Curator’s statement
Milos is the up and coming little sister to Santorini and Mykonos. Here you will find idyllic villages with cobblestone streets, delicious local cuisine, beautiful beaches (more than 70) and incredible landscapes. This little haven has all of the things you want on a Greek island minus the massive crowds. You’ll have plenty of luxury accommodations to choose from as well.
Milos is part of the Cyclades Islands and is an easy ferry or plane ride from Athens. Depending on the ferry you choose, the journey can be as little as two and a half hours. It’s easy to hop to other islands from Milos as well.
Public transportation on the Island can be hit or miss. It is recommended that you rent a car or scooter to get around, so you aren’t reliant on the sporadic bus schedule. Make sure to get your international driving permit if you do plan to drive.
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Day 1: Incredible Landscapes and Local Cuisine
Plan to arrive as early as possible so you can get your Milos adventure started. Once you land , pick up your rental car and head straight to your hotel to drop off your bags. After getting settled in your hotel it is time for the fun to begin!
Your first stop is Mandrakia, a quaint fishing village where you’ll grab lunch at a restaurant called Medusa. Medusa is an outdoor café with incredible views and the freshest seafood. After lunch, head to Sarakiniko Beach where you will feel like you have just landed on the moon. Sarakiniko is one of the most iconic spots in Milos with its white volcanic rock. You’ve likely already seen photos of it on Instagram. Plan to spend a couple hours swimming and exploring the cliffs.
If you are up for more adventure head to Papafragas Caves for some additional exploring and swimming. Here you will find perfect natural swimming holes nestled among the volcanic rocks. If you are ready to relax, head back to your hotel to lounge by the pool before getting ready for dinner.
One of the most popular restaurants on the island is O! Hamos! Tavern. The restaurant is truly farm to table as most of the food comes directly from the owner's farm. Here you will order traditional Greek food from charming handwritten menus. Due to the restaurant's popularity there may be a wait to get your table. Luckily, you can order a drink and sit at the restaurant’s chairs and tables on the beach while you wait.
Day 2: Sailing, Swimming and Snorkeling
Start day two with an early breakfast at your hotel. The best way to see Milos is from the water so today will be a full day boat tour around the Island. This tour includes several stops as well as plenty of freshly prepared food and drinks. You will sail past fishing villages with colorful boat garages and see where pirates used to roam. You will spend the day swimming, snorkeling and exploring some of the bluest water you have ever seen, all while learning about the Island’s rich history from your knowledgeable guide.
The tour ends back in Adamas where you can grab dinner. If you are too full from all the food on the boat feel free to opt for an ice cream dinner. If you aren’t completely exhausted, do some shopping and exploring in town or head straight back to your hotel to try out the hot tub or relax by the fire pit.
Day 3: Beach Hopping and Sunset Shopping
Today is all about the beaches! After breakfast at your hotel, head to Tsigrado beach. Getting to this beach is a true adventure. If you are afraid of heights, you might want to skip this stop since two wooden ladders are required to access the beach. If you decide to take on the challenge you will be rewarded for your efforts with a secluded cove and calm waters. After a swim it is time to head to your next destination.
Your second stop will be an “organized beach” called Firiplaka. An organized beach means there are chairs, umbrellas, food and drinks available. Firiplaka is one of the more popular beaches due to its crystal clear waters and dramatic volcanic cliffs. Grab a drink and relax for a while before heading to lunch.
When you start getting hungry it is time to visit the last beach of the day. Head to Palaichori where you will find Sirocco Milos. Sirocco is a beach club and restaurant where food is cooked right in the sand heated from the volcano. Rent some beach chairs where you will have full food/drink service and camp out for the afternoon.
After your fill of sun and sand head back to the hotel to rest and get ready for dinner.
The last part of your trip will be a visit to the charming town of Plaka. First stop is Utopia Café which is high up on the hill. Sip on a cocktail while you watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea and then enjoy a delicious Greek dinner. After you are full, spend some time leisurely wandering the cobblestone streets of Plaka admiring the white-washed houses and perusing the local shops.
If you have additional time make sure to check out the Ancient Theater, you might be lucky enough to catch a performance there. For additional history, visit the nearby Catacombs of Milos, an ancient underground Christian cemetery. Milos is also a paradise for geology lovers. Besides the volcanic landscapes you can visit the Milos Mining Museum, the old sulfur mines of Theorychia or the Archaeological Site of Phylakopi. If you want to include some wine with your geology, plan a visit to Kostantakis Winery, a family-owned winery where the wine is aged in traditional wine caves. After only three days in Milos you won’t be ready to leave!
Travel Advisor
Summer Cassilly
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, An Insider's Guide to the Best Things to Do in Nashville . This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Greece.