In recent years the stunning Greek island of Milos has become increasingly popular, and after experiencing some of the best things to do in Milos for myself, I can definitely see why. As soon as I stepped foot on this magnificent Island I knew I was going to instantly fall in love, and that I was going to leave with the need to come back here again. I wasn’t wrong.
Milos is part of the Cyclades Islands and was formed from volcanic activity over 4 million years ago, which is why you get such awe-inspiring and diverse landscapes across the island.
From towering cliffs to hidden coves, to quaint fishing villages, Milos has something to offer everyone. Oh, and I also can’t forget it has some of the clearest waters I have ever seen!
Want to know all about the best things to do in Milos? Well, look no further. I have compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Milos, and some of the best places to visit to ensure that you have an unforgettable trip to this beautiful island.
The best time to visit Milos
If you are planning on doing some of the best things to do in Milos you’re going to want to have the best weather. The best time to visit is during the warmer months between May-October, where temperatures are on average around 28 degrees celsius.
How to get to Milos
There are two main ways of getting to Milos, by ferry or plane.
Ferry
You can catch a direct ferry to Milos directly from Athens, as well as multiple other islands such as Paros, Naxos, Santorini and Mykonos. There are multiple ferry companies operating throughout Greece, so I would highly recommend using the website Ferry Scanner, to plan out your journey.
Example journeys and prices
| Journey | Duration +/- | Price 〜 |
| Athens to Milos | 3 hours | €58 |
| Paros to Milos | 1.5 hours | €60 |
| Mykonos to Milos | 3 hours | €80 |
| Santorini to Milos | 2 hours | €60 |
Plane
You can catch a 40-minute flight to Milos from Athens airport with prices starting at €50 for one way. The plane that is used to transport passengers over to Milos is extremely small, so this is probably not the best option for you if you don’t enjoy flying.
How to explore Milos
Car Rental
In order to do some of the best things to do in Milos, I would highly recommend hiring a car. Car hire on Milos is extremely cheap and you can grab a rental for as little as €40 a day. The roads on Milos are fairly new so you expect a smooth and pot-hole, bump-free ride. However, there are some parts of the island (mainly on the west side) that are still dirt track/gravel roads. Your rental company will explain to you exactly where these spots are, and advise you not to drive on these roads. If you do want to adventure off-road then it’s best to hire a 4×4 or an ATV instead.
Alternative Travel
If you are unable to rent a car or an ATV, then thankfully there is a bus service that takes you to most of the best things to do in Milos. Click here to discover more about the bus routes.
There are also one or two taxi services on the island, but if they are booked out then you can be waiting a while. Click here to find out more.
Where to Stay in Milos
There are so many gorgeous little towns and villages to stay in, it can be hard to choose but I have narrowed down the best spots for you below:
- Adamas – This is the biggest village in Milos with a lot going on. It is also the main port town. If you want somewhere with lots of choice and atmosphere this is a great option.
- Pollonia – A charming fishing village. Pollonia has a chilled out vibe and a small strip of bars and restaurants. If you are after somewhere with a relaxing atmosphere, Pollonia is the place to come.
- Plaka – Plaka is the capital of Milos and a great place to stay if you want nightlife and a bit of buzz around you. It is situated on the highest point of Milos, so you’ll have great views of the landscape.
- Klima – Is a stunning little fishing village. It’s extremely small so best recommended for couples who want to be away from it all. The sunsets here are also pretty spectacular
- Fyropotomos – Another small fishing village, with some of the clearest water you will find in Milos. Again it’s pretty quiet, so best for people who want to experience complete peace.
What to Budget for Milos
- Accommodation – €150-€250 per night
- Food €10-€20 per main meal
- Alcohol – Beer/Wine/Cocktails – €5/€7€10
- Tours and Activities €80-€100
- Car Rental €40-€80 per day
Best places to eat in Milos
The food on Milos is *chefs kiss* incredible. Fresh fish, vegetables, pasta and traditional Greek dishes, oh and of course, unbelievably good wine! There is something to suit everyone’s palette.
