Milos, Greece Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Eat (By a Local!)

I must admit that I am very lucky. I have visited the island of Milos a couple of times now, along with my best friend Vlasia, who comes from the island and knows it very well. During my visits, she took me to the best places on the island. So here is my list of the best things to do in Milos Island, Greece.

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Milos Island Guide by a Local

Milos Quick Guide

Planning a trip to Milos? Find here everything you need:

Looking for ferry tickets? Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.

Renting a car in Milos? Check out Discover Cars it has the best deals on car rentals.

Looking for private transfers from/to the port or airport in Athens? Check out Welcome Pickups.

Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Milos:

–  From Adamas: Full-Day Tour of Milos and Poliegos Islands (from € 120 p.p)

–  Milos Island: Archaeology & Culture Tour (from € 78 p.p)

– Milos: Geology & Volcano Half-Day Morning Tour (from € 120 p.p)

– Milos: Kayaking Tour to Tsigrado and Gerakas Beach (from € 60 p.p)

Where to stay in Milos: Santa Maria Village (Adamantas), Villa Gallis (Pollonia), Vira Vivere Houses (Plaka)

Where is Milos?

Milos is a beautiful, horseshoe-shaped volcanic island and the most southwesterly island in the Cyclades group. Milos is known as ‘the island of color’ as it has lovely beaches, crystal clear azure waters, gorgeous views, and the most stunning sunsets. The island’s unique volcanic landscape has created over 75 spectacular beaches, many with colorful rock formations that can’t be found anywhere else in Greece.

How to get to Milos

By Ferry

There are a number of different ferries that sail to Adamas (the port in Milos) each week. The crossing takes up to seven hours but is just over three hours if you catch a SeaJet ferry.

Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets.

By Air

Milos has a small airport and there are regular flights from Athens Airport provided by Olympic Airways, Aegean Airways, and Sky Express. Ticket prices are cheaper if you book in advance, and a window seat is essential to enjoy the stunning views. Flights typically take just 40 minutes from Athens.

How to get around Milos

Public Bus

Milos has a really good local bus service that visits all of the seven towns as well as a number of the beaches. The bus terminal is situated in the main square at Adamas Port – just outside the Portiani Hotel. During peak summer season (June-September), buses run more frequently, though schedules can vary by season.

Rental Car

If you would prefer your own wheels, car hire is available from several different companies on the island. They all have offices both at Milos Airport and in Adamas Port.

I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Best Beaches in Milos

Milos Island is famous for its beaches. It has more than 75 small and big beaches, some accessible by land and some by water. No list of things to do in Milos is complete without visiting the beaches the island has to offer. Here are some of the best:

Firiplaka Beach

Firiplaka is a long beach with white sand, pristine waters, and big rocks. It is an organized beach with a small beach bar.

My experience: This was the first beach my friend took me to, and I’ll never forget the moment we descended the path and saw the dramatic contrast between the white sand, turquoise water, and multicolored cliff faces.

Tsigrado

This beautiful, small cove with crystal clear waters is located near Firiplaka. Going down to this beach is not for the faint of heart. The harrowing climb down should be navigated carefully – you’ll need to descend a wooden ladder and then use ropes to help you down the final steep section.

Safety tip: Wear proper footwear and don’t attempt the climb with heavy beach bags.

Provatas Beach

Golden sands and shallow waters make Provatas the perfect beach for families. If you’re with little ones then walking along and swimming on the beach is one of the top things to do in Milos Greece. The beach is lined with small hotels and restaurants, and it’s easily accessed by paved roads.

Sarakiniko Beach

While technically covered later in this guide under natural wonders, Sarakiniko’s moon-like landscape with its smooth white volcanic rocks deserves a mention among Milos’ incredible beaches. The stark white landscape against the deep blue sea makes for an unforgettable swimming experience.

Boat tour around the island of Milos

A visit to the island of Milos is incomplete if you don’t do a boat tour around the island. It gives you the chance to swim in places only accessible by boat and see the island from a different angle.

All the boat tours in Milos depart from the village of Adamas; they take you across the shoreline of Milos, making stops along the way. The highlight of the journey is Kleftiko.

There you will be able to swim around the small caves, which are one of the best things to do in Milos, and see the strange rock formations. This tour will take you to many points of interest around Milos.

Click here for more information and to book a full-day sailing cruise with snorkeling & lunch.

Beautiful villages of Milos

Klima

One of the top things to do in Milos is to visit the beautiful villages. Klima is a traditional little village. This beautiful village has colored houses that are carved within the rock and are called Syrmata. They have two floors.

On the ground floor, the fishermen keep their boats protected in winter when the weather is bad, and on the first floor lives the family.

Mandrakia

It is another traditional fisherman’s village in Milos with houses carved within rocks, just like in Klima. It has a few rooms for rent and a taverna.

Firopotamos

Firopotamos is another enchanting fishing village that shouldn’t be missed. Similar to Klima, it features the iconic colorful syrmata (fishermen’s houses) built right at the water’s edge. The small, secluded bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters is framed by these traditional houses, creating one of the most picturesque scenes on the island.

The village has a small church with a blue dome perched on the hillside, and a tiny pebble beach perfect for a refreshing swim. The waters here are incredibly calm, making it ideal for families with children.

Plaka the Capital

Plaka is the capital of Milos Island. It is built on top of a hill. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Milos. It is particularly nice during the sunset. The village is full of traditional white-washed houses with colored windows.

You will find a lot of restaurants, bars, and little shops along the narrow roads. Also, you can visit the archaeological museum that has a replica of the Venus of Milos that is currently on display in the Museum of Louvre in Paris.

Seaside Pollonia

This pretty fishing village is situated in the northeast of the island. It has lovely beaches, traditional waterfront tavernas, and white-washed buildings with colorful bougainvillea. There is a good dive center as the coast around the island has numerous reefs and wrecks to explore.

Port town Adamas

Adamas is the main town and port on the island and offers good shopping and restaurants. At the port, you can hop on a boat to visit other islands such as Sifnos, Serifos, Santorini, or Kimolos. It is also possible to get a boat to Anti Milos (Efira), which is a small islet where a rare species of wild goat lives.

Historical and Cultural Sites of Milos

The Venus Of Milos Site and The Ancient Theatre

One of the most famous statues from antiquity, the Venus of Milos, was created on the island of Milos. While the original is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, you can still see the discovery site on Milos. The discovery site is located near the modern-day village of Tripiti.

Not far from where the Venus of Milos was found lie the remains of the Ancient Roman Theater. The theater has a fantastic view of the sea and the village of Klima below. Originally built in the Hellenistic period, the theater was reconstructed during the time of the Romans.

Today, the Roman ruins are what remains, and 7 tiers and 6 stairways are well preserved. Take a seat and enjoy the spectacular sunset views.

The Catacombs of Milos

Discovered in 1844 and considered to be the most important early Christian monument of worship and burial site in all of Greece, the Catacombs of Milos are a must-see during your visit. These impressive catacombs are carved from volcanic rock and are believed to have been built as early as the 1st century A.D.

What makes these catacombs so fascinating is that they were not only used for burial. They were used by persecuted Christians under Roman rule as a secret place of worship. While you can’t access all of the catacombs today, what you can see is still impressive and worth your time.

You might be interested in : Milos Island: Archaeology & Culture Tour.

Archaeological Museum of Milos in Plaka

Situated in the main square of Plaka, in a pretty neoclassical building by Ernst Ziller, the island’s Archaeological Museum tells the island’s history through its exhibits.

The most important exhibit is the life-size copy of the world-famous Venus de Milo that was unearthed on the island in 1820. The original marble statue is displayed in the Louvre in Paris.

Folklore Museum in Plaka

This delightful museum is in a 200-year-old house in the courtyard of the church of Panayia Korfiatissa, which nestles on the hillside in Plaka. The exhibits portray traditional, everyday life and include furniture, costumes, and utensils.

Ecclesiastical Museum of Milos

The Ecclesiastical Museum is situated in the Church of Ayia Triada (Holy Trinity) in Adamas and its exhibits portray the artistic heritage of the island. There are icons, wood carvings, and beautifully decorated iconostasis (altar screens).

Milos Mining Museum

If you want to learn a little history of the island, then one of the things to do in Milos is to visit the Milos Mining Museum. Located in the island’s main port of Adamas, the Milos Mining Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon.

The collection chronicles the island’s 10,000 years of mining history dating back to 8000 B.C.  Today, Milos is the largest producer and processor of bentonite and perlite in the European Union. Take advantage of the museum’s Miloterranean Geo Experience. The tour takes you across the island to discover for yourself the island’s unique geology, mineral content, and mining history.

World War II Refugee Museum

Located in central Adamas is an old underground war shelter that has been cleverly converted into an art gallery, with tree roots growing through the roof in places! The local guide gives information about how and why the shelter was constructed. It is situated just across the road from Lagada Beach.

Natural Wonders of Milos

The celestial landscape of Sarakiniko

This is the most photographed place in Milos! Situated on the northeast coast, the pale grey volcanic rocks have been shaped by the winds into unusual shapes that look like a beautiful ‘moonscape’ that contrasts with the azure blue of the Aegean.

Old Sulfur Mines at Paliorema

Paliorema is a beautiful and eerie sight. It’s harrowing to get to by car, and you will have to walk some of the way after roads become impassable. You may prefer to view the site on a boat tour.

You can view the remnants of the buildings, large machinery, caves and houses, and warehouses that were abandoned in the late 1960s. Paliorema is an important industrial monument and is key to understanding Milos’ modern history.

If you don’t want to drive there yourself I suggest this tour: Geology & Volcano Half-Day Morning Tour.

Papafragkas Caves

Along the main road to Pollonia, you will find the three Sea Caves of Papafragkas. These huge rocks were used as a base for Byzantine pirates. The tiny stone pathways that descend to the beach is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is sweet. If you’re adventurous, this is one of the best things to do in Milos, Greece. Inside the towering rocks and surrounded by sea caves, you can swim through mesmerizing waters that seem to change colors depending on the temperature and lighting.

