Milos Island – the hidden Gem of Greece

Everyone knows Santorini with its white-washed houses and beautiful sunsets. You are perhaps also aware of Mykonos for its internationally known cosmopolitan nightlife and party scene. But are your familiar with the island of Milos with its volcanic origin, lunar like white rock formations and pristine waters?

Milos is one of the most impressive islands of the Cyclades and possibly all of Greece. Its colorfully painted villages contrast to the turquoise color of the water. This is the same island where the famous “Venus de Milo” statue was discovered and now displayed at the Louvre in Paris.

Milos offers a more laid-back, quiet atmosphere with natural beauty and unspoiled beaches for visitors who are looking for a more authentic off the beaten-path experience. Perfect for those who wish to escape the crowds of Mykonos or Santorini.

What does this amazing island have to offer:

Discover colorful fisherman villages – The ancient ports of Klima, Mandrakia Point and Fyropotamos Beach boast colorfully painted fishermen’s houses called “Sirmata” built on the water’s edge or carved out of rock which were once used as boat houses. Now a day they are used as summer homes or holiday rentals.

Plaka- Take a stroll around the narrow, cobblestone streets of this main town of Milos and discover local shops, appealing restaurants and quaint cafes. Don’t forget to climb to the Venetian Castle “Castro” to explore the ruins and enjoy stunning panoramic views.

Admire amazing Sunsets- The most popular are from Panagia tis Korfiatissas church in Plaka, the lighthouse of Cape Vani and the beaches of Paleochori and Sarakiniko.

Tour the old Sulphur mines –View the arcades, iron bridges, train tracks and old stone houses while discovering the history and process of the extraction of Sulphur.

Journey through history at the Prehistoric settlement of Filakopi (or Phylakopi) and get a glimpse of the history of Milos dating back to the Bronze Age.

Walk the dark passageways of the Catacombs –A must visit site near Trypiti believed to have been used as Christian burial grounds

Transport yourself back in time and admire the breathtaking view from the Ancient Theater of Milos – Near Tripiti this nicely preserved theater dates back to the Hellenistic period. Still used today to host cultural events.

Take a boat tour to reach hidden beaches and coves that are not accessible by land.

Discover the history of Milos through its Museums:

The Archaeological Museum – Discover how the Venus de Milo was found by mistake and revel in a life-size replica of the statue. Late Neolithic to the Byzantine period art are also displayed at this museum.

Milos mining museum – Learn about the geology and the mining history of the island

Ecclesiastical Museum of Milos – Housed at the Church of the Holy Trinity and contains icons and wood carvings from as far back at the 14^th century

Things to do:

Dive for Shipwrecks – The Sea is super clear and packed with shipwrecks and fascinating marine life between the three islands of Milos, Kimelos, and Polyegos

Hike through history- There are six Miloterranean self-guided Geo Walk routes in the island. For more information and to download the trails please go to miloterranean.gr

Go kayaking – Paddle in and out of caves as you navigate the crystal clear waters of the island.

Take a boat tour to reach remote or hidden beaches and coves that are not accessible by land.

Relax in the therapeutic Hot Springs of Lakkos – Rich in sulfur, calcium and magnesium these springs are said to help ease arthritis, rheumatism and various skin conditions.

Snorkel and dive where pirates roamed at the same time exploring the marine life around Kleftiko beach – The daunting pirates of the Middle Ages had their hideouts in Milos where bollards for their ships can still be found sculpted on the imposing rocks.

Bask in amazing beaches:

In addition to crystal clear waters Milos offers beaches for all tastes. Soft white, or black volcanic sand, pebble beaches, white rock beaches caused by volcanic origin and even Thermal beaches. To name a few Palaiochori, Gerontas, Firiplaka, Plathiena, Alogomandra, but the ones below stand out:

Sarakiniko beach: This beach is one of a kind with its gleaming volcanic white rock formations which contrast to the pristine turquoise waters.

Kleftiko beach: You will be mesmerized by its towering lunar rock formations, and pirate hideaways. Great for snorkelers who want to discover the underwater sea caves. Accessible only by boat.