Some of my favourite restaurants were:
- Alvi-Milos
- Utopia
- Medusa
- Astakas
- The Deck (drinks only)
- Bariello
- Akrotiri
The best things to do in Milos
Explore the ‘moonscape’ of Sarakiniko Beach
Number one on the list of the best things to do in Milos is Sarakiniko beach. If you google pictures of Milos, the chances are you will be inundated with images of Sarakiniko Beach. Its unique landscape has been formed by years of wind and water erosion against the pure white volcanic rock. This is why you’ll hear most people refer to this beach as a “Moonscape”, a trip here feels like a trip to another planet.
Come here and explore the distinctive surroundings, go for a swim in the warm waters, cliff jump into the ocean and snorkel around a shipwreck. Oh, and if you can find them, make sure to explore the abandoned tunnels (don’t forget your torch)
Sarakiniko isn’t your typical beach (you’ll find only a very small stretch of sand at the end of an inlet). Whilst it’s incredible to see, and a Milos must-do, there aren’t many facilities around and it’s not the most comfortable place to sit around for hours. I would recommend coming here in the morning to explore and swim before the crowds arrive. Then you can make your way on to more traditional beaches where you can relax with a sunbed and a cocktail.
Climb down to the hidden beach of Tsigrado
Tsigrado is another unique beach in Milos and is one of the most secluded and difficult to reach beaches on the island. But, I can assure you it’s worth the effort for the incredible views and the crystal clear waters.
To get to the beach you will have to scale down through rocky passages (there are ropes to help you) and then climb down a wooden ladder that leads onto the beach. Therefore not a beach that is accessible to all.
My advice: make sure you head here early to avoid being stuck in a queue of visitors climbing up and down. There are also no facilities on this beach, so getting here early means you can explore and enjoy for a while, then head back up to the neighbouring beach of Fyriplaka where there is an onsite beach bar (see below).
If you don’t fancy the climb then you can always book on to a boat tour. Just double-check that Tsigrado is on the itinerary.
Have cocktails by the sea at Fyriplaka
Fyriplaka is Tsigrado’s bigger, and in my opinion, better sister. It’s a large beach surrounded by rich red volcanic rock, and some of the clearest water I have ever seen. If you want to chill at the beach all day then this is the place to come. It’s also the ideal location for a spot of snorkelling due to its clear waters. What’s even better is there is an onsite beach bar, they serve your standard food and drink but, the best bit, they also sell strawberry slushies (a winner in my eyes).
Watch the sun go down at Utopia bar
If you want to watch an epic sunset then Utopia Bar, in the island’s capital of Plaka is the place to go. Enjoy the sunset with some snacks and an Aperol Spritz in hand. Just be sure to get there early so you can grab a front-row seat!
Go diving through the Kleftiko Caves
No trip to Milos is complete without a boat trip around the island and to the famous Kleftiko caves. It’s not only a great way to see more of the island but also to learn about its geology and go diving into and through the deep blue caves.
There are plenty of boat trips to choose from, so click here to discover the best one for you.
Take a boat to Polyaigos island
Polyagios is known as the island of goats. Infact the name “polyagios” means “many goats”. This is because it is uninhabited by humans (and, yep you guessed it) home to many goats.
It might be hard to believe after you visit Milos, but Polyagios is said to have even better beaches and clearer waters than Milos, so definitely worth a visit.
If you are able to book a private tour, you can get a trip to do both the Kleftiko caves and Polyagios island in one trip
Visit the cute fishing villages on the island
There are many picturesque villages in Milos, but there are a few clear winners. With cute boathouses, and stunning bays the top three you just HAVE to visit are:
- Mandrakia – Great place to stop for lunch at the super-popular Medusa restaurant
- Fyropotamos – Amazingly clear water
- Klima – The best collection of boathouses and a great place to watch the sunset
Visiting these villages are definitely some of the best things to do in Milos.
Visit the catacombs
Last but not least on the list of the best things to do in Milos is visiting the catacombs. The catacombs date back to the 1st-5th centuries and are in the top 3 of the most important catacombs in the world, together with the catacombs of Rome and the Holy Land. Pretty Cool Right?
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