Introduction to Milos

Milos is a volcanic island in the southwest of the Cyclades which is most famous for the Venus de Milo (statue of Aprhodite which now resides in the Louvre) among other things.

But, let’s face it. History is history, right?

What’s far more intriguing to me is the fact that the Greek island of Milos is home to more than 72 different beaches.

That’s right seventy-two different beaches.

I could go on for days about how much I love this island but before I begin to tell you everything you need to know about the island of Milos, I’m going to be straight up with you and let you know that Milos is hands down my favorite Greek island.

From stunning sunsets, to beautiful beaches awash in the colors of the Mediterranean Sea and white-washed Cycladic villages, Milos truly has it all.

It’s the 5th largest island in the Cyclades archipelago, located west of Santorini, between Heraklion, Crete and the Greek mainland.

Some 5,000 people call the island home, making their living through fishing, farming, agriculture, mining and tourism.

Just four hours by ferry from Athens, Milos is an unspoiled volcanic island which is still lesser known to many tourists when compared to islands such as Santorini, Kimolos, Mykonos and Rhodes.

If beaches are what you’re in search of — get ready to be absolutely blown away. 

The north and south shore are the most popular, while the beaches located on the east and west coasts are well off the beaten path and will be sure to be a highlight for those of you who consider yourselves to be adventurous travelers.

Seven towns make-up the island of Milos: Adamas, Plaka, and Pollonia are the larger towns, with Plaka having some of the best sunset in Milos.

Tip: Utopia Cafe is the best place to catch the sunset in Plaka — be sure to arrive early to get a seat.

The other four towns of Klima, Mandrakia, Fourkovouni and Fyropotamos are really more like small fishing villages, but well worth a visit.

Before You Go: Travel Insurance

When planning a trip to Greece and the Greek Islands your first priority should be to make sure you make a small investment towards your health and well being by considering an affordable travel insurance policy for your trip.

Not only will this budget friendly travel insurance policy cover you if your bags are lost/stolen and if your flight is delayed/cancelled, but you’ll also be covered for all medical and injury related issues as well. 

Let’s face it. No parents, family or friends want to have to cover the cost of you getting medevaced home from Greece.

Unfortunate things do happen.

Especially when you least expect it.

Do yourself a favor and consider purchasing travel insurance coverage for your trip so you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of in the event of a serious emergency in Greece. 

P.S. You won’t believe how reasonably priced this travel insurance is.

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How to Get to Milos

You have two options when traveling to Milos — Take the ferry or fly. 

If you’re comfortable with taking the ferry you can go ahead and purchase your tickets ahead of time using the ferry booking below.

Ferry:

There is a high-speed catamaran which takes about four hours from Piraeus to Milos.

It’s important to note that timetables for the ferries change frequently so be sure to contact a Greek tourist office or book your tickets online to assure you have the most up to date times.

Check Ferry Schedules & Prices:

One of the better greek ferry booking systems is powered by a company called Ferries in Greece, a major greek ferry booking hub that helps more than 35,000 passengers get to and from the Greek isles each year.

Notes:

  • Ferry tickets sell out so don’t be surprised to find out your ferry is sold out if you leave it to the last minute.
  • Athens’ Port of Piraeus is hectic and very spread out. Be sure to figure out which part of the port that your ferry is leaving from prior to taking a taxi to the port.
  • For reliable taxis with reputable drivers, download and install the app called TaxiBeat on your phone. It’s the best way to get around Athens.

Flights:

My recommendation is to always begin by researching flights using Skyscanner before looking into taking a ferry to the Greek Islands.

The flight from Athens to Milos is up and down, and takes approximately 45 minutes.

If you’re pressed for time, flying can be a great way to optimize time spent exploring.

The island’s airport is located about 4 km (2.5 mi) from the port town of Adamas.

Depending on the airline, time of the year and the latest promotions, flights from Athens to the islands can be found for as low as €45 round-trip.

While flying tends to be the more expensive option to get from mainland Greece to the islands, there are definitely deals to be found.

Tip: Begin your flight search by using the Skyscanner engine embedded below.

Where to Stay in Milos

In Milos it’s easy to find the perfect place to lay your head each night.

Plus, you can save up to $44 off your first Airbnb stay using the following link: Airbnb Promo.

Everything from airbnb apartments to traditional rooms in small, family run hotels are available in the main port city of Adamas.

Milos Airbnb Apartment Rentals

Villa Tasoula

Villa Tasoula – 1 Bed / 1 Bath

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Summer House

Summer House – 1 Bed / 1 Bath

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Traditional Antigoni

Traditional Antigoni – 1 Bed / 1.5 Bath

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Honeymoon Klima

Honeymoon Klima – 2 Bed / 1.5 Bath

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Milos Dream House

Milos Dream House – 1 Bed / 1 Bath

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Blue Mare

Blue Mare – 1 Bed / 1 Bath

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Skinopi Fisherman

Skinopi Fisherman’s House – 1 Bed / 1 Bath

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Skinopi Fisherman's Dream

Skinopi Fisherman’s Dream – 1 Bed / 1 Bath

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Hotels in Milos

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Greek Island of Milos
Mandrakia is charming for it’s colorfully painted boat sheds built into the rocks — in other words a photographers dream.