Paliorema – Near the abandoned Sulphur mine which offers a sandy beach and turquoise sea.

Firopotamos- Picturesque old boathouses line the shore of this beautiful sandy cove.

Papafragas beach and caves – Challenge yourself to discover the secret swimming pools and caves in this enormous sea cave of clear water that runs between a white cliff gorge.

Tsigrado,- Its remote location, and breathtaking sea, make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Milos.

Don’t forget to taste Milos’s culinary specialties:

Fresh seafood – including octopus and calamari

Xynomyzithra cheese which is produced locally. Accompanied by local wines

Revithada which is a chickpea stew

Ladenia which is a type of pizza

Simitopita which is a type of sesame seed bread

Pitarakia – cheese pies made with onions and herbs

Amygdalota sweet almond cookies.

Honey Puffs: a traditional Greek sesame covered honey cookie

Watermellon Pie – made with watermelon flesh, sugar, thyme honey, flour, cinnamon, and olive oil.

Where to stay depending on your personal preference:

Adamas: This is the main port and most popular due to its lively atmosphere. Adamas (short for Adamantas) offers easy access to restaurants and shops and is a short walk to several beaches.

Plaka: Capital of Milos located on the top of a hill with a stunning view of the sea. Delight in the islands Traditional Cycladic architecture with its gorgeous white-washed houses, narrow streets.

Pollonia: For a more laid-back experience. This picturesque fishing village offers pristine beaches, stunning views and excellent seafood restaurants

Klima also known as Little Venice: Enjoy stunning sunsets and a tranquil experience at this small fishing village with its colorful houses built on the edge of the water.

Top choices of hotels/Apartments in Milos:

Santa Maria Luxury Suites & Spa***- Located in Adamas. This hotel offers spacious suites with private terraces, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/santa-maria-luxury-suites-amp-spa.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel***- This hotel in Pollonia is just a short walk from the beach. It offers stylish rooms and suites with sea views, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/milos-breeze.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Melian Boutique Hotel and Spa****- A luxury hotel in Pollonia endowed with elegance and breathtaking views to the most captivating sunset of the island and the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/melian-boutique-spa.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Captain Zeppo’s Suites **** Located in Pollonia offers moders suites in the tradidional fishermen’s houses.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/captain-zeppos.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Tania Milos*** – This hotel located in Pollonia offers authentic hospitality and luxurious rooms surrounded by pure natural perfection.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/tania-apollonia.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Heliotropio Hotel*** – This hotel is located in Pollonia close to the ferry port and the town center. It offers rooms and suites with sea views, a pool, a restaurant, and a bar.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/heliotropio-pollonia.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Ventus de Milo *** The hotel in Kaminia is newly built and provides the guests with privacy and tranquility. All suites provide a balcony with private pool and panoramic sea view.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/ventus-di-milo.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Aeolis Hotel ** – Located in Adamas and built in the traditional Cycladic architecture with tastefully furnished rooms and a warm atmosphere.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/aeolis.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Cave Suites Milos- Located in Kaminia : These suites are carved into the rock of a cliff overlooking Sarakiniko Beach.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/cave-suites-milos.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Miland Suites – This luxury hotel is located in Adamas, the main port of Milos. It offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, as well as a private beach, a spa, and a restaurant.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/miland-suites.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Halara Studios – Located in Plaka. Traditional residence in harmony with Cycladic minimal architecture. The complex is built on the edge of the cliff and offers a unique view of the Aegean Sea.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/studios-halara-milos.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Piazza Castello – Located at “Plaka” on a narrow street leading to the castle. It was an old house which is now transformed to charming rooms and a spacious sun terrace from where you can enjoy the sun and the amazing seaview

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/piazza-castello.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Click here for more choices of hotels, room and apartments:

https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?region=2261&aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

How to get to Milos- The Island is accessible by plane from Athens and other islands, or ferry from the port of Piraeus and other islands.

You can navigate the island via car, scooter, ATV, public bus and of course boats to the coves that are not accessible by a road.

For more inspiration: