka, you can find our recommendations here: Milos Restaurants. At the western end of the village, the pretty forecourt of the church awaits you Panagia Korfiatissa another great vantage point. At sunset, this is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists.

Ascent to Milos Kastro

The fortress above Plaka, also Kastro of Milos is one of the most prominent points of the whole island. The 280 m high rock with the snow-white Marienkapelle can be seen from many places.

The ascent to Plaka Kastro takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the parking lot. The path is well signposted and leads through the traffic-calmed part of Dimokratias Gasse to the Café EN PLO, past jewellery and jewellery shops to the ORYHIO The Mine Bar and then up a few flights of stairs.

Again and again, wonderful views of Plaka and the surrounding area open up. Shortly before the summit you reach the impressive church of Panagia Thalassitra (1839), which is probably one of the most photographed places of worship on Milos. At sunset, numerous visitors gather on the terrace of the church to watch the play of colours.

A few metres further up, you reach the top of the former Venetian fortress (built from the 13th century onwards), of which only the remains of the walls can be seen today. Ignite in the chapel of Panagia Sikiniotisa light a candle and then enjoy the fantastic 360-degree panoramic view over Milos.

#2 Klima: Boathouses of Milos

Like a string of pearls, the white houses with their red, blue, green and yellow doors line up on the coast below Plaka. Klima is one of the most beautiful places in Greece and the history of the Boathouses of Milos (Syrmata) dates back to the time when many Miloans sought their fortune as fishermen on the waves of the Aegean Sea.

After each season, fishermen had to protect their boats from the extreme winter winds and bring them ashore in autumn. Here, the volcanic caves and grottoes of the Milos coast with their natural ramps offered themselves as garages. Later, the caves were equipped with a wooden shed, which was colour-coordinated with the boat.

Especially on the north coast, numerous boathouses were built over the centuries. When fishing with small boats (kaiki) was no longer profitable, the boathouses fell into disrepair. Tourism brought life to the Syrmata of Klima – Inventive Greeks converted the simple boat sheds into luxurious holiday apartments.

Today, Klima has less than 20 permanent residents, and most of the houses are rented out to holidaymakers. This makes Klima one of the smallest villages on Milos, but also one of the most visited. Anyone who has ever lived in a Boathouse on Milos (Watch on Booking.com*), should choose the low season, because in summer there is a lot of activity in front of the terraces.

The backdrop is indeed unique for Greece, photo enthusiasts will find countless motifs here. In addition to Klima, which is directly below the village of Tripiti there are other places with the striking boat garages. All information about the colourful coastal villages as well as suitable accommodation tips can be found in this article: Milos Boathouses

Catacombs of Milos

Above the hill of Klima is the most important archaeological site on the island, the Catacombs of Milos. Coming from Plaka, follow the signs “Catacombs” through the village of Tripiti, but be careful, the main road is very narrow. Just before the free parking lot, you will pass a marble statue of a woman, the Venus of Milos.

The catacombs were built from the 1st century AD onwards as graves of the first Christians and used for burials until the 5th century and are today among the most important early Christian monuments in all of Europe. Over the centuries, about 2,000 burials are said to have taken place, but many of the 291 graves were desecrated before they were discovered.

The burial chamber system is 183 m long and divided into three segments. In some of the 1.5 to 2.5 m wide burial niches, almost 2,000-year-old original inscriptions, as well as the monogram of Christ, are still preserved. According to legend, the apostle Paul was shipwrecked near Milos on his way from Crete to Athens and preached the Christian faith.

Although the catacombs have always been known to the local population, it was not until Ludwig Ross in the 19th century that he dedicated himself to comprehensive research. At present, only a part of the burial chambers is accessible. Accompanied by a guide, a visit to the atmospherically illuminated crypt is possible in 15 minutes.

• Opening hours Catacombs of Milos: from Wed-Mon 9 am-6:45 pm, Admission: 10 € (reduced 5 €)

Venus of Milos

The Venus of Milos, a two-metre-high marble sculpture of the goddess Aphrodite, is arguably the island’s most important work of art. But it has not been on Milos for 200 years. The story of her discovery, her disappearance and the centuries-long dispute over her return to Greece could fill a novel.

