It is hard to think of a place in Greece, especially in the Cyclades, that has managed to retain its essence and not be swept away by mass tourism. However, to the east of the archipelago lies Milos, the island that will break all your expectations. Milos combines the well-known charm of islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, with its white and blue villages and dreamy beaches, with the tranquillity of a practically unexplored island. Milos’ authenticity comes from the fact that it does not survive on tourism, but on the primary sector and the daily work of the locals. Discover all the things to do in Milos and the magic of the island where the Venus de Milo was found.
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Places to see in Milos Greece
Plaka, the capital and a must-see in Milos
Plaka is the main town of Milos and one of the island’s liveliest areas. It is on top of a hill and from its Venetian castle you can see the most beautiful sunsets in Milos. Although all of it is worth seeing, the Kastro of Plaka, the old quarter, deserves special attention. For many it is the most beautiful area in the whole of Milos. Its small cobblestone streets with low whitewashed houses are the most characteristic image of the Cyclades. Lose yourself in Plaka’s beautiful flower-lined white streets and immerse yourself in the local culture by wandering through its traditional tavernas and handicraft shops.
Trypiti
The village of Trypiti has two marvellous remains from the Roman period that are a must-see on your trip to Milos. The first is the Ancient Theatre of Milos, restored in 2016 and one of the best preserved in the Cyclades (free of charge). The second is the catacombs. It is certainly worth strolling through Trypiti, as well as visiting the windmills and the cathedral.
Klima
In the few metres of dry land between the sea and the foot of the mountain by Plaka, there is a tiny village that will be one of the best aspects of your trip to Milos. Klima, very close to Trypiti, is a small fishing village made up of a few white houses with brightly painted wooden gates and railings.
Adamas
Adamas is one of the liveliest villages on Milos, as well as being the island’s most important port, served by ferries from Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. The town’s many bars, restaurants and handicraft shops, its beautiful church and the museum dedicated to the island’s main economic activity, mining, will enchant you.
Firopotamos
Fipropotamos is another beautiful white fishing village that seems to be on the verge of falling into the Aegean Sea. It is one of the most popular entrances to the island with its low houses lining the turquoise waters, its charming church and the ruins of an old building of which only the door remains. It now serves as a viewpoint overlooking the sea.
Pollonia
Northeast of Milos and very close to Adamas is the pretty village of Pollonia. Very similar to the previous ones, although perhaps a little more touristy, it is equally beautiful and famous for the bougainvillea that adorns its houses.
One of the most popular activities in Pollonia is to visit the island of Kimolo, which you can reach by using the daily ferry (€2.40).
Sarakiniko
Sarakiniko is one of the most curious places you will see in Milos and certainly in the whole of Greece. It is a beach formed by a channel of sea that over time has broken through a crack in an immense white rock formation. At Sarakiniko visitors and locals spend the day in the sun in total tranquillity between the small hollow of greyish sand and the impressive white rock.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do around Milos?
Mykonos
This small island in Greece is one of the tiniest islands in the Cyclades archipelago and one of the best places to see near Milos. It is without a doubt one of the country’s top destinations and one of the most visited islands in the Mediterranean. Mykonos is undeniably beautiful, with its picturesque narrow streets, its characteristic windmills and stunning beaches.
The old town of Mykonos is striking due to its whitewashed houses. We recommend wandering through its streets to discover the most beautiful places in town. In the small harbour of Mykonos you will find the locals’ fishing boats mixed with luxury yachts. Small boats can take you to different parts of the island and to the island of Delos. The harbour is also home to some of the island’s best restaurants overlooking the sea.
The windmills of Mykonos are part of the landscape and have become a symbol of the island. They are in the district of Chora, on a large viewing platform overlooking the sea and the beautiful old houses.
Read Things to do on your vacations in Mykonos Greece to discover more places and the best beaches on this Greek island.
