Greek islands are incredible to visit, and no more so than the stunning island of Milos. It’s so picturesque and has been a firm favourite with locals to visit for centuries in Greece… and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the island absolutely breathtaking, but there are also so many of the best things dotted all across this small island.
We’ve always loved visiting Milos and, although it doesn’t have the direct international flights that you might expect from the larger Greek islands, don’t let that put you off! Milos is relatively easy to visit. You can easily take the super-fast ferry from Mykonos or Santorini (which we did), or fly via Athens on a connecting flight. Again, super easy.
So, to help you get the most out of your time visiting Milos, I’m sharing our top things to do in Milos once you arrive. This way, you can put all your focus on enjoying all that stunning island coastline and amazing Greek food. Have the best time visiting Milos!
1.) Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakinko Beach (Google Maps pin) is nestled in the north of Milos, not too far away from Adamantas, the coastal harbour town that’s the main arrival point into Milos by ferry. Now, it’s not really close enough to walk (especially with the hilly aspects to climb and lack of path, but it will take you less than 10 minutes by local taxi, or hire car, right to the bottom of Sarakinko Beach.
Now, what makes Sarakinko Beach so special is its stunning coastline. Rather than a traditional white sandy beach, its coastline is a dramatic white cliff and iconic rock formations. It’s stunning and one of the most popular spots in Milos for a swim, relaxation, and a day at the coast. It really can’t be missed when you’re there.
Two things to consider before going. Firstly, make sure to take plenty of sunblock (SPF) with you. The rocks are gleaming white, and in the summer, the UV reflection can be extremely strong. You will burn much faster than being on the beach.
Secondly, make sure to take plenty of water, snacks, towels and so forth before setting off. There are few to no amenities at Sarakinko Beach, and you will get thirsty in a matter of minutes of being here.
You will have the best time at Sarakinko Beach. It really is one of the best things to do in Milos if you’re fancying a day on the coastline.
Looking for a hotel room in Milos with a private pool? Well, make sure to book Thalassitra Private Pool Suites, which is in the wider Adamas area of Milos and totally worth checking into. These suites are stunning, and their King Suite with spa bath is one of the best rooms on the island. Love it!
Read more: Best things to do in Santorini
2.) Milos Boat Tours
One of the best ways to explore Milos is on this amazing boat. The island is totally beautiful, and you can easily rent a small group or private boat tour with a skipper for a full-day trip. Prices tend to be much cheaper than on other islands like Mykonos and Santorini, so you’ll get a pretty good deal if you want to hire a boat here.
Now, one of the best choices is this fully private boat tour (which can take up to 8 people). It’s stunning, and you spend the morning exploring Kleftiko, Sykia Cave Cruise, and so much more of the Milos coastline. Plus, you’ll have ample stop-off points to take a dip in the warm Aegean Sea waters. Oh, and don’t forget, you’ll also get a typical Greek lunch onboard, with drinks and spend around 6 hours just enjoying the coastline of Milos. It’s well worth it.
Just be sure to book your boat tour before arriving in Milos. Boat availability can be quite tricky in the summer months.
Read more: Best Greek Islands to visit this year
3.) Plaka town
Although not on the coastline, it’s a mere 10-minute drive (inland) from Adamantos (the coastal town, which is also very popular). Now, the great thing about Plaka on Milos is that it’s got a fair few places and streets to wander around and explore for an hour or two after the beach.
Once here, make sure to visit the iconic Panagia Korfiatissa church (Google Maps pin) and the Panagia Thalassitra church (we viewed this from The Venetian Castle (Google Maps pin) of Milos). Actually, speaking of the Venetian Castle, make sure to also pop in here. You’ll be able to delve much more into the long history of the island and learn more about the influences and empires that once called this island home. It really is one of the best things to do in Milos if you want to explore the island’s history.