In short: In 1820, the farmer Georgios Kentrotas accidentally found the beautiful statue of the god while ploughing his stubble field. Without being aware of the significance of his find, he sold it to French art dealers for an “apple and an egg”. Today, the original Venus is at the Louvre in Paris and is probably one of the highlights par excellence there.

The Greek government has been trying in vain for decades to bring the statue home. A replica of the famous statue of the goddess Aphrodite stands on the side of the road on the way to the catacombs. Directly below it is said to have been the field of the farmer Georgios. The replica is definitely a great photo opportunity!

From here, you can reach the ancient Theatre of Milos in about 5 minutes, which was a cultural part of the ancient city of Melos (from 1,000 BC). Not much is left of the old island capital, which was located directly above Klima, except for the theater with its marble rows of seats, as well as a bastion from Roman times. However, the tour is free of charge.

On the striking hill above is the chapel of the Prophet Iliad, in which clearly recognizable ancient marble fragments are embedded. The chapel and theatre are about a 10-minute walk from each other and offer great views of the surrounding area.

#3 Adamas: Port of Milos

In Adamas (also Adamantas) you set your first foot on land. With a good 1,200 inhabitants, it is the largest town on the island and was founded by refugees from Crete (Sfakia) in 1824. In addition to Crete, Milos was also the scene of the Second World War, both islands were occupied by the German Wehrmacht for the longest time.

Today, Adamas presents itself with typical white Cycladic houses with colorful doors and windows. The only thing missing is the peace and quiet, the coastal town is always turbulent, as it is the hub of Milos. Here you will find most accommodation and a variety of gastronomic facilities as well as souvenir shops and shops for daily needs.

Although it is possible to walk along the promenade from the old fishing port to the Lagada Beach stroll, but the spark didn’t really jump over with us. Many things seemed too touristy to us, we did not find a rustic tavern. At least in the upper part of the village there are nice alleys and white churches (including Agios Haralambos), which are suitable as beautiful photo motifs.

Unfortunately, two important historical monuments of the town are no longer accessible, on the one hand the one located on the harbour Iamitika Loutra thermal springs (closed since 2020) and the WW2 bunkers below Adamas. The latter offered protection to the German occupiers and the population during the Allied bombing raids and were temporarily used for exhibition purposes.

Visit to the Mine Museum of Milos

Since the Stone Age, Milos degraded valuable raw materials. More than 8,000 years ago, the most important export commodity was the pitch-black, glass-like rock obsidian (see box), which was used to make tools and weapons and whose pieces were found in many parts of the Mediterranean region.

Over the millennia, more minerals were mined, so it can be said that the mining is the soul of Milos. Business is in full swing, old and modern open-cast mines and slag heaps are scattered all over the island. Warning signs with “trucks passing” (oncoming trucks) are to be taken seriously, some mines are in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you want to learn more about the volcanic origin of the island and the mining on Milos, a visit to the Milos Mining Museum recommended. The museum was built by the largest mining company on Milos, Imerys, and is located about one kilometre east of the port of Adamas on the main road to the south.

Although quite compact, it conveys very vividly on three levels the geological features of the island of Milos and the various minerals (see #8 Thiorichia) that are mined and their areas of application using practical examples. In the basement, a movie (subtitles) gives an insight into the life of the old miners of Milos.

• Opening hours Milos Mining Museum: Tue-Sun 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., admission: 7 €, students and pensioners 4 €, as well as children under 6 years free

💡 Obsidian of Milos: Obsidian was probably mined on Milos as early as the 7th millennium BC. In addition to jewellery and talismans, tools and weapons were made from the sharp rock, which also bears the nickname volcanic glass. Obsidian is considered archaeological find material by law and may not be stolen. By the way, a large obsidian eagle is located west of Adamas near the lighthouse at the harbor entrance.

