Things to do in Milos, Greece
Milos is small and close to the other Cyclades, making it a perfect stop on a Greece island hopping trip! Once you’re on the island, you can drive anywhere in just 40 minutes! This makes it perfect for travelers looking to explore. Milos’s horseshoe shape creates a home for awesome beaches, rock formations, and sea caves with clear water that’s excellent for snorkeling.
1. Plaka, Milos
Plaka, the beautiful capital of Milos, sits on top of a rock formation overlooking the sea. The traditional Greek stone pathways lead between white cottages and vibrant blue doors, with pink flowers creeping up the walls. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of streets, as they were made this way to confuse pirates!
Its high vantage point makes it an excellent place to see views out across the sea and the rest of Milos. Enjoy slow evenings here, eating food outside, people-watching, and enjoying one of the epic Milos sunsets.
Tip: Plaka is a great place to stay on your trip to Milos. It’s close to many of the top things to do in Milos, and it’s home to beautiful churches, museums, and island walking paths.
2. Sunset or Sunrise at Plaka Castle
This has to be one of the most memorable things to do in Milos! All that’s left of this old Venetian castle is the old walls, and in its place is a beautiful white-domed church that sits high up on the hill above the sea. It’s a short hike to the top, and well worth it for the stunning views. We recommend getting up for sunrise to have this place all to yourself and see the soft dawn colors over the island.
3. Kleftiko Beach, Milos
Once you visit Kleftiko Beach, you won’t ever want to leave! Huge white cliffs and rock formations tower out over the gorgeous clear sea. Because of how these rocks have been formed, there are lots of archways and small pools, which are fantastic for snorkeling. Beautiful colored fish can be seen everywhere at Kleftiko Beach in Milos. You can also visit Kleftiko beach on a sailboat tour around the island.
Also read: Best Things To Do in Athens, Greece.
All of this makes Kleftiko Beach the most iconic beach on the whole island. This popularity means you’ll see many snorkeling and boat tours advertised, which normally leave from other coastal towns on the island. Afterward, relax on the boat or lie on one of the flat rocks near the sea, jumping off into the cool water. Make sure to spot the wild goats that roam nearby!
More about Boat tours on Milos
4. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos
Another popular beach on Milos is the stunning moonlike landscapes of Sarakiniko. The whiteness and shapes of the rocks are more like another world than a typical beach. Its exposed position means that over time the winds and waves have shaped the cliffs and rocks into unique shapes, bridges, and archways for you to jump off and explore from. There’s also a shipwreck to take photos of and swim out to.
You can get there by bus or by renting an ATV or moped and zooming across the island.
Tip: Wear bright colors and get some awesome photos of you standing against the white rock and the blue sea. Read more travel photo tips
5. A Boat Tour around Milos
The size of the island and the multitude of coves and swimming spots make it the perfect place to take a boat trip. Most of the boat trips will pick you up and take you to numerous spots throughout the island, including snorkeling, and even lunch if you opt for the full-day trip.
Full-day boat tour Milos
It’s well worth taking the full-island tour and having the experience of reaching secret beaches, which can’t be accessed by road—for example, Gerakas beach, a stunning strip of sand backed by a huge rock formation. Taking a full tour also gives you plenty of time to relax both on the boat and land and fully absorb the beautiful atmosphere of this dreamy island. Book your private boat trip with Salty Rides.
Salty Rides
We spent our day on Milos’s waters with Salty Rides and captain Manolis; a day to never forget. From stunning white beaches to lagoons, top-notch lunch, a great selection of drinks, the welcome package to all the additional tools provided like a drone, action camera, and SUP boards – a complete experience!
Tip: It can be windy out on the sea, so make sure to pack your reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Depending on the weather, you may need a dry bag for your belongings.
6. Catacombs and Ancient Theater of Milos
People have lived on Milos for thousands of years, and the history is astonishing. Two of the must-see historical sites to visit on the island are:
The Catacombs of Milos
One of the unique historical sites is the Catacombs of Milos. This is a huge underground burial place with deep dark passageways. It’s believed 7000-8000 Christians were buried here, and it’s known as the 3rd most important religious burial site after the Catacombs of Rome and the Holy Land.
Also read: Rome, Italy – Complete 3-day guide
The Catacombs of Milos sit next to the Ancient Theater (200 meters away) and close to the town of Trypiti. The area is well known for the caves that have been cut into volcanic rock and used as burial chambers. It’s also a great place to go on Milos and cool off after a hot day outside!
Opening times: Wed-Mon: 9 AM – 6.45 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
Entrance fee: 4 EUR
Ancient Theater of Milos
This is the most ancient historical site on the whole island, dating all the way back to the 3rd century BC. The marble theater rows have been carefully preserved, and sitting here you can really transport yourself back to that time. It’s thought that in its day it would have held 7000 people! Now it can hold 700 and is still used for musical and theater performances from time to time.
Besides its history, the view is breathtaking too, as it sits on the cliff looking down to the glistening sea. It’s also easily accessible from the nearby town of Trypiti; you can walk there in just 15 minutes or drive on your moped in 3 minutes. Another bonus is it’s free to enter!
Tip: It’s very exposed so try to come first thing in the morning or in the early evening for slightly cooler temperatures, especially in the summer.
7. Klima Fishing Village
This charming little fishing village is different from the typical blue and white villages you’ll see in Greece. Here, each house that faces the water has a different colored door, painted by the fisherman to recognize which one was theirs.
Nowadays, most houses are not used by fishermen, but as holiday rentals (see here), so you can even stay right on the water here yourself! Coming here for sunset and watching the colors in the water against the colorful houses is truly magical – a photographer’s heaven!
Tip: It’s a half an hour hike down the hill from the village of Trypiti. If you don’t want to hike back up, we recommend using a moped to visit.
It’s famous across the island for Medusa Restaurant – a fantastic spot where you can stop and have a relaxed lunch or dinner. The restaurant sits right on the water’s edge. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your surroundings and eat traditional Mediterranean food, great salads, and seafood.
9. Diving at Shipwrecks
If you’re interested in diving or want to try diving for the first time, Milos is a great place to do it! The sea is super clear and home to incredible marine life. Between the three islands of Milos, Kimelos, and Polyegos, the seafloor is packed with shipwrecks that are fascinating to swim amongst and explore. Check out the shipwreck that lies close to Kleftiko beach too!
10. Best Beaches in Milos
The horseshoe shape of Milos, and the white rock that makes it famous, are two reasons why this island has such unique and beautiful beaches. One of the best things to do in Milos is travel between secret coves and sweeping bays, relaxing on the beach, or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. These are the best beaches on Milos:
- Firopotamos Beach – A beautiful sandy cove with old boathouses that line the shore.
- Tsigrado Beach, Milos – One of the best beaches on the island. Its remote location, and breathtaking sea, make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Milos to visit. Climb down the ladder to reach the beach itself!
Most of the beaches on Milos are close together, so it’s easy to visit most of them during your visit. Some of the more remote beaches don’t have good roads leading to them. Because of this, be prepared that you may have to drive down dirt tracks or walk quite a bit to the beach.
11. Pollonia Town
Pollonia is a gorgeous holiday village still used for fishing and has plenty of beautiful taverns and streets to explore. Its tree-lined beaches, cobbled streets, and climbing flowers make it incredibly picturesque. Because it’s more popular, it is a bit busier and more expensive than other villages on the island. However, it’s perfect as a base for those who want to have great amenities while still exploring the island easily.
12. Visit Trypiti village
This charming hilltop village spreads slowly down the hill, and visiting is a thing you must do in Milos. Within the village, you’ll find traditional windmills, beautiful churches, and a maze of streets to get lost in.
Trypa is the Greek word for ‘hole’, and the village is named this way because of the holes in the rocks surrounding the town. These holes were used as storage by the local people and burial chambers like the Catacombs of Milos. The Catacombs and the Theater are just down the hill from the village.
Where to Eat
Greek food is delicious, with colorful salads, olives, and fresh seafood. There are great restaurants and cafes spread over the entire island; however, most of the options are in Plaka, Trypiti, and Adamantas (at the port).
Our favorite restaurants in Milos were:
- Glaronisia (Greek)
- Kayak Cafe (Delicious coffee and breakfast)
- Medusa (Seafood & Greek)
- Phatses (Lovely atmosphere)
- Pizzeria Stasi (Pizza)
- Methismeni Politeia (Mediterranean)
- Bakalikon Galanis (Greek)
- Kivotos ton Gefseon (Cafe, Desserts)
- Hanabi Seaside (Sushi)
Where to Stay in Milos
Plaka is a great spot to stay in Milos. It’s close to the harbor and has everything you need: great accommodation, beautiful restaurants, and easy access to other places on the island. As an alternative to Plaka look for accommodation in Trypiti or Adamantas. (See all hotels on the island)
If you’re looking to distance yourself from the busiest spots, have a look for accommodation in Pollonia.
How to visit Milos
Milos is easy to visit from other Cyclades Islands. For example, you can take a ferry from Santorini or Mykonos.
Getting to Milos
Ferry from Santorini or Mykonos
There’s a great ferry connection at Milos. For example, the ferry from Santorini takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 50 euros (one way) during the high summer season. There are also larger ferries if you’re travelling by car. (More about the car rental options)
Milos Airport
Milos is has a small airport with a few flights a day from Athens. However, taking the ferry from Athens might sometimes be a faster and sustainable travel option. The ferry takes around 3-5 hours, and boats leave throughout the day from various ports in Athens.
Tip: Once you reach the harbor in Milos, taxis cost about 15 euros to take you to the town of Plaka.
Getting around Milos
Milos is the perfect island for exploring by car, motorbike, or ATV. This gives you all the freedom to reach more remote beaches and spots of interest on the island. However, public buses are running between the towns and taxis too.
We recommend to rent a car in Greece through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
What’s more, many of the best sightseeing spots and towns are situated very close together, and it is possible to walk between them. Be aware, that Milos is very hilly, so once you walk down to the sea, you’ll have to walk back up again!
Your Budget for Milos
The prices for accommodation and restaurants are comparable with the other popular islands like Santorini. However, you definitely get better quality for your budget on Milos. Expect prices to double between June and August during the high season. Credit cards and European cards, like Maestro, are accepted everywhere on the island, so it’s not necessary to carry a lot of cash on you.
Best Time to Visit Milos
Greece has great summers and is a popular tourist vacation spot. This means prices are much higher during the months June-September and the beaches will be much busier. The spring and fall months are the perfect time to visit. It’s shoulder season so it’s less crowded, cheaper, and the temperatures are cooler so it’s easier to explore.
Be aware that outside of the summer there are fewer ferries running. This means it can be harder to travel between islands.
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Amazing pictures and super informative! How many days would you recommend to stay in order to visit the key attractions at a comfortable rate?
Hi Chloe! Most travelers visit the island for 2-3 days but if you want to explore at a more leisurely pace 4-5 days gives you a good amount of time to see all the highlights. Hope that helps!