The Best Things To Do In Milos

It is safe to say that Milos is one of the best Greek Islands on offer. This spectacular destination is home to so much beauty and has so many things to do, that it really will keep a piece of your heart, long after you have departed home! The best part though, is that even at its busiest, the island is so large that it almost feels like you’re alone. Of course, lots of people travel here, and at night the many restaurants fill up with excitement, but during the day, the crowds are so spread out that it can almost feel deserted!

When I last spent time in Milos, it was one of the best weeks I have ever had travelling. I was able to explore the island and discover all of the hidden gems it had to offer, while still having all the time and space I needed to be able to sit back and relax in peace, away from the mainstream tourist trails. Best explored by ATV, the island will enchant you with its many hidden and untouched beaches, traditional small island towns, amazing authentic Greek cuisine, and endless natural scenery that will simply take your breath away. Come and see for yourself, you won’t regret it!

In this blog I have put together a list of the best things to do in Milos, so you too can enjoy the magnificent beauty of the island, just as I have in the past. I hope you like it!

HIRE A BOAT AND EXPLORE THE HIDDEN BEACHES OF THE COASTLINE (INCLUDING KLEFTIKO)

When it comes to exploring the Greek Island of Milos, one of the most popular ways to do it is by sailing cruise or boat tour. Of course, this is a fantastic way to see the islands amazing coastlines, as well as tourist attractions such as Kleftiko Beach. However, if you’re not into tours, or the crowds that come with them, maybe you might prefer your own private boat, so you can discover the islands beauty at your own pace!

Travel along the coast with your own personal boat hire, in your own time, at your own pace, and without the crowds – no boat license is required and it’s unbelievably easy to do! See what you want to see, anchor where you want to anchor, and swim where you want to swim – it really is, without doubt, one of the best way to see Milos!

We hired our boat from Milos Rent-A-Boat, who were very reasonably priced and extremely easy to deal with. You will find them on Paliochori Beach, sitting under a tree when you first enter from the main carpark. It is highly recommended that you book in advance, and while you can contact them by phone, bookings can only be confirmed in person with a cash deposit – so it’s best to head on down and arrange this as early as possible. Honestly, this was up there as one of the best things we did in our 3-week tour of the Greek Islands… you should definitely check it out.

KLEFTIKO beach – AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING PLACE TO RELAX FOR THE AFTERNOON!

Kleftiko Beach, located on the Greek Island of Milos, is a magnificent cliff face and rock cave formation, which over the years has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. Kleftiko Beach is predominantly accessed by boat, and is one of the major draw-cards of many of the cruises available to travellers, however, for those willing, Kleftiko Beach can also be accessed by foot through a mostly-unknown hiking trail.

HIRE AN ATV AND ESCAPE TO THE WESTERN-SIDE OF THE ISLAND

On Milos, everything and everyone is located on the eastern-side of the island, whereas the western-side is totally abandoned and wild. The western-side of the island is only accessible by dirt road, and for this reason it can only be reached by those with a suitable 4×4 vehicle, or the trusty Greek essential, an ATV (Quad Bike). Rest assured, just because this part of the island is abandoned and harder to get too, it doesn’t mean that it’s any less worthwhile seeing. In fact, quite the opposite is true – the western-side of Milos is peaceful and quiet, and has some of the best hidden beaches you will ever find!

Honestly, if you did nothing here but explore the endless kilometres of dirt road, the day would not be wasted. For me, tearing around the mountainous trails on an ATV was an amazing enough experience all on its own! However while I was there, I also thought it would be a good idea to check out some of the sites as well. I started by ascending to the highest point on the island, Profitis Ilias Mountain, at which point I came back down to earth and went looking for arguably the most relaxing spot on the island, Triades Beach! I recommend you do the same, as it was truly an amazing experience…

PROFITIS ILIAS MOUNTAIN

Standing 748m tall, Profitis Ilias Mountain is the highest point of the Greek Island of Milos. Getting to the base of the mountain is difficult, as the roads on the western-side of the island are abandoned and only suitable to an ATV or 4×4 vehicles. Once you arrive at the base, the roads deteriorate significantly the higher you rise, and it is only recommended to hike by foot, or for experienced ATV or 4×4 drivers. With that said, if you manage to make the journey, the views from the top are simply magnificent!

TRIADES BEACH

Located on the western-side of the Greek Island of Milos, Triades Beach is arguably one of the most untouched and peaceful beaches on the entire island. If you are looking for a secluded retreat in an uninhabited paradise, Triades Beach is the perfect place to spend the day! Getting to the beach is difficult, as the western-half of Milos is both uninhabited, and due to the rough dirt roads that lead here, it is only accessible by ATV of 4×4 vehicle. However, for those adventurous types who are willing to make the journey, the serenity is nothing short of divine!

RELAX IN A SUNBED FOR THE DAY AT PALIOCHORI BEACH

Paliochori Beach is located on the southern-side of the Greek Island, Milos, and is known predominantly for its amazing ability to relax its visitors. Perfectly protected from the northern-winds that can often disrupt ones Milos experience, Paliochori Beach is a beautiful stretch of soft pebbled sand, lapped by the crystal-clear waters Greece is so famous for. Come for the day and relax in one of the many sunbeds, sip on champagne, and graze the authentic Greek cuisine from one of the many beachside tavernas and restaurants on offer.