 

Adamas Lighthouse

An entertaining walk (1 km, 20 min), which is especially recommended in the late afternoon, leads from Lagada Beach on the western outskirts of Adamas along the coast to the lighthouse at the harbour entrance of Milos. On the way you can see deposits of the striking obsidian, which stands out clearly as black spots against the beige rock.

On a natural beach there is a French cemetery commemorating the Crimean War (1853-1856) and a small brackish lake from which bubbles rise, a sign of the volcanic activity on Milos. After a short ascent, the Adamas Lighthouse made of metal. The old stone lighthouse fell victim to Allied bombing raids in World War II.

#4 Mandrakia and Firopotamos

The boathouses of Mandrakia in the northwest were one of our personal highlights of Milos. The curved harbour bay, which you can see from the car park when you arrive, looks like a postcard motif. Directly at the entrance to the village is also the Kantina Oasis, which offers cool drinks and good Freddo with a wonderful view. A wonderful place to stay.

A footpath leads into the small hamlet. A striking eye-catcher is the blue and white church of Zoodochos Pigi, which was restored inside at the time of our visit in early May. The traditional Syrmata of Mandrakia are picturesquely lined up around the harbour bay and the boat doors shine in a wide variety of colours.

Many of the boathouses are still traditionally used by fishermen, some have already been converted into holiday accommodation. You won’t find a classic beach in Mandrakia, but you will find a very charming backdrop for a few unforgettable photos on your Milos holiday.

For a nice swimming spot with boathouses, it’s best to look about 4 km further on in the coastal settlement Firopotamos. Above the road, which continues to an open-cast mine, you catch your first glimpse of the picturesque settlement. On the beach of sand and pebbles, the sea shimmers turquoise blue, behind it white houses crowd the rugged rocks.

At the bottom of the beach you can park your car and drive to the church of Agios Nikolaos run. Directly below, fishing boats usually bob in the harbor pier. With calm seas an extremely idyllic backdrop! Behind the church, you will come across the remains of an old loading station for kaolin, which was mined here until the 60s. The Stone Gate offers interesting photo opportunities.

#5 Sarakiniko Beach

A boy and a girl go on a trip after graduating from school and meet for the first time on a ferry in the Aegean Sea. The journey goes to Milos, together they explore the island and finally become a couple. The Sarakiniko Coast served as the filming set for the music video »This Girl« by Kungs and Milos advanced from insider tip to world fame.

Sarkiniko is the most popular attraction on Milos today. The striking coast, which resembles a lunar landscape, is located in the north of the island, only about 5 km from the port town of Adamas. In summer, people cavort here, the tiny Sarakiniko Beach is completely overcrowded.

From a distance, the many holidaymakers who crisscross the white rocks of the Sarakiniko Beach, look like scattered ants. At the end of April, we still enjoyed a certain idyll here and shared the bizarre scenery with only a few other people.

#6 Pollonia: Cycladic flair in the north

Pollonia, the former fishing village in the northeast of the island, is also called by the locals Apollonoia, based on the Greek god Apollo, we liked right away. The white houses in Cycladic style are picturesquely lined up to the left and right along an elongated bay.

In the pre-season, Apollonoia was tranquil, everywhere people were preparing for the season, only a few restaurants were open. The gently sloping and lined with numerous tamarisk trees Pollonia Beach with a fine sandy beach was still deserted when we visited at the end of April.

Directly on the beach is also the playground of Pollonia, a true island idyll for the little ones. You can park your car in the large, free parking lot directly behind it and walk along the small waterfront promenade with numerous restaurants to the blue and white church of Agia Paraskevi which was even open when we visited.

Directly below is the ferry pier with its colorful fishing boats. The Osia Methodia car ferry, which connects the islands of Milos and Kimolos, also docks here several times a day. Apollonia is the starting point for a day trip to the neighboring island of Kimolos, which seems to be just a stone’s throw away.

