8 reasons why Milos is out of this world

READING TIME

As long as it takes to eat a Greek salad

The lunar landscape of Sarakiniko

Sarakiniko

A sight that says you could only be in Milos. The lunar landscape of Sarakiniko has been captured in so many photos but nothing prepares you for the real thing. The limestone-white rock, shaped and smoothed to resemble the surface of the moon, is dramatic enough. But then comes the contrast with the deep blue sea and the little sandy beach below and that’s it … your heart’s well and truly captured. And if you want to make the experience truly epic, try cliff jumping into the azure-blue sea.

Fly to the moon at Sarakiniko

Incredible Sarakiniko beach, a trip to the moon in Milos island

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A boat trip around the magical coastline

The only way to fully appreciate the wild beauty and colours of Milos. Your entire boat trip around Milos will be special, but there are some standouts: Kleftiko is a one-time pirate hangout on the southwestern tip, dominated by steep cliffs and with turquoise water perfect for snorkelling, and Gerakas has sand dunes appearing to flow into the clear blue sea.

Discover the beaches & bays of Milos

Traces of their existence can be found in Kleftiko, where the pirates’ bollards for their ships can be found sculpted on the spectacul

Nestled beneath vertical cliffs, this small beach offers wonderful isolation and beautiful swimming

Don’t miss cosy little Tsigrado beach (reached by rope ladder if you don’t arrive by sea) and Sykia Cave, an open-air cavern that’s magical to swim in.

The natural pool of the Papafragas Caves

Another one-time cave whose roof collapsed long ago, Papafragas Cave is more intimate than Sykias. With a little sandy beach at one end, it feels like a natural swimming pool shimmering under the sun. Exploring the area, you’ll find some sea caves nearby. No wonder pirates once loved the place.

Papafragas caves feels like a natural swimming pool shimmering under the sun

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Eating seafood like a local at Pollonia

Just a breath away, the village of Pollonia is foodie heaven – not only because of the fish tavernas and little fishing boats testifying to the freshness of the produce, but because there is (yet another) great sandy beach to enjoy. Succulent seabass, fried squid, grilled sardines and smoked eel await… accompanied by vibrant salads and local dishes. Try the karpouzopita (a watermelon, honey, cinnamon, sesame seed pie). It’s a local delicacy.

A stroll around historic Plaka and Tripiti

While the port of Adamas (or Adamantas) is the biggest settlement on Milos, little Plaka (a few kilometres to the north) is the island’s capital. Dating from the early 19th century, this is where Milos reveals its Cycladic character, with little whitewashed houses and cobblestone alleyways.

Above Plaka, you’ll find the Kastro district, so-called because of its Venetian walls. And just a short walk away is the village of Tripiti, famous for its catacombs (an amazing network of tombs built by early Christians fleeing Roman persecution) and an ancient amphitheatre.

Enjoy local dishes in a traditional taverna in Plaka

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Hiking between Instagrammable fishing villages

Another classic vista of Milos, the syrmata (fishermen’s boathouses literally built into the rocks) are the colourful centrepiece of the fishing villages of Klima, Mandrakia and Fyropotamos.

Aerial view of the Mandrakia, a little fishing village in Milos

First impressions are everything on Milos, so the full Instagrammable picture comes when hiking between the three villages. They are only a 40-minute walk from each other and you can watch the spectacle unfold as you head down to the villages. Fyropotamos also boasts a sandy beach.

Natural splendour revealed by sea kayak

With all those sea caves, bays and beaches, there’s no way you won’t be tempted back out to sea… this time by kayak. There are full- and half-day guided tours in many directions. Paliohori and Provatas beaches are popular destinations to the south, as is Paliorema (and the former sulphur mine of Thiorichia above it) to the east and Glaronisia to the north.

Canoes at tsigrado beach in milos island

Neighbouring islands, closer than you imagined

Your final experience is not on Milos itself but all around it. Day trips from Adamas to neighbouring isles couldn’t be easier. Kimolos (Milos’ volcanic little brother) lies just 40min away, around the same time it takes to reach Sifnos (renowned for its fine beaches and finer food) and Serifos (quintessentially Cycladic, with sugar-cubed houses appearing to tumble down the hillside).

In complete contrast, there is Polyegos, the region’s largest uninhabited island and a natural escape with more great beaches and plenty of birdlife.

Take a boat trip to Polyegos

Experience Milos island

Milos is an island where experiences come on an epic scale – beaches, colours, cliffs and bays. But there’s also a quiet and authentic side to enjoy in the villages and fish tavernas, especially in the quieter months of May and September.

Explore the Aegean islands