Things to Do in Milos

Visit the Beaches

Now, if you know anything about me you would know that I’m all about the beaches on the Greek islands.

If there’s one thing I can assure you it’s that a trip to Milos will leave you with a sore neck.

Why? Because it’s almost as if you can’t go a few miles without spotting one beautiful beach after the next.

Here are my personal recommendations when it comes to beaches in Milos:

  • Sarakiniko (Favorite!)
  • Pahena
  • Firiplaka
  • Paleochori
  • Tsigrado

Sarakiniko

Sarakiniko beach is the most photographed landscape in the Aegean Sea. This isn’t your typical beach back at home. Sarakiniko is made up of bright white volcanic rock that takes its form from being cut, and carved by the wind and the waves of the sea. There are many caves that line the edge of the sea and there is even a small natural bridge that can be crossed.

If you’re an adrenaline seeker, there are many cliff jumping opportunities here! As usual, make sure you swim out to the spot first to find out what the depth is before jumping!

Milos is like no other destination that I’ve ever visited when it comes to the diversity of the beaches on offer.

From golden sand beaches to pebble beaches, cliffside beaches and a beach that looks like you’ve landed on the moon, Milos truly has it all.

Adventure Activities

For those seeking more action adventure activities Milos does not disappoint.

Sea-kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing, hiking and even mountain bike riding are all offered on the island.

Don’t miss: 23 Amazing Things to Do in Milos.

Oneiro Boat Tour:

Exploring Milos by sea is highly recommended and a day voyage on the “Oneiro” is an absolute must.

Once onboard this roomy Beneteau 400 you can swim in clear blue waters, explore sea caves and enjoy a guided tour by Oneiro’s experienced captain.

This tour is rated #1 on TripAdvisor and for good reason.

For me, personally, the Oneiro boat tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Milos.

Oneiro offers full day boat excursions that take you along the southern coast of Milos from Paliochori Beach to Kleftiko Beach, the most southwestern tip of the island.

The total cost per person for this tour is approximately €75 and the price includes three meals (light breakfast, full lunch and dinner) snacks and drinks.

It’s a full day so be ready to be up early and back before sunset.

The tour lasts approximately 8-9 hours but it flies by as you’re constantly in and out of the water exploring different parts of the island.

In all honesty, our tour with Oneiro was one of the most professionally run tours I’ve ever been on.

The sheer value of this tour is absolutely out of this world.

It could easily be priced at €100 and it would still be worth every penny.

More info: You can book your tour with Oneiro by heading down to the Adamas marina in the evening and finding their boat.

All of the boat tour companies setup their info kiosks around sunset and Oneiro is usually one of the first boats from the left if you’re standing facing the line of boats in the marina.

Price: €75/per person

Day Trip to Santorini

While I recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Santorini, it is possible do a day trip from Milos — although not recommended.

That being said, it can be done if you only have very limited time on Milos and want to squeeze in a quick trip to Santorini.

The ferry from Milos to Santorini takes anywhere from 2 hours to 6 hours depending on the type of ferry you choose.

If you only have time for a day trip to Milos, be sure to take the high speed ferry so you can spend more time exploring the island than getting there.

Recommended Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Santorini, Greece

Exploring Milos, Greece

Getting Around Milos

By Car:

So you made it to Milos, now you need to get around the island.

There are a number of car and motorbike rental agencies and given that Milos is a rather large island renting a 4-wheeler or car is recommended.

Public Transport:

Milos also offer local public transportation, with a bus system that goes to all seven towns and a number of the beaches.

The bus terminal is located in the main square in the port of Adamas in front of the Portiani Hotel.

This is where you’ll also find the boat excursion dock.

Additionally, taxis are also readily available.

Best Time to Visit Milos

I would say now is a good time to visit Milos.

But, in all seriousness, Milos is blessed with a Mediterranean climate which mainly consists of mild temperatures, calm seas, and warm water.

In the winter months you can expect to find some rainy, cool days and in the summer it’s warm and dry.

July and August tend to be a favorite time of the year for lovers of all ages to visit, so make sure to book your accommodations, car rentals, and ferry or airplane tickets in advance.

If you’d rather experience Milos when it’s less busy, you should know that the island has far fewer visitors from April to June and September into early October.

The months of April and May are when the island is at its most beautiful thanks to the winter rains which have turned every green and brought into bloom beautiful wildflower.

In July, the island organizes a festival with various cultural events, including music and delicious local fare, like watermelon pies, cream cheese pies and bonbons with white pumpkin.

Conclusion

Though not as famous as some of her sister Greek islands, Milos should not be overlooked.

The island’s clear blue and green waters, beaches of incomparable beauty, and stunning coastline, some say the most interesting in the world, give Milos a personality all her own.

As Milos remains still somewhat untouched by chain hotels and pre-packaged tourism, you can truly discover Milos as the island has been for thousands of years.

It is place full of wonder and surprise perfect for families, couples as well as solo travelers.

Picture yourself on the lunar landscape in Sarakiniko, or the picturesque fishing village of Klima.

How about a soak in the thermal springs to rejuvenate your body and soul?

If you are looking for a lesser known Greek island with unmatched beauty Milos is the place for you.

Interested in visiting the Greek islands? If so, be sure to check out my full collection of Greek Island Travel Guides.

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