There are more than 200 inhabited Greek islands to explore and while islands like Santorini are a popular choice for tourists, Milos is home to more than 40 amazing beaches recognised as some of the best in the world.
The volcanic Greek island of Milos is known for its turquoise water, coves and caves, and laid-back lifestyle. Situated in the Aegean Sea north of Crete, Milos was recognised as the greatest island in Greece by US tourism magazine “Travel+Leisure” in 2021.
5 reasons why you should add Milos to your next Greece trip:
Kleftiko
Kleftiko is far too beautiful to share a spot with another beach, so it deserves a category of its own. Kleftiko is a group of peculiar sea rock formations with a labyrinth of caves, found on the southwestern corner of Milos.
Laid out like an arena of white cliffs and outcrops, the bay of water is a must see corner of Milos for tourists. The name “Kleftiko” is derived from the word “to steal”, referencing the time when pirates would hide out in the Kleftiko caves.
A trip to Kleftiko typically consists of swimming around the rocks, with a separate visit to the caves, which the boat passes through, observing the naturally formed rock that makes up the cave ceiling.
Beaches
Sarakiniko: Easily accessible by bus, the Sarakiniko beach is one of the prettiest beaches in all of Greece. It is unique with white volcanic cliffs, featuring a chalky surface of what you could picture as the moon landscape.
Firiplaka: A long beach with silver sand and large coloured rocks forming its coastline. The water in Firiplaka appears like shimmering crystals, from the sun reflection, and often mesmerises beach attendees.
Paliochori: The beach extends over almost two kilometres and is divided into three smaller beaches of huge volcanic rocks in various shades of red. In the first beach you will find a stunning beach bar with spectacular view, the Deep Blue.
Catacombs of Milos
The only preserved catacombs in Greece, the catacombs of Milos form an underground cemetery dug into the soft rock of the area. Considered to be the cemetery of the first Christian community on the island, it dates back to the 2nd century AD and was used until the late 5th century AD.
Known locally as the “big cave”, this site was long unprotected and was graffitied by dozens of tourists in the past century. Enriched with history and structurally beautiful, the catacombs are only a short distance away from Tripiti village and should only take up approximately an hour of tourists time to visit.
Plaka village
The main village of Milos is admired as а beautiful old settlement built on the slopes of volcanic rock. Featuring your traditional white buildings, Plaka village also boasts a castle at the top of the mountain, where you can witness the island and surrounding water with a 360 degree view.
If you’re looking for a spot to sit and admire Milos’ beautiful sunset, Utopia Café features many great spots to enjoy a Greek cocktail on the mountain.
The village has a church with a fantastic view of the Milos gulf. Plaka also features multiple museums, including the archaeological museum, folklore museum and a unique sand museum.
O! Hamos! Taverna
This small taverna is recognised by many as having some of the best and authentic food on the island. The entrance welcomes guests with colourful flowers and a guest book, where guests can write a “Thank You” note and talk about their experience.
Located just outside Adamandas, everything inside the taverna is home-made, including the menu, which is handwritten, and the all the ceramic cups and dishes, which are customised with the restaurant’s name.
The food is also sourced from fresh ingredients, including the cheese and meat which is produced at the restaurant’s owner farm. For an authentic Greek experience people are sure to visit O! Hamos! Taverna.
