Milos
Getting There
Greece has over 6000 islands, consisting of many different island groups. Milos is part of the island group called the Cyclades. Other commonly visited islands in the Cyclades include Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, among some other less known islands. Milos has a tiny airport which can be reached by taking a small flight to or from Athens. Since only small planes fly to the airport, flights can be impacted when there are strong winds on the island. The alternative, and more common option to reach Milos is by ferry from one of the islands with an airport or from a different island you are visiting.
The Cyclades are located SE of the mainland of Greece. In general, when traveling to the Cyclades from locations outside of Greece, the possible airports to consider flying to are located in Athens, the island of Santorini, and the island of Mykonos. Athens will have the most options available. Santorini and Mykonos airports may have direct flights from destinations outside Europe, likely just less frequent and more expensive. This is largely because flying directly to the islands is advantageous. Even if not planning to stay on Santorini or Mykonos, the ferry trip to the other islands in the Cyclades will be shorter (45 mins – 2 hours) in comparison to the ferry trip from Athens (2 – 4 hours). In order to reach Milos, look for flights to any of these three destinations: Athens, Santorini and Mykonos.
The next part of planning your journey is evaluating the ferry options. Seajets, World Champion Jets, Blue Star Ferries and Power Jet are a few of the big ferry companies. Start by checking any of the individual websites for planned ferries, entering your start and end destination. Using websites like ferryhopper or directferries can also be helpful to find options available as these websites will provide an overview of all options available from point A to point B on a given day. Ferry tickets usually range from 50 – 100 euros, depending on the journey route and can be bought online. Closer to the date of departure, you will be able to either download tickets electronically or can pick them up at the ferry port.
When planning your trip, keep in mind the ferries in Greece are often delayed by at least 30 minutes and sometimes departure times are adjusted from the original time noted at booking (depending how far in advance tickets are purchased). Therefore, book adequate time when depending on flights or ferries. If possible, in order to optimise time on the islands and reduce stress of potential flight or ferry delays impacting the journey, consider taking a flight in the afternoon / evening and then catching a ferry the following morning. Another option is to plan to spend time in Athens, Santorini or Mykonos before or after your time in Milos. This can also help reduce the long travel days and dependencies on different forms of transportation running on-time.
Note: Taxis are sparse in both Santorini and Mykonos. With this in mind, if you are flying in or out of either location plan to book a car transfer in advance to bring you from the airport / ferry port / accommodations to the ferry port / airport / accommodations. Upon arrival in the ferry ports, travel agency drivers will be holding up signs for their customers.
If beginning your Greek adventure in Athens, Piraeus is the main port and has numerous gates. For ease, plan to stay near the ferry port, enabling you to be able to walk to the port and avoid traffic. Often the departure gate is not clear so allow time to find your ferry vessel on the water and board. Since Athens is a common starting destination for ferries, these ferries are more likely to depart on time.
In summary, when traveling to Milos , plan to book:
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- Flight to Santorini airport (Thira) or Mykonos (JMK) as the first option, and otherwise fly to Athens
- Ferry from Santorini (Athinios), Mykonos (Myknonos Port) or Athens (Piraeus is the main port) port to Milos
Getting Around
Milos is a small island, but many of the beaches and places to see are spread out across the island. With this in mind, having a car or some form of vehicle (i.e. ATV) is crucial for part of the trip. The main towns will have car rentals available. Stop by a few different rental locations to compare prices, but expect to pay about 50 – 80 euros per day for a rental. In Milos, the roads are small and some of the roads to the beaches are gravel. For this reason, try to get a smaller car which will be easier to drive on the roads and much easier to park. Parking is largely free in Milos as long as you park where it is permitted. This can be a combination of roadside parking or in public parking lots.
There are more taxis on Milos than some of the other islands, making this a feasible option for short or less frequent transfers. Although most routes are set fares, the fares are more expensive so it is not a form of transport you would want to depend on the entire trip. The island is quite hilly and the roads between towns are not meant for walking so plan to use other forms of transit between destinations.
Accommodations
Adamas
Adamas is the port town where the ferry arrives and departs Milos from. For a convenience factor, staying in Adamas is a good option. The town itself has a bunch of restaurants, shops, and is a good hub. There are places to rent vehicles in Adamas, and it is also quite easy to get a taxi from the town.
Hotel Portani is a very convenient hotel to stay at in Adamas as it is located just minutes from the port. The hotel has quaint rooms and many with a nice seaside view. The hotel staff is also very kind, and breakfast is provided each morning to guests.
