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Milos island is among the best Greek islands to visit, although it’s often underrated. One of the Cyclades islands, it is the ancient home of the famous Venus de Milo statue. Milos has played an essential role in the history and culture of Greece. The southwesternmost Cyclades island, Milos, is less traveled than its more famous neighbor, Santorini. However, it offers many different things for all kinds of travelers. Here are the best things to do in Milos.
The volcanic island is blessed with pristine beaches of turquoise waters, incredible sunsets, stunning landscapes, old pirate stories, and more. Wander the picturesque alleys and unique coastline along some of the best beaches in Greece.
Although Milos is beginning to rise in popularity as a vacation destination, it still has wonderful pockets to discover for the solo traveler looking for a unique experience. That’s why I’m dedicating this post to guide you on how to make the most out of your greek island-hopping itinerary
in Milos, Greece!
10 Best Things to Do in Milos
Visit Sarakiniko Beach.
One of the most iconic parts of Milos’s geography is the volcanic craters that form most of the island. There’s no better demonstration of this than at Sarakiniko Beach. Here, the craters and rocks form an almost alien landscape. You’ll feel like you’re walking on the moon as you make your way to Sarakiniko Beach.
Whether you stop for a swim or just for the photo op with the white volcanic cliffs, it’s a must-see while visiting Milos. Many tours of Milos, like this one, include Sarakiniko in their Greek Cyclades islands itinerary.
Related: Do I need to rent a car in Milos?
Stroll the streets of Plaka.
The capital city of Milos, Plaka, is an iconic Greek Cyclades town. White buildings and bright blue doors dot the streets of Plaka. You could easily spend hours wandering these picturesque streets. Located on the second-highest point on Milos, the village of Plaka is a great sunset spot overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Make sure to climb up to Plaka Castle, too. This 13th-century Venetian castle is a testament to Milos’s long history and offers some of the best views of the island’s coastline.
Wander the Catacombs of Milos.
This early Christian burial site dates back to the first century AD. Since their discovery in 1844, three tunnels have been unearthed for visitors to explore. Although you can’t see all of the catacombs, you can tour two short sections of them. It’s enough to get a sense of the scale and wonder of such construction nearly 2,000 years ago.
Look for pirates at Kleftiko Cove.
On the southern coast of Milos, natural white rock formations jut out of the turquoise waters. This is Kleftiko, one of the most photographed parts of Milos. These white cliffs have many caves and naturally-formed arches at the bottom, making them exciting to see and explore.
The name “Kleftiko” comes from the word “to steal.” Pirates used to hide in these caves and cliffs many years ago, giving the area its name. Although you won’t find pirates there today, you will find plenty of good swimming spots and photo ops.
The best and most common way to get to Kleftiko is by boat. You can book a boat tour to take you to Kleftiko specifically. Along the way, you should also stop at Sykia Cave. Within the collapsed sea cave, you’ll find a beautiful beach entirely surrounded by white rock.
Greek Island Essentials
Take a Boat Trip Around Milos.
Many of Milos’s most popular beaches and destinations are best accessed by boat. Even if you’re not planning a Cyclades island hopping, taking a boat tour around Milos is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful Greek island.
Whether you want to go for a full day or a few hours, there are many different companies and tours to choose from. This full-day cruise includes a meal, drinks, and time to swim in prime spots around the island.
Some of the most popular beaches to look for when booking your tour include Firiplaka Beach, Sarakiniko Beach, Papafragas Beach, Tsigrado Beach, and Paleochori Beach. If you can only go to a few of these stunning beaches, an accessible one to include is Papafragas Beach. It is between the port town of Adamas and Pollonia.
Explore the Ancient Theatre of Milos.
Located close to the village of Trypiti stands an ancient Roman amphitheater. The ruins are well-preserved and are one of the most historically significant sites on Milos. For an island so steeped in history, that’s saying a lot! Several tiers of pristine marble seats face the coast and give you a glimpse of what Roman times in Greece would have been like.
