From Sifnos: Full-day boat trip to Milos, Kleftiko caves and Sarakiniko

We depart from Platis Gialos and cross the strait between Kimolos and Milos. In about 25 minutes we pass the northwest cape of the beautiful Poliegos island and continue towards the southeastern cape of Milos and the old sulfur mines, which we reach after roughly 15 minutes. We anchor there for a swim in the yellow-tinged, sulfur waters and a short visit to the abandoned mine and old factory buildings on the beach.

Then we head southwest to the stunning, boat-only beach of Gerakas, one of the top beaches in the Cyclades. We anchor for a longer swim stop, so you can enjoy the incredible water and the soft, pebbly sand on the shore. After Gerakas, we continue southwest to the famous Tsigrado beach, where visitors usually climb down a wooden ladder from the land side. We stay in a more secluded spot nearby, drop anchor and swim in the intensely turquoise waters.

We then continue southwest towards Gerontas beach, passing first through a large sea cave that we enter with the boat. At Gerontas, we anchor again to enjoy the fine dark sand, the small “private” coves along the left side and the big rock that’s perfect for jumping into the sea. From there we head on to the legendary Kleftiko, with its grey-white rock formations, arches and caves. We drop anchor in several spots so we can swim, snorkel and explore the caves, entering from one side and exiting from another.

After Kleftiko, we start cruising north to Sykia cave, which has an open roof that lets the sun illuminate the emerald waters and small inner beach. We stop for a swim and snorkeling, then continue north to Triades, an area with nine consecutive beaches, wild scenery and crystal-clear waters, where we anchor again for another refreshing swim. We then head further north, passing the wide entrance of Adamas port, and continue northeast until we reach Sarakiniko. Here we spend more time swimming in deep blue water and, for those who wish, jumping from the greyish-white rock formations that create the famous moonscape and narrow fiords.

After Sarakiniko, we can make a stop at Mandrakia for a late lunch or early dinner at the seaside taverna Medousa, overlooking the traditional syrmata houses with their colorful doors right on the water. We then turn east towards Pollonia, passing by the Navagio shipwreck, where we can swim over the wreck visible about 8–10 meters below the surface, and then by Papafragas, a dramatic natural “pool” carved into the cliffs, ideal for snorkeling and photos.

Finally, we continue east to see the small port of Pollonia, where the ferry connects Milos with Kimolos. We then keep heading east, round the southeast cape of Kimolos, pass outside Psathi, the island’s main port, and turn northeast towards Sifnos. Our full-day adventure ends back where it began, at Platis Gialos, after an unforgettable circuit around Milos, Kimolos and Poliegos.