Milos might be a lesser-known gem in the Greek Cyclades, but it definitely is one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. With its wild beauty, turquoise-colored water, moonlike landscapes, colorful fishing villages, and ancient ruins, Milos has a lot to offer! If you’re planning your first trip to Milos Island and wondering what to do, here’s my guide on the absolute best things to do in Milos, Greece!
I’ve also included all my insider tips on transportation, accommodation, cool places to eat, and so much more so that you can enjoy all the best bits of this Cycladic gem. Ready to discover the best of Milos? Let’s dive right in!
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Milos Island Essentials
- Milos is much less touristy than Mykonos and Santorini. However, if you’re visiting during the summer, it’s best to book accommodation at least a few months in advance. Find the best hotels here.
- Ferries (especially the ones with quicker routes) fill up quickly during peak season. Book your seat at least a few weeks before you go.
- Milos is a big horse-shoe-shaped island with attractions scattered all over the place. If you want to see its best bits, you’ll need wheels. Although it’s possible to arrange a car, ATV, or scooter once on the island, it’s best to organize this before you arrive.
- To get a better understanding of the lay of the land, remember to grab a map of the island at the tourist office near the harbor. And if you’re keen to join a guided tour, check out the best tours on Milos Island in my Viator Shop.
- Pack water shoes – trust me, you’ll need them!
15 of the BEST Things to do in Milos, Greece
Visit Papafragas Caves
The Papafragas Caves are an absolute must on your Milos to-do list. While it is just one of the many fascinating landscapes of Milos Island, it certainly is one of the most impressive.
Situated along the north coast, Papafragas is a group of interesting caves with a stunning natural pool sandwiched between towering cliffs. You can scramble up to the top of the caves for a panoramic view over the area. And if you’re brave enough, clamber down a very narrow trail carved out along the rock face to reach the tiny beach below. There’s little space here, so it gets crowded quickly. Once at the bottom, you can cool off in the water or admire the carvings on the rock walls.
If the crowds get too much for you, there’s a beautiful black pebble beach just to the left of the caves with lots of space to bake in the sun. Nearby, there’s also Kapros Beach. It’s home to a massive sea arch and cool sea caves.
Marvel at Sarakiniko Beach
Milos is home to some 70 beaches, but the crown jewel has to be the incredible Sarakiniko Beach.
Located on the northeast coast of the island, Sarakiniko is the most popular and beautiful place on the island. With its surreal lunar landscape boasting chalk-white volcanic rocks, hollows and arches in all kinds of unusual shapes and sizes, it’s the ultimate must-see on any Milos itinerary!
Most people come to soak in the cool waters of the inlet or hang out at the tiny beach, but there’s so much more to do. Just behind the beach, there are some cool abandoned tunnels to explore. Bring a flashlight (or use your phone). It’s very dark inside the caves, and the path is uneven. Cliff jumping is another popular activity here but only do it where it is safe. Another highlight at Sarakiniko and a great way to get away from the crowds is to scramble up to the top of the cliffs and walk all along them. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes (water shoes are best), as some sections are steep and slippery.
Since Sarakiniko is one of the most popular attractions in Milos, it’s best to come early to secure a spot. You can easily spend an entire day here exploring, swimming, or relaxing. Bring a picnic basket or grab drinks and snacks at the small food truck near the parking area. Definitely try the Greek cheese pies!
See the Sarakiniko Shipwreck
While most people stick to the left side of Sarakiniko Bay, the righthand side is also well worth a visit.
The landscape is a bit different here, but it’s still got its charm – epic ocean views and lots of secret nooks to explore. A real treat here is the Sarakiniko shipwreck right at the base of the cliff. Whether you spot it or not depends on the tide, but it’s worth a shot if you’re in the area.
Swim at Secret Cove
A real secret gem in Milos is the beautiful pool near Secret Cove. There’s no name for this exact spot, but if you follow the directions to Crique Secrète and continue walking down toward the ocean, you can’t miss it.
Located in what looks like a former excavation site, this secluded pool lies on top of a cliff right next to the Aegean Sea. The water is calm and crystal clear here, perfect for a leisurely dip. We took our time strolling through the pool and admiring the incredible view over the ocean.
Getting here, though, takes some work. You’ll need an ATV as the road is very bumpy, and I wouldn’t recommend driving here with a rental car. If you’re up for it, you can walk from Sarakiniko to get to this secret place but know that it’ll be a proper workout sesh. The pool is near the bottom of the cliff, and the trail leading there is quite steep.
Admire the Views at Poundes
If you thought Crique Secrète was the only hidden gem in Milos, you would be wrong!
Just a bit further down the coast, before you hit Mandrakia, is another incredibly beautiful natural landscape – tagged as Poundes on Google Maps.
It has the same epic vibe you’d expect from any coastal attraction in Milos, but what makes it so unique is its cool rock formations, crevices, and deep pools filled with azure-colored waters. You’ll need to clamber over boulders and jump over sections to see its best bits. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart!
We walked (scrambled mostly) along the coast past beautiful pools perfect for swimming (although I wouldn’t recommend it) and weird-looking formations in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
For a beautiful view of Mandrakia in the distance, don’t miss exploring the section to the left. Besides the views, there are some interesting red rocks to photograph and even one that resembles a rather sad-looking chicken.
Once again, it’s a bumpy ride to get to this place, so definitely only attempt to reach it by ATV.
Visit Mandrakia
Set about halfway between Sarakiniko and Firopotamos is Mandrakia – a charming seaside village. It’s an unmissable stop on your list of things to do in Milos and, hands down, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the island!
This tiny village features crystal clear waters, colorful boat houses (called Sirmata), and lazy cats lounging around. There are many nooks and crannies to explore, but behind the village (follow the walkway to the very end), there is a tiny bay where you can splash around or swim all along the wharf. Wear water shoes, though, because the walkways are covered in moss!
For the ultimate seafood feast, head to Medusa. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Milos, offering beautiful seaside views and the best seafood you’ll ever have! Try the grilled veg, prawns, and the baklava! Just a head’s up – it’s always packed, so make a reservation in advance.
If you don’t want to wait for a table, the small truck bar (Oasis Canteen) near the parking area has a great selection of local and international beers, cocktails, and light snacks.
Sail to Kleftiko Bay
The southern shores of Milos are dotted with some of the most beautiful places on the island. Among the most notable is Kleftiko Bay – a stunning cove with towering cliffs and uniquely shaped rock formations jutting out right from the sea. But that’s not all. Kleftiko also boasts crystal clear waters and oodles of sea caves, making it a dreamy spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Most people join one of the many boat tours to Kleftiko, but for a truly memorable experience, I highly recommend hiring your own little private boat to explore the area at your own pace.
You don’t need a boating license to rent a boat. That said, having experience operating a small vessel is recommended. We rented a boat from Firiplaka Boat Rental for half a day, and while it wasn’t cheap (EUR 165), it was absolutely worth it!
You’ll want to book extra snorkeling gear, too. There are loads of beautiful spots along the coast where you’ll want to stop and jump off into the crystal-clear water or swim out to secret beaches! Some of the highlights along the way include Cape Akrotiri, Cape Pounda, Malolo, Katergo Beach, and Gerontas Beach.
The boat also comes with a cooler box, so bring some snacks and drinks along. Just remember the ice!
Spend time at Firiplaka Beach
Another huge must on your list of things to do in Milos is Firiplaka Beach. Located on the southern coast, Fyriplaka is a long, crescent-shaped bay featuring striking cliffs with red and white rocks, soft sand, and dreamy turquoise waters. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, and there is loads of room to work on your tan. If you’re up for it, you can even rent a kayak and paddle out to Tsigrado Beach and its surrounding caves.
There is also a small beach bar where you can buy ice-cold beers, boozy cocktails, and all kinds of snacks. Beach loungers and umbrellas are available for rent here, too. It costs EUR 30 per day for two loungers, but if you want to secure a spot, it’s best to come early.
Swim at Tsigrado Beach
Tsigrado Beach is another popular place to visit in Milos, thanks to its soft sand and unique setting.
