Top Things to do in Milos, Greece
Milos – one of the hidden gems of the Cyclades. Situated in the heart of the Aegean in Greece, Milos is a Greek island not to be missed. With beautiful beaches, stunning views and delicious seafood, you’ll wonder why you didn’t hear about Milos sooner. Here are the best things to in Milos!
Getting to Milos
Flights with Aegean Airlines (operated by their subsidiary, Olympic Air) go often from Athens International Airport and start at around €85 return and take 40 minutes each way.
We travelled with Celestyal Cruises and Milos is a port of call on their Idyllic Aegean 7-day cruise.
Things to do in Milos
The best beaches in Milos:
Papafragas Beach
Papafragas Beach, named after the priest who used the cave to moor his boat, is an absolute must-visit when on Milos. Rather than being a beach per se, it is mostly a sea cave with a small pebble beach and is popular for cliff jumping, boat tours and simply swimming in the beautiful turquoise waters. It used to be used as a hideout for pirates but is now much more popular with locals and tourists alike – it is probably the most common Milos Instagram photo spot!
Sarakiniko Beach
Without a doubt, Sarakiniko Beach is one of the prettiest and best beaches in Milos and a must-see when on the island. It is a unique white rock beach with large white volcanic rocks reaching out of the clear blue sea, created over 70,000 years ago by volcanic eruptions.
Plathiena Beach
Plathiena Beach is more of a ‘traditional’ beach compared to Papafragas and Sarakiniko. A beautiful sandy beach located in the north of the island, it is fairly secluded and very peaceful due to its location. It is accessible either by boat or by car, but you are sure to relax once here!
Glaronisia
As with Papafragas, Glaronisia isn’t precisely a beach. It is, in fact, a group of islets with incredibly interesting geology and isn’t far from Papafragas. As with the other beaches, it is accessible both by boat or by car and was one of our stops on our boat tour of Milos.
The geology is particularly intriguing due to the volcanic rock massifs that make up the islets which are formed of basalt and rhyolite (also known as quartz porphyry) crystallised in hexagonal columns. It’s a truly intriguing geological phenomenon and definitely one of the top things to do in Milos!
Halakas peninsula
Halakas peninsula is a protected natural area where you can find the Triades beach. With a smooth shingle beach and a series of rugged caves providing protection for the sun, you can spend hours relaxing here.
Halakas also contains Milos’ highest peak – Mount Halakas at 751 metres (Milos is not known for its mountainous terrain, as you can see). It is also home to Arkeuthos, an area of a gorge containing two waterfalls as well as an orchard, vineyard, old house and a small chapel. The Halakas peninsula is fairly rough and rugged and not conducive to development due to its geography so this area is perfect for hiking, seeing local flora and fauna and just enjoying the nature park.
Towns of Milos
Explore the port of Adamas
Adamas is the main port of Milos and is where you will arrive if coming by ferry or cruise ship. It is a beautiful town with white painted houses contrasting against the blue Aegean sea. This village was in fact founded in 1835 by refugees from Sfakia on Crete after their failed rebellion against the Turks.
Make sure to take a leisurely wander through the town and maybe sit and enjoy a Greek caffe at one of the many local restaurants.
Fall in love with the fishing village of Pollonia
If you’re looking for a perfect spot to enjoy lunch, stop by the picturesque fishing village of Pollonia and head to Gialos Restaurant (also written ‘Gyalos’). Located on the northeastern tip of Milos, Pollonia is a peaceful village popular with tourists. Traditional tavernas line the waterfront, one of which is the wonderful Gialos Restaurant.
Tables by the sea provide beautiful views over the harbour and you can watch a stunning sunset as you dine on delicious seafood. Traditional recipes are fused with modern cuisine and they cater to all dietary requirements – they were great at managing our group with both me (lactose intolerant) and a vegetarian. Gialos was actually only opened in 2007 and is run by a group of friends who wanted to merge traditional Greek recipes with modern cuisine – they are self-proclaimed lovers of good food. Me too, my friend, me too.
Also, they have an excellent wine list. Cheers!
Wander the island capital, Plaka
Plaka (or Plaka Milou) is the capital of Milos. A beautiful ancient settlement built on volcanic rock, overlooked by the castle (Kastro) which offers views over Milos and the uninhabited island of Antimilos (‘opposite of Milos’).
The centre of Plaka is for pedestrians and motorbikes only, since the streets are too small for cars to pass through them. Spend a little time wandering the labyrinthine streets and don’t miss a visit to Panagia Korphiatissa – this church is a great spot to view sunset and one of my favourite things to do in Milos.
Some excellent spots to eat are:
Palaios Coffee & Pastry: delicious baklava and don’t miss the orange pie – it’s one of their top desserts! Palaios is also a great spot for breakfast or a coffee.
Archontoula Restaurant: a popular taverna for dinner in Plaka. Their moussaka is highly recommended and the restaurant itself has a beautiful exterior as well.
Diporto: A traditional Greek restaurant, picturesque with tables and chairs outside. Delicious lamb and don’t miss the spetsofai (stuffed lettuce leaves with rice and meat).
Bacalico Cafe Bar: A slightly tucked away bar just past Diporto with a beautiful flowered facade. A perfect spot to relax with a coffee.
All in all, Milos is one of the best Greek islands you have never heard of. A completely underrated gem in the Cyclades, I hope this inspires you to visit and enjoy all the amazing things to do in Milos!
Have you visited Milos? Are you inspired to go if you haven’t been? Let me know in the comments!
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