Day Trips from Milos

Kimolos Island

Catch the ferry from Pollonia to the island of Kimolos. Although this island is quiet compared to some of the Cyclades powerhouses like Mykonos or Santorini, it’s still perfectly charming with the benefit of being less touristy. Spend the day exploring the abandoned windmills, hiking the abundance of trails, walking around the chorio, or visiting the small fishing village of Goupa.

 Polyaigos Island

Take a boat trip to the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea. The island is brimming with pristine beaches and bays of sparkling sapphire, turquoise, and emerald waters. The island has few sights to see, such as the Lighthouse of Polyaigos on the east side of the island and the remnants of the Church of the Virgin Mary on the northwest side.

It’s also where the Monachus Mediterranean seals come to give birth. This island’s natural beauty makes a boat trip worthwhile, whether you hire one or rent one yourself.

Check out: From Adamas: Full-Day Tour of Milos and Poliegos Islands.

Where to eat on Milos island

Milos offers a range of dining options from traditional tavernas to modern restaurants. Here are my top recommendations after numerous meals around the island:

Gialos (Polonia)

This seafront taverna is located in the beautiful seaside village of Apollonia. I have eaten there many times. It offers a big variety of dishes and it’s a great place to eat fresh fish.

Hamos (Adamas)

You will find this traditional taverna in the town of Adamas. The meat and cheese that is being served there is their own production. You should try “pitarakia” fried cheese pie!

Ergina (Tripiti)

You will find this traditional taverna in the village of Tripiti. You should get there early in order to find a table in front of the balcony with a view of the Gulf of Milos. You should eat Kremidopita (onion pie), chicken with homemade lazania, pitarakia, Ergina salad, and more.

Medusa Café-Restaurant (Mandrakia)

Enjoy a memorable meal right next to the Aegean. The menu comprises both traditional and modern island dishes, with seafood being the Chef’s specialty.

Tarantella (Provatas Beach)

This friendly restaurant overlooks the beach and beautiful Aegean and is popular for its Mediterranean menu which includes seafood, meat, and pasta.

Pizzeria Stasi (Trypiti)

If you enjoy Italian food, you will love the freshly made pasta and pizza dishes to share. The restaurant also offers a food delivery service.

Belivanis (Triovasalos)

There is something very special about souvlaki and you will enjoy a great one at Belivanis! A warm pitta bread filled with succulent pieces of pork, cooked over charcoal and salad – all that is needed is some fresh lemon juice- perfect!

Milors all-day café (in the center of Adamas Port)

This is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, with really good coffee! There are great snacks throughout the day, including salads, burgers, crêpes, and ice cream. The ‘happy hour’ cocktails are fun too. This is where you will find me with my friend having breakfast.

Hanabi Sushi & Cocktails (Pollonia)

This is the new hot spot on the island! The delicious sushi is uniquely created by trained sushi chefs and the cocktail menu is extensive. Both can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the water. 

Utopia Café (Plaka)

Situated in the hilltop town of Plaka, with a great roof terrace, Utopia is definitely the place to enjoy a great cocktail and watch the spectacular sunset.

Aggeliki ice cream & dessert shop (Adamas)

With great views over the port area, Aggeliki’s is the perfect place to linger and enjoy a great variety of different homemade ice creams, waffles, and heavenly chocolate soufflé.

Where to stay in Milos, Greece

Here are my picks for the best accommodations in Milos, Greece:

Portiani Hotel is located in Adamas village close to local attractions, restaurants, and bars. This beautiful hotel offers spacious clean rooms and a great breakfast. Check out the latest prices and more details here.

Another great accommodation option in Adamas is Santa Maria Village. Situated 300 m away from the beach and close to restaurants and bars this beautiful hotel offers spacious rooms with a balcony, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a swimming pool. Check out the latest prices and more details here.

A great accommodation option in Pollonia is Nefeli Sunset Studios. Located just 4 minutes on foot from the beach and the restaurants and bars of the area this family-run hotel offers spacious rooms with a balcony, free wi-fi, and air conditioning. Check out the latest prices and more details here.

Villa Gallis in Pollonia offers spacious rooms overlooking the Aegean with a nice swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and within walking distance from the beach and local amenities.
Check out the latest prices and more details here.

Best Time to Visit Milos

While Milos is beautiful year-round, each season offers a different experience:

• May-June and September-October offer the perfect balance of warm weather (72-82°F/22-28°C), fewer crowds, and more affordable prices. This is my personal recommendation for the best time to visit.
• July-August brings hot temperatures (up to 90°F/32°C), larger crowds, and higher prices, but also the most vibrant atmosphere with all restaurants, shops, and activities fully operational.

So, have you ever been to Milos island? What did you enjoy the most? If you’re planning your first trip, I’d love to hear what you’re most excited to experience! Leave a comment below with your Milos experiences or questions.

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