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Milos, a small volcanic island in the Cyclades archipelago, is a slice of paradise on earth. Setting sail for this beautiful destination guarantees the discovery of whitewashed villages, quaint fishing ports, and stunning churches. Once there, you’ll be able to witness some of the most unforgettable sunsets and sunrises in the Mediterranean. Boasting over 40 exotic beaches and a high sun exposure throughout the year, you’ll likely return home with a bonus tan. In this article, we will guide you on what to do on Milos island to make your holiday genuinely memorable.
📋 Make the right choice. Greece is one of the most tourist-heavy countries in Europe, and it’s no coincidence. Here are, according to us, the most beautiful Greek islands.
🗒️ Visit duration, transportation: things to know about Milos
Before we delve into our list of must-do things on Milos island, here are a few tips for your upcoming trip.
How to get to Milos?
It’s not complicated. To reach Milos, two options are available: aeroplane or ferry.
- By plane: Milos hosts a small airport (Milos National Airport – MLO) that accommodates domestic flights from Athens. Flights are primarily operated by Olympic Air and Sky Express. The flight duration is between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- By ferry : Ferries connect Milos with other islands in the Cyclades and Piraeus, Athens’ main port. Ferry services are more frequent during the high season (June to September). The travel time depends on the type of ferry and road, usually ranging from 3 to 7 hours.
When is the best time to visit Milos?
The best time to visit Milos is between May and September. During these months, the weather is almost always warm and sunny, with comfortable (sometimes quite high) temperatures to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. June and September are particularly recommended to avoid high season tourist crowds, and to benefit from slightly lower accommodation rates. You might even try October, for a final dip in the sea. Speaking of which, if you’re looking for this, read this article.
How long does it take to visit Milos?
The ideal duration to visit Milos obviously depends on your interests and how you want to explore the island. For a relaxation-focused stay, plan for three to five days to enjoy the beaches, villages, and a few historical sites. If you wish to delve deeper into the island, perhaps by taking boat trips to more secluded beaches and hiking, seven days or more are recommended.
Which hotel to choose in Milos?
Granted, the hotel options may not be as abundant as in Paros, Santorini or Mykonos, but there are still charming hotels in Milos. Here are three, particularly popular ones.
- Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel. Located in Pollonia, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with stunning sea views. It also features a pool, a bar, and personalised service.
- Santa Maria Village. This hotel is located in Adamas, close to the port and Papikinou beach. It offers well-equipped rooms and suites, surrounded by well-maintained gardens. Here too, you’ll find a lovely pool.
- Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa. Also located in Pollonia, this luxury hotel offers an exceptional stay experience with elegantly designed rooms and suites. It features a spa, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
🔝 What are the things to do in Milos?
Let’s dive straight into the core of our topic, the very reason you’re reading this article: the must-see activities in Milos.
Visit Plaka
This museum, located in Plaka, is the perfect place to lay the foundation for your knowledge of the region. From the 3rd millennium to the 12th century BC, Milos had the most important port in the Aegean Sea, at Phylakopi, in the north of the island. Excavations in the late 19th century at this site yielded exceptional objects from the early Cycladic, Minoan and Mycenaean periods. Objects you will discover here.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Milos
This museum, located in Plaka, is the perfect place to lay the foundations of your knowledge of the region. From the 3rd millennium to the 12th century BC. J.-C., Milos had the most important port of the Aegean Sea, in Phylakopi, in the north of the island. During excavations at the end of the 19th century, this site yielded exceptional objects from the early Cyclades, Minoans and Mycenaeans. Objects you will discover here.
In this beautiful building, you’ll find patterned pottery, figurines, a bathtub and the fascinating Lady of Phylakopi, where a 14th-century BC sanctuary is located. From the entrance hall, you should be captivated by a copy of the Venus de Milo, a 6th-century BC funeral jar, and obsidian tools made on the island.
Treat yourself to a walk on Paliorema beach
We’ll tell you right away, this beach is not easy to get to, as you have to take a dirt road through steep hills for a few kilometres east of Zefiria. But, believe us, you won’t regret the trip once you get there.
Paliorema is more than just a place to sunbathe and swim, as this beautiful stretch of sand is backed by the ghostly ruins of a sulfur mine. This mine was exploited for about a hundred years, starting in the mid-19th century. You can learn about the harsh working conditions that prevailed there at the Milos Mining Museum. As for the site, it is also worth visiting: you can venture around rusted pieces of heavy machinery, rails with their wagons, a loading crane by the water, cave houses and tunnel entrances.
Visit the village of Firopotamos
This picturesque fishing village is located 2 km from Plaka, past the quarry and the municipality of Triovasalos. Firopotamos consists of a handful of traditional white cottages, which contrast strongly with the blue sky and turquoise sea. It’s no wonder it has gained a reputation among kayakers who come from far and wide to enjoy its immaculate landscapes.
Visit Provatas Beach
The golden sand and shallow waters make Provatas the ideal beach for families. If you’re with children, walking on the beach and dipping your toes in the water are the best things to do here. The beach is also lined with hotels and restaurants, and is easily accessible by a paved road.
Visit the village of Klima
In Klima, you can admire the boat sheds, buy local crafts or paddle. The traditional multicoloured syrmatas, or fishermen’s houses, are very photogenic – come at the golden hour to admire a beautiful sunset over the bay. However, be careful if you come by bus, as the village is at the foot of a winding road leading from the village of Trypiti.
Explore Papafragas Beach and Caves
Visiting this place is a must-do in Milos. From above, the caves of Papafragas look like a huge natural swimming pool. And you have to be a bit brave to reach the beach, as the path to it, carved into the cliff, is particularly winding. Once you reach it, you can walk in the shallow waters or swim through a natural arch to discover the hidden treasure of a pool with idyllic blue waters. An abundance of sea caves and secluded coves await you there.
That’s it, we hope you now know what to do on the island of Milos. Any other ideas? Let’s talk about it in the comments.