If you are looking for things to do in Milos, you have come to the right place. We spent 4 days touring this volcanic island in the Cyclades at the beginning of July, with a rental car and a desire not to miss a thing. And what we found left us fascinated: white rock beaches that look like they are from another planet, fishing villages with breathtaking colors, and a calm that you can no longer find on more crowded islands like Santorini or Mykonos. In this guide, we share our experience regarding the 15 places you cannot miss on your visit, including a map, where to stay, and everything you need to organize your trip.
We arrived in Milos after spending more than two months touring the Ionian islands of Greece (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos…) and our standards were quite high. Milos exceeded them. Without a doubt, it was one of the most special islands we visited during that entire time.
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Summary of things to do in Milos
| Category | Key details |
|---|---|
| Best time | May-June and September-October (avoid July-August if possible). |
| Transport | Rental car is essential to explore the island with freedom. |
| Recommended days | Minimum 4 days, although 5-7 days is ideal. |
| Must-sees | Sarakiniko, Kleftiko (by boat), Plaka, Klima, and the catacombs of Trypiti. |
| How to get there | Fast ferry from Athens (Piraeus) or domestic flight (40 min). |
| Gastronomy | Fresh fish, octopus, Dakos salad, and volcanic cuisine. |
| Accommodation | Adamas (practical), Plaka (charming), Pollonia (family-friendly), or Klima (exclusive). |
What is the best time to visit Milos?
If you can choose the time of year, the best time to visit Milos is May-June or September-October. The weather is excellent, the water is already warm (or still warm), prices are more reasonable, and the island has tourism but without the saturation of August. We went at the beginning of July and we already noticed quite a lot of movement: crowded beaches early on, rental cars almost sold out, and very high accommodation prices.
July and August are the months with the highest influx, with tourists from all over Europe and prices that can double compared to June. If you travel during that time no matter what, book absolutely everything in advance: accommodation, car, and boat excursion to Kleftiko. If you arrive without reservations in August, you will have a hard time.
In winter, the island remains practically only for the locals; many businesses close and the ferry operates on a reduced schedule. If you are looking for extreme calm and don’t mind that many beaches are inaccessible due to the wind, it can be a very unique experience.
1. Sarakiniko — the moon beach
If there is one place in Milos that we loved and that we will not forget for a long time, it is Sarakiniko. Nothing prepares you for the first time you see it. The white volcanic rock, polished by centuries of wind and waves, forms gentle undulations, cliffs, arches, and caves that make it look like you are stepping on the surface of the moon. The contrast with the blue of the Aegean is brutal.
It is not a beach for sand and umbrellas, but a geological landscape to explore. There is a small sandy area for swimming, quite protected, but the appeal lies in walking through the rock formations, sitting on the edges, and diving into the water from the rocks. We arrived at different times during our 4 days and the place changes completely according to the light. At sunset, it is magical.
TIPS: Arrive before 10 in the morning in high season: the heat reflected by the white rock becomes extreme at noon. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. There is no shade of any kind and facilities are minimal. There is free parking at the entrance.
2. Plaka — the capital that captivates you
Plaka is the capital of Milos and one of the things to do in Milos that surprised us the most pleasantly. The town is built high up on a hill, with labyrinthine alleys, white and blue whitewashed houses, churches with domes appearing above the roofs, and a panoramic view of the archipelago that is worth every step up.
You have to park in the lot at the entrance to the town because vehicles cannot circulate through the streets. We arrived when the sun was already setting and the light tinted everything gold… we stayed until night fell. The sunset from the area of the Venetian Kastro and from the church before reaching the summit is among the best we remember from the entire trip.
Many travelers recommend also visiting the Archaeological Museum of Plaka, where you can see a copy of the Venus de Milo (the original statue is in the Louvre in Paris). If you like museums, it is worth stopping by.
TIPS: To see the sunset, aim to arrive around 7:00 PM (in summer the sun sets around 7:15-8:00 PM). On clear days you can see several islands from above.
TIP: Sarakiniko at sunset and the shipwreck
If you can, go back at sunset. Everything turns warm colors, the shadows give depth to the formations, and the crowds thin out significantly. A kilometer away, you can also see the famous Milos shipwreck. It is not accessible on foot but rather from the water or by looking from above, but the image of the rusted hull grounded between the white rocks is something you won’t forget.
3. Mandrakia — the most beautiful fishing village
Mandrakia is tiny, but it is one of the places that leaves you speechless. Brightly colored fishing houses built directly on the water’s edge, with boats kept in caves (sirmata) carved into the rock. A perfect corner to sit and let time pass.