Located just around the corner from Firiplaka Beach, this tiny beach sits in a small cove surrounded by towering reddish-brown-hued cliffs. What really sets it apart from other Milos beaches is that its main access point is a ladder leading down to the tiny beach below.
If you’re afraid of heights, this might not be the beach for you! That said, you can still get to Tsigrado by kayaking from Firiplaka or swimming out from your boat. There are also some beautiful sea caves here, perfect for snorkeling and exploring!
Wander around Adamas
Adamas, also called Adamantas, is the main port town of Milos and where you’ll arrive if coming to the island by ferry.
It’s a popular base for first-time visitors to the island, with the best mix of supermarkets, souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s also a small tourist office near the port where you can grab a map of the island or learn more about excursions. Other highlights include the beautiful churches of Agia Triada and Agios Halarambos.
If you don’t have much time in Adamas, make sure to at least grab some freshly baked spanakopita from Aptemie Bakery – it’s absolutely out of this world!
Explore Plaka
Although Plaka is the capital of Milos, it’s retained its authentic Greek charm and relaxing atmosphere. Think narrow streets lined with blooming bougainvilleas and beautiful whitewashed buildings!
Plaka is absolutely stunning, and you could easily spend a whole day exploring (or getting lost) in the alleyways without ever getting bored! While the Castle is the main attraction here, some of the island’s best museums are also based here. Among the most notable are the Folk Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the War Museum.
If you’re hungry, an unmissable breakfast spot is the quaint Palaios Coffee & Pastry. They make a decent spanakopita, but the cherry tomato and caramelized onion pie is the real star! If you’re in Plaka a bit later during the day, The Mine Cafe Bar is a cozy spot to grab an Aperol Spritz or a Greek coffee. And for an epic sunset view, don’t miss Utopia Caffe or Piazza Castello (make a reservation in advance).
Visit the Plaka Castle
A true highlight in Plaka (and Milos overall) is the Plaka Castle. Situated on top of the hill of Prophet Elias, Plaka Castle is the ruins of the island’s old Venetian Castle. The historical site dates back to the 13th century AD and offers some of the best views over Milos. It’s also a popular sunset viewing spot.
En route to the Plaka Castle, drop by the stunning Panagia Thalassitra. The church was built in 1839 and features a beautiful stone bell tower. If you still have some energy, continue to the very top of the hill. Here, you’ll find another lovely little church, Mesa Panagia, with even better views!
It’s about a 15-minute walk to the Castle (follow the signs that say Kastro). It’s a bit of a steep climb, so, get ready to break a sweat. Another thing you need to know is that most of the path is uneven with loose rocks, so wear proper shoes.
Explore the Catacombs & Ancient Theater
Just around the corner from the sleepy village of Trypiti are two of the most important historical sites in Milos – the Catacombs and the Ancient Theater. Both are worth a visit if you’re into history.
The Catacombs of Milos were discovered during the 1800s, but it’s believed that they date back to the 1st century AD. Once a massive underground burial place for Christians, it’s estimated that a staggering 8,000 bodies were buried here. Subsequently, it’s one of the most important religious burial sites in the world today. While you can only visit a handful of its chambers nowadays, it’s still worth a peek inside. The entrance fee is EUR 4 per person.
A short stroll away is the incredibly well-preserved Ancient Theater of Milos, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Impressive in design and size, this theater could once seat 7000 people. Today, however, it’s only used for special events and can accommodate up to 700 people. Another highlight is a replica of the beautiful Venus of Milos, which was discovered here in 1820. The original now lives in The Louvre in Paris and is one of the three most famous female figures in the museum.
Visit Klima
If you’ve had your fill of history, head down to the coast and visit Klima – another traditional fishing village. Although it’s one of the smaller fishing villages in Milos, it’s definitely one of the most Instagram-worthy!
What really makes Klima so special is the long strip of colorful double-story boat houses, each painted in a different color, lining its shore. The best part? You can stroll all along a well-paved walkway sandwiched between the ocean and these colorful houses. While it only takes about 15 minutes to walk from one side to the other, you’ll probably take much longer because there are tons of photo stops along the way!
