You will find Milos just off the north of the sea of Crete. It’s a Cycladic island that’s remained a hidden gem for many years, with more than 70 beaches, volcanic landscapes and friendly locals. Milos is quickly evolving from a quaint holiday location to a full-blown hotspot. Here, we look at the appeal of this charming Greek island and how to visit Milos to get the best out of your stay.
Experts in geology, cartography and history created six self-guided online hiking maps for the Milos Mining Museum. These are known as the six Miloterranean geo walk routes and offer trails of varying lengths leading to a prehistoric obsidian quarry, the Fylakopi archaeological site and the old sulphur mines, amongst others. Each destination gives you a peek into the beauty of Milos as you hike around the island and discover something new. The Milo Mining Museum is also worth a visit with its exhibits chronicling the island’s mining history, from photos to obsidian artefacts and videos.
With more than 70 beaches, Milos is one of the best destinations in Greece to soak up some sun. Start with Sarakiniko Beach, a unique beach made of lava bleached by sun and sea. Relax on the soft sands before partaking in a spot of cliff jumping and swimming in the open ocean. Or spend some time at Firiplaka Beach and go for a walk on the long stretch of sand. Don’t forget to stop at the red-colour rocks and take a picture or two of their beauty.
There are two ways to get to Milos: by air and by sea, the latter of which you can do by booking a ferry with Ferryscanner. Once you’re on the island, ATVs offer one of the best transport methods. They can get to places normal cars can’t and can reach off-the-beaten-path beaches and other sights, like the inactive volcano and the Achivadolimni wetlands. Go one step further and book a guided ATV tour, with the operator showing you the best of the island.
Plaka is the capital of Milos and sits on top of a rock formation overlooking the sea. Tread the traditional Greek stone pathways and admire the white cottages with their quintessential Cycladic blue doors. Wander the maze of streets and get lost for a while as you take in views of the sea. Finish your visit by stopping at one of the restaurants to enjoy Greek eats before watching the Milos sunset.
Board a ferry and head over to Kimolos, a tiny island filled with beauty. From the photogenic syrmata (the fisherman’s houses on the island) to excellent diving spots for swimmers, Kimolos offers an escape from the escape. Before leaving, spend some time in Horio, the main cobblestone town, for a bite to eat and some people-watching.
Whether you’re spending a few days or longer, Milos is a luxurious Greek island where you can escape to paradise. The footfall is less than on other popular Greek islands, meaning you can enjoy a more relaxed affair as you take in natural beauty, relax on the beaches and spend days getting lost in the beauty of Milos.