It is very well signposted from the main road and is easy to reach by car. We stayed for quite a while just looking. If you are hungry, many travelers recommend eating at the Medusa Taverna, with direct views of the sea. We didn’t do it ourselves, but we saw it full and it looked very good.
4. The catacombs of Trypiti
The Milos catacombs are the most important early Christian monument in Greece. They are carved into porous volcanic rock on the hillside near the town of Trypiti and date back to the 1st century AD. It is estimated that thousands of people from the first Christian communities were buried there.
The visit is in a small group with a guide (in English) and lasts about 15-20 minutes inside. At the entrance, there is also the exact replica of the Venus de Milo, at the site where the original statue was found in 1820. Admission currently costs around €4-10 per person (check the updated price before going, as it varies by source). Bring cash, as some recent reviews indicate problems with card terminals.
TIPS: The catacombs are within walking distance of the ancient theater of Milos and the windmill of Trypiti, making it easy to combine everything in the same outing. Check the opening hours before heading down because they close in the mid-afternoon.
5. Klima — the ancient port below Trypiti
Klima is right below Trypiti and is another fishing village that we love. It has colored houses with their boats kept in the lower caves (just like Mandrakia but with a different character), a jetty from which to jump into the water, and a quiet, authentic atmosphere that makes you want to stay. It is the ancient port of Milos.
Combine the visit to the catacombs with a trip down to Klima: the path is beautiful and the contrast between the historic town above and the little fishing village below is remarkable.
6. Firiplaka — the perfect beach for families
One of the things to do in Milos that we enjoyed the most was spending the afternoon in Firiplaka. It is a large and welcoming beach with two zones: one more organized with umbrellas and a bar, and another natural area past a large rock, where the water is very calm and shallow. Ideal if you are traveling with children.
What struck us the most were the volcanic rock cliffs behind the beach, with an incredible palette of colors: yellow, red, orange, green… it is impressive to walk along the shore looking for the different colors of the rocks. There is parking at the edge of the road, but if you continue to the end, there is almost always a spot.
TIPS: Umbrellas cost around €5 and drinks around €2.50. Arrive early to explore the more natural area.
7. Firopotamos — beach, houses, ruins, and church by the sea
Firopotamos is another small and charming village in the north of the island.
What we liked most was the quiet little beach and the church overlooking the sea, the fishermen’s houses with their little boats, and some ruins on the side of the beach that give it a different touch. It is not the best-known of the villages in Milos, but that is precisely why it is worth stopping.
8. Psaravolada and Achivadolimni — beaches on the east coast
Psaravolada is a small beach, quieter and less visited (where we were staying at Psaravolada Resort and it was wonderful), perfect for those looking for something further from the main circuit. It also has a restaurant with magnificent views and delicious food.
Achivadolimni beach, on the other hand, is one of the longest beaches on the island, with a lagoon behind it that gives it a particular look.
If you have extra days or just want to escape the more crowded beaches, these two options on the east coast are a very good alternative.
9. Pollonia — the second port and the gateway to Kimolos
Pollonia is in the northeast of the island and is the second port of Milos. It has a different pace than Adamas: quieter, with terrace restaurants overlooking the sea and a calm-water beach ideal for families. From here, ferries also leave for the neighboring island of Kimolos, which the locals highly recommend and which we were unable to visit due to lack of time (things left for next time!).
It is a very beautiful place to see during the day and night with all the little lights. There are also several places to eat. Many travelers recommend eating at the Armenaki Taverna for fresh fish, and there are several more tavernas on the waterfront with reasonable prices for the Greek high season.
10. Papafragas — the caves of the north
Papafragas is one of the must-sees in Milos (photo on the cover of the post). It consists of a series of caves and coves carved into the white volcanic rock, with a narrow opening to the sea that looks like a natural swimming pool surrounded by cliffs. To get there, you have to walk down a small path from the parking lot.
The water inside the caves has an intense turquoise color thanks to how the light enters. There is no sandy beach; some people went further inside, but let’s say it’s not the best beach for swimming. However, the colors are wonderful with the contrast of the white stone. On the shore, the water was a bit stagnant. Ideal to go during the quietest hours of the day.
11. Trypiti and the windmills
The little town of Trypiti, a few meters from the catacombs, also deserves a walk through its streets. There are well-preserved windmills with beautiful views of the bay and the sea. It is a good spot for photos and to understand the architecture and the pace of life of the villages in the interior of the island.
From here, the bay of Adamas can also be seen perfectly and you can orient yourself well on the island map.
