Greece

Milos

Located in the Aegean Sea just north of the Sea of Crete, this volcanic island is the southwesternmost island of the Cyclades. It’s famous as the discovery site of the Aphrodite of Milos as well as the local Bentonite clay that is in all of the lush local beauty treatments. Far less touristy than Santorini and considerably more affordable, this is the perfect destination for anyone looking for affordable luxury, beautiful beaches, and fewer crowds!

What to Expect in Milos

Language: Greek, baby! While you may find some folks who know a little bit of English, a majority of people speak Greek.

Currency: The Euro is the currency throughout Greece and in many other European countries.

Credit Cards and Banks: Some mom-and-pop type establishments may only accept cash; make sure to ask if they accept credit cards before ordering!

Climate: The weather in Milos is generally pretty mild for most of the year, though it can get quite hot in the summer. Looking to tides and wind is crucial for the Milos shoreline as the water can get very choppy.

Greek Ferries: I’ve compiled all of my tips for island hopping in My Ultimate Guide to Taking Greek Ferries. And be sure to check the ferry routes before your trip! Particularly during July and August, there are many regional holidays that are probably off your radar that could affect travel times.

Getting Around on Milos

The best way to get around Milos is with a scooter, ATV, or quad bike. Do not get a car here! Seriously, unless you absolutely must have one to transport kids, having a car in Milos is actually more of a burden than an asset.

In towns like Plaka, cars aren’t allowed in most areas so you’ll find yourself forever searching for parking then walking further to get where you want to go. There are also gorgeous vantage points where you will definitely want to stop, but the roadside is too small for cars.

For me, having a quad was absolutely perfect. You can go a bit slower and hug the edge of the road. Gorgeous views abound and you’ll be able to see it all with a tiny but comfortable set of wheels like a quad bike.

Travel Tip

If self-driving or an ATV isn't your thing, there are also public buses that you can take to hop around the island (for less than 2 Euro per route!). Check the local routes and times, which can vary by season.

Where to Stay on Milos

If it’s your first trip to Milos, I recommend staying in either Adamas or Pollonia! Adamas is great because it’s where the ferries arrive so you can easily walk to your hotel, restaurants, two beaches, and shops without needing a car. It’s also the main port and the largest village on the island. On the other hand, Pollonia is a quieter, picturesque fishing village located on the east coast of the island—you’ll find beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and a handful of amazing restaurants on this side of the island as well. Here are the best boutique properties and hotels on Milos!

VRBO

VRBO has a variety of apartments and private flats at great prices! This is a good option for those looking to get an authentic taste of Milos life. Just be sure to read reviews and do your research before booking!

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Milos

Varios

$-$$$$

Villa Eva Milos

A luxury villa for a private escape. The property has a private pool and is just feet from Papikinou Beach. The villa is home to 4 bedrooms with air conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen, so the setting is quite intimate. Sarakiniko Beach is just 1.6 miles away from this villa.

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Adamas

Luxury

$$$

Olea Bay Hotel

Just steps from Papikinou Beach, Olea Bay Hotel is an ideal spot for some of Milos’ top attractions. There is a sun terrace with views over the Aegean, and each room either opens to a balcony or a patio.

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Adamas

Luxury

$$$

Miland Suites

Lovely boutique resort located on the hillside of Korfos. The Cycladic-style suites feature a pool with a hot tub and there’s a sun terrace with a sea-view snack bar. Talk about dreamy!

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Korfos

Boutique

$$$

Melian Boutique Hotel Spa

A chic four-star in a secluded beachside locale.

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Pollonia

Luxury

$$$

Delmar Apartments & Suites

A home away from home in Pollonia. Love the Cycladic-style rooms but want a splash of color? The Delmar Apartments & Suites is just the place! The property is about a 10-minute drive from the port and airport of Milos.

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Pollonia

Apartments

$$$

Tania Milos

A cozy three-star seafront spot in Pollonia.

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Pollonia

3-Star Hotel

Nefeli Sunset Studios

Beautiful whitewashed studioe, not far from Papafragas Beach.

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Pollonia

Boutique

$$$

Where to Eat on Milos

Milos has a very rustic, authentic charm to it, and it’s well-represented in the food you’ll find across the island! You’ll want to try authentic Greek dishes as well as the local cheeses, olive oils, wines, and seafood when you have the chance. I love Greek food so much, I could go on and on. So, I’ve compiled a full list of the best places to eat on Milos!

Astakas Restaurant

Greek

Located on Klima Beach, this is the place to be at sunset. Even though we went during the peak of the tourism season, we were able to walk in the door with no wait. There were plenty of tables just beside the water that offer a beautiful view of the nearby boathouses and the sunset.

Avli-Milos

Greek

This was the best meal we had during the entire Greek escapade! We tried saganaki shrimp, a common appetizer with fried cheese and seafood. You’ll see it all over Milos but no one does it like they do here. It’s worth coming here just to sample this unforgettable mouth-watering dish.

We also loved the traditional Greek atmosphere. And we weren’t alone in adoring this place so before to book ahead of time! If you just find yourself in the area, try to go during an off time or just come ready for a wait.

O! Hamos! Tavern

Greek

One of the institutions of the island, this is a traditional-style restaurant with grandma’s home cooking and friendly staff.

Unlike many Greek eateries, this place had no seafood on the menu. As a vegetarian, I found it very meat-heavy and the menu was limited. All of the cheeses, lamb, goat, and other meats are produce from their farm, which is quite cool though.

Kri Kri

Bar

We walked by and thought this place looked fabulous. They have live music going on every night of the week and a buzzing atmosphere. We didn’t get in for dinner so I can’t say firsthand about the food but it certainly seems worth checking out for a drink.

