Milos Island Travel Guide
Often-overlooked Milos Island, the most southerly of the sun-baked Cyclades Islands. Imagine a volcanic oasis redolent in the sugar-cube whitewashed architecture and soaring blue-dome churches that characterize this exquisite corner of the globe.
Milos itself has a near-lunar feel, formed around a central caldera and littered with spectacular rock formations. It also has the most beaches of any island in the Cyclades, yet gets nowhere near the heavy traffic of Mykonos and Santorini. If you’re looking for a secluded beach getaway in the gorgeous Greek Islands, look no further.
Ancient and Modern | Milos Island
Once the home of a thriving export industry in obsidian under the ancient Minoans, today Milos is best known as the site where the exquisite Venus de Milo was uncovered in 1820. While she is now on display in the Louvre, Milos maintains the same magic and mystery the famous statue evokes. Think tiny fishing villages, secluded caverns, beaches you can reach only by boat, succulent farm produce, and delicious wines that thrive in the volcanic soil. If you wanted Aegean charm without the crowds, here is where it lives.
Can’t-Miss Sights
Milos is packed with fantastic things to see and do. If you’re looking for succulent, fresh-caught seafood prepared in the very best Greek style, you will find exquisite tavernas everywhere you turn. The volcanic nature of the Cyclades makes them perfect for wine growing, and Milos is no exception.
But where should you head to work up an appetite? While there’s lovely little beaches all over, mostly untouched by the tourism you find in other areas of the Cyclades, we suggest adding Sarakiniko Beach to every itinerary. Nestled on the northern shore near the village of Agia, it’s well known for unique white volcanic diatomite and pumice cliffs carved into wild ravines and pillars by the water and the northerly Meltemi winds. Take a dip in a refreshing rock pool, or dare to cliff jump into the sparkling blue water below. Once the home of pirates and treasure hunters, it’s the perfect holiday playground.
Milos is exquisite from the water, and some of its natural beauty areas can only be accessed by sailboat. So make sure to add a sailboat cruise (or three) to your itinerary, too. Much of the south and west can’t be easily accessed on foot or by car. The main port, Adamas, is a great place to start, with a sail along the coast to Kilma. This allows you to drink in the Sykia and Kleftiko caves. Sykia brings you an arresting sun-filled cave with a partially collapsed roof, and a near-deserted beach. Kleftiko was once a hideaway for fearsome pirates, but today is a haven for kayakers, swimmers, and snorkelers, with gleaming emerald inlets and cool caves to explore.
Delicious Destinations
Kick-off your tour of the island in Plaka, the capital. Perched high on the rocks overlooking the Bay of Milos, it has a vibrant nightlife filled not with pumping nightclubs, but with traditional music and quaint shops to enjoy. Plaka Castle is a fantastic place to enjoy the sunset with someone special, too.
Save some time to explore the humbling Catacombs of Milos. Dating back as far as the 1st century AD, they’re speculated to be only a tiny fraction of a larger necropolis stretching under the village of Trypiti. First a Christian cemetery, it became a refuge from Roman persecution over time.
Nor is this the only ancient site to explore here. The ancient theater of Milos, also near Trypiti, is a site of crucial historical significance, and dates back to the 3rd century BC.
If you’re looking for the ideal home base on the island, alongside Plaka and Klima, consider the fishing village of Pollonia for a quiet, family-friendly destination, or head to Adamantas for a pulsing connection to the rest of the Cyclades. Here you’ll find ferries at your fingertips, drives under 20 minutes to some of the best beaches, and the airport only a 10 minute drive away.
Getting To and Around Milos
As the Greek Islands go, Milos is rather small, so getting around is a breeze. You can hire a car easily, but some areas only have limited car parking. And who wants to waste their holiday on that? You can also grab a quad or scooter for hire.
The airport servicing the area doesn’t take international flights, but you’ll likely have to transfer from Athens when traveling from abroad. Luckily it’s a quick flight. The ferry, as with all the Greek Islands, is an immensely easy way to get around the islands. But might need an advance booking in the peak season. It’s typically faster than the airport, and you get to enjoy wonderful views of the sea, so it’s a win-win.
Best Time to Visit Milos
As with most of the Cyclades, the peak season in Milos is May to October. Mid-June and Late September make fantastic times to visit, with great weather, warm seas, and a general lack of crowds.
Milos is a fantastic destination for those eager to move past mass tourism. And instead experience the beautiful wonders of the Cyclades at a grass-roots level packed with adventure and perfect moments. Whether you want to make this vibrant, but calming island your home base, or simply stop by on the way somewhere else. You can’t visit the Greek Islands without paying homage to the history at Milos.
Unforgettable views, spectacular beaches, and a laid-back vibe you can experience nowhere else in the Cyclades await you in Milos. Don’t you think it’s time you answered the call and experienced this fantastic getaway island for yourself?
