It is the power of nature itself that has created a truly unique stretch of coastline on the Greek island of Milos. At Sarakiniko in the north of the island, white deposits from ancient volcanic eruptions stretch for miles into the azure sea.
Visitors to Sarakiniko feel a bit like they’re on another planet. The bizarre lunar landscape is immediately striking and unique in Greece. Tom & Ella
The music video for DJ Kung’s song “This Girl” has turned this former hidden gem on Milos into a world-famous tourist hotspot. In the summer, thousands of vacationers flock to Sarakiniko for the perfect Instagram photo. At the end of April, we were still able to enjoy a certain idyll here and shared the bizarre scenery with only a few other people.
Here we provide you with the most important information about the most popular attraction on Milos. With our tips for Sarakiniko Beach, you have the chance to avoid the crowds on site:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Getting to Sarakiniko
The impressive stretch of coastline around Sarakiniko Beach is located in the north of Milos, about 4 km or 10 minutes from the port town of Adamas. By rental car, you can reach Sarakiniko via a standard paved road that ends at a large, partly unpaved parking lot. During peak season, the free parking spots fill up quickly, so it’s worth arriving early.
You can book affordable rental cars for the island of Milos in advance through our partner Check24*:
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The Sarakiniko bus stop is located across from the parking lot. You can find the current schedule for traveling by public bus from the port town of Adamas here: MilosBuses
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can also use the reliable transfer service from MilosConcierge to get to Sarakiniko.
Best time to visit Sarakiniko
To avoid the crowds, you should get there early during the peak season. Before 9 a.m., it’s still pleasantly quiet; plus, the sun is already up, making the chalk-white rocks glow beautifully, and you can still find a free spot on the beach with its gentle slope.
A visit in the evening is also atmospheric, when the sun bathes the bizarre landscape in a warm light. Even then, the crowds are manageable. If you happen to be on Milos on a full moon night, you should definitely visit Sarakiniko—a magical spectacle!
💡 Music video of Sarakiniko: The ultimate summer song of 2016 put Milos on the international map. Although the Australian pop group “Cookin’ on 3 Burners,” featuring vocals by singer Kylie Auldist, released the song “This Girl” as early as 2009, it wasn’t until the remix by DJ The Kungs and a slightly shaky music video with teen charm—filmed exclusively on Milos—that the song became a global hit. More than 500 million views guarantee Milos a steady stream of visitors for years to come. Watch the video: This Girl
By the way, due to its exposed location, there are virtually no trash cans in Sarakiniko. There is a general waste bin at the parking lot and a small trash can on the beach, but it is emptied only very irregularly and was already overflowing in May. There are also no restrooms on the natural beach.
We would like to urge everyone to bring a small bag, backpack, or similar and take any trash back to the hotel or dispose of it in the trash cans on the main road. Unfortunately, there was a lot of plastic floating in the sea, from soda cans to chip bags. A natural treasure like this deserves to be cared for by all of us.
#2 Walk through the lunar landscape
From the Sarakiniko parking lot, walk down to the coast. After about 200 meters, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the lunar landscape, and to the left of a hill, you’ll already see the tiny stretch of Sarakiniko Beach.
It’s hard to believe that during a walk you’re traversing a million-year-old landscape formed by volcanic activity. Over time, the deposits of pumice and tuff, as well as ash and lava, were eroded by wind and sea, creating bizarre shapes and giving Sarakiniko its distinctive appearance.
We’ll tell you what else there is to see on this beautiful volcanic island in this post: Milos Highlights
Around noon, the white rock is so bright that it’s dazzling. Combined with the blue sky, it creates an otherworldly scene. Sarakiniko is simply breathtaking and will stay with us for a long time. By the way, cat lovers will also get their money’s worth: a small group of strays is fed daily by tourists on the beach.
Sarakiniko Beach marks the end of a gorge lined with tamarisk trees. Volcanic rock used to be mined here; old tunnels (enter at your own risk) bear witness to mining in the region. But even back in the days of pirates, there are said to have been caves in the rock here that served as hideouts (see box).
💡 What does Sarakiniko mean? The name is derived from the Greek word “Sarakinoi,” which means Saracens. This Arab tribe frequently wreaked havoc in the Aegean Sea during the Middle Ages. The Saracen pirates used the rugged coastline around Sarakiniko as a hideout to ambush and plunder passing ships.
On the other side of Sarakiniko Beach, continue toward the sea. After a few meters, you’ll come to a sinkhole right on the cliffside, from which brave cliff-divers climb back out. We recommend cliff-diving only when the sea is calm and for strong swimmers.
Most people turn back at this point to head home, thus missing one of the most beautiful spots in Sarakiniko. Further west, you’ll climb over a hill; beyond it, you’ll reach a sort of plateau and eventually a small canyon carved into the rock like a work of art. The evening sunlight here offers fantastic photo opportunities.
By the way, the rocky landscape of Sarakiniko isn’t slippery in dry weather, but young children should be held by the hand. Nevertheless, caution is advised, as a fall onto your knees and hands can cause painful scrapes. It’s recommended to wear sturdy shoes to ensure the best grip when crossing the individual hills.
If you walk down the coast from the parking lot and keep to the right heading east, you’ll come to the remains of an old shipwreck. The Sarakiniko Shipwreck was a large oil tanker that ran aground in 2003 and now lies mostly underwater. This is one of the most beautiful spots on Milos for snorkeling and diving!
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#3 Excursions to Sarakiniko
You can also join a tour to Sarakiniko with a local guide. Sarakiniko is worth a visit both by land—via e-bike or minibus—and by sea—via sailboat. Click on the tours from GetYourGuide* for details, prices, and availability:
➲ To the bus tour to Sarakiniko*
➲ To the sailing trip with a stop at Sarakiniko*
➲ To the Milos Highlights Tour by e-bike*
#4 Hotel Tips Near Sarakiniko
Thanks to Sarakiniko’s central location near the two larger towns of Adamas and Plaka, there are several good accommodation options just a 5–10-minute drive away. Here are our personal recommendations for places to stay near Sarakiniko Beach. Click on the Booking.com* links to view prices and availability:
- My Suite Milos* – tried and tested, and found to be great!
- Sarakiniko Rooms* – located right on the access road to Sarakiniko
- Sarakiniko Boat House* – quaint boathouse with a view of the lunar landscape
- Thea Sunset Suites*
- Solus Suites Milos*
#5 Restaurants and Cafés Nearby
There are no dining options in the immediate vicinity of Sarakiniko. Occasionally, a simple canteen is said to operate at the Sarakiniko parking lot during the high season. The nearest taverns and cafés are located in the towns of Triovasalos (Tip: Karodromos) or Adamas. For a coffee break with a magnificent view, we recommend the Oasis Canteen in the beautiful fishing village of Mandrakia, just 10 minutes from Sarakiniko.
#6 Things to See in the Area
After visiting Sarakiniko, we recommend a detour to the fishing village of Mandrakia, just 10 minutes away. The circular pier with its colorful Milos boathouses is charming and worth a short walk.
For a quick snack, check out the Monk Cafe in Trypiti. Here you can enjoy not only a refreshing freddo but also delicious mini pancakes and ice cream. From here, you can also visit the Catacombs of Milos, the ancient theater, and the Milos boat houses in Klima.
➝ Get more travel tips on Milos and the neighboring islands here: Cyclades Islands Overview
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