The gorgeous, alluring, alien landscape of Sarakiniko Beach in Milos is one of the most popular ones on the Greek islands. Its unique structure, the varied expanse, and the gorgeous azure, emerald, and turquoise waters in stark contrast with the bright white rock create an unmatched experience for everyone lucky enough to go.
Sarakiniko Beach offers relaxation, exploration, and imagination. No matter what type of vacationer you are, it will stun you with its wild, alien beauty. It is one of the closest things to exploring an alien planet or the surface of the moon but combined with an exotic seafront!
To make the most out of your visit to Sarakiniko, here is everything you need to know about it.
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A Guide to Visiting Sarakiniko in Milos
How to get to Sarakiniko, Beach
Sarakiniko Beach is located on the north shore of Milos. It’s only 1.2 km from Adamas and 5 km from Milos’ capital town, Plaka.
During high season there are buses from Adamas that can take you to Sarakiniko, but it’s best to go by car, be it rental or taxi. You can also take a scooter or ATV.
The best way to explore the beaches of Milos is by having your own car. 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.
Keep in mind that during peak season, Sarakiniko is alive with visitors, so opt to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
How Sarakiniko was formed
Sarakiniko’s stunning bright white rock formations were created by several layers of sea and land organisms’ fossils on the volcanic rock over several millennia. The wind and sea then sculpted the rocks that were created by the fossil layering into the bizarre and otherworldly shapes that make Sarakiniko unique.
Things to know before you visit Sarakiniko
There is no vegetation anywhere, while the actual beach is sandy and relatively small compared to the expanse of rock. The beach is not organized in any way- you will be alone with nature once you go to Sarakiniko, so make sure to bring along everything you need, including food. Don’t forget to include bottled water for hydration!
During the high season, there is a cantine working near the road, and before you enter the rock formation selling snacks and water.
There are also sea urchins in the rocks of Sarakiniko, so make sure you look out for them or have water shoes on to protect yourself as you climb in and out of the water. If you opt to use the tunnels, make sure you have a torch of some sort with you.
Things to do in Sarakiniko Beach
Start off with the narrow beach
As you arrive in Sarakiniko, you will come upon a gravel parking space. Go past that and look for the cleft in the middle that looks to be dividing Sarakiniko into the left and right sides. It is a gorgeous narrow expanse of deep emerald and azure water cutting through the white rock and stroking white sand.
The sandy part of Sarakiniko is very small and narrow. Don’t expect to be able to lie there. There is a huge expanse on your left and right to spread out your towel, so get to exploring!
The right side has a shipwreck
The right side of Sarakiniko offers itself to exploration rather than swimming or diving. The rock is coarse and full of traces of wind and waves carving into it. Explore the various nooks and crannies, until you come upon the shipwreck.
It happened in 2003 and thankfully there were no casualties, as both the Hellenic Coast Guard and the locals helped evacuate the crew from the sinking Cambodian tanker “Africa”. The ship is now full of rust and erosion as the sea is gradually swallowing it, but you can still visit it.
The left side is for swimming and diving
The left side of Sarakiniko offers itself for diving and swimming! There are innumerable gorgeous spots to choose from for jumping into the crystal-clear waters, of various heights! Many of the wind-sculpted formations look like archways or slight bridges with gentle slopes so you can choose how brave you want to be!
Make sure you look out for the arch formation and the little pond-like enclosure behind it, discover the vertical cliff with the ledge for dramatic photos and gorgeous views, and find the various ledges with the dramatic shadows cast upon the sea.
Do some kayaking or boating
If you are a fan of kayaking or boating, you can do it at Sarakiniko if you prepare in advance with a kayak-renting and boating business in one of the nearby towns. There are several tours taking place that include approaching Sarakiniko from the sea.
Find shade in the tunnels
The left side of Sarakiniko also features abandoned mining tunnels which you can use to get a respite from the powerful sun. Use a torch to light your way and kick back for a while with the sea as your window view.
Experience the sunrise and sunset
The bright white rock of Sarakiniko makes it a perfect canvas for nature’s brushes during sunrise and sunset. Watch as a kaleidoscope of colors imbues the entire beach and literally transforms the landscape into what you could perhaps find on Mars, the moon, or a dream.
The sheer gorgeous beauty of a Melian sunset at Sarakiniko can only be experienced properly, not described. Make sure you are there an hour before sunset to catch the full-light show!
Stargaze
After sunset, you’re probably going to have the beach to yourself because few are aware of what beauty they are missing once night falls!
Without any light pollution, the wonders and grandeur of the night sky unfurl before you. Look upon the Milky Way and countless stars and remote suns in a unique display that you won’t easily find elsewhere, and marvel at the moonlight being amplified by the cool white of the rocks.
Make sure you bring a blanket or some warmer clothes though because it will cool down during the night, especially if you’re visiting in May, June, or September.
FAQ About Sarakiniko in Milos
During high season, there is a bus going to Sarakiniko from Adamas. The best option though is to rent a car, a moto, or an ATV.
One of the most popular places for cliff jumping in Milos is Sarakiniko Beach.
There is a small beach where you can swim in Sarakiniko, alternatively, you can jump in the water from the rocks.
The distance between Adamas and Sarakiniko is 4,3 km. Although it is not far to walk, it is not recommended because of the heat and also because it is dangerous to walk on the side of the road. There is a public bus going to the beach during the high season.