Landing on the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko beach
OVERVIEW
For those of you who have always harboured a wish to travel to the moon (and maybe do a little sunbathing whilst you’re there), your answer lies on the island of Milos. Sarakiniko is Greece’s lunar landscape: an extraordinary scene of chalk-white rock, smoothed and shaped by time, and all the more dramatic for its contrast against the azure sea beyond.
Named after the Saracen pirates who once used it as a hideout, Sarakiniko Bay is coastline wilderness at its most alluring. There’s even a partly-exposed shipwreck that you can explore, adding to the sense of drama.
There’s a good chance you’ll have seen Sarakiniko, even if you haven’t yet visited. It’s been the setting for countless new-season fashion photo shoots, with the contours and colours of the eroded volcanic ash, sandstone and pumice stone serving as a unique backdrop. So before settling down on the narrow, peninsula-sheltered sandy beach, it’s worth exploring. There’s even a network of abandoned mines and caves.
The more daring might opt for some cliff jumping off the rocks into the deep waters below (don’t rule it out until you’ve watched others doing it). You could spend the rest of the afternoon lazing on the rocks.
A final tip is to stay till sunset and, if you get the opportunity, definitely visit at night when there’s a full moon. The effect is otherworldly.
GET PLANNING
You’ll arrive at a parking area at Sarakiniko, from which it’s a 200m walk down to the beach.
To Sarakiniko
From Adamas (Adamanta) port
- By car or taxi: 4km (10mins)
- By bus: Seasonal timetable.
From airport to Adamas
- By car or taxi 5km (10mins)
- By bus: Regular service.
More information - Milos Buses
From Pollonia
- By car or taxi: 10km (22mins)
From Plaka
- By car or taxi: 5km (12mins)
- You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sarakiniko at any time of year, but swimming and sunbathing are best from May to October.
- If you do visit in July-August, do so in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler and quieter.
- It’s recommended that you avoid visiting when there is a strong north wind blowing.
May-June and September-October are the best and quietest months to visit.
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
There’s a canteen by the parking area, but otherwise there are no facilities on Sarakiniko beach.
Make sure you have everything you need for a day in the sun:
You can travel from Athens to Milos by ferry all year round, with multiple departures each day from Piraeus Port – the main port of Athens. During summer, there are up to 7 daily crossings, while in the winter months, you’ll usually find 1–2 ferries per day.
The route is typically served by four ferry companies: Seajets, Aegean Sea Lines, Minoan Lines, and Fast Ferries. The journey duration ranges from around 2.5 to 8 hours, depending on the type of vessel and weather conditions.
Aegean Sea Lines, Minoan Lines, and Fast Ferries usually offer cabins and numbered seats for added comfort. Seajets operates high-speed ferries without cabins, but you can still reserve airplane-style seats for a smoother ride.
Pets are generally welcome on board at no extra charge, though policies vary by operator. Be sure to check with your chosen ferry company and travel with any required pet documents, tickets, and supplies.
Keep in mind that ferry schedules may change with the seasons, so always double-check your itinerary before booking.
