Things You’ll Be Sorry If You Miss in Milos, Greece + Free Map

Embarking on an adventure to Milos? I’m here to guide you through the island’s unmissable spots and must-try activities. Known for its stunning landscapes and charming villages, Milos promises an unforgettable experience.

Be aware, to fully explore the breadth of what Milos has to offer, you’ll likely need to rent a car or an ATV. Despite its seemingly large size, you can traverse the entire island in less than an hour with a vehicle.

In this guide, I’ll unveil my curated list of activities and sights that truly define Milos.

From hidden gems to local favorites, I’ve explored them firsthand to ensure you make the most of your visit.

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What Must-See Attractions in Milos Greece?

Milos, a surprisingly vast island, has a lot more to do than I was expecting.

For starters, you should venture to its extraordinary Sarakiniko’s volcanic lunar landscape, with the turquoise you only see in magazines.

But be advised, to see some of the hidden gems in Milos, you will need to rent a car. I nearly went bankrupt on the first day of my trip taking taxis everywhere.

1. Wander the Idyllic Streets of Plaka

When planning your Milos itinerary don’t miss out on the town of Plaka. It is the capital of Milos and is situated in the central-northern part of the island.

The charming area is filled with narrow, winding streets perfect for strolling and classic Cycladic architecture.

Located on the second-highest point on Milos, the village of Plaka is a great sunset spot overlooking the Aegean Sea. 

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.

To get to Plaka you will need to rent a car or take the public bus from the port.

The bus has limited availability, but it is an option if you need it.

2. Visit the Castle of Milos

Visiting the Castle of Milos, also known as Kastro, is undoubtedly one of my highlights of a trip to the island.

Perched atop the highest hill in Plaka, the castle (just a pile of bricks at this point) offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding villages, making it a sought-after spot for photographers.

Built during the Venetian rule in the 13th century, what stands now are castle ruins.

A hike to the castle is adorned with picturesque Cycladic architecture and narrow, winding paths, culminating in a breathtaking sunset view that is unmatched on the island.

Visit this site if you are on a hunt for some of the most magnificent views in Milos!

3. Visit the Archaeological Museum

Visiting the Archaeological Museum in Plaka, Milos is a must-do for history enthusiasts and those interested in Greek culture.

Located in a charming neoclassical building, the museum houses a rich collection of artifacts that tell the story of Milos from prehistoric times through the Hellenistic period.

Highlights of the collection include obsidian tools, ancient pottery, sculptures, and a replica of the famous Venus de Milo statue, originally discovered on the island.

I found that the staff was knowledgeable staff and the exhibits provided context and insight into the island’s fascinating history, making the museum a valuable stop for both first-time visitors and those already familiar with Greek antiquity.

A visit to the Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse into the heritage of Milos. Get a deeper understanding of the island’s unique place in the tapestry of Greek civilization.

Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8:30 to 15:30. Closed Tuesday and Thursday. Admission 3 euros, cash.

4. Take a cave winery tour in Pollonia

If you are looking for things to do in Pollonia and you love wine, you are in luck!

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. It’s one of the fairly inexpensive things to do on Milos.

5. Hit The Beach Or 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
• Paleochori Beach

If you don’t have time for a boat tour and can only go to a few of these stunning beaches, an accessible one to include is Papafragas Beach.

It is located between the port towns of Adamas and Pollonia. Just imagine wandering the picturesque alleys and unique coastline then hitting some of the best beaches in Greece.

Pollonia is a great place to visit for a beach day. It is located on the northeastern tip of Milos and is considered a picturesque fishing village.

Known for its chill vibes, fantastic seafood restaurants, and tranquil sandy beaches.

The village is a gateway to the nearby island of Kimolos, making it an excellent base for island-hopping adventures.

Note: To go from the port in Pollonia to Kimolos the weather must be good. Otherwise, the ferry might not run. Buy your ferry tickets online or when you are in Milos.

6. Spend the Day at Sarakiniko Beach

On the top of your Milos things to-do list should be visiting the Sarakiniko Beach.

It is a Greek island treasure that is renowned for its extraordinary geological features, many of which are of volcanic origin.

From the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko, where the volcanic rock has been sculpted into smooth, alien-like formations, to the steep cliffs that embrace small coves, the island’s unique topography is a sight to behold.

The unique geological features make it a haven for photographers and one of the best reasons to visit Milos.

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. Even I couldn’t resist taking some selfies here!

Visitors can explore caves, relax on the sandy stretches, and even cliff dive.

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.

6. 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.

The Papafragas 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!

One of the most iconic parts of Milos’s geography is the volcanic craters that form most of the island.

7. Book an Epic Photoshoot

There is no better way to capture the moment at Sarakiniko Beach than by getting professional photos!

Getting pictures here is like snapping pics on another planet! With its crazy white rock formations that pop against the deep blue sea.

As the sun dances over the rocks, each shot looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie.

You’ll be standing among twists, turns, and caves carved by Mother Nature herself. And trust me, the contrast of you against that epic backdrop? Instagram gold!

Getting photos at Sarakiniko is not just ticking off a bucket list spot; it’s capturing one wild adventure in the coolest natural set ever.

📸 Need a Photographer in Milos? Check rates & availability!

8. 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.

9. Explore the Ancient Theater 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 Theater 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.

10. 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.

11. Visit the colorful fishing village of Klima.

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!

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.

12. 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.

13. Visit the idyllic fishing village of Mandrakia

A great stop to make after swimming at Sarakiniko beach is to visit the most adorable fishing village in Manrakia.

You will find yourself surrounded by crystal blue waters and colorful little doorways that house these fishing boats.

You will also find one of the best restaurants in Milos here in Mandrakia, Medusa!

14. Shop Around Adamas Port

The port of Adamas is worth visiting if you are looking for classic souvenir shops. You will find these shops as well as some classic Greek Tavernas.

In all honestly, the port is not one of the most beautiful places in Milos when compared to the rest of the island.

The public transport main bus station is located in the port, so in case you didn’t rent a car, it is helpful. Taxis are very expensive in Milos.

Best Places to Stay in Milos

Milos has some of the most incredible boutique hotels I’ve seen in the Greek Islands. Here are a few of the best properties I visited.

• 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.The Melian Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dine seaside or order in for room service! 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.

Getting Around in Milos

One of the joys of visiting Milos is the ease with which you can explore the entire island, especially when you rent a car!

The main road is paved well, but a little bumpy in some places.

So, be prepared to navigate some narrow roads; they’re a charming challenge but add to the island’s unique character. Just take it slowly, and you will manage just fine.

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!

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