5 good reasons to go to the Cyclades, on the island of Milos in Greece

Here’s one of Greece’s most secret and little-known islands, located in the Aegean Sea, south of the Cyclades. The island of Milos is a must if you’re considering island-hopping in Greece. It offers an insane mix of breathtaking beaches, magnificent sunsets, traditional Greek architecture and historical and cultural attractions. If you want to get off the beaten track (Santorini, Mykonos), this island will delight you.

Melos, as it’s known in Greece, is an island of breathtaking natural beauty, with a unique coastline lined with coves, cliffs and rocks. Here, we’ve put together everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable visit to the island of Milos – where to stay and what to do on Milos. How to get around, where to catch the best sunsets and, of course, some of the best beaches to tick off your bucket list.

If you’re staying on the island for more than a few days and have time after seeing Milos’ best beaches and charming fishing villages, there are plenty of other fun and cultural things to do on the island that will make your trip even more memorable.

5 good reasons to visit Milos in Greece, a volcanic island in the Cyclades :

1. Beaches: Milos is famous for its magnificent beaches with crystal-clear waters, some of which are considered among the most beautiful in Greece. The beaches of Sarakiniko, Kleftiko, Firiplaka, Tsigrado and Paliochori are particularly popular with visitors.
2. Geological diversity: Milos has a unique geology, with spectacular rock formations, sea caves and hot springs. You can discover amazing landscapes such as Sarakiniko beach, with its smooth white cliffs, or the colorful volcanic rocks of Firopotamos beach.
3. History and culture: Milos is rich in history and culture. It was on this island that the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered, which is now on display at the Louvre in Paris. You can also visit the ancient towns of Plaka and Klima, built in the typical Cycladic style with colorful houses.
4. Gastronomy: Milos is renowned for its gastronomy, featuring local products such as fresh fish, seafood, cheese and wine. Enjoy traditional dishes such as “pitarakia”, a kind of tartlet stuffed with cheese and herbs, or “lakror”, a filo pastry dish stuffed with cheese and honey.
5. Tranquility and authenticity: Milos is an island that is relatively unknown and less frequented than some of Greece’s most popular tourist islands, giving it a tranquil, authentic and wild atmosphere. The island’s inhabitants are very friendly and welcoming, which contributes to the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere of this place, which gives you the feeling of being at the end of the world.

How to get to Milos in Greece

There are several transport options to reach the island of Milos:

1. By plane: There are direct flights from Athens to Milos airport (airport code: MLO), which is located on the island. The flight takes around 35 minutes.
2. By ferry: Milos and the port of Milos are well served by ferries from Athens (Piraeus) and other Cycladic islands. Journey times vary according to the origin and type of ferry, but allow approximately 3 to 5 hours from Athens.
3. By boat: If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, you can hire a boat or yacht to take you to Milos from Athens or another nearby island.
4. To/from Santorini, Mykonos or Crete: The best way is by ferry. We don’t recommend flying between the islands, as it’s too complicated. Ferry services from these islands are relatively quick. You can use ferryhopper.com to book your trips around the Greek islands.

It’s important to note that ferry timetables can vary depending on the season, so check in advance.

Getting around Milos

Milos is a relatively small island by Greek standards, and you can reach some of the more remote beaches in less than 20 minutes by car, depending on where you’re staying.

Some beaches have limited parking for cars, so we suggest renting a scooter. This will cost you €25 per day at Let’s Go Safari.

Contact: letsgosafari@hotmail.com or +306980422339

There is now a bus service operating on the island of Milos, and each journey costs €1.80. See timetables for Sarakiniko and other destinations on Milos here. We still recommend that you have your own means of transport, so that you have the freedom to explore Milos and the beautiful beach of Sarakiniko and its lunar landscape.

Where to stay on Milos?

PLAKA

Plaka is a small hillside village and the capital of Milos, with the best sunset on the island and a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea. A must on any Milos travel itinerary.

KLIMA

A cute, picturesque fishing village located just below Plaka, Klima is ideal if you like a slow pace of life to really recharge your batteries.

POLLONIA

A popular fishing village on the northeast side of Milos. Pollonia is a very quiet village. It’s ideal for families wishing to explore the island of Milos.

ADAMANTAS

A convenient and ideal base for those planning to travel around the Cyclades, Adamantas is the ferry terminal and the airport is just 10 minutes away. Perfectly situated in the middle of the island and only 20 minutes maximum from most beaches, it is easily accessible from the other Greek islands, notably Santorini and Mykonos.