Afterwards, head on over to Vlahos (Google Maps pin), one of our favourite lunchtime restaurants in Plaka. They serve up one of the best souvlakis in the town, and their grilled meats and fresh fish are always so good. Alternatively, for a sunset dinner, head on over to Kyra Milos (Google Maps pin). Their alfresco dining is wonderful, and their food is some of the best on the island.
Read more: Best things to do in Santorini
4.) Mandrakia
Mandrakia might just be one of my absolutely favourite little towns in Milos. And when I say town, I mean that lightly. There are like 30 buildings in total, it’s that small.
Now, one great thing about where Mandrakia is situated, it’s really close to Sarankiko Beach, making it easy to stop here at sunset for the views across the centuries-old fishing harbour and a stop for lunch in some of the traditional Greek tavernas that line the cliff sides.
We absolutely loved Medusa Milos (Google Maps pin). This is a typical Greek taverna, with views over the Aegean Sea and some of the best Sea Bass we have had this side of Greece! Not only that, the team are so warm and friendly, and it’s still independently run, even after decades of being here. We love it.
Oh, and don’t forget to stroll around Mandrakia Beach. Now, in my opinion, it’s more of a historic fishing harbour, less of a sandy bay, but it’s still totally beautiful and can’t be missed.
5.) Cave and Beach of Papafragas
Another gem of a spot to visit on the north coast of Milos is Paralia Papafragkas. It’s a gorgeous, but very small, sandy beach area with the most amazing turquoise waters and crystal clear swimming conditions. It’s absolutely beautiful, totally untouched and the kind of place you see in films. We loved it.
Now, in truth, you really don’t visit Paralia Papafragkas for a day at the beach. What makes it special is seeing the incredible caves and cliffs where you can walk along the coastline and view.
One thing I’d say is that the beach is really small; this means it can feel super crowded if you arrive at peak times. If you’re really looking for a beach, and not a coastal stroll, head to some of Milos’s other incredible bays and beaches, like Pollonia Beach (Google Maps pin), or the much bigger (and my personal favourite), Agia Kiriaki Beach (Google Maps pin). The latter is on the south of the island and is well worth spending a day at if you want to enjoy the shoreline with plenty of space.
Looking for one of the top hotels in Milos to stay at? Check into the Solus Suites Hotel, that’s a lovely luxury property in Adamas, and so gorgeous. I mean, these suites with private pools and easy access to Greek tavernas are always an easy win for me!
6.) Firopotamos
Just up the coast from Mandrakia, Firopotamos (Google Maps pin) is another shoreline gem of a village you need ot visit when in Milos. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Milos, especially if you’re driving around the island. It makes it so easy, and the roads are pretty good (as far as smaller Greek islands go).
Whilst here, head on over to Church of Agios Nikolaos (Google Maps pin) and take a wander around the old fishing village. It really is tiny, so you won’t miss anything by accident. Oh, and there’s a lovely small beach at Paralia Firopotamos and a beach bar which you can easily visit whilst in Firopotamos. Perfect for an afternoon dip and a stop for a frappe.
Read more: Best Greek Islands to visit this year!
8.) Klima Beach
Not too far from the ancient theatre of Milos is the village of Klima, and this is the spot where you’ll find one of the best waterfronts this side of Milos. Now, don’t expect long stretches of sandy bays or masses of space. This is an old fishing village, with whitewashed houses lining the shore. It’s so picturesque and well worth a gander.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab the grilled shrimp from Astakas Café (Google Maps pin) in Kilma itself. They’re as fresh as they come and are super tasty with a crisp Greek white wine.
Alternatively, head inland, up the mountain (about 2 minutes in the car), and you can grab a table at Barriello for dinner. The views are divine from up here, and you’ll easily see why it’s one of the best things to do in Milos at sunset. Their roasted lamb is delicious and so tender!
Read more: Best things to do in Santorini
9.) Adamas / Adamantas
Remember I said about Adamantas being one of the busiest and largest towns in Milos, that you’ll arrive on the island when visiting by boat? Well, you definitely need to stay a few hours in this waterfront town to enjoy some of its amazing restaurants, cafes and cosy beaches (like Lagada Beach).
