Milos is a hidden gem in Greece and one of the most exotic and beautiful Greek islands. This volcanic island boasts unique landscapes and amazing beaches and is not known to many international tourists, which means it doesn’t get as crowded as other islands.
After visiting Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes, we found Milos to be a more laid-back island, making it a great destination for couples and those looking for a relaxing holiday with a bit of adventure.
In this post, I share all you need to know before visiting Milos and the top places to visit and the best things to do in this pretty island.
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Best tours in Milos:
Milos & Polyaigos Full-Day Sailboat Tour with Lunch
When is the best time to visit Milos
The season starts from mid-May to mid-October. While July and August are the high season, it can get very hot and crowded, so it's better to avoid visiting during the peak season.
For a more pleasant experience with better prices, fewer people, and great weather, aim to visit in mid-May or September.
If you plan to visit Milos from November to May, be aware that some restaurants and hotels may be closed.
How to get to Milos
You can’t fly to Milos, and the best way to get to this island is by ferry. You can fly to Athens or Santorini or other Greek islands and from there you can take a ferry to Milos. We took a ferry from Athens and it took us less than 3 hours to arrive in Milos.
How to get around the island
Milos is not a huge island but this doesn’t mean that you can walk everywhere. Honestly, public transport is not great, and to get around, you need to rent a car, scooter or an ATV.
The roads are not the easiest to drive on: sometimes they can be narrow, so it is always good to rent a small car. You can book your rental car in advance from CarRentals or DiscoverCars and pick it up as soon as you arrive at the port.
Where to Stay in Milos
When choosing where to stay in Milos, you have several fantastic options. Depending on what you are looking for, you can choose the area that suits you best.
Adamas is the main port town of Milos and a great place to stay if you want convenience. It has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. You'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and easy access to public transportation here. Santa Maria Village, Olea Bay Hotel and Semiramis Guesthouse are some of the best places to stay in Adamas.
Plaka is the charming capital of Milos that offers a more authentic Greek island experience. You can check out Studios Betty and Sunset Mansion.
If you are looking for a beach-focused stay, you should consider booking accommodation in Pollonia. Some of the best accomodations in Pollonia are Villa Marisol, White Pebble Suites, and Perla Suites.
But if you want to experience something unique in a peaceful setting, you can stay in the village of Mandrakia, like we did. We stayed at Aerides Mandrakia Milos. The number of accommodations is limited, so make sure to book in advance.
Top Things to Do in Milos
Visit Village of Mandrakia
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Milos is Mandrakia village. This tiny coulourful fishing village is a great place for photography. Here is a great spot to watch the sunrise and since we stayed in Mandrakia, we woke up early for a couple of days and it was just stunning.
One of the best tavernas on the island is also in this area, unfortunately, during our stay it was closed.
Go to Kilma
Kilma is another colourful fishing village in Milos. You can drive to Kilma and the roads can be very narrow, but the best way to get here is by boat, this is what we did. This tiny village also has hotels and restaurants, so you can stay here.
Swim at Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakiniko Beach is one of the most unique and beautiful beaches in the whole of Greece. It is considered a beach, but it is unlike any other beach we have seen. It feels like we left Earth and landed on the moon.
Waves driven by north winds shaped the greyish-white volcanic rock into extraordinary shapes, and the area is often compared to a moonscape.
Sarakiniko is a popular spot for cliff jumping.
Getting here is easy: you can take a public bus from Adamas, and if you’re driving, there’s a big car park right next to the beach.
Stroll around Plaka
You must visit Plaka, as I mentioned earlier, Plaka is the main and one of the most beautiful places in Milos. There are shops and restaurants here and Plaka is a great place to walk around and take photos.
Plaka is also a popular spot to watch the sunset on the island. For the best sunset view, you need to walk up the Plaka hill to the castle. The walk is pretty easy and the view is really rewarding.
Sail around the island
One of the best things to do in Milos is taking a boat tour around the island. There are some amazing places in Milos that you can only visit by boat, like Kleftiko which is a popular spot for swimming. Kleftiko is known for its beautiful caves and it used to be a pirate hideout, but nowadays it's a popular tourist destination.
The other beautiful place you can visit on the boat tour is Sykia, the largest cave and probably the most beautiful one in Milos. It is only accessible by small boats. Sykia has been carved out of volcanic rock over thousands of years. The collapsed roof makes this cave unique and special.
Relax on the Tsigrado beach
Milos has some stunning beaches. One of the most secluded beaches on the island is Tsigrado Beach. You need to drive to the other side of the island. The beach is pretty small and getting to this beach is quite challenging, you basically need to climb down a cliff by using a rope and a ladder.
Unwind at the Firiplaka beach
Not far from Tsigrado Beach, you will find Firiplaka beach. It is a very beautiful, calm and sandy beach. It is perfect for relaxing and swimming.
This beach is also quite hidden, so when you park your car, you need to walk around a big rock to reach the beach.
The beach is sandy and very peaceful. It is a great spot to spend a day. There is not shops or restaurants around, so make sure to bring water and food with you, for more information, make sure to check out our Milos vlog.
Visit Papafragas Beach
Papafragas is one of the most extraordinary and unique places to visit on Milos. This beach is unlike any other, as it is essentially a narrow gorge carved into the cliffs.The stunning turquoise waters create a dramatic contrast with the dark volcanic rock, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling.
What makes Papafragas even more fascinating are the nearby sea caves and tunnels that you can explore. The natural beauty and geological formations here are truly remarkable.
Getting to Papafragas is relatively easy. It’s located near the village of Pollonia, on the northeastern side of Milos. You can drive there, and there's a small parking area close to the beach. From there, you’ll need to take a short but steep path down to the beach.
Papafragas is less crowded than some of the more popular beaches on Milos, so it offers a more serene experience.
What to pack for Milos
Last but not least, when it comes to packing for Milos, remember suncream, comfortable shoes, slippers and your swimwear. To make your packing even easier, I've created a handy packing checklist that you can download for free.
Download my packing checklist for free
Overall, Milos is a destination that beautifully balances relaxation and adventure. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the everyday life, reconnect with nature, and create unforgettable memories.