Similarly to a well kept secret, the Aegean island of Milos remained aside of the tourist flows over the last few decades.
Today, however, things are changing very fast.
From an industrial mining island to a traveler’s paradise, today it attracts a constantly increasing number of people.
For many, the neighbouring Mykonos and Santorini are already too overcrowded, and it appears that Milos is a good alternative.
The island is dominated by two main colors – cobalt blue (the sea) and white (the houses and the rocks around the island).
If you consider to spend your next summer holiday here, this is what you shouldn’t miss:
1. Start your journey from Sarakiniko Beach
The first and most emblematic place to visit on the island of Milos is the well-known for its lunar landscape Sarakiniko Beach.
It stretches along the north coast of the island and is popular for its snow-white strongly eroded and polished rocks.
The beach attracts too much visitors but for reason.
It is one of the most easily recognizable in the Aegean sea and the water offers the most saturated aquamarine colors you can imagine.
The surrounding area is different from everything you have ever seen.
As the shoreline offers a number of small coves with pristine water, you will always find some quiet place to enjoy the natural beauty and uniqueness of Sarakiniko.
2. Don’t Miss the Ancient Catacombs
The Catacombs of Milos are an important place to visit while on the island.
They are comfortably situated between the villages of Klima (on the coast of the island) and the larger historic village of Trypiti.
The ancient catacombs reach up to 2,5 meters in height and 5 meters in width.
The best way to get the most of your visit is to walk around the underground galleries with a guide.
You will be able to learn a lot about the history of the catacombs and their purpose over the centuries.
3. Walk in Plaka
Plaka is one of the most beautiful and oldest villages on the island of Milos.
It is known for its scenic location on the very edge of steep rocks, overlooking the mirrored cobalt-blue water of the bay.
The village is dominated by one and two storey flat-roofed white houses.
Narrow winding streets offer pleasant shade during the hottest midday hours in summer.
Small craft shops suddenly appear behind every corner.
If you are hungry, you can enjoy the traditional Greek cuisine in any of the numerous small tavernas.
4. Take advantage of the thermal waters
Because of its volcanic origin, Milos is very rich in thermal waters.
They are well-known for their therapeutic properties.
If you want to get the most of your holiday on the beautiful Aegean island, you should definitely visit some of them.
Despite the fact that a number of mineral springs are scattered around the island, only some of them are equipped with all the needed facilities to provide spa and wellness procedures.
If you want to take advantage of the healing properties of the water, you should visit Adamas (also known as Adamantas).
One of the springs in the village is the Baths of Lakka, which is known for its very hot waters.
5. Don’t miss the Archeological Museum of Milos
Popular for its exhibits of different historical periods, the Archeological Museum of Milos should be one of the first places to visit on the island.
Here you can see everything – from tools to stone statues and decoration.
The most interesting part of the artefacts is the collection of very sharp obsidian blades and other tools.
They are a very important part of the history of the island as well as from its culture.
6. Visit the Pirates Lair at Sarakiniko Beach
The beach of Sarakiniko which we already mentioned is a magical place with too many things to do in the area.
It is a natural landmark and offers a number of mysterious sites to visit while here.
One of them is undoubtedly the old pirates lair which according to many is actually a WWII tunnel.
This version says that the tunnel was dug into the white rocks by the German military.
7. Village of Klima (ancient Milos port)
Located on the shore of the Bay of Milos, in the northern part of the island, Klima is an ancient port and fishing village.
Today it is one of the most popular spots here and attracts a number of visitors.
You need only 5 to 10 minutes to cross the entire village on foot.
At the same time, you will be very pleasantly surprised from the unique charm of the settlement.
People come here because of its snow-white houses with colourful stairs, doors, windows, railings and balconies.
8. Visit the small but authentic village of Tripiti
Tripiti is a small and authentic village in northern Milos.
Its biggest advantage is that it looks almost unchanged over the years and you can feel the real spirit of the island.
The most beautiful building here is the church Agios Nikolaos.
It is known for its two bell towers.
One of them is additionally decorated with huge clocks.
The other attraction of Tripiti is the windmills.
They are unique and some of them have been transformed to accommodate tourists.
9. Visit the water sport capital of the island
Located on the northeastern tip of the island of Milos, Pollonia covers some the most fertile and green parts of the island.
But what attracts visitors here is the great combination of superb beaches and persistent sea breezes.
Considered the water sports capital of the island, it offers perfect conditions to practice favourite activities such as windsurfing and diving.
The sea surface is normally flat and smooth.
The beaches are white and covered with small pebbles.
The sea water is the most captivating blue color you can imagine.
10. Walk to the Venetian Castle
The medieval Venetian castle was built in the 13th century on the second highest hill in Milos.
This place is most beautiful at sunset because it reveals a breathtaking panorama of the island and the colors are hard to describe in words.
Today most of the old structure is ruined.
Part of the stones of the fortification have been used in the construction of some of the houses in the nearby village of Chora.