Pollonia is also wonderful for a coffee break. In Café Deck we stopped several times. The view from the terrace is simply magnificent and you could linger forever. On the other side of the bay is a large holiday resort. Worth seeing here is the small blue and white church of Agios Nikolaos, which is enthroned directly on the sea.

Wine from the island of Milos

Only 500 m outside of Pollonia is the only winery of Milos. Kostantakis Winery produces red, white and rosé wines as well as a retsina under the Spilia brand (Greek for cave). The highlight is the extraordinary wine cellar, which was built into the volcanic caves that give it its name.

→ your guided tour through the Milos Winery you can book directly with our partner GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided wine tour*

Papafragas & Phylakopi

Just a five-minute drive south of Apollonia is one of the most curious coastal formations on the island: the Papafragas Caves. Wind and weather have dug several cave-like channels into the rock here over millions of years, which you can visit at your own risk. The rocky outcrop, which offers a view of two canals, should not be entered in strong winds.

There is also a small beach at Papafragas, but the steep descent is not without danger and a prohibition sign warns of the possible risk of falling. Next to the Papafragas Caves is the Kapros Beach, which also offers a highly rugged rocky landscape with sea caves and offers interesting motifs, especially for photographers.

The neighbouring Phylakopi Excavation Site (from 3,000 BC), impressively situated on a rocky cliff directly above the sea and actually one of the most important historical sites on the island, was not open for our visit in 2024. Valuable ceramics and other finds are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Plaka.

Visit to the Aggeria Mine

Anyone who stays on Milos for several days and explores the island with a rental car will become aware of the extent of mineral mining on Milos. In many places, digging is going on diligently, trucks are constantly driving from the spoil heaps to the loading ports. Almost 40 percent of the locals are directly or indirectly involved in mining.

Milos is therefore not necessarily dependent on tourism. Nevertheless, the mining industry is open-minded and some spoil heaps can even be visited up close if you are interested. These include the Aggeria Mine only 5 km south of Pollonia, the largest bentonite mine in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

It was founded in 1968 and has been in continuous operation since the 1980s. The dimensions of the pit are enormous, countless terraces with different colored rock layers extend to emerald green groundwater lakes. The mining company installed a viewpoint of the Milos Mine (GPS 36.739710, 24.503651).

Greece is the fifth largest bentonite producer in the world with 1.3 million tons annually. Bentonite is used as a lubricant and sealing material, but also as a binder, as a raw material for many cosmetics and also as cat litter. Oncoming trucks are to be expected around the mine, please be sure to observe the driving bans!

#7 Day trip to Kimolos

While only a few years ago the two islands were worlds apart, Kimolos has at least in summer approached the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of Milos. During our visit in May, there was no sign of this, in addition to mainland Greeks and a dozen French tourists, we experienced the neighboring island of Milos still from her calm side.

Kimolos is also of volcanic origin and can be described as a miniature version of Milos. Besides the main town of Chorio and the port of Psathi, there are only a few places on the island. In the meantime, Kimolos is well integrated into the Greek ferry network and so car ferries run from Milos, Sifnos and Folegandros to the island.

From Pollonia, the ferry Osia Methodia to Psathi (first departure around 7 a.m.). If you are planning a day trip to Kimolos, you can drive almost all the highlights of the island in a short time by rental car. The main town of Chorio is traffic-calmed and can only be explored on foot.

Other beautiful places on Kimolos are the boathouses of Goupa and Karras, the powdery white beach of Prassa and the giant stone mushroom called Skiadi. The latter can only be reached on foot (about 1.5 hours from Chorio).

#8 Thiorichia: Sulphur mines of Milos

Mining has a very long tradition on Milos, even sulphur was mined in large quantities in the past centuries. Pliny the Elder already mentioned the island around 79 AD as a mining site for the bright yellow rock. Since the 1960s, sulphur has no longer been mined, but the site of the large sulphur mine of Milos in the extreme southeast can be visited.

Even though the old facilities and steel constructions are now rusting away, a visit to the old sulphur mines Thiorychia not only for Lost Places fans. The backdrop by the sea, at the end of a long wild valley, surrounded by red and yellow rocky cliffs, inspires right away. The only downer: the dilapidated gravel road can only be mastered with a four-wheel drive vehicle or a quad.

We even parked our four-wheel drive Suzuki halfway and walked the last part. Once at the bottom, the traces of sulphur mining of the last centuries can be seen – wagons on rusty rails, old loading cranes and lifting platforms, warehouses and workers’ barracks. The ravages of time gnaw away everywhere, enter at your own risk.

The beach Paralia Thiorichio offers cooling with a mixture of beige gravel and sand. Depending on the current, the water shimmers emerald green to yellowish due to sulphurous minerals. To the right of the old loading port, a tunnel gives an insight into the work underground and gives an idea of the hard work the miners once had to do here.

Today, there is no longer any underground mining on Milos. Instead, bentonite (see #6), pozzolan, kaolin and perlite are mined in large stockpiles. Perlite, a white porous rock, is the most important mining material on Milos, the largest slag heaps are located above Tsigrado Beach and directly on the Paralia Voudia. With 700,000 tons, Greece ranks third in the world after China and Turkey.

Perlite is a true all-rounder, used as an additive in paints and plasters, as an insulating and filter material and even as a substrate, as well as an additive in toothpaste.

→ An interesting contribution to the history of the Mining on Milos can be found on the website of the Milos Mining Museum: Mining Museum

Kalamos Fumaroles

Adventurous people who want to learn more about Milos’ volcanic heritage can take a trip to the extinct Fyriplaka volcano (also called Tsigrado volcano). With an age of about 90,000 years, it represents the youngest volcanic activity on Milos, the 1,700 m wide caldera can be clearly seen on satellite images.

The still steaming Kalamos Fumaroles are located directly above the coastal town of Agia Kiriaki. The way there, however, leads from Zefiria over a bumpy gravel road past the recycling plant below the airport, through the fertile caldera, where goats and sheep graze today. After crossing the caldera rim, you will find yourself in a Martian landscape with red and beige rocks.

The volcanic vapors are extremely hot and should not be inhaled for too long due to the risk of suffocation. Exploration is at your own risk and is only recommended for four-wheel drive vehicles.

→ An alternative for hikers is the Milos Geowalk No. 2, the route description can be found here: miloterranean geowalks

#9 Kleftiko Boat Trip

White rock needles, stone arches and sea caves surrounded by turquoise blue sea – this is Kleftiko. The top attraction of Milos is located in the very southwest of the island and is best reached by boat.

The bizarre cliffs of Kleftiko are one of the most photographed places in Milos and the subject of many postcards and travel catalogues. In the past, the rugged coastline with its numerous sea caves offered pirates an ideal hiding place to plunder passing ships. This is where the name Kleftiko (kleftis, Greek for thief) comes from.

In the season, countless large and small excursion boats head for the popular coast on Milos. In summer, Kleftiko Bay can quickly get very crowded. Many people cavort here to refresh themselves in the cool water. If you want, you can get a small rent a motorboat in Milos and Kleftiko.

By motorboat to Kleftiko

We did a private boat tour (about 5 hours) with a skipper through the provider Indigo Yachting and can highly recommend them. This way you can escape the crowds and take a compact motorboat into some sea caves and admire the wonderful water colors.

The half-day Milos Boat Tours start in the coastal town of Agia Kiriaki and cost from 250 euros with skipper and petrol, from 200 euros without skipper. The pure driving time from Agia Kiriaki to Kleftiko is about 30 minutes (without stops).

→ More information about private boat tours to Kleftiko can be found here: Indigo Yachting

Guided tours in larger groups can be found at our partner GetYourGuide*. Click on the links to see prices and availability of the trips to Kleftiko to learn:

➲ To the excursions to Kleftiko*

Hike to Kleftiko Coast

Want to explore Kleftiko on foot? An approximately one-hour hike to Kleftiko, which begins between the mostly closed monastery of Agios Ioannis and the hamlet of Xilokeratia (GPS 36.664952, 24.342410), is described on this website: Milos-Greece

#10 Milos West: From Cape Vani to Profitis Ilias

The two halves of the island could not be more different. Surprisingly green, largely untouched and almost deserted, the west around Mount Profitis Ilias is in total contrast to the touristy east. With Cape Vani at the northern tip, the region also offers one of the most bizarre landscapes on the entire island.