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12. Paleochori — beach with volcanic thermal water
Paleochori is a long sandy beach in the south of the island, and it has a unique feature: volcanic activity makes the water naturally warm in some areas, especially near the shore. You can see small fumaroles coming out of the sand.
There are umbrellas, a bar, and restaurants with sea views. Many travelers recommend Sirocco for eating there, which has very good references. The atmosphere is livelier than other southern beaches and the water, although not the clearest, has that volcanic rarity that gives it its own personality.
13. Tsigrado — the secret cove with a rope
Tsigrado is one of the most spectacular coves on the entire island, and one of the things to do in Milos if you don’t mind a small challenge to get there. The access goes down an embankment with a ladder and then a rope for the last few meters. It is not dangerous at all, but you have to take it calmly.
The reward is a small cove of coarse sand, with water of a turquoise that simply has no equal. Precisely because of the complicated access, there are few people, which makes it an authentic paradise. The difficulty acts as a natural filter… and in this case, that is an advantage.
14. Boat excursion to Kleftiko and the south coast
Kleftiko is the highlight of Milos and the main excursion you cannot miss. It is a complex of white cliffs, caves, and volcanic rock arches on the southwest coast, with absolutely transparent turquoise waters. It is only accessible by sea.
There are excursions of various types from the port of Adamas and from Agia Kiriaki. The shortest ones (4 hours) include a stop at Gerontas beach and an hour and a half at Kleftiko for swimming and snorkeling. Generally, they cost around €30-50 per person and usually include an aperitif on board with snorkeling equipment. Full-day excursions cover the entire south coast, pass by the uninhabited island of Polyaigos, and almost always include lunch on board: expect to pay €80-100 per person.
If you want something more exclusive, there are sailboat departures with small groups (maximum 10-12 people) that are a different experience: more calm, more personalized attention, and the possibility of entering the caves with a dinghy. It is worth it if you are traveling as a couple or in a small group.
You can see all the options and book from here:
➜ Book boat excursion to Kleftiko (Civitatis)
There is also the sailboat version, more exclusive and with smaller groups, which is truly incredible if you want something more special.
15. The ancient theater and the ruins of ancient Melos
Near Trypiti and the catacombs are the ruins of the ancient theater of the city of Melos, which dates back to the Hellenistic period and was later modified in Roman times. It is one of the must-sees in Milos for those who enjoy history. And admission is free.
The theater is carved into the hillside, overlooking the sea, and preserves part of the original seating. The image of that ancient stage with the Aegean in the background is one of the most evocative on the entire island. Combine it with the catacombs and the town of Trypiti in the same morning: everything is a few minutes away.
A little further down, towards the sea, you can see vestiges of the ancient city. It is also near here that the famous Venus de Milo was found in 1820: there is a sign marking the exact spot of the discovery. The original statue is in the Louvre in Paris, but this site has its own historical significance.
Recommended itinerary for visiting Milos
Before starting: the perfect base for getting around is a rental car. Practically everything in this guide is accessible within 15-30 minutes of driving from any central point on the island.
Quick facts before you start:
- Best time: May-June and September-October (July-August is high season, lots of tourism)
- Recommended days: minimum 4 days, ideal 5-7
- Transport: rental car (essential)
- Currency: euro (€)
- Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Things to do in Milos in 1 day
If you only have one day (or are passing through between ferries), focus on the north. Sarakiniko first thing in the morning is mandatory. Then stop by Papafragas, go down to Mandrakia, have a drink, and end with the sunset in Plaka. It’s not much time, but you’ll leave with the most iconic sights.
Things to do in Milos in 2 days
Day 1 — North and history: Sarakiniko (morning), Papafragas, Firopotamos, Mandrakia, Trypiti catacombs + ancient theater, sunset in Plaka.
Day 2 — South and towns: Firiplaka (morning), Tsigrado, Paleochori, afternoon in Pollonia or Klima.
Things to do in Milos – Sarakiniko
Things to do in Milos in 3 days
Day 1 — North: Sarakiniko, Papafragas, Firopotamos, Mandrakia, Plaka at sunset.
Day 2 — History + south: Trypiti catacombs, ancient theater, Klima, Tsigrado, Firiplaka, Paleochori.
Day 3 — Boat excursion: Kleftiko. It is the perfect conclusion to any stay, but if you have to choose just one day, make it this one.
Things to do in Milos – Mandrakia
Things to do in Milos in 4 days or more
Day 1 — North of the island: Sarakiniko (early morning), Papafragas, Firopotamos, Mandrakia, sunset in Plaka.