Enalion Restaurant

Greek

One of the best restaurants on the island, this is a good spot for lunch or dinner. If you go for dinner, be sure to book ahead of time. Earlier in the day, you might be able to snag a table. We grabbed one at lunch with no reservation—I had the sea urchin dish and that famous shrimp saganaki, and it was easily one of my favorite meals of the trip (which is saying a lot in Greece).

Sirocco Volcanic All Day Restaurant

Mediterranean

I loved the cool beachy boho aesthetic of this gorgeous little dinner spot. This hopping beach hotspot is indeed beside volcanic activity and they utilize that natural thermal heat to cook fish and meat in the volcanic sand.

It was a cool concept where we could order fish by the kilo then they would prep it and bring you across the beach where see can you could see steam escaping. There’s a thermostat to check the temp then it’s time to start cooking!

We ordered a burrata starter and a Greek salad with watermelon. One of the highlights was a bottle of local Greek Sirocco rose that we tried. It was a unique pink color that was unlike anything I’d seen before.

It’s also one of the only places in Milos that allows you to book a table online without emailing or calling, which is handy. Just be to book as early as you can at this popular spot.

Psaravolada Restaurant

Near Sirocco, you can find the Psaravolada Resort with its famous in-house restaurant. It got an amazing island view and top-notch eats. I didn’t personally get a chance to go, but it looked nice.

Aggeliki Ice Cream Shop

Cafe, Dessert

This traditional yogurt ice cream was one of my top dessert spots. While Greece seems to be in love with waffles, you can come for a cool treat here. Ask for the yogurt with sour cherry and thank me later! This sort of tart froyo with fruit on it was good that I’m still dreaming about it. They also have great coffee in the mornings!

What to Do on Milos

Milos is much quieter in comparison to Santorini or Mykonos, which is why it became one of my new favorite places. Plan to spend a lot of time at the beautiful beaches, or on the water whether with a chartered boat or catamaran day tour—the water’s color here is magical! In addition to the coast, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the interior of the island and the Plaka town with its stunning panoramic views.

Rent a Private Sailboat

To truly take in the incredible beauty of Milos, set sail through the Cyclades islands. We went with Salty Rides and had a guide take us through the islands. We sailed through some of the most magical sparkling water I’ve ever seen and made our way over to Polyaigos, an island inhabited by endless lines of wild goats. It was one of the highlights of our Greek adventure.

In Milos, life revolves around the sea and you’ll find a wide array of sailing options. You can go on small group excursions with a set itinerary (typically lasting a full day) or opt for a private trip. If you charter your own, you’ll have a skipper on board who will take you on a day trip or an overnight adventure anywhere.

The sailing excursions often include all of your snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and sometimes even an underwater camera.

Explore the Old Fishing Villages

Built on a beautiful little inset, Pollonia is a picturesque resort town with white-washed churches and gorgeous views of the Aegean sea.

If you’re on the northwest side of the island, check out Firopotamos. Wander amongst the traditional fishing homes, called syrmatа, the head to the beach. This is another picture-perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging by the sea. Be sure to stop by the Church of Agios Nikolaos to admire the beautiful architecture.

Spend an Afternoon/Evening in Plaka Town

The biggest town on the island, Plaka is perched on a cliff overlooking the gulf of Milos. With its narrow passageways, cars are not allowed to enter most spaces. You’ll need to park at the bottom of the hill then hike your way up. It’s a steep hike on cobblestone streets but the beautiful town that you find on arrival makes it worth it.

Planning Tip: It’s sultry up here during the mid-day! Come early to have breakfast in town, or arrive in the late afternoon to avoid that midday sun.

Plaka Castle is one of the best places for sunset. Soak in the incredible natural beauty of the island, then head over to Avli-Milos for dinner.

Visit the Beaches

One thing that I loved about Milos is the impressive diversity of beaches. I got a glimpse into traditional Greek life in the old fishing villages then abseiled cliffs to get to hidden coves. You’ll find family-friendly swimming beaches, rocky caverns, kayaking paradises, and everything in between.

Check out my roundup of the Best Beaches to Visit on Milos!

Rent an ATV

You have to have an international driver’s license, it’s easy to rent a set of wheels in Greece. If you don’t have one yet, I’d highly recommend grabbing one before your trip. Simply pop into any AAA office with your driver’s license, a couple of passport pics, and $20. Check out all the details on their site. If you’re already abroad, you can grab an international license online in 15 minutes.

I’d recommend renting your vehicle before you arrive. At a minimum, plan at least 48 hours in advance. There are often rush fees if you are last minute and you’ll have fewer options (and potentially none if you’re arriving in July or August).

Before you rent any mode of transport, do check with your accommodation. Often they offer a set of wheels or can offer you a deal with a nearby rental company.

Planning Tip: If you opt to rent a scooter or ATV, note that you will need a motorcycle license.

Sample All the Delights

Once you have worked up an appetite, eat your way around town! Greece has some of the best food on the planet. Here are ten must-try local Greek foods that are a world away from the greasy grub at your local gyro eatery.

Know Before You Go

Getting There

If you are starting from Athens, you can hop on the ferry at the port of Piraeus or Adamas. There are regular journeys that last from three to seven hours, depending on which one you pick (there is usually a more expensive and faster ferry option).

Island hopping? From Milos to Santorini, you’ll find ferry journeys ranging from two to five hours.

You’ll also find a few Greek Island cruises that stop at Milos, or you can charter a sailboat for an epic Mediterranean adventure.

Short of time? Skip the scenic route and fly into the island. Milos has a small national airport with regular flights to Athens. Tickets typically range from 50 to 100 euros each way.