Naxos
Naxos is a beautiful little island with only 14 000 inhabitants in the Cyclades archipelago. Very close to Mykonos in the Aegean Sea, this little Greek island has everything you could wish for in a holiday: paradise beaches, picturesque villages, delicious food, a wide range of cultural and leisure activities…
The capital of Naxos is Chora, a pretty, simple and very Greek town. For anyone looking for the decadent white and blue image that jumps into our minds every time we hear the word “Greece”, the capital of Naxos will not disappoint you. The central and most touristic district is the Kastro, the old quarter and the site of the Venetian castle. The entrance to the castle has a wonderful view of the city from a viewing platform (2€).
In addition to the capital, Naxos has beautiful villages such as Apeiranthos, Filoti and Halki, located in the Tragea valley. From a distance you can see the small white houses grouped together on the brown and green of the mountain, a real visiual wonder.
Continue exploring beautiful Naxos in our post Things to do in Naxos, Greece.
How to get to Milos Greece?
One way to get to Milos is by plane. Milos airport only has domestic flights, so if you want to visit the island, you’ll have to make a stopover at Eleftherios Venizelos airport in Athens, which costs €60 and takes 45 minutes.
Visitors to Milos often arrive there after spending a few days on other islands such as Mykonos and Santorini. In this case, the most convenient means of transport is by ferry. Crossing times can vary depending on the ferry company you travel with. From Mykonos it takes 5 hours with Golden Star and 3 hours with Sea Jets. The price is around €90. From Santorini it takes around 2 hours and costs €75. From Athens, 3 hours and €50. However, it is best to check if there are ferries available on the dates you decide to go, especially in the low season, as these routes usually start in April.
Visit Milos in 1 and 3 days
What to do in Milos in 1 day?
If you are doing a quick visit to Milos and cannot stay for more than a day, we recommend focusing your visit on the capital, Plaka.
- Lose yourself in the streets and squares of the Kastro of Plaka
- Visit the Castle
- Go to the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa
- Stroll along the beach of Plathiena and watch the sunset
What to do in Milos in 3 days?
Milos is an island with so much to offer that we recommend staying at least three days, although they will go fast!
Day 2:
- Sarakiniko
- Klima
- Trypiti
Day 3:
- Adamas
- Pollonia
Where to eat in Milos?
Before going to any restaurant in Milos, we recommend checking if they are open as many of them are seasonal businesses that only open from May onwards.
- Barriello: a delightful restaurant in the heart of Trypity with a terrace overlooking the sea, just a few steps from the church of Saint Nikolaos. It’s the perfect place to sample Greek wines and although there is sometimes a queue to get a table, it’s well worth it. Price range: €20-40.
- Oh Hamos: Probably the best restaurant you will see in Adamas and Milos in general. Just by looking at their menu, a large hand-written book in several languages, you realise that Oh Hamos puts love into everything they do and their dishes are the best proof. €15-25.
Where to stay in Milos?
- Asterias Boutique Hotel: A pleasant three-star aparthotel 200 metres from Pachaina beach. The cottages are white and blue with classic local décor and terraces with sea or mountain views – just what you’ve always imagined when you think of a Greek house. Price per night in high season: €92-150.
- Galanis Rooms: In the village of Adamas, 5 kilometres from Plaka, there is this beautiful guesthouse with clean and spacious rooms with private bathroom and shower. Rooms with sea or mountain views and a common terrace where you can have breakfast overlooking the sea. Price per night in high season: €45.
Tips for your trip to Milos
- The high season in Greece runs from late May to early September, with July and August being the busiest months for tourists.
- Greece is a popular destination, so book in advance.
- Always carry some cash, as not all shops accept card payments.
- The currency in Greece is the Euro.
- Hire a car if you want to explore Milos independently and take trips to the villages and beaches.
- Before you go shopping, remember that shopping hours in Greece are Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings only, with Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Sundays closed.
- If you’re looking for outdoor activities such as hiking, we do not recommend going in August because of the high temperatures. June is a good month, milder and with fewer visitors.
How to organise what to do in Milos, Greece?
Sign up or download the app to discover all of its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location.
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
If you need help planning your itinerary, read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about Milos
As is often the case in the Cyclades, public transport in Milos is not very well developed. Therefore, the best way to get around Milos and explore its villages independetly is to rent a car.
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Milos is the viewpoint of the Plaka Castle.
1 Comment
zidane
31 de August de 2023 at 8:42 ambeautiful place, thank you for creating this article