Plaka
Located up on a hill, and known for having the best sunsets in Milos, Plaka is a very cute town. It is located about a 10 – 15 minute drive from the port in Adamas. The town itself has a variety of restaurants, places to grab drinks, and shopping spread throughout. The town is very busy in the evenings as many people head to Plaka to watch the sunset. Plaka is a great place to use as a home base as it is easily accessible to a lot of the island, has nice views, and provides many evening options so you can end your day in the town you are staying.
Things to do and see
Sarakiniko Beach
The most famous beach in Milos, the white volcanic rock formations on Sarakiniko make for a very unique beach as the whitewashed rocks create a moonlike feel. Walk from one end of the rocks to the other to enjoy different views of Sarakiniko. Visit in the morning / midday to see the white rocks glowing in the sun, but come back to watch a sunset. Seeing the sun disappear behind the rocks creates a great color contrast with the white rocks, red and orange sky, all balanced by the blue sea water.
Beaches
Paralia Paleochori
Mix of sand and pebble beach, this is a popular beach with beach bars and taverns. The beach is protected well from the wind and is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon. Beach chairs tend to be rented for 15 – 20 euros each (30 – 40 euros for the set and umbrella).
Fyriplaka beach
Long beach with tall volcanic rocks of different colors (red, orange, yellow, white and grey) along the back of the beach. The views from in the water of the volcanic rocks are gorgeous. This beach is on the south side of Milos, making it another good option when there are strong northern winds. Beach chairs tend to be rented for 15 – 20 euros each (30 – 40 euros for the set and umbrella).
Tsigrado Beach
Very small beach which can only be accessed by boat or by climbing down a ladder to the beach. If visiting during high season (July / August), check out the beach earlier in the morning before the beach gets to crowded. As this is close to Fyriplaka, switch to Fyriplaka in the afternoon which has a lot more space on the beach.
Paralia Firopotamos
Small beach on the NW side of the island
Gerakas Beach
The Gerakas cove is known for having hot springs where parts of the water are warmer. This is a common stop on a half or full day boat trip to Kleftiko as it is a nice spot to swim.
Kleftiko
Historically known for being a place the pirates would hide out, Kleftiko is an enclosed area of large white cliffs and water sea caves. It is located on the SW part of the island and can only be accessed by boat. Companies offer half-day and full-day tours to reach Kleftiko from different parts of Milos. On the boat tours, you will be able to see the large white rocks among the sparkling blue and green water and explore the various sea caves, arches, and coves around Kleftiko.
Plaka
Capital of Milos and located at a higher elevation, making the views from Plaka beautiful. The town itself is full of winding streets, lots of little boutique stores great for shopping, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It is a very picturesque little village and known of the best sunsets on the island.
Plaka sunset
Rivalling with the Santorini sunset, watching a sunset from Plaka in Milos is a must. There are three common spots to catch the sunset that draw crowds in each evening.
- Plaka Church of Panagia Korfiatissa – located at the main level of Plaka town, this area will be the busiest as it requires the least amount of additional climbing
- Plaka church – halfway between the main church in Plaka and the castle, this spot also draws in people to catch a nice sunset view
- Plaka castle (venetian castle of milos) – located at the top of Plaka, this is the highest point you can go to watch the sunset and is well worth the climb. Since it is the highest point, it will be less busy than the lower two commonly visited options.
Pollonia
Located on the NE part of the island, Pollonia is another small port town. From here, boats will travel to some of the nearby islands like Kimolos. Due to its location, Pollonia is often windier than other parts of the island as winds typically come from the North and the town itself is not very shielded
Adamas
Port town and the largest town on the island with restaurants, shopping, and cafes spread throughout the town
Klima
Small fishing village not far from Plaka, Klima has lots of colorful houses along the water. The small village is very quiet, and makes for a quick stop. Consider taking your car or ATV here for an hour to explore, or spend a bit longer and grab a meal or drink at the restaurant located at the base of the town.
Mandrakia
Another small fishing village located on the north side of the island. This cute town also is very quiet with little to do, but has some spots to sit out and enjoy the sunshine if it a calm and not windy day. There is also a well-known restaurant called Medusa which can be a perfect place for an afternoon lunch or evening meal depending on when you visit Mandrakia.