Once in Adamantas, take a stroll down the promenade and stop by O! Hamos! (Google Maps pin). This is one of the most popular, family-run restaurants in the whole of Milos, and with good reason! The food is incredible. It has a traditional Greek taverna vibe, with stunning courtyards to sit and eat in the evening. Think handwritten menus, heaps of homemade tzatziki and enough authentic Greek food to fill you up all night. We spent a good 3 hours grazing here! Loved every second of it.
If it’s museums you’re after, visit the relatively small Milos Mining Museum. It charts the island’s mining history and has heaps of artefacts collected throughout the centuries. Though amazing, you might find this one a little dull if you’re not as interested in the history of the island itself.
Finally, make sure to stop off for a tipple at Akri Bar. This cosy cocktail spot is perfect for sundowners and stays open really late into the wee hours of the morning. Be sure to try their Night Cucumber cocktail! It’s so refreshing.
Looking for one of the best hotels in Milos to stay at? Book this suite at Cave Suites Milos. This place is iconic and only a stone’s throw from the likes of Adamantas and Sarakinko Beach.
We loved it, especially as each of these suites comes with its very own private pool, which is bliss in the Greek summer sunshine!
Read more: Best things to do in Santorini
10.) Kleftiko Bay
Kleftiko (Google Maps pin) is one of the most gorgeous coastal areas. In fact, visiting by boat is easily one of the best things to do in Milos when you visit. It’s stunning, and by travelling on these boats, you can get right up close and personal with the incredible bays, coves and shorelines that make this area of southern Milos so special.
You see, lots of the coves around Kleftiko are inaccessible by foot. Not all, but most! Plan ahead and make sure to book a boat tour for an extra special day on the calm Aegean Sea.
Afterwards, still on the south coast of Milos, grab a table at Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant, which overlooks the sea. This is a great spot for a sunset dinner.
11.) Cave of Sykia
Right on the west of Milos, visiting Sykia Cave (Google Maps pin) is one of the best things to do in Milos if you love to explore the wild natural beauty of the island. Lots of catamaran tours or private boats will take you here, but you can also take a hike along the mountain path if you’re feeling up for the challenge.
It’s a pretty arduous hike, so make sure you’re an experienced hiker if you plan this route. Otherwise, stick to the safer option on board a boat.
12.) Tsigrado Beach
If you’re looking for a really private and pretty secluded beach on Milos, then you should head straight over to Tsigrado Beach (Google Maps pin). Now, access to the beach is pretty difficult; there is a pretty precarious wooden ladder to scale, which, if I‘m honest, never feels the safest. Plus, if you have a fear of heights, this would be a nightmare.
Alternatively, boat tours and this incredible kayak tour will allow you to sail up near the beach to enjoy its private shores. Just figure out which option works best for you. After all, it’s one of the best things to do in Milos, especially for privacy.
13.) Catacombs of Milos
Almost 2,000 years old, the Catacombs of Milos are absolutely amazing to visit and explore the human history of Milos. You see, the Catacombs of Milos are pretty amazing and well worth it to see the Christian history. It’s a total time stamp of life on the island, nearly 2,000 years ago.
To make things easier, book this cultural tour of Milos that will take you all around the island’s key sights to see and places to visit. It’s well worth it if you’re interested in the islands’ thousands of years of history.
Read more: Best Greek Islands to visit this year!
14.) Ancient Theatre of Milos
Not too far from the Catacombs of Milos, the Ancient Theatre of Milos (Google Maps pin) is pretty incredible to see, especially as it’s so well preserved and it’s totally free to enter.
One thing to note, on very hot days, it’s really tough to stroll this area. There’s no shade, and you will need plenty of water, hats and a strong SPF. It really is one of the best things to do in Milos, especially if you’re interested in the Hellenistic history and Roman influence on the island.
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