Day 2 — History and towns: Trypiti catacombs + ancient theater + windmills, trip down to Klima, north beaches (Plathiena, Alogomantra), afternoon in Pollonia.
Day 3 — South coast: Tsigrado (morning), Firiplaka, Paleochori or Agia Kiriaki, free afternoon in Adamas.
Day 4 — Boat excursion: Kleftiko and/or full tour of the island. With more days you can explore more remote beaches and make the crossing to Kimolos from Pollonia.
Firiplaka Beach – Milos island
Map of things to do in Milos
Firopotamos Beach – Milos island
Where to stay in Milos
Milos has accommodation options in several parts of the island, with quite distinct profiles:
- Adamas: The main port. It is the most practical option if you arrive by ferry and if you want to be close to restaurants, supermarkets, and services. It has the largest selection of hotels and apartments. Our recommendation for a stay of 4+ days with a car.
- Plaka: The capital. Quieter, with great charm and spectacular views, but access is more complicated by car (you have to park outside the historic center). Ideal for those looking for an authentic local atmosphere.
- Pollonia: In the northeast. More family-friendly and quiet atmosphere, perfect if you want to be close to the northern beaches and away from mass tourism. From here you also leave directly for the boat excursion.
- Klima and Mandrakia: The fishing villages have some houses transformed into boutique accommodations that are beautiful… but very expensive in high season and with low availability. For a special night if the budget allows it.
Most importantly: book in advance. In July and August, accommodation in Milos sells out and prices double or triple compared to June. The same applies to the rental car: if you confirm the trip, book everything the same day.
You can search and compare options on the map below,
➜ View availability and prices of accommodation in Milos
TIP: The best price-location ratio is usually in Adamas or around Plaka. In July and August you can pay double what you pay in June, so if you can adjust your dates, it is very worth it.
Where to Stay in Milos: Map and Prices
On the map below you can move, zoom, and filter by your dates to see accommodation prices in Milos:
How to get to Milos
By ferry from Athens (Piraeus): It is the most popular option and the most classic experience of the Greek islands. Fast ferries (like SeaJets) take about 2.5-3 hours and cost from €33. Conventional ones take 4-7 hours but are more economical and have more space, with an outside deck and bar. In high season there are up to 4-7 daily departures. The port of arrival in Milos is Adamas.
By plane: Milos has a small airport 5 km from Adamas with direct flights from Athens (40 minutes). Olympic Air and Sky Express operate with prices from €48 out of season. A comfortable option if you come from abroad with a stopover in Athens and prefer to save time.
From other Cycladic islands: Milos is well connected to Sifnos, Folegandros, Santorini, Paros, and other islands. The ferry from Milos to Santorini takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the type of boat, making it very feasible to combine both islands in the same trip. If you are island hopping through the western Cyclades, Milos is the natural starting or ending point of that circuit.
How to get around Milos
Renting a car is, without a doubt, the best option to get around Milos. The island has more than 70 beaches and many corners far apart, and with a car, you have total freedom of schedule. The roads are well paved and signposted. We rented it directly at the airport upon arrival and had it for all 4 days: it was the best decision.
The rental price varies quite a bit depending on the season: in mid-season, you can find options from about €40-60 per day. In July and August, prices rise and, most importantly, cars sell out very quickly. Some travelers arrive in August without a prior reservation and end up renting an off-road vehicle or a quad, which are significantly more expensive. Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance in high season. You can compare prices on search engines or directly with local agencies at the port of Adamas.
If you don’t want to drive, there are also motorbikes and ATVs for rent, ideal for two people and for areas where parking a car is complicated (like Plaka). The local bus covers some main routes from Adamas, but it has very limited hours out of season and does not reach the more remote beaches. To go to Sarakiniko or Papafragas the bus usually runs in summer, but you depend on the schedule. With a car, you don’t.
Pollonia – Milos
What to eat in Milos
The gastronomy of Milos has a lot of classic Greek cuisine with very good local produce, especially fish and seafood. What we liked most:
In Adamas, the main port, we tried Dakos salad, saganaki (fried cheese), and octopus at Flisvos, a classic tavern at the port that has a very good price-quality ratio. We also ate very well at Marianna Tavern, also at the edge of the port, where they recommended a baked octopus with tomato and onion that was incredible.
In Plaka there are good taverns in the streets of the center; many travelers mention Archontoula and the Utopia bar for a drink with sunset views. In Paleochori, the Sirocco restaurant has a very good menu with sea views.
Don’t miss: sun-dried octopus (they hung it outside several restaurants), dakos, tzatziki, mussels with cheese, and anything with fresh seafood. Everything is accompanied by local wine and iced frappe… life is good in Milos!
