Milos Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Beaches & Where to Stay

Milos Travel Guide, Milos Places to Visit and Milos Accommodation Guide

When it comes to summer destinations, the Greek islands are hard to beat. After visiting 22 Greek islands, Milos had been on our bucket list for quite some time — and when we finally made it there in June, it instantly became one of our favourites. Located in the Cyclades, Milos feels very different from many of the more familiar Greek islands. Its volcanic past has shaped an extraordinary landscape of white rock formations, colourful fishing villages and some of the clearest turquoise water in the Aegean. From the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko to the colourful fishermen’s houses of Klima, the island is full of places that genuinely feel unique.

Milos is no longer a hidden gem, though. The island has become increasingly popular with international travellers, and prices — particularly for accommodation and restaurants — can be noticeably higher than on some other Greek islands. It still feels far less overwhelmed than Santorini or Mykonos, but I’d definitely recommend visiting sooner rather than later.In this Milos travel guide, I’m sharing our favourite things to do in Milos, the best beaches, where to stay, places to eat and the practical tips I wish I’d known before our trip.

How to get to Milos from Türkiye?

There are no direct flights or ferry services from Türkiye to Milos. Therefore, to reach the island, you need to choose one of two main routes: With a layover in Athens. or via other Greek Islands.

1. Route via Athens (Safest Route)

• Flight + Ferry Combination: You can fly to Athens from Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara and then take a ferry from there to Milos. From Athens, you can take a fast ferry (SeaJets, etc.) for approximately… In 2.5 – 3 hours or with slower, more economical ferries (Minoan Lines, etc.) In 4-5 hours You can reach Milos. That’s what we did. We even went a night before and stayed in Athens, near Piraeus port, and enjoyed a tavern experience. The next morning, we took the ferry to Milos early. The ferries are quite comfortable and don’t rock. We say this because many people around us have experienced the trauma of the Kuşadası-Chios ferry. We bought the ferry tickets… Ferryscanner We bought it through them. It’s a pretty sensible site because it shows all the options.
• Aircraft + Aircraft Combination: After landing at Athens Airport, take a domestic flight (Olympic Air, Sky Express) In 40 minutes You can fly to Milos, but these flights are quite expensive during the summer. If you’re very short on time, we think it’s worth considering, but Athens plus a ferry is a more convenient option.

If you’re planning to spend 1-2 days in Athens before heading to Milos, check out our recommendations for the safest areas in the city center, hotels with Acropolis views, and budget-friendly accommodations. Athens Accommodation Guide You can take a look at our article.

2. Route via Ferry Transfers from the Islands

It’s possible to reach these islands by ferry from Türkiye and then transfer to Milos via ferry, but be prepared for a somewhat long journey.

• Bodrum -> Kos -> Milos: You can take a ferry from Bodrum to Kos, and from Kos you can catch ferries to Milos on certain days of the week, but these ferries only run infrequently during peak season.
• Kuşadası/Çeşme -> Samos/Chios -> Syros -> Milos: You can first go to Samos or Chios, and from there, via Syros, considered the center of the Cyclades islands, you can take the ferry to Milos.
• Via Mykonos or Santorini: If you are already on one of these islands, you can find regular, short ferry services to Milos every day (approximately 2 hours from Santorini).

Car rental in Milosta: Since public transportation is not widespread in Milosta, we strongly recommend renting a car if possible. For those considering renting a car… DiscoverCars We’re adding the link. We’ve been using this platform for years to compare prices from different companies on a single screen, and to see ratings and reviews. Our experience has always been positive, and most of the time… better price We caught up. In Sicily, we rented a car without hesitation. It cost 30 EUR per day. If you plan on driving around the island a lot and parking on the streets, you might consider getting additional insurance.

When is the best time to visit Milos?

• June, the first half of July, and SeptemberWe went between July 10-15, and if you ask us, it’s one of the most ideal times. The weather was perfect for the sea, the island’s popular spots (Sarakiniko, Kleftiko) hadn’t yet been overwhelmed by summer crowds, and we were able to arrange accommodation wherever we wanted. September is also a wonderful time when the sea is at its warmest, and prices and crowds gradually decrease. Milos is a crowded island, so we think there’s a great advantage to going before the summer crowds arrive.
• Second half of July and August (High Season & Breezes): This is the island’s liveliest, most bustling time, with all the venues open. However, there are two major drawbacks: it gets extremely crowded (finding a spot to lay down your towel in Sarakiniko can be difficult) and Breezes. In August, strong northerly winds can make swimming impossible at the island’s famous northern beaches, and boat tours are sometimes cancelled. Therefore, if you plan to go during this time, we recommend booking your restaurants in advance.
• May and October (For those seeking tranquility): The sea water can be a little cool, but these are very calm and budget-friendly months for walking, taking photos, and experiencing the island in its purely local style. It’s a good idea to be prepared for the sea to be cold in May.