If you’re up for it, you can even take a dip in the Aegean Sea (look out for the ladders). Just wear water shoes as the walkway is quite slippery, and we saw a few people nearly get hurt. Klima also has some pretty spectacular sunsets. So, stick around until then if you can. Astakas Cafe is the spot to grab dinner or enjoy an ice-cold Mamos while watching the sun set over the horizon.
Relax at Provatas Beach
Provatas Beach is a long beach with soft golden sand and calm, warm waters in the southern corners of Milos. Since it’s a bit out of the way, it’s a great place if you’re looking to have a beach practically all to yourself.
There’s a small beach shack where you can rent a boat to explore the coast, and if you’re hungry, Muses Restaurant serves delicious Greek coffee and authentic Greek-style food. Try the calamari – you won’t regret it!
Where to Stay in Milos
Milos has a whole host of accommodation options to match any budget. The most popular areas to stay in Milos are Adamas and Plaka. Both offer easy access to shops, tavernas, cafes, bars, and the ferry port in Adamantas. However, there are many quieter areas like Klima, Firopotamos, and Pollinia if you prefer a more laid-back vibe.
Here are my top recommendations:
- Luxury: Caves Suites | Santa Maria Village | Olea Bay Hotel
- Mid-Range: Vilos Suites Fyropotamos Beach | Plaka Suites | Thalassitra Village Hotel
- Unique Stays: Klima Bay Beachfront Boutique Houses | Aera Milos
- Budget: Milos Inn
How to Get to Milos Island
If you’re island hopping in the Greek Cyclades, the most straightforward way to get to Milos is by ferry. The island has convenient ferry links to nearby islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros, to name just a few.
However, you should know that ferry connections vary depending on the season. During peak season, there will often be more ferries operating, and vice versa during low season. Regardless of when you sail to Milos, though, it’s best to check schedules and book ferry tickets well in advance. Ferryhopper was our go-to booking platform, and it was super easy to check schedules and compare prices.
Another option is to fly to Milos. Milos has a tiny airport roughly 10 minutes drive from Adamantas and 15 minutes from Plaka. Note, though, that direct flights only operate from Athens. Find flights and compare prices here on Skyscanner.
How to Get Around Milos Island
To fully explore the most beautiful parts of Milos, it’s best to have your own transport instead of relying on the public bus (see schedules) or a taxi service. Taxis are pricey in Greece, and it’s quite challenging to figure out the buses on the Greek islands.
If you’re traveling in a group, renting a car is an option, but if you can, it’s best to rent an ATV. Many of Milos’s best gems require navigating narrow roads and going off-road at times, making it difficult to reach with a car or a scooter. Remember to bring an International Driver’s License and book well in advance, especially when visiting during the busy season.
We rented a 550cc quad bike from Apollonas Sunshine (Google Maps) for EUR 75 per day. Drop-offs or pick-ups are also available from the harbor or your hotel at a small additional transfer fee.
How Many Days to Spend in Milos
Milos is absolutely littered with beautiful places to see and amazing things to do. Although we checked off most of the items on our Milos itinerary during our three-day stay, we would have loved more time to fully appreciate everything the island has to offer.
If you truly want to experience all that Milos offers, plan to spend at least 5-7 days there. This will allow you to explore the island at your own pace, visit its secrets spots, and work in some well-deserved beach time.
Best Time to Visit Milos, Greece
The best time to visit Milos is during the warm, sunny months, from April to October.
Peak season runs from July to August, and if you don’t book ahead, finding reasonably priced accommodation can be difficult. The shoulder season runs from April to June and September to October. During these months, Milos is generally less crowded and prices more favorable.
What to Do in Milos in Conclusion
With its wild beauty and a wide variety of things to do, Milos is an absolute must-visit island in the Cyclades. Whether you’re visiting for the laidback vibes, pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, ancient ruins, or delicious Greek food, a trip to Milos will undoubtedly be an authentic Greek experience like no other!
Well, that wraps up my guide on what to do in Milos! If you have any other suggestions for cool Milos attractions or activities, let me know in the comments below!
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