The Ancient Theatre of Milos doesn’t take long to explore, and it’s incredibly close to other must-see destinations like the catacombs and fishing villages. Combine a stop here with a few others nearby for a day of historical exploration.
Visit the colorful fishing village of Klima.
Speaking of fishing villages, Klima is one of several old fishing villages on Milos that are wonderful to spend time walking around. Klima is near where the statue of Venus de Milo was found in 1820.
You’ll see examples of the iconic “sirmata” homes all around the village. These buildings have the ground floor exiting right onto the beach. Historically, fishermen would store their boats on the ground floor and live above it.
Now, many of these buildings have been converted into small shops and restaurants. The homes have retained their beautiful colors, though. With each door painted a different bright hue, it’s worth the wander!
Take a cave winery tour.
Milos has a long history of producing wine that is growing ever more rapidly. Visit one of the island’s wineries to learn how the wine is produced and sample the varietals. This cave winery tour will show you the volcanic cave where the wine is aged and allow you to sample 7 different wines. Of course, the wines are paired with cheese and other local delicacies.
Swim off the coast of Polyaigos.
Spend an afternoon swimming in the crystal clear waters off the coast of Polyaigos. This uninhabited island is home to many native species of plants and wildlife. The name of the island itself means “many goats,” so you might even spot a few wild goats. There are plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches on the island, and you won’t want to miss admiring the outcroppings of volcanic rocks along the coast.
Explore the Papafragas Beach sea caves.
Near the village of Plaka, wander down to the coastline to explore the meandering channels of the Papafragas sea caves. These small caves and inlets are bordered by towering white cliffs pockmarked by past volcanic activity. The rocky beaches aren’t the best for laying out in the sun, but you can look for wave-polished shards of obsidian. How cool!
Free Google Map of Milos
Best Places to Stay in Milos
Melian Boutique Hotel – Get Directions
Melian Boutique Hotel is located in the town of Pollonia, where most of the boutique hotels and accommodation options are in Milos. Pollonia is one of the best areas to stay in Milos. Set right along the coastline, this luxury hotel offers breathtaking sea views from all over the property.
In addition to the on-site amenities that include private outdoor Jacuzzis, a lounge area, spa, bar, and more, you can also book various excursions directly through the hotel. Melian Boutique Hotel also has its own restaurant. The Melian Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dine seaside or order in for room service!
Delmar Apartments & Suites Pollonia – Get Directions
Delmar Apartments & Suites offers home-away-from-home living just 200 feet away from the beaches of Pollonia. This romantic hotel embodies Cycladic architecture with white stone walls and clean lines in modern furniture. Neutral decor lets the natural beauty of Milos take center stage.
Delmar Apartments & Suites studios offer comfortable living with a private bathroom, kitchenette, and flatscreen TV. Located in the center of Pollonia at the northern tip of Milos, it’s easy to access many shops and restaurants from this location.
Noon Beyond Accommodation – Get Directions
With its own private beach and modern, moody accommodations, this 9-room boutique hotel is a solo traveler’s dream. A large room with plenty of space opens onto a private balcony with comfortable chairs. Inside, the room takes subtle decor inspiration from the natural seaside surroundings. Stone and nautical accents create a peaceful sanctuary.
This short-term apartment complex is slightly outside the center of Pollonia, giving you access to the best beaches without too many crowds. Free WiFi and air conditioning complete the relaxing ambiance of Noon Beyond Accommodation.
Perla Suites – Get Directions
Simple yet stunning defines your stay at Perla Suites. Whitewashed walls and blue shutters immerse you in the iconic Cycladic style. Located along the coast in Pollonia, the Perla Suites is an apartment complex that’s just a five-minute walk from the center of Pollonia.
All of the rooms come with a fully equipped kitchenette, beautiful sea views, flatscreen TV, and free WiFi. Enjoy looking out over the Aegean Sea and spot the nearby Kimolos Islands from the shared furnished lounge area.
Artemis Seaside Resort – Get Directions
For a casual yet luxurious resort experience in Milos, look no further than the Artemis Seaside Resort. The resort is set on the south coast of Milos, just a minute away from Paleochori Beach.
Artemis Seaside Resort has a private beach, a resort-style pool, and a pool bar. Their Deluxe rooms are bright and modern, with a seaside balcony, coffee and tea amenities, free WiFi, room service, and more.
Volcano Luxury Suites Milos – Get Directions
On top of a hill in the southwest of Milos sits Volcano Luxury Suites Milos. This adults-only resort is a dream getaway. All of the suites include a private hot tub, complimentary Hermes toiletries, an in-room breakfast, and a bathrobe and slippers. A stay at Volcano Luxury Suites is an ode to luxury relaxation. The entire resort is elegantly decorated in shades of white and tan, allowing the coastal views of Milos to really shine.
White Pebble Suites – Get Directions
Back in Pollonia, White Pebble Suites is an ode to the modern boho aesthetic. White stone walls and rounded corners unveil luxurious accommodations. While the suites are marketed towards couples, it’s also a lovely place to stay for solo female travelers.
With a luxurious pool, wellness treatments in the spa, and a seaside bar, you’ll have plenty to enjoy within the resort itself. Plus, the concierge service will help you book the best experiences while visiting Milos.
Capetan Giorgantas Hotel – Get Directions
You won’t find many typical hotels regarding accommodation options in Milos, but the Capetan Giorgantas Hotel in Adamas comes close. The hotel is just 200 meters from the main port, where the ferry docks and where many of the Milos boat tours leave.
Nautical-themed rooms are cute and comfortable and offer plenty of amenities, including free breakfast, coffee machines, electric kettles, and private bathrooms. Book your stay in Adamas at the Capetan Giorgantas Hotel for a central location that makes exploring Milos easy!
Halara Studios – Get Directions
In the village of Plaka, you’ll find Halara Studios. These apartment-style accommodations are bright and beachy, with terraces offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Halara Studios prides itself on friendly, local service and is willing to give you its best recommendations for things to do in Milos.
In addition to all the standard amenities you would expect from luxury accommodation, Halara Studios also offers free luggage storage, so you can stash your bag and continue your travels unencumbered.
The Colorful Land – Get Directions
The Colorful Land is an AirBNB property located in the fishing village of Klima. Stay in a traditional sirmata and look out over the ocean from your own vibrant purple balcony!
The 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is beautifully outfitted with a unique stone shower and open living area. This restored home is everything you could want for a stay in Klima and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Best Places to Eat in Milos
O! Hamos! – $$ | Get Directions
O! Hamos! is one of the most recommended restaurants in Milos, and for good reason. With custom pottery and a handwritten menu full of classic Greek dishes, the taverna feels more like you’ve been invited to someone’s home than a restaurant.
In fact, the farm-to-table restaurant sources all of its ingredients from the proprietors’ own dairy, livestock, and vegetable gardens. Sample authentic cuisine like cheese pies on an outdoor dining terrace draped with lush bougainvillea.
The uber-popular restaurant doesn’t take reservations in advance, so be sure to show up early to put your name on the list. While you wait, you can explore one of the nearby beaches.
Medusa – $$ | Get Directions
Tread beyond the beaten path and head to the fishing village of Mandrakia for a meal at Medusa. Located on the north part of Milos, Medusa is just a 10-minute drive from the larger town of Adamas. As the restaurant has grown in popularity, it’s maintained its family-run roots and modest prices.
As you look out over the crystalline waters of the Aegean, keep an eye out for a washing line full of octopus. This is how Medusa makes one of its most famous dishes – sun-dried octopus! The menu at Medusa is simultaneously modern and traditional, offering a good variety for visitors.
Astakas Restaurant – $$ | Get Directions
Astakas Restaurant is a lovely seafood restaurant in Klima, another small fishing village in Milos. With tables situated directly next to the coast, Astakas has absolutely stunning views of the coast, especially at sunset! The dishes are simple, but fantastic, especially any of the fresh fish!
Sirocco – $$-$$$ | Get Directions
A meal at Sirocco is an entire experience, and it’s not one to miss. At Sirocco Volcanic All-Day Restaurant, the staff uses the natural heat of the volcanic sand to cook your food! You can lounge on the beach while you wait for your slow-cooked fish to be ready (about 45 minutes), then migrate to the boho-chic dining deck.
You should also try their Greek salad with watermelon and feta. Sirocco is definitely on the trendier side and a bit more expensive. However, you can book your dinner reservation online well in advance, making it easy to plan your meal ahead of time!
Psaravolada – $$ | Get Directions
If you’re near Sirocco but didn’t snag a reservation, head to the Psaravolada Resort. The resort has its own restaurant, also called Psaravolada, that’s fabulous! The open-air terrace is situated on the cliffs on Milos’s south coast.
As for the menu, Psaravolada serves a variety of traditional and new takes on Mediterranean food, using Greek ingredients. Try the octopus carpaccio or dorado ceviche to sample their fresh seafood options. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list from the best Greek wineries.
OKTO – $$$ | Get Directions
OKTO is a relatively new addition to the Milos foodie scene. The restaurant opened in 2021 and has two Michelin-starred chefs at its helm. OKTO serves various modern Mediterranean cuisine with fresh twists, open for brunch and dinner. The sea bass carpaccio and pork belly are must-tries.
Gialos – $$ | Get Directions
This unpretentious Greek tavern will give you some of the best food and best views in Milos! Located in Pollonia, Gialos is a seafood restaurant that serves up classic Greek dishes with their own unique taste. The menu also features plenty of appetizers, salads, and non-fish plates.
Alevromilos – $-$$ | Get Directions
Soul food meets Greek food in this beautiful outdoor dining space! Alevromilos is located away from the hustle and bustle of many of the more popular seaside restaurants. Here, chef Vassilis Papikinos shows off traditional Cyclades cuisine in a delicious way. Aegean salad and tagliatelle with garlic sauce are two of his signature dishes.
Avli-Milos – $$ | Get Directions
In the heart of Plaka, Avli-Milos is one of the best restaurants in Milos. You’ll feel completely immersed in Cycladic culture with the traditional blue and white buildings and the diverse array of Greek food on the menu. Avli-Milos is most famous for its saganaki shrimp. This common appetizer features fried cheese and shrimp served with crusty bread and is an absolute delight!
Barriello – $$$ | Get Directions
Prepare for a spectacular evening at Barriello, with sweeping sunset views and gastronomic delight. Located in Trypiti, the restaurant is in an old building connected to the catacombs of Milos. The stone terrace offers views of historic ruins and panoramic seascapes all at once.
The menu is equally impressive. The concept behind Barriello is to bring traditional Mediterranean dishes beyond the Greek food stereotypes to life. There’s plenty to discover and enjoy with unique twists and new dishes you might not have tried before.
Deck Milos – $ | Get Directions
Fancy a quick bite, coffee, or cocktail while visiting Milos? Deck is the perfect place. Coffee bar in the morning, a cocktail spot in the evenings, Deck is an all-time Milos favorite.
In addition to their beverage options, Deck also serves a substantial brunch menu with items including sandwiches, omelets, acai bowls, and more. Located in Pollonia, Deck is a great place to grab a meal before the rest of your day in Milos.
Enalion Restaurant – $$ | Get Directions
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Milos, don’t skip over Enalion Restaurant. This Pollonia institution is seafood-forward, but there are plenty of meat dishes as well. If you do like fish, try their catch of the day. Most of Enalion’s menu is made with ingredients from local distributors.
Enalion is open for both lunch and dinner. If you really want to snag a table at this spot, try going for lunch instead of trying to scoop up one of the more coveted dinner reservations!
Nostos Seafood Experience – $$ | Get Directions
Wine-lovers rejoice! One of Nostos Seafood Experience’s primary goals is to pair traditional Greek cuisine with the best wines for a truly outstanding experience. An extensive wine list featuring many Greek wineries makes that much simpler. Nostos Seafood Experience is a great place to eat in Adamas and is a tourist favorite!
Phatses – $$ | Get Directions
This eclectic restaurant at the foot of Plaka’s hill has an ambiance that’s impossible to resist. Right next to the Archeological Museum of Milos, Phatses’s lush courtyard is filled with colorful tables and chairs inviting you in.
The restaurant has a variety of Greek dishes like moussaka and salads, as well as barbecue and seafood options. You can also enjoy some live music here!
Aggeliki Ice Cream Shop – $$ | Get Directions
Who doesn’t love a sweet, cold treat on a hot day in Milos? Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Aggeliki Ice Cream Shop. This dessert cafe in Adamas has a giant ice cream counter and plenty of flavors to choose from. Aggeliki also has a few brunch items on the menu if you want to grab a table and dine in.
Where is Milos?
The Greek island of Milos is part of a group of islands called the Cyclades. The islands were named “Cyclades” because of the cyclic formations they are found in.
The island has more than 16,000 inhabitants. The port towns and villages in Milos are made up of narrow streets and whitewashed houses of traditional Greek Architecture. The best way to reach Milos from Athens is by ferry.
If you are looking for a Greek Island Hop from Milos, Sifnos is only 40 minutes!
Cyclades Island Hopping?
Customs & Etiquette in Milos
Dress Code
While, for the most part, you can expect to wear casual clothes while visiting Milos, there are some exceptions where you should observe a more strict dress code. This is especially true when visiting any churches or monasteries. There, women are expected to cover their shoulders and wear a skirt, even if they’re wearing pants. You can carry a large shawl to solve this; some churches will even provide them.
Tipping
Tipping restaurant staff isn’t necessary in Milos. Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill. You can round up the bill if you’d like to show your appreciation for excellent service. Taxi drivers and other hospitality staff will also appreciate a small tip for their assistance.
Gestures
Greek people are expressive in their use of body language, often using gestures that may differ from what you are used to. Nodding and shaking your head to communicate yes and no may be misunderstood. A typical Greek gesture for no involves a more vigorous nod backward.
You should also avoid holding up your hands, palm facing outward at someone. This is considered very rude. Another gesture to avoid is the “okay” hand gesture, where your pointer finger and thumb form a circle while the other three fingers stay extended. This gesture is an obscenity in Greece.
Visiting
You may get invited over to someone’s home during your visit to Milos. If you do, be sure to arrive with a small gift to thank your hostess.
Shopping
There are many traditions to observe when shopping in Milos. First, haggling is generally not accepted or successful. Prices are set at what they are. Second, most Greek shop owners will observe a siesta in the afternoon, and shops will close for a few hours. Many grocery stores and malls will also be closed on Sunday, so plan accordingly!
Milos is a must-visit travel destination for the solo traveler.
Greece is one of the best solo travel destinations for women. Milos just proves the point! From the breathtaking beaches and volcanic sea caves to the charming streets of Plaka and Klima, Milos is full of beauty and wonder.
You can find the rest of my Greek Island Itinerary or Guides or get more solo travel inspiration on the blog. For more day-to-day updates, follow me on Instagram!
FAQs for Milos, Greece
Milos is the island where the famous statue Venus de Milos of the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite was found in 1820. Milos is also most known for the volcanic landscape and Sarakiniko Beach, AKA Moon Beach.
The busiest time of the year is July and August. If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Milos is the end of May or the beginning of September.
Milos does have a bus system, but the timetable is very limited. If you are visiting Milos, renting a moped or car is the best way to get around.
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Olivia Grace says
Love this! I never would’ve thought to visit Milos before this, totally on my bucket list now!
Linda (LD Holland) says
On the travel wish list! Would love to travel around the Greek Islands and visit Milos on our travels. Volcanic islands with crystal blue waters are always a big draw for us. But I might pass on meeting pirates! Great to see the island from the water for a different perspective. And to visit a cave winery. Definitely a spot to visit.
Linnea says
What a great guide! I would love to go one day! Amazing restaurant recs too!
JJ Jordan says
I would love to visit Milos. The sea caves and cave winery tour look especially amazing!
Yvonne says
Milos looks amazing! I would love a boat tour and to visit the ancient theatre of Milos. Thank you so much for these recommendations.