An ideal destination for individualists, provided you have an all-terrain rental car, because many beaches and highlights can only be reached via gravel roads. The asphalt main road coming from Milos airport ends at the large Agia Marina church. In addition, there is only one catering option west of the hamlet of Provatas, in tiny village of Embourios.

Embourios: In the footsteps of the original Milos

In Embourios, you’ll embark on a journey through time. The rural settlement with the pretty row of houses directly by the sea gives an insight into the Milos of bygone days, unadulterated and without hustle and bustle. You can get to Embourios when you reach 4 km behind the Lake Achivadolimni at the Agia Marina church you turn into an inconspicuous road that leads down to the sea.

Once on the coast, you will pass the lonely Fatourena Beach and the Rivari Lagoon, on whose elevated headland stands a snow-white chapel (Agios Nikolaos). A little later you will reach the hamlet of Embourios with its few houses and a boat landing stage with a restored windmill, to which a spiral staircase leads up.

The family-run Taverna Empourios at the end of the row of houses serves traditional dishes made mainly from their own ingredients at reasonable prices by Milos standards. When we visited, the quaint family tavern was not yet open (only June to September), but the atmosphere right by the sea was very inviting. To explore the west of the island further, we have to go back up to the main road.

Solitude at Cape Vani

12 km of gravel road from the end of the asphalt road to the northwesternmost point of Milos, the Cape Vani, where manganese was mined on a large scale 100 years ago. Especially the last 4 km are littered with potholes. The bumpy ride leads past old farming settlements and numerous disused slag heaps of the last centuries.

Once you arrive at Cape Vani, you will be greeted by the bizarre landscape of the former Manganese mine of Milos. If Sarakiniko is the moon, here you will find the Martian landscape of Milos. Red, black, violet and rust-brown to beige shimmer the rocks around the mine, which was shut down in 1928. To the left and right there are numerous tunnels with branched tunnels, which are strongly advised not to enter.

If you fight your way through the landscape, which is furrowed by washed out ditches and holes, through a rock gate to the sea, you will be greeted by the wild Vani Beach, which is not suitable for swimming because of the strong current. On the other hand, there are probably the most colorful pebbles in all of Milos. Further to the left is an old loading port, behind rises the popular with extreme climbers Vani Rock.

You should plan at least 1.5 hours to explore the slag heap and take enough water and provisions with you. A rustic rest area invites you to have a picnic. If you feel like refreshing yourself in the cool water afterwards, Kalogries Beach or the Agathia Beach is recommended. Both are located southwest of Cape Vani and are deserted except for a few anchored sailboats.

Far-reaching view from the Profitis Ilias mountain

At 748 m, the Profitis Ilias is the highest mountain on Milos. It is a former volcano that became extinct millions of years ago and whose lava domes are still clearly visible. Large gold deposits were discovered inside, which have not been mined to this day due to the resistance of the local population.

The ascent to the top of the mountain is via a steep and bumpy dirt road, which can be done either on foot (5 km from the junction of the Ralaki – Xilokeratia road) or with an off-road vehicle. The journey by car is not for the faint-hearted, the road is not secured in places.

From the summit you can enjoy a magnificent view over Milos and a large part of the Cycladic islands, including the immediate neighbours of Kimolo, Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros. On clear days, the view extends as far as Crete. The path to Profitis Ilias should only be walked on cloudless and windless days, as the weather can change quickly at the top.

#11 Milos beaches: Our top 5

Milos will also be the Greek Island of Colors because its coast shimmers in the most beautiful nuances. On the Cycladic island, there are sandy and pebble beaches of golden, red, white, brown and even volcanic black color. Some beaches are also made of colorful pebbles.