VISIT PLAKA, PLAKA CASTLE, AND THE NEARBY FISHING VILLAGE OF KLIMA

PLAKA VILLAGE

Plaka, located on the Greek Island of Milos, is a small and quaint town filled with amazing traditional restaurants and cafes, boutique hotels, and spectacular views of the surrounding coastlines. While Plaka is a little bit bigger than most other small towns on the island, it certainly does not feel that way, with a nice and relaxed vibe flowing through its maze of cobblestoned streets and alleyways. Picture-perfect flowers arrangements adorn the white-painted buildings, which make up this fairy-tale-like village, and its elevated location make it one of the best places on the island to experience the picturesque sunset at the end of the day!

PLAKA CASTLE (VENETIAN CASTLE OF MILOS)

Plaka Castle, often referred to as the “Venetian Castle of Milos,” is the last remaining artefact on the Greek Island of Milos, which bears testament to the ancient times of Venetian rule. Make the short climb to the top of the mountain from the small town of Plaka below, and embrace the spectacular 360-degree views of the entire island, stretching as far as the eye can see. There is no better way to experience the entirety of Milos than here, and a visit is certainly a must-do for anyone traveling to the island.

KLIMA FISHING VILLAGE

Klima is arguably one of the most colourful seaside fishing villages in all of Greece. Located on the island of Milos, a short drive from the town of Plaka, Klima is a long strip of traditional Greek fishing houses – called syrmatas – which brings an abundance of life and colour to the coastline. With several nice restaurants to dine in, and the beautiful town of Plaka just up the road, it is well worth a visit if you’re in the area!

EXPERIENCE THE NORTHERN CLIFFS AND CAVES AT PAPAFRAGAS & SARAKINIKO

PAPAFRAGAS

Papafragas is a beautiful and unique natural arrangement of cliff faces and caves, carved into the white-washed coastline of Milos, forming a small and perfectly charming beach to swim in and explore. Located on the northern-side of the island, Papafragas Beach and Caves can be easily accessed by car, and then by foot, and is the perfect addition to a visit to the nearby town of Pollonia, or Sarakiniko Beach. Be sure to check it out, and make sure you bring your bathers to swim in!

SARAKINIKO

When it comes to beaches in Milos, there are many that you might consider to be the best on the island – Sarakiniko is one of those beaches! Not only known for its crystal-clear waters and the majestic cliff faces which sprawl along its coastline, Sarakiniko is also famous for its magical and unique lunar landscape. Located on the northern-side of the Greek Island of Milos, Sarakiniko is a place where you can experience both amazing scenery, the likes of which you have never seen before, as well as relax by the picture-perfect waters and let the hours of the day just drift on by.

SPEND THE DAY AT FIRIPLAKA BEACH AND ADMIRE THE BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW COLOURED CLIFFS

Firiplaka Beach is located on the southern-side of the Greek Island of Milos and is one of the islands’ most popular tourist destinations! This pristine cove sits at the base of a magnificent rainbow-coloured cliff face, and its beautiful soft white sands stretch for several hundred metres along the coast. Like many beaches in Greece, the crystal-clear waters will amaze you, but very much unlike the beaches located on the northern side of Milos, the cove of Firiplaka is heavily protected from the strong winds which are common on the island. For the perfect relaxation experience in all weather conditions, Firiplaka Beach is the place to be!

WATCH THE SUNSET IN POLLONIA AND SIT DOWN TO AN AMAZING MEAL AT GIALOS RESTAURANT

POLLONIA

Pollonia is a small and quaint traditional village on the north-eastern tip of the Greek Island of Milos. While there is not much to be found in Pollonia, we’re pretty sure that is exactly the point! Hidden away from the crowds of other larger towns on the island, Pollonia is the perfect place to get away and relax. There are many authentic traditional restaurant where you can dine right on the water, as well as cafes, bars, and amazing Greek bakeries. Like most island towns, there are also many beaches to be found in Pollonia, and if you are willing to walk to the right spot, the sunset is to die for!

GIALOS RESTAURANT

Situated directly on the waterfront and located right in the heart of the town of Pollonia, Gialos is one of the best authentic Greek restaurants on the on the Greek Island of Milos. Experience the fast pace and colourful atmosphere of this amazing traditional Greek taverna, and dine on some of the most delicious cuisine you will ever experience, all while admiring the spectacular view of the bay. If you’re staying in Pollonia, or visiting for the evening, this is one venue that should not be missed!

ONE MORE FOR GOOD LUCK – TRY THE WATERMELON PIE!!!

Ok, I know that this one isn’t really a destination or an attraction, but a trip to Milos just isn’t the same unless you also try the delicious watermelon pie. This iconic staple is one of my favourite things to eat on Milos, if not in all of Greece – I literally ate if for breakfast every single morning! You can find watermelon pie in most high-quality bakeries, so definitely keep an eye out! Be careful though, you might find yourself addicted after just one bite!