Food and Drinks
Drinks
Pasaravolada Resort
Location: Aghia Kyriaki
This resort sits up on the hillside, providing beautiful views over the sea and surrounding areas. Stop here for a late afternoon drink and take-in the view
Utopia café
Location: Plaka
This is a great spot to enjoy a drink and especially nice to visit during sunset. The café has a terrace facing the sunset. Be sure to stop by a bit before sunset to try to get a table
Lunch
Yankos
Location: Adamas
Wide menu options, for both sit down or takeaway, this place had the best gyros (in my opinion)! The shawarma meat and potatoes in the gyros were delicious and always done well. It is minutes from the port so do not miss this staple!
Flisvos
Location: Adamas
Tavern in town with simple Greek options
Dinner
Ergina
Location: Tripiti (near Plaka)
Outdoor terrace on a hillside overlooking the water with a beautiful view around sunset. Good price for value Greek meal. Be sure to try the grilled calamari and steak here, both are excellent.
De Milos
Location: Pollonia
Upscale restaurant with excellent seafood options. Pricier than some other restaurants, but providing delicious food and nicely presented dishes.
Yialos
Location: Pollonia
Known as one of the best restaurants on the island
Phatses
Location: Plaka
Cute music café and restaurant with outdoor seating. This restaurant serves a variety of Greek dishes and has local musicians playing music throughout the meal.
Gyros of Milos
Location: Adamas
Restaurant near the port with typical Greek food including soulvaki, gyros, salads, and more
Snacks
Aggeliki
Location: Adamas
Stop in here for some delicious gelato – the white chocolate flavour is excellent.
Gregorys
Location: Adamas
Good spot to grab a coffee or breakfast pastry in town
Palaios Coffee & Pastry
Location: Plaka
Cafe serving some delicious Greek treats and gelato
Other Notes
When to visit
Like many of the Greek islands, Milos draws in visitors for the weather. From June until September, the weather is consistently warm. July and August will be peak travel months, meaning the island itself will be busier and the prices will be higher. If flexible, consider visiting in June or September for less crowds and better prices. This could mean the weather is not as good (either cooler or windier), but this can also be the case in peak months so should not be a deterrent.
Weather
One thing the Greek islands have is great weather. From late May through October, you can expect sunny days and temperatures between 22 – 35 degrees Celcius (75 – 95 degrees Fahrenheit). The islands can get quite windy, but often this is nice with the hot summer days.
Duration
3-4 nights is the perfect amount of time to spend on Milos. This allows you enough time to see different villages, enjoy the beaches, take a boat tour, try food in different towns and a little extra time to explore other areas or relax.
Day 1 – arrive, head to Mandrakia for lunch and then hit Paralia Firopotamos, explore Plaka and watch a Plaka sunset
Day 2 – visit Sarakiniko, check out Tsigrado Beach followed by Fyriplaka beach, stop by Klima on the way back to Plaka
Day 3 – boat tour, enjoy Paralia Paleochori in the late afternoon, close the day off at Sarakiniko for a sunset
Day 4 – depart
Island hopping
If hopping between islands in the Cyclades, do not plan too tight of an itinerary. You will be dependent on ferry schedules to get you between islands. Ferry boat departure times can change, be delayed, or even be cancelled. Thus, it is best to make a plan that provides flexibility if ferries do not stay to their timetables.
From Milos, Paros and Naxos are both about 2 hours by ferry and the fast ferry to Athens is 3-4 hours.
Other islands close to Milos include Serifos, Sifnos, and Kimolos.
Comparison to other Cyclades
Paros is a great mix of some of the other islands. It offers cute Greek villages, some nice beaches, delicious food, and more nightlife options, all while being quite affordable. It is an easy island to add when visiting other Cyclades islands.
Mykonos is the party island, drawing in groups of friends looking for a good time and planning to check out the beach parties during the day and bar hopping into the evening. This also makes Mykonos much more touristy, higher prices, and often food and services which are geared towards tourists.
Santorini is the typical Greek island getaway for the picturesque views, white buildings covered with coloured windows, doors and bright flowers, and magnificient sunset views. It draws in a lot of tourists, making it a less authentic experience, but is a beautiful island. Santorini draws in all types of travelers, but often is especially prevalent for couples due to the romantic vibes and luxurious accommodations available.
Naxos is a chill and quieter island, ideal for nice beaches and a relaxed Greek island trip with incredible Greek food. It provides a unique and more authentic experience on the Greek islands
Milos is known for its beautiful, and unique beaches. It also feels less commercialised and brings in many local Greeks, keeping it a more local and authentic experience.
Navigation
Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks