Last updated on September 10th, 2023
Although it is hard to choose a favorite, Milos is at the top of my list of Greek Islands. Around 150km² in size, the population of Milos is around 5,000.
Full of unique beaches, fresh food, and quaint villages, Milos has remained one of Greece’s hidden gems. This picturesque paradise is easily incorporated into any itinerary since it is close to other Cycladic islands.
We loved the less crowded feel of the island and could not say enough good things about the beaches and restaurants here. Milos is one of those places that you need to explore and take in.
This guide covers Milos’s famous villages, top restaurants, activities, scenic beaches, and much more.
Milos Travel Information
Weather in Milos
The weather is warm and sunny between May and October with little rain. The island’s north side stays windy all year round, so the more swimmable beaches are on the south.
How Many Days to Spend in Milos
Between 3-5 days is a reasonable amount of time to spend in Milos. This gives you plenty of time to see all the villages and beautiful sites, and relax. There are over 70 beaches alone to explore here!
Best Time to Visit
The most popular time to go is between the end of June and the beginning of September. The weather is at its peak this time of year but expect larger crowds and higher prices.
July and August are the best times for swimming as the water can be colder than other times of the year. For warm weather and fewer crowds, visit from late May to early June or even late September.
How to Get to Milos
Milos can be accessed both by ferry and plane; however, we found out during planning that there are few routes throughout the day. Therefore, when you start planning your island itinerary, go ahead and research ferry times as they may affect your travel plans.
Fly into Milos
The Milos Island National Airport is small. Some airlines that offer flights here are Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Olympic Air.
Most direct flights are to and from Athens and take about 40 minutes. If you would like to fly from Milos to another island, you will most likely have a layover in Athens.
Since Milos is close to the other Cycladic islands, there is no need for the extra expense of plane tickets. Instead, fast ferries will get you to neighboring islands in just a couple of hours. It is always a good option to have, though!
Take the Ferry
Since Milos is in the Cyclades, several ferry companies stop at its port. Two of the largest companies are SeaJets and Blue Star.
FerryScanner is a great website that cross-references different routes, prices, and timetables of all ferry companies that go to and from Milos.
For example, it took just over 2 hours to get there from Santorini and cost €70. From Athens, the journey is just under 4 hours.
The main port of Milos is in Adamas. Plenty of taxis are available to take you to your hotel, or you may be able to plan pickup with your hotel’s concierge beforehand.
Since there were numerous ATV rentals near the port, we had our ATVs ready for us when we arrived and made the 15-minute trip to Pollonia on our own.
TRAVEL TIP: Since Milos is one of the smaller islands, there aren’t as many daily stops as there are for Santorini and Mykonos. Check the available ferries for each island before planning your itinerary.
How to Get Around Milos
Rent a Scooter or ATV
Milos is a small island with fewer crowds than other more well-known ones. The roads here are pretty easy to navigate, and you can reach any destination in under 30 minutes. ATV and car rentals seem to be the transportation of choice here.
Check with your hotel concierge before booking your rental. Many will happily do it for you and have it dropped off at your hotel.
ATV and Scooter Rental: ATVs were our personal choice for transportation. We loved having the freedom to stop when and wherever we wanted and take in the scenery.
Our ATVs came for Apollonas Rental. They were extremely friendly, had great prices, and even gave us the option of having them dropped off at the location of our choice. However, if ATVs are not the thing for you, here are some other great options!
Hop on the Bus
There are public buses that run between the towns and beaches. If you want to explore some more remote areas, you will need an alternative option.
Public transportation can be a cost-effective option if you are on a strict budget or are just looking to hop from one town to the next.
Take a Taxi
Taxis are easy to get to and from the port. Since the island is relatively small, it only costs around €15-20 to get from Adams to places like Pollonia or Plaka.
Adamas has a large taxi hub with a constant supply of taxis; however, it was tough to find them in other parts of the island, especially the small towns.
Many hotels also offer shuttle services to and from the port for a fixed rate.
Rent a Car
If you would rather explore on your own, but do not want to rent an ATV, then a car rental is your best option. There are many wonderful things to see around Milos, most spread far apart.
Because of this, car rentals are much more practical and less expensive than taking taxis everywhere.
Three Main Towns to Visit
Adamas
Adamas is the largest town on the island and the location of Milo’s main port. You will find the most restaurants and shops here and the nightlife.
If you want to be in the heart of all the action and enjoy the convenience of walking to everything, Adamas is an excellent choice.
Pollonia
Pollonia is where we chose to stay while in Milos, and we loved it here. It is much smaller and less touristy than the port town of Adamas but livelier than Plaka. Best of all, many hotels and restaurants are steps from the water.
We enjoyed the variety of cuisine choices here, and the fact that almost anywhere we went had views of the water.
The atmosphere is very relaxed, but the restaurants stay open late, and the square remains busy throughout the week.
Plaka
The hilltop town is Milo’s capital and sits near the island’s west side. Plaka is a quiet little town with narrow pedestrian streets and picturesque buildings.
It is also very close to some of the island’s archeological sites and popular beaches.
For a charming experience, there are some vacation rentals available here.
Where to Stay in Milos
Milos has many great options for accommodations that suit all types of travel needs and budgets. From cozy vacation rentals on the water to luxury oceanside resorts, there is a wide variety of options.
Though the possibilities are many, most hotels are on the smaller side and do not have many rooms available at one time. Therefore, booking your accommodation well in advance is important as they get booked quickly.
Here are some accommodation options for the most popular areas in Milos:
Artemis Deluxe Rooms
With spacious rooms, an outdoor terrace, and private plunge pools overlooking the Aegean Sea, Artemis is all about luxury and relaxation. Best of all, it is still close enough to Paleochori Beach, so you are not entirely remote.
Luxury Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Paleochori Beach
Vilos Suites Fyropotamos Beach
This luxury suite is perfect for a couple’s getaway for a private escape and unbelievable views. The suites have a beach area and private terrace and are literally just steps from the water. With a fully equipped kitchen, you don’t have to go anywhere if you choose!
Luxury Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Fyropotamos Beach
The White Suites
Just a short walk to the beach, the White Suites are the perfect location for local restaurants and nightlife.
Mid-Range Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Pollonia
Del Mar Apartment
Del Mar Apartment is right in the center of Pollonia, just steps from the beach. We stayed here while in Milos, and we loved our experience here. The apartments have a kitchen, terrace, and living room, and the office staff was very helpful. In addition, they schedule transportation to and from the port, ATV rentals, and even laundry service for us.
Mid-Range Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Pollonia
Plaka Suites
Budget hotel with luxury sea views, Plaka Suites is a quaint little hotel in Plaka. The suites have a full kitchen, making it a perfect stay if you want to cook your meals. Some rooms even come with private terraces.
Budget Hotel: Check Rates | Location: Plaka
Where to Eat in Milos
Medusa
Medusa is one of the most popular restaurants on the island. It is off Mandrakia beach on a small cliff overlooking the water. The views are spectacular, and the food is worth the wait!
Astakas
This charming little restaurant is in the small fishing village of Klima, open for both lunch and dinner. This small taverna is known for its fresh seafood brought in daily. I recommend making dinner reservations, but we could get a seat under the pavilion without one for lunch.
Avli-Milos
Avli-Milos is a must-try during your stay in Milos. They have the best authentic Greek cuisine and outdoor tables for great people-watching. They do not take reservations, so getting there early will help you beach the dinner rush. After your meal, make sure to explore the rest of Plaka.
Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant
The delicious restraint is located on Paleochuri beach. One of the most unique culinary experiences around, the restaurant uses the special volcanic sand found on the beach to cook your meal in the sand. Grab a shady spot on the balcony or sprawl on a comfy beach chair.
Enalion
Enalion is another popular restaurant in Pollonia square and has indoor seating and seating near the water. They are known for their fresh seafood and harborside views. They do take reservations and get very busy as well.
Kivotos
This Pollonia bakery has some of the most delicious desserts. Kivotos has a variety of homemade honey, baked goods, and preserves. Make sure to try their baklava and chocolate cake. They were both some of the best sweets we had ever tasted. So much so that we went back for breakfast each day! Must-try for breakfast and baked goods.
O! Hamos!
Located on Papikinou Beach in Adamas, O! Hamos! It is one of the most popular and well-known restaurants on the island. Serving traditional Greek recipes just as amazing as the view, it is a must-try when in Milos.
Yialas
Yialas was our favorite restaurant in Milos. The staff was extremely friendly, and the food was impeccable. Yialas also has one of the best views of the harbor. We were lucky to get in without reservations, but I recommend making them ahead of time. They are one of the busiest restaurants in Pollonia and recommended to us by locals.
Top Things to Do in Milos
Explore Plaka
Plaka, the capital of Milos, sits on a large rock formation. The quaint town is home to white stone homes with vibrant doors, windows, and picturesque streets. Plaka is a fantastic place to come for nightlife and traditional Greek cuisine.
The views here also can’t be beaten! Due to its location, you can easily see across Milos, and the sunsets from Plaka are some of the best in Milos.
Grab an outdoor table for dinner, followed by drinks and live music at Kri Kri. End your night by climbing up to Plaka’s castle for panoramic sunset views.
Visit the Venetian Castle
The old Venetian castle is in the hilltop town of Plaka. Only the castle walls remain, but the iconic, white-domed church is inside them.
People come here specifically for the sunset and sunrise views over Milos. Even during the day, the castle is one of the most beautiful spots on Milos.
Take a Boat Ride to the Kleftiko Caves
Kleftiko Caves is top of the bucket list! The beautiful caves are southwest of the island. The white rock formations contrast beautifully with the crystal-clear turquoise water. Though there is no real beach, Kleftiko is probably the top on everyone’s to-do list.
The water here is perfect for snorkeling, and you can relax on a boat or explore the caves. Many tour companies offer luxury boats and guides that will take you to Kleftiko and include lunch and snorkel gear.
If you are like us, we wanted a more private experience and decided to rent a boat. We used Poseidon Milos for our boat rental. They offer a half-day rental for $175 and a full-day rental for $225. Whichever you choose, try to get to Kleftiko early in the day to beat any crowds.
Tours to Kleftiko
Tour the Island
Milos is not very big and can easily to explore in a couple of days. However, the easiest and most fun way to get around is by ATV. It only costs about $50 a day to rent an ATV, depending on which type you choose, and allows you to get lost in the beauty of Mikonos.
Relax on Milos’s Beaches
The island of Milos spans just over 150km² and is home to pristine beaches, picturesque villages, and lush landscape. The coastline has over 70 different beaches ranging in size and terrain. With so many impressive pickings, just a few can be daunting.
Here a just a few of the most popular beaches in Milos:
Paleochuri Beach
This beautiful beach is in the northeast part of the island. Several resort rentals are here, and it is easy to drive to the port. The beach is open to the public, but beach chairs are also available to rent through Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant. The best part of dining here is having your meal cooked in the volcanic sand right in front of you.
Grab a spot on the beach and have lunch and drinks brought right out to you, or grab a seat on the covered patio with water views.
Tisigrado Beach
This small beach is quite unique as a ladder can only access it on the side of the cliff. It is located south of Milos, close to other popular beaches such as Fyriplaka.
Tsigrado has no accommodations, but it is a small stretch of secluded sand, perfect for lounging and swimming.
Sarakinko Beach
Sarakinko Beach is one of the most unique “beaches” in Greece. Unlike the many sand and pebble beaches, Sarakiniko is actually a large formation of smooth, flat rocks. The whitewashed rocks stretch overtop of the water, with lots of places to cliff jump and explore below.
Sarakiniko is also popular to watch the sunset and can get relatively busy at night! So for a romantic evening, pack and picnic and some wine and enjoy watching the sunset over the water.
Papafragas
On the island’s east side is Papafragas, a short 5-minute drive from Pollonia. The rock caves have naturally eroded to form a small swimming pool with a tiny beach in their center.
The water is shallow here, and you can swim through the cave openings. Although most of Papafragas is rock, there is a small section of sandy area.
Fyriplaka Beach
One of the most popular beaches, Fyriplaka, is a great place to spend the day sunbathing. There are chairs and umbrellas you can rend from the beachside bar, which will come and serve you drinks as you relax by the sea.
The beach has a parking lot making it perfect for families and easily accessible.
Grab A Bite at the Fishing Village of Klima
One of the best places to get some pictures, the tiny village is home to dozens of brightly painted houses. The colors were not by accident. Each home had a unique color so that fishermen could easily recognize theirs. Many of the homes are now available as vacation rentals.
Since Klima only has one restaurant and a small beach, it is the perfect location for someone looking for a quiet and relaxing place to hang out by the water.
Discover the Catacomb of Milos
The catacombs are located deep underground and are some of the world’s most important religious burial sites. There are over 8,000 Christians buried in the passageways.
The entrance to the catacombs is near the Ancient Theater of Milos. The entrance to the catacombs is only €4, and they are open to visitors every day except Tuesday.
Take in the Ancient Theater of Milos
One of the oldest sites on Milos, the ancient theater is extremely impressive. It was built back in the 3rd century BC out of marble. It could hold over 7,000 people and was positioned so that spectators had views of the sea behind the stage.
Although it is not as extravagant today, the theater is still used for musical performances and can hold closer to 1,000 guests.
Watch the Sunset
Like most Greek islands, one of the best things to do is watch the sunset. Some of the best places to watch the sunset are the Venetian Castle near Plaka and Sarakinko beach.
You can also get some pretty views of the Sunset from Pollonia.
What to Wear in Milos
During the summer, the weather will be in the high 70s to low 80s with lots of sunshine. You will spend most of your trip outdoors, so pack lots of swimsuits, coverups, and other beach apparel. In addition, bring some sunhats and flipflops.
It can get a little chilly at night, especially near the water. The north end of the island also gets a lot of wind. Some restaurants give you blankets if you get cold, but just in case, pack a light sweater.
Conclusion
Milos is a beautiful island full of colorful fishing villages, sandy beaches, pristine water, and delicious food. Growing in popularity, Milos is quickly becoming a must-see destination on everyone’s island-hopping itinerary.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!
Santorini
- Santorini 3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
- 100+ London Captions to Inspire You
- Guide to Santorini’s Magical Amoudi Bay
- Mykonos vs. Santorini – A Detailed Comparison
Milos
Mykonos
- Mykonos Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Island Getaway
- Mykonos Day Trips: Visit Delos Island
- Mykonos vs. Santorini – A Detailed Comparison
Rhodes
Other Greek Destinations
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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