Milos Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay in Milos?

Let’s admit it, the reason we included Milos on our list this year was a fish restaurant we saw on social media, and we planned our entire trip around the only week we could find it available! It truly embodies the seafaring spirit, a bastion of slow living. Seaweed StudioWe stayed at Sunda and absolutely loved it! However, this house is fully booked out a year in advance, and if you plan your trip 3-4 months beforehand, your chances of finding it available are very slim. So let us show you other alternatives, especially for overnight stays. Not exceeding a budget of 200 EUR.We’ve listed places with high Booking.com ratings and excellent locations for you. We also stayed at another place with a pool on our last night on the island and were very pleased.

1. Adams – The center of the island

This is the port area where you’ll disembark from the ferry. If you’re not planning to rent a car/ATV or want to travel everywhere by bus, this is the most logical place to stay. It’s lively in the evenings, and there are plenty of markets and travel agency options. We stayed in this area on our last night, and it was the most comfortable place with children. Also, a word of warning: many hotels in Milosta, despite not being advertised anywhere, might be adults-only and not accept children. If you’re traveling with children, we recommend calling the hotel to confirm this. We… Santa Maria VillageDespite having made a reservation and paid, we were turned away at the door. Luckily, they refunded our money.

Villa Elena: We booked this place by chance because Leo wanted a place with a pool on the last day of our holiday, and we loved it. The house was very comfortable, and there was nobody else in the pool all day. We recommend it for those who want to stay in a central location, in a comfortable place with a pool. We paid 220 EUR per night.

Lagada Beach Hotel: A budget-friendly option located directly by the sea, with a very large garden. Just a 5-minute walk from the center of Adamas. Prices are generally per night. 110 – 150 EUR Among them. We had looked here too, but there was no space left.

Santa Maria Village: A pleasant hotel with a pool, situated in a large garden. Within walking distance of the harbor. It has a very large pool, BUT they don’t allow children. Be aware of that. We would stay here if we weren’t child-free. Our research showed this to be the best value-for-money hotel.

2. Pollonia: Gourmet Restaurants & Seaside Vibe

This charming fishing village in the northeast of the island is a top choice for those seeking tranquility and good food in the evenings. It boasts wonderful tavernas lining the coast, and the atmosphere is lovely. It was the only place on the island where we were able to meet and mingle with locals. Prices were also more reasonable than in the center. We particularly loved this unassuming town.

Heliovasilema Studios: A clean property with traditional Cycladic architecture, within walking distance of Pollonia center and the beach. Nightly rates generally vary depending on the season. 120 – 160 EUR in the band.

Unique Milos Suites: Modern and minimalist decorated studios with sea views. Especially if you book between June and September, the nightly rate is competitive. 170 – 195 EUR Around that price. Slightly more expensive during the season.

3. Plaka (Chora): Romantic Streets & Sunset

The historic center at the very top of the island. Narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and bougainvillea create a classic Greek village scene. It’s great for evening strolls and watching the sunset, but you need to go down to the beaches, and it’s very hot and quiet during the day. If you’re coming to experience Milosa’s nightlife, hang out in its tavernas, and plan to spend the days on the beaches, then staying in the Plaka area would be more sensible.

Plaka Suites: Located in the center of Plaka, it’s a very pleasant place with a terrace where you can watch the sunset. Prices vary depending on the season. 150 – 190 EUR It varies between them.

Vira Vivere Houses: Fully equipped studios located in a quiet location very close to Plaka (between Plaka and Triovasalos). Especially suitable for those who want to prepare their own meals and stay on a budget. 100 – 140 EUR It’s a very sensible option considering the price.

Places to Visit in Milos & Best Beaches in Milos

Of all the islands we visited, Milos is arguably the island with the most iconic beaches. We visited 2-3 beaches every day, and even went back to some of them. Milos will always remain in our memories with its magnificent beaches (until we go again! :)). Another great thing about the beaches is that they are all close together. Milos isn’t a very large island, and the beaches to visit are all lined up side-by-side, or at worst, within a 15-minute drive. So it’s very easy to spend time at 2-3 different beaches in a single day.

North/South Winds: Before heading to the beach on the island, be sure to check the wind direction. If a strong northerly wind is blowing, it would be more sensible to choose Paleochori or Firiplaka beaches on the south of the island instead of Sarakiniko.