Travel insurance for Milos
For traveling to Greece we recommend taking out travel insurance that covers medical assistance, cancellations, and lost luggage. We always travel with IATI Insurance, which has international coverage and an assistance service in Spanish that works very well. Plus, with our exclusive discount, you get a 5% discount directly on your policy.
Greece, and the islands in particular, do not have very high health prices compared to other countries, but for any unforeseen event (a sea urchin sting, a motorcycle accident, a ferry cancellation due to bad weather) it is worth having guaranteed coverage.
Excursions from Milos
In addition to the boat excursion to Kleftiko (which is the number one), from Milos you can also do:
Kleftiko + Polyaigos by sailboat (full day): The most complete version includes the uninhabited island of Polyaigos, the old sulfur mines, several paradisiacal coves, and lunch on board. Count on about €80-100 per person. An experience that is very worth it if you have the day available.
Excursion to Kimolos: From the port of Pollonia, mini-ferries depart to the neighboring island of Kimolos (just a 15-minute crossing). Locals highly recommend it as an uncrowded alternative: beautiful beaches, a white town, and very few people. We didn’t get to go due to lack of time, but it remains a must-do for next time.
Kayak and snorkeling on the north coast: There are local operators that offer kayak outings through the volcanic formations of the north (Sarakiniko, Papafragas) for those who prefer something more active than a boat trip.
You can see all available excursions and book here:
Frequently asked questions about Milos
How many days are enough to visit Milos?
The ideal is to have between 5 and 7 days to enjoy Milos without rushing. We were there for 4 days and, although we took advantage of it quite a bit, we were left wanting more. With less than 3 days you will feel that there is not enough time to see all the beaches and towns that are worth knowing.
Is it necessary to rent a car in Milos?
Yes, without a doubt. Milos is a large island with more than 70 beaches and many corners far apart. Renting a car gives you total freedom to get where you want and at the time you want. We did it and it was the best decision. In July and August, cars sell out quickly, so book well in advance.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Milos?
In mid-season, you can find options from about €40-60 per day. In July and August, prices rise and it is essential to book weeks in advance. If you arrive without a reservation in August, you may only have off-road vehicles or quads available, which are significantly more expensive. Comparing on Rentalcars before the trip is always worth it.
What is the best time to go to Milos?
The best time to visit Milos is between May and June, or September and October, when the weather is excellent, the water is warm, and there are many fewer people than in July and August. July and August are high season months with lots of tourism and higher prices. We went at the beginning of July and there was already quite a lot of movement.
How to get to Milos from Athens?
There are two options: ferry from the port of Piraeus (Athens) or plane from Athens airport. The ferry takes between 2.5 and 7 hours depending on the type of boat and costs from about €33. The plane takes only 40 minutes and prices start from €48, although they rise quite a bit in high season. We went by ferry, which is the most classic experience of the Greek islands.
How long does the ferry from Milos to Santorini take?
The ferry trip from Milos to Santorini takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the type of boat. Fast ferries make the journey in about 2 hours; conventional ones can take up to 4 hours with stops. The route has daily frequency in high season, which makes it very easy to combine both islands in the same trip through the Cyclades.
Is it possible to take a boat excursion to Kleftiko?
Yes, and it is one of the must-do experiences in Milos. The caves and cliffs of Kleftiko are only accessible by sea. There are excursions of about 4 hours (from about €30-50 per person) and full-day ones (€80-100 with lunch included). You can book directly at the port of Adamas or in advance through Civitatis.
What is the most special thing about Sarakiniko beach?
Sarakiniko is unique in the world: its white volcanic rock formations give it a lunar appearance not seen anywhere else. It is not a beach for sunbathing with an umbrella, but for exploring, photographing, and taking a dip in turquoise waters between the rocks. It is best to go early in the morning to avoid the extreme heat reflected by the white stones and to find fewer people.
Conclusion
Milos is, without exaggeration, one of the most special islands we visited in all our years of travel. It has something that other more famous islands lack: authenticity, landscapes that don’t seem to be from this planet, and that calm that makes you want to stay longer than planned. The 15 things to do in Milos that we tell you about in this guide are all from our own experience, toured by car in 4 days at the beginning of July. If you can, stay longer. Every extra day is worth it.
If you have any doubts about what to do in Milos or how to organize the trip, leave us your question in the comments. And if you are traveling to other Greek islands, don’t miss our guides to Greece, where you can also find everything about the Ionian islands we toured on the same trip.
Have a great trip!
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