Rarely have we enjoyed such varied bathing opportunities in Greece. Enclosed you have a small selection of our personal favorite beaches, which were not overcrowded even in the low season. You can find all our top 10 beaches and swimming spots on the island in this article: Milos Beaches

Achivadolimni Beach – Sandy beach in the south of Milos Bay, not far from the small lake of the same name. In summer, a beach bar offers umbrellas and cool drinks. Otherwise, most of the kilometre-long coastal strip is natural, the further east, the more deserted. In north and west winds, the surf is strong, occasionally seaweed is washed ashore.

Agios Sostis Beach – Western neighboring beach of the popular Provatas Beach (Golden Beach), but much quieter and more natural. The descent is from the Tavern Tarantella via a concrete staircase. The golden sandy beach offers a shallow entry into the sea, making it ideal for children. Some tamarisk trees provide shade.

Fyriplaka Beach – One of the beaches that earned Milos the name “Island of Colors” – a turquoise blue bay whose background is decorated with volcanic rocks in the colors red, yellow and magenta. Due to its length and seclusion in the south of Milos, the beach is not overcrowded even in summer. Parking spaces on the beach are rare.

Kastanas Beach – Wild beach in the east of Milos, difficult to reach via a bumpy gravel road and therefore a refuge for individualists. The highlight of the beach are the extraordinarily colored round pebbles. Hardly any shade and high waves with a north wind.

Paleochori Beach – extensive, dark brown volcanic beach with some gastronomic facilities on site (e.g. Scirocco Restaurant). Via the rocky passage in the west you reach Tourlos Beach, which also offers a bizarre colorful rock backdrop as a background. The water is crystal clear, but the entrance is very steep.

More Milos travel tips

Guided tours on Milos

Milos and the surrounding area Greek Islands have been popular with sailors for years, the fascinating coastal landscape is simply enchanting. The standard programme of every holiday includes a Boat trip around the coast of Milos, according to Polyegos and Kleftiko, among others. Guided shore excursions are also available, including visits to wineries and e-bike tours.

→ Click on the links to GetYourGuide* for details such as availability and prices of the tours:

➲ To the sailing excursion incl. lunch*

➲ To the kayak tour around the coast*

➲ To the e-bike tour in the hinterland*

Accommodation on the island of Milos

Although the island of Milos has become known worldwide in recent years, you will (still) look in vain for large hotel complexes. On the other hand, there is still a construction boom on the island, with new villas and small boutique hotels being built in many places. Individualists will find beautiful holiday apartments in almost every corner of the island, which can be booked via Airbnb.

→ on Booking.com* you will find many accommodation options on Milos and can compare them directly on a map:

➲ To the accommodations on Booking.com*

Here we stayed on Milos

My Suite Milos, Parasporos

A true feel-good dream on Milos was our accommodation with Athanasia and Yiannis. The spacious and lovingly furnished apartment offers a wonderful view of the sea and the towns of Adamas and Plaka. A terrace with outdoor shower, a large balcony and a fully equipped kitchen including breakfast package complete the excellent overall picture.

The suite can accommodate up to 4 people and is very suitable for exploring the island of Milos extensively. Due to the central yet quiet location, you can reach the coast of Sarakiniko in five minutes, for example. Through Booking.com* you can check out our beautiful place and book if needed:

➲ Book My Suite Milos*

More hotel tips for Milos

Our recommendations for good hotels on the island of Milos can also be booked on Booking.com*. Click on the links to check prices and availability:

• Domes White Coast Milos (Location: Sarakiniko, Budget: $$$)
• Hotel Milos Sea Resort (Location: Achivadolimni, Budget: $$)
• Hotel Rigas (Location: Adamas, Budget: $)

Restaurants in Milos: Our recommendations

The culinary variety has suffered from the hype around Milos, many taverns have already adapted to the international tourists and serve pizza, pasta and high-priced fusion cuisine. Traditional restaurants with typical Greek cuisine and rustic charm are rare, and the price level on Milos is very high.

