Curator’s statement
When most people are planning a trip to the Greek islands, Santorini and Mykonos are usually the first destinations that come to mind. While both are beautiful in their own ways, the lesser-known island of Milos should not be looked over. It’s less crowded and has a more relaxed vibe, without the high-end price tag. If I could go back to one Greek island over and over again, this would be it!
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Overview of Day 1: Eating and Sightseeing!
Day 1: Adamantas & Plaka
Most likely you are taking a ferry to Milos from either Athens or another island, and arriving midday. Once you get settled in, head to Mikros Apoplous for the first of many incredible meals on Milos. This open-air seafood restaurant is right on the water, and has incredible scenic views. Don’t skip the shrimp saganaki! I honestly still dream about it whenever I think of Milos.
Walk off your meal by exploring the harbor town of Adamantas. This is the main hub of Milos and there are lots of boutique shops to check out.
Next, drive about fifteen minutes north to Paralia Firopotamos a small, beautiful beach tucked away in a cove on the northern coastline. The drive down to the beach is very steep and not for the faint of heart, but totally worth it! You can hop in here for a swim if you’re dying to get in the water, but there will be even more beautiful beaches to come… Definitely make sure to walk out beyond the Church of Agios Nikolaos to check out the ruins and some incredible cliff views.
As the day starts to wind down, head over to the village of Plaka to catch an incredible view of the sunset. No cars can enter the village because of the narrow spaces between walls and buildings, so you’ll have to park outside of town and take a short walk up. Make sure to get a reservation in advance for Utopia Cafe for incredible cocktails and a front-row view of the sun going down. If you didn’t get a reservation you can watch from the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa or Plaka Castle, but be aware, you won’t be the only one!
After the sun goes down you can grab dinner at one of the restaurants in Plaka or if you’re still full of your late lunch, you can just have ice cream at Cafe Palaios! You’re on vacation so there are no rules!
Overview of Day 2: Beaches, Villages, and Catacombs!
Day 2: Sarakiniko, Pollonia & More!
Sarakiniko in Milos isn't your typical beach experience. Instead if sand, there are smooth, grayish volcanic rocks that have been sculpted by wind and waves forming unusual shapes. People often compare it to a moonscape. I’ve truly never seen anything like it! It’s also a photographer's paradise and one of the most popular sites on Milos, so I recommend getting there early. Adventurous souls can explore the maze-like network of caves carved into the rocks. If you’re feeling like a real daredevil, you can do some cliff jumping into the clear Aegean waters.
Next, drive out to Pollonia, a charming fishing village in the northeastern area of Milos. Have a relaxed lunch and take a stroll along the harbor. Akrotiri and Gialos Restaurant are both great lunch options.
There are a couple of options on how to spend the rest of your afternoon. If you're interested in Greek wines, I’d recommend checking out Kostantakis Winery. If you're more into history, the Catacombs and Ancient Theater should not be missed. If you’re like me, and love lounging on a beautiful beach, head to the southern shore of the island to Fyriplaka Beach. The water here is very shallow, and it doesn’t get a lot of waves so you can blissfully float with a cocktail in hand.
For dinner this evening, head to O! Hamos! Tavern. This is one of the most well-known restaurants on the island, so if you arrive any time after 7PM, be prepared to wait. (However, with that said you can purchase a bottle of wine from them and head just across the road to some lounge chairs and watch the sun go down. A bottle of wine and a waterfront view is not a bad way to wait for a table!) The food here is very traditional and unique, compared to other restaurants on the island. Plus, the garden setting and handwritten menus are incredibly charming!
Overview of Day 3: Kleftiko Sailing Cruise
Day 3: Kleftiko Catamaran Sailing Cruise
You absolutely cannot go to Milos without going on a sailing cruise. The most magnificent waters and cliff formations on the island are not actually accessible by land so you must take to the sea to experience them. I highly recommend a full-day cruise because there is just so much to see. Explore magnificent caves, snorkel in the clearest water you’ve ever seen, eat incredible homemade food, and lounge on a catamaran trampoline as your captain whisks you away to the most unbelievable views. There are a handful of companies that offer charters, but Polco Sailing is the best of the best.
After a full day on the water, you will most likely be pretty tired, so I’d recommend having dinner close to your hotel. If you’re staying at my favorite hotel on the island, Domes White Coast, you’re in luck because it is also home to the most incredible fine-dining restaurant, Makris Milos. Expect innovative Greek cuisine with fresh, local ingredients, an upscale ambiance, and impeccable service. A truly memorable dining experience to end your stay in Milos!
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Greece. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Must-Do Guide to Key West According to Locals.