The island of Milos in Greece, sometimes also called Melos, is an upcoming travel destination with dozens of paradise-like coves and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. It is located in the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades island group. Milos is rich in rugged volcanic landscapes, crystal clear blue waters, authentic villages, and there are many charming hotspots to discover. There is a lot to do, making it the perfect place to fully enjoy the island life in Greece. Curious about what to do? These are our best tips for the heavenly Milos!
How Do You Get to Milos?
As of now, there is no direct connection to Milos. Most travelers make a small tour in Greece and travel to Milos from Athens or Santorini, but Milos is also easily accessible from other islands in the region. At Bookaway, you can book ferry tickets between different islands in Greece.
From Athens to Milos
By boat:If you want to travel from Athens to Milos, taking the ferry is a good option. This is a comfortable boat with air conditioning, restrooms, and comfortable seats on board. The journey takes 3.5 hours, and the ferry departs from the port of Piraeus (the port of Athens). Check the current departure times and book your ticket in advance. Especially in the summer months, the ferries can be fully booked, so advance reservation is necessary.
By plane: Another option to travel from Athens to Milos is by plane. The airlines Sky Express and Olympic offer direct flights. The flight takes 40 minutes, and a ticket costs around $70-$95 one way on average.
From Santorini to Milos
By boat:The only option to travel from Santorini to Milos is by boat. In the high season, there are daily departures of various ferries. There are large ferries that can carry cars and the speedferry. The large ferry takes about 5.5 hours, and the speedferry takes about 2 hours. Check the current prices and departure times of both ferries.
Pay attention: If you book the speedferry, you need to check-in online in advance. If you fail to do so, you will have to check-in at the office in the port and pay an extra fee of a few dollars.
Recommendations for Transportation on Milos
Milos is a relatively large island, and the attractions are spread far apart, so you’ll need your own transportation. There are several options for getting around on Milos.
The bus on Milos: You can use public transportation as there are buses operating between the villages. You can buy a bus ticket with cash from the bus driver. Check the current bus routes and schedules on Milos.
Renting a car on Milos: Most people opt for a rental car because it’s the easiest and most comfortable option. Renting a car on Milos is relatively inexpensive, and you have the freedom to go wherever you want. In the low season, you can rent a car from $29 per day, including insurance. In the high season, the price is around $47 per day, including insurance. We recommend booking with Sunnycars because they always include a good comprehensive insurance policy in the price. Please note: If you want to search for a rental car on Sunnycars, you’ll need to search for ‘Melos’ instead of Milos.
Renting a quad on Milos: For the adventurers among us, renting a quad is a cool way to explore Milos. The price for a quad depends on the season and the quad’s capacity. In the low season, prices start at $24 per day, and in the high season, they begin at $41 per day.
Renting a scooter on Milos: Renting a scooter is relatively expensive when you consider that you can get a car for almost the same prices on Milos. In the low season, prices start at $24 per day, and in the high season, they begin at $35 per day.
Reliable rental company for scooters en quads: Apollonas Sunshine in Adamantas is a reliable rental company. Send a WhatsApp message to +30 698 163 0133 if you want to reserve a scooter or quad.
What to Do on Milos?
The following activities and things to do are a must according to us on Milos.
Immerse Yourself in Another Planet at Sarakiniko Beach
When you Google Milos, you will quickly come across pictures of the unique Sarakiniko Beach. Sarakiniko Beach consists of only a tiny beach and is surrounded by white rocks and cliffs. This lunar landscape with its white rocks and lack of vegetation is a striking contrast to the crystal clear blue water. The inviting sea is perfect for taking a refreshing dip, making Sarakiniko Beach a popular spot for cliff jumping and swimming.
Recommendation: During the daytime, Sarakiniko Beach can get quite crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds and love taking beautiful photos, make sure to be there around sunrise and explore the most picturesque spots.
Swim Between the High Cliffs at Papafragas Beach
In the northern part of Milos, near Sarakiniko Beach, you will find Papafragas Beach, which consists of two different bays. On the left photo below, you can see Papafragas Cave. To enjoy the crystal-clear waters here, you need to walk down a steep path. The path to the cave is officially closed, and there is a big sign saying ‘dangerous cliff’. Many people ignore this and still go down, but it’s entirely at your own risk. On the right photo, you can see Papafragas Beach, a tiny beach where the water is calm and serene. It can get quite busy later in the day, as it’s a popular spot for families to swim and relax.
Explore Plaka, the Most Beautiful village in Milos
Plaka is the capital of Milos and, in our opinion, the most charming village on the island. Plaka is perched atop a hill, it’s tiny, and incredibly charming. The narrow white alleys create a small maze filled with charming boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Drink a Cocktail at Utopia Café
Utopia Café is the best place in Milos for delicious cocktails. The doors open at 17:00, and it quickly gets crowded because from the terrace, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset. Utopia Café does not take reservations, so make sure to arrive here, especially in high season, about two hours before sunset to secure a table.
View the Sunset at Plaka Castle
Besides Utopia Café, we have another tip for a fantastic place to watch the sunset. For this, you need to walk a bit further up the hill, where you’ll find a beautiful white church. Find a nice spot around the church and enjoy the view. The name “Plaka Castle” comes from the Venetian castle that once stood here, but unfortunately, only the old walls remain today.