We asked a local about his favorite restaurant on Milos and he told us in a somewhat wistful voice that he prefers to eat at home – that says it all… Nevertheless, we have some for you Cafés & Restaurants in Milos tested, you can find our recommendations attached:

Oasis canteen, Mandrakia

Cosy open-air café with seating just above the pretty village of Mandrakia. Good coffee, delicious cocktails and small snacks make a break worthwhile at any time of the day.

Deck Milos, Apollonia

Relaxed café bar run by friendly owner Andreas. From the roof terrace you have a wonderful view over the bay of Pollonia. Ideal for a lunch stop and a small snack. Our tip: Pinsa burrata and salad burrata!

Further recommendations for restaurants in Milos:

• EN PLO, Plaka
• Karodromos, Triovasalos
• Kokkino Podilato, Plaka
• …

Want more restaurant tips for Milos?

→ In our Google map you will find all recommended cafés and taverns in Milos: To the Milos Map

💡 Delicacies of Milos: Like many places in Greece, Milos has regional specialties. Almost every tavern offers the hearty Pitarakia Milou (Milos cheese pockets), deep-fried dumplings, traditionally filled with spicy island cheese made from sheep’s milk. In summer, Karpouzopita (Watermelon pie) is baked, a cake made from pieces of melon seasoned with honey and cinnamon. As a culinary souvenir from the island, Beltes (Milos tomato juice), an aromatic paste made from dried tomatoes, which is available in some delicatessens in Adamas and Plaka.

 

Car rental for the island of Milos

As a diverse island, Milos invites you to explore. In the northeast and center many roads are paved, if you want to discover the hidden treasures in the south and west, you need a robust car (e.g. Jeep, Suzuki) for the gravel roads. Adamas is teeming with car rental companies, we recommend the reliable and child-friendly provider Giourgas Rent a Car.

→ With our partner Discover Cars* you can reserve your Milos rental car in advance:

➲ To cheap car rental offers*

Getting around Milos by taxi and bus

Milos has a reliable bus network. Run several times a day Adamas to Plaka Buses and Apollonia. There is even a bus to Sarakinko, and the prices per trip are very reasonable at 2 €. The municipality of Milos is making every effort to keep the bus connections up to date, the bus routes are also available online.

→ You can check the current bus connections from Milos here: Milosbuses

Driving a taxi in Milos is not a cheap undertaking, 30 € for a 10-minute drive are not uncommon. The taxi rank is located in the port of Adamas. There is no taximeter, the price must be negotiated in advance. Those who need an airport transfer should contact their hotel or use Andreas’ Milos concierge service.

→ More information about the concierge service in Milos can be found here: Milosconcierge

How to get to the island of Milos

Although the island of Milos has a national airport, most holidaymakers reach the Cycladic island by ferry. The Milos Airport MLO is located in the center of the island near the village of Zefiria. Propeller planes (e.g. Olympic Air) from Athens International Airport to Milos, the small airport cannot serve direct flights from abroad.

→ Cheap flights with a stopover in Athens can be found with our partner Skyscanner*:➲ To the flight search on Skyscanner*

Ferry connections to Milos

Milos, the most important tourist island of the Western Cyclades, is served several times a day by various shipping companies from Piraeus. With the speed catamaran, the trip takes only 2.5 hours. In the summer months, the ferry service is even expanded, you can travel to Milos also from Crete (5 h) and Santorini (2 h) or it is possible to continue your journey there.

→ Following ferry companies serve the island of Milos from Piraeus (Athens):

• SeaJets (from 2.5 h)
• Aegean Sea Lines (approx. 6.5 h)
• Minoan Lines (approx. 4 h)
• Zante Ferries (approx. 5.5 h)

→ About our partner Ferryhopper* you can search for ferry times and find your Ferry ticket to Milos Book conveniently.:

➲ To the ferry search on Ferryhopper*

Milos sights in video

Impressions of the island of Milos can be found in the video by Tomas Polasek © :

→ More travel reports and Tips for the Cyclades can be found on our overview page: Cyclades Islands

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