Sarakiniko Beach

The island’s hallmark. The white volcanic rocks have been shaped by the wind and waves in such a way that you literally feel like you’re walking on the moon. You absolutely must come here to take photos at sunrise/sunset, and if you’re brave enough, jump from the rocks into the turquoise sea. It’s arguably the island’s most iconic beach and a meeting place for those with beautiful figures. However, there’s very little shade, even on the sandy part of the beach below. There are no facilities either. Therefore, it’s not very suitable with children, and even adults risk getting sunstroke, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

Kleftiko Caves

These massive white rock formations and caves, once pirate hiding places, are inaccessible by land. Be sure to book one of the daily catamaran/boat tours departing from Adamas or Pollonia. The water here is arguably some of the clearest for snorkeling. We took a half-day boat tour. Get your guide We chose it based on the reviews and we are very satisfied..

For all tours and activities you might want to arrange in Milos: over there Get Your Guide We’re leaving the link here. For a long time now, whenever we’re going to a new place and planning an activity, we’ve used Get Your Guide. Because we can see the ratings and reviews of the tours, we’re always very happy with the activities we choose. Here’s the link to the boat tour we booked. Here. We had done a lot of research before booking, and we were very pleased with the tour..

Tsigrado Beach

Tsigrado Beach

One of the island’s most secluded coves. To reach this cove, you have to descend a steep crevice between two rocks, holding onto ropes and using a wooden ladder. The crystal-clear sea below is worth all the effort. There are no facilities; you need to bring your own towel and water. The water is amazing. It’s a sandy beach. If you have water and food, you can spend the whole day there..

For Families with Children: If you’re traveling with a child like we did, the steep stairs and ropes leading down Tsigrado are quite challenging with a stroller and a child. Instead, the extremely comfortable beach and shallow sea right next to it are ideal. Firiplaka Beach or the island, which is also very calm and child-friendly. Agia Kiriaki Beach We definitely recommend choosing the beach. There are businesses there too. We especially loved Firiplakaya..

Another suggestion for families with children is to go to the other side of the island. Plathiena Foodies Beach Bar That’s right. This is a very quiet, peaceful place, mostly preferred by locals. Two sunbeds and an umbrella cost a total of 25 EUR.

Pollonia Coast (Polonia)

Pollonia is the island’s second most popular spot after Adamas, but much quieter and more beloved by locals. With its whitewashed houses, fishing boats moored along the shore, and wonderful restaurants lined up right on the beach, it’s a quintessential Greek town. It was arguably the only place on the island where we met (and even mingled with) locals, thanks to Leo.

After exploring almost all the beaches in Milos, we decided that Pollonia was the most child-friendly. In fact, everyone we spoke to on the beach kept saying it wasn’t the most beautiful beach in Milos, but it was the most child-friendly. The sea is shallow and the beach is entirely sandy. There are markets, restaurants, and ice cream parlors nearby. We spent almost the entire last day there. Thanks to the tamarisk trees lining the beach, you can spend hours under the shade of your towel without needing an umbrella.

Kimolosa Crossing Point: Also, Pollonia Port is a pristine and tiny island directly opposite Milos. KimolosThis is where the small ferries depart for [another island]. It’s a very convenient location if you’re thinking of a day trip to the island!

Iconic Fishing Villages of Milos (Syrmata Villages)

One of the sweetest details that makes Milos unique among the Greek islands is definitely… “Syrmata” These traditional fishermen’s houses, called “fishing houses,” are carved into the rocks by fishermen to protect and maintain their boats from storms in winter. The lower floor serves as a garage/boathouse, while the upper floor is the living area. The doors of these two-story houses are painted in vibrant colors. Each village offers a completely different experience on the island. Nowadays, these houses have become Airbnbs, and you can stay there if you wish, but we don’t recommend it, except for the fishing house we stayed in. If you ask why, these fishing villages get quite crowded during the day, which means tourists will be taking photos in front of your house all day long. 🙂 We think it would be overwhelming in that respect.

Here are 3 iconic fishing villages you should put on your radar, and what they stand out:

1. Klima: Fairytale Sunsets & Photo Spot

Klima is the most romantic and enchanting spot on the island to watch the sunset. Taking photos in front of the colorful doors as the sea waves crash directly against them is a true Milos classic. The sky’s colors, changing from orange to pink at sunset, combine with these vibrant houses to create an incredible sight. The best time to visit is at sunset. For dinner, you can also make a reservation at Klima’s famous Astakasa tavern..