Recommended: Find a spot on the wall behind the church. From here, you’ll have the most beautiful view of the church and the sea.
Sailing Along the West Coast of Milos
The southwest of Milos is characterized by high cliffs, sea caves, and turquoise blue waters. This part of Milos can only be accessed by boat, so a boat trip is a must on your Milos itinerary. The highlight of the boat trip is Kleftiko, where large white rock formations rise straight out of the sea. There are dozens of small and large sea caves, making it the perfect place to enjoy the water. Curious about what a day on the water looks like? Read about our experience with the boat trip on Milos.
Climb to Tsigrado Beach
This small hidden beach in the south of Milos can only be accessed by boat or through a narrow passage with two huge ladders. If you have difficulty walking, this beach might not be the best option. Wear sturdy shoes to have enough grip on the ladder. Once you arrive at the beach, you can enjoy a beautiful bay. Here, you can float around while small fish occasionally nibble at your feet. For an even smaller beach, you can walk to the left through the water. This is a nice spot when the main beach is crowded. There is no shade on this beach, so make sure to apply sunscreen and bring plenty of water.
Highseason:Tsigrado Beach is a popular beach, and it can get crowded quickly due to its small size. There is only one passage, allowing only one person to climb down or up at a time, which can lead to a traffic jam during the summer months. Moreover, some people may be hesitant to use the second ladder, making the congestion even worse. Therefore, it is recommended to visit this beach before 10:00 AM if you plan to go in July or August.
The Large Sandbeach: Firiplaka Beach
Firiplaka Beach is located 600 meters (1969 feet) from Tsigrado Beach, making them a perfect combination. Unlike Tsigrado Beach, Firiplaka Beach is a very wide beach. The sea is shallow for a long distance from the shore, making it perfect for a relaxing beach day and for children to play. There is a beach bar with sunbeds, but it unfortunately has received many negative reviews on Google.
Are you in the mood for some active exploration during your visit to Milos? Then hop on a kayak and explore hidden beaches, sea caves, and hot springs. If you want to discover the most beautiful spots, we highly recommend this kayak tour. We found it to be an amazing experience with a friendly guide who lets you explore the hidden treasures of Milos at your own pace. Besides kayaking, you’ll also get a chance to go snorkeling, and the enthusiastic guide will share interesting information about Milos along the way. If you want to learn more about this tour, check out our experience with kayaking around Milos.
Visit the Colorfull Fishing Village Klima
Klima is a tiny fishing village located in the north of Milos. Each house in this village is painted in a different cheerful color. Nowadays, the fishermen no longer live here, and the charming houses have been transformed into luxurious apartments where you can stay. Staying right by the sea might come with a cost, but it is undoubtedly a unique experience. Fisherman House is one of the most beautiful places to stay in this picturesque village.
Chill at Paralia Firopotamos
Spending an afternoon lounging on a sunbed while enjoying a cold beer? Then you must visit Paralia Firopotamos. This is a small sandy beach with beautiful shallow waters. There is a simple beach bar where you can order cold drinks and delicious snacks.
Best Restaurants in Milos
Okto – At Okto, you can enjoy delicious food while admiring a fantastic view. We especially loved their breakfast, with favorites like avocado toast with halloumi and shakshuka!
Garden The Juice Bar – This tiny to-go breakfast and lunch spot in Adamantas offers tasty smoothie bowls.
O! Hamos! Tavern – One of the most popular restaurants in Milos, with an extensive handwritten menu in various languages, including Dutch. Be sure to try a dish with goat cheese, as it’s their specialty. Keep in mind that it can get very busy, and reservations are not possible. Arrive early, as the wait time for a table can be up to 1.5 hours.
Medusa – This seafood restaurant is located in the charming fishing village of Mandraki. If you’re lucky, you can get a table by the water and enjoy fresh fish with a fantastic view.
Gyros of Milos – Gyros of Milos is the place to be for a traditional gyros sandwich.
Kokkino Podilato – Located in the center of Plaka, this restaurant offers unique flavor combinations. The owners love to chat and cook with great passion.
Where to Stay at Milos?
There are roughly three charming villages to stay in Milos. The first option is Adamantas, the harbor village. You arrive here by ferry, and you’ll find most of the restaurants, with hotel prices being the lowest. The second option is Plaka, the adorable capital of Milos. As mentioned earlier, Plaka is very charming, so staying here is definitely a great choice. However, hotel prices in Plaka are a bit higher. The last recommendation for accommodation is the village of Trypiti. Trypiti is located on a hill, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away from Plaka, and the hotels there are somewhat more affordable. Below, you can read our recommendations for the nicest hotels in these three villages.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Milos
If you would like to stay in Adamantas, Capetan Giorgantas is a delightful hotel. It is located right in the center, so many good restaurants and the harbor are just around the corner. There is a nice swimming pool with sun loungers, and in the morning, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast. Halara Studios is a small-scale hotel in Plaka. Waking up here is wonderful, as all rooms have a fantastic sea view. Each room has a small kitchenette with amenities like a Nespresso machine. Palaios Rooms is an affordable option in Trypiti. Here, you’ll stay in a spacious apartment with all the necessary amenities. The owner is very friendly and leaves something tasty in your room for you every day.
  Capetan Giorgantas |
  Halara Studios |
  Palaios Rooms |