11. Discover Kalamos Beach
Located in the quiet and remote south of Milos, Kalamos Beach is one more hidden gem to discover and is one of the most recommended places to visit on the island.
It is known for its surprisingly white sand and aquamarine waters.
If you decide to come here, don’t forget your camera in the hotel room – this place really worth a detailed photos session.
As the sea surface is usually very smooth, it is a good place to enjoy some kayaking and other water sports such as diving and snorkeling.
12. Take a break at Firopotamos Beach
Small and quiet beach attracts the lovers of privacy and seclusion.
Its name is Firopotamos Beach and nestled in a small cove between the white rocks of northern Milos.
The place is usually very quiet as there aren’t many hotels or restaurants in the area.
13. Visit Paliochori Beach
The beach of Paliochori is located in the southeastern part of the island.
In contrast to all the other beaches on the island, this one is not white but is covered by golden sand and is surrounded by beige to reddish coastal cliffs.
It is one of the most beautiful on the island and is known for its dark but limpid emerald waters.
It provides all the needed facilities to spend a comfortable day at the beach, including sunbeds and umbrellas.
14. Snorkeling at Kleftiko Beach and Kastanas Beach
If you love snorkeling, Greece is one of the world’s top destinations by default.
Every single island has its advantages.
When it comes to Milos, you should consider Kleftiko Beach and Kastanas Beach.
Kastanas Beach is a number one spot to enjoy the water sport.
It is located on the east coast of the island and is covered by small pebbles which is why the water is so clear.
The visibility under water reaches 40 meters and the variety of species of sea creatures is fascinating, especially if you snorkel close to the coastal rocks.
Kleftiko Beach is a top spot to snorkel too.
It is located on the southern coast and is more difficult to reach in comparison with Kastanas.
Here you will definitely need a boat and more serious preparations.
15. Day boat trip to Kimolos
Kimolos is a small island just off the northeastern tip of Milos.
As it is quite small, you can easily explore everything it offers within a day.
It boasts some wonderful snorkeling spots along the southern and southeastern coast as well as some lovely beaches.
There are some very small and quiet charming villages along the coast, including Kalamitsi, Psathi and Goupa Kara.
The biggest one is called Kimolos and is located not far from the southeast coast.
There are a few hotels to consider if you sometimes need a really quiet and stress beating holiday.
16. Explore the wonderful Kleftiko Caves
One of the top spots to visit in Milos are the popular Kleftiko Caves.
They are the result of millions of years of erosion and are one of the symbols of the island.
The caves are located in the more isolated southwestern part of Milos.
Even if some of them are visible from the coast, you will be able to see the only to some extent.
If you want to really enjoy them, however, you should join a day boat trip or at least to hire a boat.
17. Rent a boat
As we just mentioned above, renting a boat is always a good idea.
When it comes to Milos, this applies in a full extent.
Some of the most beautiful places to see and visit are situated actually along the coast but most of them are in difficult to reach areas of the island.
You can find a number of small coastal fishing villages, secluded coves and beaches.
You can easily find a boat provider in any of the bigger villages, including in Adamantas, which is the main town on the island.
18. Discover the secret Tsigrado Beach
The beach of Tsigrado is a well-kept secret which promises to become your most favourite place in Milos.
It is nestled between the steep coastal cliffs on the southern coast of the island.
Is is known as one of the most attractive spots to swim and snorkel as the water in the sea is azure and smooth.
Nestled amidst the rugged coastal cliffs, the beach is only accessible by boat or through a narrow wooden ladder.
19. Kayaking along the coast of the island
Hiring a kayak is a great opportunity to see many of the beauties and wonders of the ancient and picturesque Greek island while maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
As the surface of the sea is mostly smooth, especially during the summer season, you will find the perfect conditions to enjoy this relaxing water sport.
Of course, it is recommended to be prepared with the itinerary in advance.
20. Join an off-road tour
Milos is a land of dramatic landscapes.
The reason is the volcanic origin of the island.
This is why of-road tours are deeply recommended if you want to see what the interior of the island looks like.
You have two options in this respect.
The first one is to hire a car and top explore the island on your own.
The second option (which is recommended) is to join a safari which is definitely the faster and easier opportunity.
21. Visit the Sand Museum (and buy souvenirs)
Considering the geological past of the volcanic island and its lunar landscapes, the popular Sand Museum has a lot to offer to its visitors.
First of all, you will be able to enjoy an incredible collection of different works of art based on local sand.
In addition, this is a great opportunity to find and buy unique and interesting souvenirs for your family and friends at home.
This is one of the most recommended places to visit on the island and is located in the village of Plaka.
22. Find privacy at Plathiena Beach
Plathiena Beach is located in a small cove in the northern part of the island.
It attracts visitors with its white sands and aquamarine limpid waters.
Because of the lack of bigger settlements in the area, the beach is pretty quiet, even during the height of the summer season.
One of the bigger villages in the area is Plaka.
It is located more than 3 km to the south of the beach so you still need a car to get there.