The sea isn’t very suitable for swimming, so it would be better to choose other beaches for swimming during the day.

2. Firopotamos

This is not only a visually appealing fishing village, but also a fantastic swimming spot. Compared to Klima or other small coves, Firopotamos is a great place to swim. a much larger, wider and more enjoyable beach It has Syrmata houses nestled among the rocks on one side and a charming church on top of the bay, and on the other side, a clear, calm sea. Firopotamos was by far our favorite among the fishing villages.

3. Mandrakia

Nestled on either side of a small rocky headland, it’s one of the island’s most photogenic and delicious villages. When you think of Mandrakia, the first thing that comes to mind is its famous… Medusa Tavern. One of the island’s most beloved tavernas. The prices are also quite reasonable. With its small harbor where colorful boats are moored, sun-dried octopus, and tables right by the sea, it’s a quintessential Greek taverna. After swimming in Firopotamos, you can come to Mandrakia for lunch or afternoon.

We don’t recommend swimming in the sea because the beach can get polluted due to the crowds of boats.

Milos Food & Drink Guide: Where to Eat What? – Milos Travel Guide

Milos cuisine is an island that won’t disappoint you when it comes to food and drink, with its fresh seafood, unique volcanic cooking techniques, local cheeses, and baked goods. Just be prepared, food and drink prices are quite high compared to typical Greek islands..

Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant: Paleochori is a truly unique place where food is slowly cooked in special earthenware pots on the hot sand beneath the beach, thanks to the volcanic geothermal heat. Think of it more as a fine dining experience than a classic Greek tavern. It’s famous for its oven-baked lamb (Kleftiko) or steamed fish cooked in volcanic sand. We ate there one night and loved it.

Medusa: One of the island’s most popular tavernas. Located in the fishing village of Mandrakia. They don’t take reservations even during the summer season, so you might have to wait in line. Both the food and the atmosphere are fantastic. It’s the famous spot with colorful fishing boats and sun-dried octopuses hanging from the windows.

Oh! Hamos!: By far the most popular and authentic tavern on the island. Their menus are handwritten in notebooks, and the food is served in handmade earthenware pots. They also have a small beach in front. We had lunch there one day and then went swimming on the beach. The food was amazing!! The meats from their own farm and the local cheeses were particularly fantastic. (especially) pitarakia (Milos pastry, also known as Milos börek, and slow-cooked goat/lamb). No seafood. There can be long queues, so it’s essential to go early for dinner.

Flisvos or Trapatselis: Both are lovely, family-run tavernas, just a 5-minute walk from Adamasta port. Their food is similar, and prices are reasonable for the island. If you’re thinking of having dinner in the center, we definitely recommend giving them a try. There’s also another one right next door. Micros Yes, it’s a bit more expensive.

Apart from these, our favorite ice cream shop in the center of Adamasta is our favorite. Aggeliki Ice Cream It happened. The gyros vendor right next to him. Gyros of Milos It’s amazing, and I’d say it’s the only place on the island where you can eat for 3 EUR! It also serves as a coffee shop in the center. Mentor CoffeeYou can save it.

Our favorites from Plaka, the island’s capital and also its most romantic area, are as follows:

Avli (License Plate): Nestled in the narrow white streets of Plaka, it’s located in a charming inner courtyard covered with bougainvillea. It’s a classic Greek restaurant blended with modern touches. The streets of Plaka are so beautiful, especially at sunset, you’ll be glad you came.

Archontoula (Plate): Located right in the heart of Plaka, with tables set out on the street, it has the feel of a classic Greek tavern. The atmosphere is lively and enjoyable. We ate there one night, we weren’t thrilled with the food and it was also expensive, but it was worth it for the atmosphere..

Ergina (Tripiti): Located in the village of Tripiti, right next to Plaka, this home-style restaurant offers stunning sea views and serves homemade pasta.matsataThe moussaka and eggplant pastries were very good.

Utopia Cafe (License Plate): An iconic bar to watch the island’s most legendary sunset before or after a meal. Watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea while enjoying cocktails is a Milos classic. This was probably our favorite spot on the whole island. The sunset was magnificent!

Palaios Pastry (Plate): While strolling through the streets of Plaka, you’ll see famous island specialties. Karpouzopita(traditional watermelon cake/pie made with cinnamon, sesame and honey) or orange revani with homemade ice cream (orangealopitaWe can say that this is the right place to try it out..

If you’d like to move from the tranquility of Milos to the lively streets and iconic hotels of Mykonos, check out our accommodation recommendations area by area. Mykonos Accommodation Guide We have compiled it in our article..